$$$$ • Contemporary European • Finthen
Steins Traube was one of those rare meals that reminds me exactly why I love great restaurants.
The attention to detail from the chef and owner was evident in every course, but never at the expense of the food itself. This is my sweet spot in fine dining: exceptional ingredients, precise execution, beautiful presentation and professional service without becoming overly artistic, fussy or stuffy. It is simply about eating an extraordinary meal and enjoying the people who prepare and present it.
We began with oysters, intending to have only a few as starters. They were so good that we simply kept ordering more. The curry chicken amuse-bouche was outstanding, followed by foie gras terrine and steak tartare. The tartare deserves special mention. It was a perfect dish and easily one of the best steak tartares I have had in more than 20 years of traveling and dining around the world.
The lobster bisque was equally impressive—deep, rich and beautifully balanced. My beef with mushrooms was cooked perfectly and had tremendous flavor, while my partner thoroughly enjoyed her fish.
The wine service was another highlight. We enjoyed a magnificent 1985 Château Latour, handled and served with exactly the professionalism and care a bottle of that age deserves. It complemented an already exceptional evening.
Dessert continued the same level of thoughtfulness, particularly a savory mushroom and cheese course and a magnificent cherry-and-chocolate dessert.
I also have to give special recognition to the chef’s wife and co-owner, who took care of us throughout the evening. Her kindness, warmth and attention to the pacing of our meal were exceptional. We had experienced an issue making our reservation through OpenTable, yet she never allowed that to become our problem. Without hesitation, she made sure we were seated in an excellent location and treated us as though we were longtime repeat guests who had made our reservation weeks in advance.
A perfect meal; will return!
