At Eden in Amherst, N.H., each item on the menu is offered in both an appetizer and an entree size.
(louis el fata)
Dining Out
Eden Restaurant and Lounge
292 Route 101 (Salzburg Square)
Amherst, N.H.
603-249-3336
edenrestaurantandlounge.com
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 4:30- 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4:30-10 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday
Eden Restaurant and Lounge is truly a delight. I had some reservations about this restaurant as we walked in on a quiet Wednesday night. The tables and chairs are draped in black cloth, and the window treatments have a mild purple hue, making me think, "What are they trying to hide?"
But I soon realized the decor was meant to carry patrons away and let them forget that there was two feet of snow on the ground. It worked.
Our waiter explained the menu and the prices. Each item is offered in both an appetizer and an entree size; I opted to try several of the smaller portions.
I started with the spinach salad ($5), which was served with candied pecans, balsamic bacon vinaigrette, and a generous portion of goat cheese. The spinach was fresh and crisp, and there was just enough dressing so that I could enjoy a little with every bite.
My husband opted for an experimental item, sunchoke and beet soup. Executive chef Tim Sluski created the soup that day, and it was very good. The sunchoke, or topinambur, is a species of sunflower native to eastern North America.
For the entree, I ordered two smaller-portion dishes. One was macadamia-nut-crusted chicken ($9) with mashed potatoes and spinach. The chicken was served with a warm lemongrass and coconut sauce. The second was the Guinness- and espresso-glazed short ribs ($15). The ribs came with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and a candied-apple red onion chutney.
With both dishes sitting in front of me, I didn't know where to start; I almost did not want to ruin the presentation. But hunger prevailed and I started with the chicken. "Wow" was all I could say when I tried a piece of the chicken and coconut sauce. By the time I was done, I had to restrain myself from licking the plate.
But I still had more to eat, and the ribs were taunting me. The meat was tender and fell off the bone, and the flavor of the Guinness and espresso was sweeter than I expected. I could see why locals were in love with these ribs.
My husband ordered a full-size portion of the grilled beef ($25), which was served with a potato hash, asparagus, and a blue-cheese bacon butter. The two tender beef medallions were cooked to order. My husband ate everything.
In between dinner and dessert, the chef came out of the kitchen and sat with us to chat. Sluski was looking for our opinion on the soup; we told him to add it to the menu. He also said that the restaurant offers a Lebanese tasting, which is served with hummus and tabouli.
For dessert, I decided to do forgo chocolate and order the caramel cheesecake. I told my husband he had better get his own; I just was not willing to share. He ordered the homemade vanilla custard with fresh berries. Both were spectacular, and there was a lot. So, yes, I could have shared, but let's just say I ate it all.
Our total bill with two beers and a bottle of Pellegrino was $89.
I highly recommend Eden for those looking for a new dining experience. It is now on our short list of places to frequent.
MEG VILLENEUVE
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