Henri Marie at Mirbeau

Virtuoso Performance at Mirbeau Bistro
Chef Stephen Coe put on a virtuoso performance in delivering a 7 course tasting menu for a group of 7, celebrating 2 recently minted MDs and an engagement. We spoke to our server, Wendy, and put ourselves totally in the chef’s hands for the evening. We chose nothing. Every course was a wonderful surprise. Wendy was very knowledgable and attentive, explaining each dish as she served it.
The cuisine was innovative and wowed several dedicated foodies. First out was a tuna tartare wrapped in a thinly sliced cucumber. The tuna came with a bit of caviar on top and was delightfully refreshing. Next up was a fresh local oyster on the halfshell with a stunning saffron mignonette. The third course was a large sea scallop beautifully seared to perfection, with a light butter sauce. A palate cleansing salad course with cherry tomatoes, grown at the restaurant, paired with a slice of marinated watermelon, a goat/sheep’s milk feta and sunflower greens– a wonderful rendition of a familiar dish. A single sachetti with pear and in a light, creamy vegetable sauce followed the salad. The sacccheti exists on the regular menu and is a favorite for this group.
The meat course was perfectly portioned wild boar wrapped in bacon with a light meat based sauce.
The portions were perfect for a seven course meal. Green tea crème brulee and a ten layer chocolate cake were the finales.
The biggest foodie at the table said it was the best meal he had had in years.

This place is an absolute treasure to have on the south shore. There will be a day when you will regret not coming more when it was easy to a reservation. Opening in late 2014 and after working through some growing pains it appears the chef and his crew have found their stride! I had the pleasure of sitting at a long table with friends, while we all participated in a seven course chef’s tasting. I say participated, because it was not just eating a meal, it was an experience of flavors, textures, food combinations and presentation like I had not experienced before. The chef discussed the table preferences before it began and then he took control. Honestly, most of us were apprehensive. While others were excited, as too what would be placed in front of us without the typical full control of the menu .
The service was excellent, appropriately timed and knowledgeable. They introduced each course as if bringing a present to us all and after each first bite we understood why they were smiling so much. The professional servers know what to expect next — lots of ooohh’s and ahhh’s, comments like «this is incredible», «I’ve never tasted so much flavor at once», «this is the best … I have ever had» etc. etc.
Henri Marie is a special occasion dining experience and it can be had without the city hassles of traffic, long drives or parking. What a treat!
I wish them much success, but not so much I can’t get a reservation …