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Fabulous dining experience and exquisite food! We discovered the restaurant from the Eater youtube video about Gwen, which got us excited about the level of craftsmanship in the food. The actual experience far surpassed what we even expected after watching! We typically don’t like the Michelin restaurants that are too fine dining and try conceptual flavors. Gwen is nothing like that. Flavors are delicious, portions are large, you feel welcome as soon as you enter.
First the ambiance - it’s dark, moody, a little loud, open wood fired kitchen. We got sat upstairs which felt like a prohibition era speakeasy, already off to a great start.
All the food we ordered (listed below) was absolutely incredible, 10/10 on flavor and preparation. Favorites had to be the crudo, lamb ribs, corn pasta, and of course the ribeye. Everything was cooked to perfection, great texture, and again, just amazing flavor.
The service was also very attentive and you can tell they put a lot of pride in their work. They were easy to talk to, we made jokes together, they knew the menu like the back of their hand. But here’s what sets Gwen apart, if I could give 6/5 stars I would:
- they give you an amuse bouche, ours was a delicious tomato gazpacho with an herby oil, so refreshing and perfectly sweet/tangy.
- they let you choose your steak knife. We ordered the 36oz bone in ribeye off the special meat menu, and then the server came by with a closed wooden box, opened it and told us to each choose a knife, after which he would reveal their individual stories. It felt out of an adventure book! So we each selected and he proceeded to explain what they were made of, the brand, and special fun facts. Seriously elevated the experience, I’d bring back anyone you want to impress or have a good time: a date, family’s in town, your boss or a client.
- they finish the meal with a small tin of smoked salts made in house, as a takeaway token. We can’t wait to use them on a steak at home!
I can’t rave enough about Gwen. If you’ve been questioning whether to go, this is your sign to book the next available reservation.
Complimentary Food:
- the best crusty but soft bread and butter
- amuse bouche gazpacho
- finishing salts at end of meal
Food ordered:
- Yellowtail crudo
- lamb ribs
- stonefruit and smoked stracciatella
- garganelli corn pasta
- Busiate sausage and kale pasta
- 36oz bone in ribeye
- duck fat potatoes
- wax beans
- the banana passionfruit dessert
- the chocolate caramel dessert
My only recommendation to staff: half way through meal a different waiter started waiting on us. Neither the first waiter announced his leaving, nor the second announced her takeover, which would have been appreciated.