Fine dining on the sidewalk during a pandemic is s...

Fine dining on the sidewalk during a pandemic is something I did not expect to experience in my lifetime. In the spirit of celebrating Mr. Joy's birthday, that's just what we did. I always wanted to try Dominque Crenn's famed dishes. When I saw the Terrasse Dinner - 5 Course going for $165, I definitely wanted a reservation. Unfortunately it is no longer an option to book the Terrasse Dinner, which makes sense since we will approach colder months soon.
Upon arrival, we filled out a questionnaire via QR code about our state of health. They took our temperature with infrared thermometers. Of course they wear masks and require all patrons to wear masks, even when staff approaches the table, which is difficult to do when there are multiple dishes approaching throughout the meal. I definitely appreciate the precautions taken.

We started with the Cruse Tradition sparkling wine, $25/glass, a sweet, nutty taste. more price transparency would be nice
We also shared the Santos Mencia GLS Ribeira, $17/glass, such a smooth finish, with peppery notes when you sip it with food.

Kir Breton - white chocolate orb filled w/ apple cider, topped w/ creme de cassis reduction:
Good! Even though I paid attention to our waiter's description, that still didn't quell my surprise when I popped that orb into my mouth and felt the cider fill up my throat. I don't love white chocolate, but I do love the idea of freezing juicy liquid and encasing it in a chocolate-y shell. genius.

Caviar & Koji Rice Tart - mini tartlets filled with sturgeon caviar, topped with gold foil, plated in a smoking bowl, adorned with dried flowers:
Great! The nutty, tart, brine-y caviar was on top of some sort of jelly in the rice tart. So good I need to buy more caviar for my home.




Brioche & Cultured Herb Butter - buttery pull-apart rolls topped with finishing salt, a green ball of butter topped with flower petals:
Excellent! I couldn't get enough of these rolls. I pulled apart the loaf and steam filled the air. So soft, fluffy, light. It is so good on its own, but absorbs that herb butter like a sponge. They did an amazing job elevating Hawaiian rolls.


Excellent! How can I be so taken by a bowl of tomatoes? Each one had its own distinct flavor. sweet, tart, savory too, also enhanced by the sweet basil. I practically lifted up the white rock bowl to drink the tomato juices.

Trout Mousse - smooth trout topped with squid ink bark and buerre blanc, with warm spring salad of vegetables from Bleu Belle farm:
Excellent! The trout mousse had a creamy texture and crispy squid ink that resembled fried salmon skin. The savory flavor and the smooth almost meaty texture makes it taste like a hot dog, albeit a very fancy one. The mini bowl of greens, zucchinis, and roe were served lightly warmed up, which brought out the flavors of the vegetables.


Good! The cheese shavings were topped over greens, like another warm salad, over creme fraiche.


Good! more impressed with the presentation than I was with the taste, as I am not a big fan of caramel.

Lastly, there was a bday cookie for Mr. Joy, and it was covered in gold foil and a Crenn seal.

I wish I could have visited Atelier Crenn sooner before the price hikes over the years, but I'm glad to have dined here now that I'm older and more appreciative of vegetables, which Crenn does a great job elevating. Plus service was amazing and Antoine was very friendly! Overall, 9/10!