The Libertine

Hey friends!

Jessie and I had a twin dinner last night at a new hot spot in Clayton on Forsyth called The Libertine.  We weren't sure what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised!

We first looked to make a reservation that afternoon, but everything was booked between 6-9pm that night, so we thought we'd try to walk in and get some seats at the bar.  There were plenty of bar seats but all of the spots filled up fast, so get there early (like before 6:30).

Instead of bread, they bring a mini frying pan full of fried garbanzo beans with a pork seasoning.  They were great to munch on and weren't as filling as typical bread.  Very good start!

The menu is divided into three sections: Vegetables, Meat and Fish.  Jessie and I decided to split a vegetable dish and then each get our own entree.  We split the Illinois Asparagus, which was with Black Garlic Romesco, Midwest Caviar, Fried Potato Balls, and Boiled Farm Egg.  It was really really good and the sauce was superb.  Note that is it more of a cold veggie dish, so be prepared.  The people next to us at the bar ordered the Pan Roasted Cauliflower and they said it was really good.  We'd probably try that next time.

Illinois Asparagus

I was in the mood for red meat, so I ordered the Hanger Steak, which came with Bacon Cheddar Gratin and strips of fried potato skins.  The potatoes were awesome and the steak was cooked just the way I like it, Medium Rare/Rare and extremely juicy!  Note that they didn't ask me how I wanted it prepared, and I didn't say anything because I was curious how it would come out.  I was happy with the redness of the meat, but if you like your meat cooked more, definitely speak up.  I was in red meat heaven!

Hanger Steak and Bacon Cheddar Gratin

Jessie ordered the best dish of the night... Three Little Birds, which is a trio of Roasted Game Hen, Chicken & Quail, over Rice Grits with Fried Okra.  Jessie is big on ordering chicken dishes at restaurants (Hello, Brasserie's Roasted Chicken!) so this menu item jumped out at her immediately.  We were expecting three small pieces of bird on the plate, but instead a single piece of meat arrived... it was all combined into one.  It was the best piece of bird I've ever had.  Super juicy and just absolutely mouth watering.  I could've eaten the entire thing in addition to my steak, but unfortunately it was Jessie's dish, and I only got a bite or two.  The rice grits and corn were a great combination too.  Not too gritsy, it has more of a mashed potato texture.  Jessie cleaned her plate.

Three Little Birds - Game Hen, Chicken, Quail over Rice Grits

Jessie and I were enjoying our meal so much, and our friend, Danielle, was coming to meet us any minute, so we decided to indulge in some dessert.  We were going to try the Libertine Candy Bar, which was salted caramel, hazelnuts, and chocolate ganache, but the waitress scared us off because she said there was coconut oil on it and that it tasted coconutty.  We weren't feeling coconut, so we stuck to a more Josie friendly dessert and got the Coffee-Coffee Cake with Creme Fraiche Ice Cream.  It came out in sort of bread pudding type of crumbles and small chunks of graham cracker sticking out throughout it.  It was yummy, but I think next time we'll be brave and try the candy bar dessert, as it is their specialty.

Coffee-Coffee Cake

Overall, the meal was awesome and we'd definitely go back.  We'd probably try to sit at the bar again, or maybe outside at the sidewalk tables.  I think we lucked out by our amazing menu picking skills, because two people next to us ordered the Terrine Board and they said it was weird.  Definitely go with the meats and split a fun veggie dish (or try the She-Crab Soup because the guy in front of us had it and it looked incredible!).  Hurray for Clayton having a fun night time restaurant!  Hope it is here to stay!