By Tim Svlivinki
On a recent Monday evening, my partner and I decided we were in the mood for something outside our comfort zone. We further decided we wanted to “dine out” rather than “eat out,” the distinction being that we wanted to spend some time lingering over cocktails and courses as we enjoyed an evening out. After a short drive down U.S. 1 to Hollywood, we walked into the front doors of Sage. A marble bar to the right beckoned, but we opted for a table more conducive to our desire to dine. Sage is a restaurant that still believes in white linen tablecloths and white linen napkins. Candlelight flickered on the table as our waiter approached and took our cocktail order.
Soon we were sipping our chosen libations and perusing the very French menu. Opting to throw caution to the wind, we chose the Foie Gras au Torchon. I knew it would mean extra time at the gym, but I did not care. We asked for it to be pan seared (a menu suggestion), and a short time later, a very generous portion of this decadent appetizer arrived. It was surrounded by small mounds of apple chutney and drizzled with a very light orange sauce. Crusty French bread is the perfect vehicle for enjoying Foie Gras and, as we took our first taste, we knew our dining experience had begun in style. It was smooth, delicate and oh-so-rich. We savored every bit of it until the plate was clean.
After sipping our cocktails a bit more, we decided to move on to our salad course.
I selected the Salade de Chevre Chaud, a warm goat cheese salad. It offered fresh artisan greens topped by a crispy on the exterior and creamy on the interior goat cheese round. Orange segments surrounded the salad, as well as being mixed into the greens. A light orange reduction dressed the greens. The orange sections and their sweetness were an excellent foil to the creamy richness of the goat cheese. It was truly an excellent salad. My partner chose the Salade Endive Belge. Apple chutney, walnuts and honey vinaigrette topped the bitter greens as well as crumbles of aged Roquefort cheese. Again, a contrast of sweet and bitter in the carefully selected flavor palate elevated this salad above the typical dinner salad. As it disappeared, forkful by forkful, I did not have to ask whether he enjoyed it or not.
SAGE 2000 Harrison Street, Hollywood, FL 954-391-9466
Taking a brief break to let our food settle a bit, it was time to venture into the entrée selections on the menu. Sage offers various selections in seafood, poultry, beef and even a few pasta selections. Feeling like I wanted something traditionally French — and something I had not eaten in quite some time, I ordered the classic Boeuf Bourguignon. This dish offers solely braised beef in a Pinot Noir sauce with carrots and onions. It is served with fresh homemade fettuccine.
When the dish arrived, the aromas of the dish were mouthwatering; I couldn’t wait to take my first taste. It was everything I remembered this classic dish to be. Elegant and rich and brimming with tender chunks of braised beef. Excellent, from first bit to final bite. A scallop lover, my partner decided upon Coquilles St. Jacques. This traditional dish consists of seared scallops and mashed potatoes. When it arrived, it came in a unique plating arrangement. Perfectly seared scallops surrounded a glass crock of mashed potatoes that were topped a leek fondue. It was original, creative, and attractive. The scallops were tender and not the least bit overcooked, as can often occur, and he loved the mashed potatoes and leeks.
Because we were dining, we decided to do something we rarely ever do: Order dessert and linger just a tad longer. Not wanting anything too overly sweet, we selected an Apple Tarte Tatin to share. Wonderfully flaky pastry with caramelized apples, warmed, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream offered the perfect closing to our Sage dining experience. It was sweet and satisfying, without being overly sweet.
Service at Sage is professional and friendly. Courses are spaced well, with each selection arriving as it should, giving you the opportunity to enjoy each course you select. It is a comfortable and intimate room that invites you to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. The next time the urge to dine strikes you, consider a trip to Sage in Hollywood.
