Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Seasonal Sour – Zaya 12yr Gran Reserva Rum, Pear, Lemon, Maple, Egg White, Nutmeg
Coconut and Squash Bisque with Nori Crouton
Baguette, Bacon Onion, Sesame Parker House Roll, Lavash
Chicken and Foie Gras Terrine – Truffle, Mache, Celeriac Chips
Pheasant – Sausage, Brussels Sprouts, Pear, Chestnut, Onion
Potato Gnocchi – Butternut Squash, Hedgehog, Proscuitto
Seared Foie Gras – Compressed Apple Cake, Meyer Lemon, Raisin, Puffed Rice
Crawfish – Sweetbreads, Passionfruit, Spinach
Red Snapper – Artichoke, Saffron, Squid
Rabbit – Shiner Bock, Grits, Lardo
Venison – Celeriac, Berry, Juniper
Avocado Sorbet – Raspberry
Pear & Honey – Honey Poached Pear, Brandy Panna Cotta, Pear Sorbet, Puffed Rice
Chocolate/Sesame/Praline
Hotel, rental car, and restaurant reservations locked in months in advance a sudden ice storm across southern Texas presented quite the dilemma; count my losses and remain in Austin overnight, or brave the roads en route for Dallas…a 160 minute trip under good conditions transformed into 375 minutes of sluggish driving past no less than seven accidents, my arrival at Turtle Creek quite late but the two-and-a-half-hour carte blanche meal that followed every bit “worth a special journey.” Helmed by Chef Bruno Davaillon and housed within a 1920s mansion lavishly decorated with marble, gold, and wood of old world Europe Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek presents an experience akin to much of Michelin’s USA 3* sect as modern flourishes and diverse cultures meet classic French technique in the kitchen while gracious and educated service manage the front of house, both halves seeming to read my mind and palate as a parade of nine proper plates plus amuse, bread, intermezzo, and mignardises featuring many of my favorite ingredients continuously wowed. Truly a superlative meal and undoubtedly the best I experienced in Texas it would be difficult, if not entirely unfair, to name one dish that stood out amongst such an impressive progression, but if forced to focus on where Davaillon most excelled I’d simply say “game” – the pheasant, deer, and rabbit all perfectly prepared and equally well paired to let proteins shine as each accoutrement added something without once overwhelming or seeming superfluous, a tough task when working with flavors spanning from beer to pork to pear, the later also featuring prominently in a simple yet elegant dessert served following a guided tour of the restaurant, residences, and wine cellar – a lovely end to a truly memorable day.
http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/mansion-on-turtle-creek-dallas/dining/mansion-restaurant