Betony Bliss

Rather than deal with overcrowded restaurants and overpriced prix fixe menus on Valentine's Day, we decided to celebrate love over a calm, quiet lunch on Monday instead.  Knowing that some of the best restaurants in the city have very reasonable lunch deals, DJ figured it would be perfect time to splurge on an experience at Betony.  Best.  Idea.  Ever.

Betony is located on one of the busiest midtown roads, but the moment you walk in the door all the noise and bustle dissipates and you can easily forget about the city outside and focus on the joy of fine dining.  DJ described it as: "Lord of the Rings rustic with a twinge of Cloud City [Star Wars reference]."  

 

Everyone we met was extremely welcoming and attentive, and the crowd was the perfect blend of casual yet sophisticated.  Folks were dressed in unpretentious jeans, but you could tell everyone had respect for the fact that we were about to enjoy a great meal.

After we sat down, we started out with cocktails to go with delicious warm rolls seasoned with rye and anise.  DJ's drink of choice (the Ti'Punch) was so good we deemed it worthy of its own photo.  We might even return just to sit at the bar and order it.  You could taste the sweet essence of the rum so perfectly because it wasn't overpowered by the hint of lime juice and sugar cane syrup that gave it a refreshing spark.

  For appetizers, Mel enjoyed the Young Lettuces with Green Goddess dressing (perfectly light start to the meal!)...

and DJ savored the Chicken Liver Mousse (he quickly deemed it "a ball of tear-inducing flavor" [that's a good thing]). 

For the main course,  Mel went for her favorite:  Seared Diver Scallops (we both agreed they may have been the best scallops we've ever had, and Mel literally cleaned the sauce from the plate with her roll)...

and DJ had the Poached Lobster (positively delectable).

 Just when we thought they couldn't wow us any further, the extremely unique dessert options were presented.  Of course, we couldn't resist.

Mel had the Honey Crisp Apple (brilliantly combined with cheddar cheese and pastry)...

and DJ tried the Dark Chocolate (it looks and cuts like a cake, but it's actually ice cream!).

Truthfully, if we could take up residence in Betony and eat there daily we would.  This place is worthy of all the praise it has received.  We look forward to returning to try even more of their impressive menu.