Executive Chef Nelson Erazo

We recently attended a Summer media tasting of Jardenea in the Melrose Georgetown Hotel. It was nice to return after a wonderful meal several years ago.

While not gazpacho fans, we did enjoy the Summer Mango Gazpacho with Jumbo Lump Crab and Jalapeno Lime Creme Fraiche. Not sure we would have known it was supposed to be gazpacho, but that is fine.

The Maine Lobster BLT Salad featured bibb lettuce, melted tomatoes (?), haricot verts (thin green beans), crisp pancetta (bacon), and avocado puree. This is a nice version of lobster salad, but it doesn’t really remind me of a BLT.  We should have asked what “melted tomatoes” are.

They did a great job with the Cherry Wood Smoked Duck, which was served with flavorful caramelized onions and thyme pancakes. For a gluten-free diner, the pancakes were not served with this dish.

Than Pan Seared Wild Salmon was one of our favorite dishes of the evening. It was served with coconut risotto, fresh pineapple, citrus gremolata, lemon preserve, and (very flavorful) Appalachian corn.

The Menu for the evening.

The Coconut Panna Cotta was served with (a delicious) papaya compote and toasted coconut. But, the Panna Cotta was not properly set, so was more like a pudding. We have no doubt that if properly set, this dessert would be delicious.

We ordered the Stoli Doli cocktail, which features Pineapple infused Stolichnaya Vodka, Mint Simple Syrup, and Lemon Juice. This is definitely a drink we would order again.

The restaurant is good at dealing with food allergies and alternate diets (such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or specific allergies).

And, the service was very good. Our waiter was attentive and took great care of us. He even brought each wine bottle around for us to photograph.

-JAY