La Panetiere : Date Night Success...Prepare to Salivate!

La Panetiere (530 Milton Rd., Rye, NY 10580) is definitely one of those restaurants you go to for a date night, special occasion, or to enjoy a quiet, amazing meal with a fellow foodie. Last Saturday, I got to experience all 3 in one since it was a (belated) Valentine's date dinner out with my foodie husband :)

Beautiful Ambiance at La Panetiere

The ambiance at La Panetiere was beautiful and formal feeling without feeling pretentious. We decided to go there after we saw that it was rated on "Open Table" as one of the 50 most romantic restaurants in the country and we definitely agree! It was also very quiet and slow paced, but not too slow. We didn't feel like we were being ignored, but also didn't feel rushed. It was perfect, especially for our once in a blue moon date night out!
Our server was very helpful when we ordered and gave us guidance based on our choices to make sure we were getting a variety of items. We almost ordered the cheese souffle, but based on his suggestion we changed our order, and so glad we did! "You don't seem like you like to eat safe, so I would say the mosaic instead of the cheese souffle." I was very impressed that the server noticed very quickly that we were not picky and were adventurous eaters.

Homemade bread sticks 

After we were given bread that was delicious and soft, we were also given homemade bread sticks that were quite surprising. They were the texture of a croissant but more of the flavor of a bread stick. Delicious!

My handsome husband 

Also, can't forget to mention the wine was amazing. The wine list was very extensive, but not intimidating. The wines ranged in price from the $50s to 5 figures and was not so long as to overwhelm the diners. We had a Bordeaux that was perfect for our meal!

Additionally, all our dishes were split in half ahead of time, so we had our own portions, which was nice. The duck was the only dish that was not split due to the portion and presentation (this was all at the recommendation of our server).

Amuse Bouche- Crab

They gave us an amuse bouche to get our palates going, and it was refreshing! It definitely set the tone for the evening. It was crab meat with cocktail sauce, celery, and basil. It reminded me of coleslaw-like consistency with crab on top. The presentation was beautiful as well. 

Hudson Valley Foie Gras Confit and Warm Flan 

Foie gras is one of my husband and my favorite French dishes. We have had so many different kinds over the years, and this one definitely ranked high up on our list. It was served to us in such a beautiful presentation with so many different flavors and ways to combine each bite. There were 4 different sections on our plates. One being candied fruit brioche, then the foie gras warm flan, thirdly was the foie gras confit, and finally the black mission fig chutney and orange aspic. The foie gras confit was so creamy and rich in flavor. It was almost like dessert it was so good! The flan was equally as delicious, but definitely a little lighter and airier. The fig chutney, orange aspic, and fruit brioche added a sweet and fruit contrast to the rich flavors of the foie gras which complimented each bite so perfectly. Each bite we mixed and matched flavors and textures. It was a delicious as it was almost fun to eat! Definitely a must have dish! 

Baked Escargots in Garlic Custard

The escargot dish was probably the most unique escargot dish that my husband and I have ever seen or had. It was just as beautiful as it was in flavor. The menu made it sound so much less exciting than it really was and apparently this dish has been on the menu for 35 years, when it seems so modern! It seemed to have somewhat of a Spanish influence to it. It was baked with bread crumbs and nuts, and sitting in tomato fondue and garlic custard. It was nutty and garlicky and just oozing with flavor. Not your typical garlic and butter escargot. So much more than that!

Mosaic of Carpaccio "Surf and Turf"

The Mosaic of Carpaccio was probably one of the prettiest and most colorful dishes of all time. It was refreshing and savory all at once. Also, I have never had carpaccio that was both seafood and meat! Normally you get raw seafood or raw meat, but never both in one dish! Raw seafood including tuna and salmon surrounded raw beef in the center. It all sat in a light ginger mayonnaise and basil oil. The whole dish was lightly peppered and left to enjoy the natural flavors. Yum!

Seared Long Island Breast of Duck, Cauliflower, Grapes, Brussel Sprouts 

The seared Long Island breast of duck was rare as requested and so tender and juicy. It was thinly sliced and beautifully plated over creamy polenta, cauliflower, grapes, brussel sprouts, and topped with a light juniper berry jus. The duck was seasoned to perfection and each bite melted in our mouths.

Complimentary Dessert Confections

Even though we ordered dessert, they gave us a complimentary plate of mini desserts. It had mini chocolate cake which was super fudgy and rich! Yum! The other item reminded me a little of rugelach in texture and sweetness, but sliced thin. It had a light sprinkling of sugar on it. Very delicious!

Chocolate Souffle

For our main dessert we ordered the chocolate souffle. It came with a little pitcher of chocolate sauce to pour over it. It was very fluffy, creamy, airy, and rich! It was served piping hot and steamed up when broken up to add the sauce. We could not wait to dig in! I almost felt that it didn't "need" the chocolate sauce because of how chocolatey it already was, but I can always layer chocolate onto chocolate and be very happy! Who can complain about that? Not me! It was perfect for sharing and we licked the plate clean!

Chocolate Truffles Treat on the House 

When we were paying the bill they gave us a little bag of chocolate truffles to take home with us. These were just like the chocolate truffles my parents brought home from France when I was younger, that I still think about to this day. They were powdered with a chocolate cocoa like coating, and were fudgy and rich in the center. Very soft and melt in your mouth type of treat! Give me more! Luckily Spencer didn't want them when we got home, because I wasn't really going to share! All in all, this may be the best French restaurant in Westchester and one of the best I have ever been to. It was comparable to Paris and the French Caribbean. An absolute MUST try restaurant. I may have to invent a special occasion just to go back!