Make New Friends - Estelle and Celeste
While Beatrix was at a birthday sleepover last night (thanks, Ava's family!), Patrick and I went out after the Gala rehearsal to try some new places!
First on the list was Estelle, a new Mediterranean small-plates place on Saint Clair and Fairview. I have fond memories of the place; I used to work there when it was Napoleon's, and when Patrick and I got engaged, we went to the bar there when it was Heartland. Estelle lived up to these memories!
There's a nice cocktail and wine list. I had small plates — patatas braves which tasted just like Spain, and some delicious arancini. Patrick had rigatoni and soft serve (because, as the waitstaff said "the building came with a soft-serve machine."). Even with a reservation there was a bit of a wait, but staff was attentive, and for a place that only opened two weeks ago, it was remarkably smooth. It was all fantastic, and I will meet you there any day of the week!
Next we decided to check out the bar at the new boutique hotel Celeste Saint Paul. I've been fascinated with the renovation of that property, and for good reason — they have done a beautifuljob! The bar was lovely — there's a long, marble-topped bar, some high-tops but he window, and a couple of snuggeries to the side (plus an inexplicable line of cafeteria-type tables in the middle for some reason....)
The bar offerings were well-curated. Some (very strong) cocktails, a nice wine list, and some good beers (though the tap was not set up yet). The bartenders were friendly, and we got into greta conversations at the bar. I can see it becoming a regular hang-out.
Two new places (both with women's names!) and a new brunch place earlier in the day — that may be a record, even for us!
First on the list was Estelle, a new Mediterranean small-plates place on Saint Clair and Fairview. I have fond memories of the place; I used to work there when it was Napoleon's, and when Patrick and I got engaged, we went to the bar there when it was Heartland. Estelle lived up to these memories!
There's a nice cocktail and wine list. I had small plates — patatas braves which tasted just like Spain, and some delicious arancini. Patrick had rigatoni and soft serve (because, as the waitstaff said "the building came with a soft-serve machine."). Even with a reservation there was a bit of a wait, but staff was attentive, and for a place that only opened two weeks ago, it was remarkably smooth. It was all fantastic, and I will meet you there any day of the week!
Next we decided to check out the bar at the new boutique hotel Celeste Saint Paul. I've been fascinated with the renovation of that property, and for good reason — they have done a beautifuljob! The bar was lovely — there's a long, marble-topped bar, some high-tops but he window, and a couple of snuggeries to the side (plus an inexplicable line of cafeteria-type tables in the middle for some reason....)
The bar offerings were well-curated. Some (very strong) cocktails, a nice wine list, and some good beers (though the tap was not set up yet). The bartenders were friendly, and we got into greta conversations at the bar. I can see it becoming a regular hang-out.
Two new places (both with women's names!) and a new brunch place earlier in the day — that may be a record, even for us!
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