Walking into Liberty Oak is like walking into the library of
a mansion. Wooden accents and a quaint, cozy bar provide a wonderful ambiance.
Resigning to sit at the bar after being told the dining room was reserved for a
rehearsal dinner, we received nothing but excellent service. (It was a nice
reminder that service tends to be quicker, with more frequent check-backs when
seated at the bar.)
I’m on a Bloody Mary kick. Lately, I’ve been craving them at
the most inappropriate times of day, like at dinner as opposed to brunch. To my
approval, this was a very spicy rendition of the classic, and was garnished
with celery, lime and a green olive. (Rumor has it that some restaurants offer
exquisite toppings like cheese cubes, shrimp and bacon – if you know of one,
PLEASE send me the name!)
Try the Pate and Cheese Plate before you judge
it. I thought it sounded delicious (and very Euro) and I’m sure you all know by
now that I’m always going to order the most absurd sounding thing on the menu.
Duck Liver Pate is decadently flavorful, with a hint of cream cheese or
mascarpone, and perfect smeared on a slice of French bread with a chunk of Brie
or Havarti. Fresh fruit and a side salad make this an
outstanding bargain, and one of the most satisfying lunches I’ve had in quite
some time.
The Mussels appetizer is easily an entrée-sized portion,
with 20 mussels floating in a creamy broth. Typically, mussels are served in a
tomato-based, garlicky liquid, but the bacon, shallots and blue cheese made
this variation a much-welcomed break from tradition. Grilled toast, complete
with great char flavor from the grill, was perfect for sopping up the remainder
of the broth (but I’m sure I wouldn’t have been the first to tip the bowl up to
my mouth and chug-a-lug.)
Turkey and havarti cheese provide a salty and gooey filling
for a toasted croissant. Anyone who enjoys a grilled cheese will approve of
this elegant version. As a side, colorful, julienne vegetables rest upon mixed
greens.
With several other entrees catching my eye, I look forward
to my return to Liberty Oak. To the wedding party, I hope the ceremony and
reception was as amazing as your rehearsal dinner!
Liberty Oak
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