Short Reviews: Boulevard

During the "Belle Epoch" (beautiful time) in France from 1890 to 1914 it is said that 'la joie de vivre' infused everyday life. Boulevard, located in the 1889 French-styled Audiffred Building has taken the architectural hint and constructed a time machine to give you 'la joie de vivre' for an evening. The interior has been transformed into a gorgeous echo of the French Belle Epoch, and even if you never eat here, you owe yourself a visit to look at the tile work. I didn't mind waiting for a table as I was so amazed by my surroundings. The food is even more exquisite than the room. Chef Nancy Oakes likes enumerative cooking. One dish, which arrived on an enormous bowl-like dinner plate, Roasted Pork Loin Trio, consisted of port tenderloin wrapped with prosciutto, plus braised pork cheek with a celery root / apple puree, and cured baby back ribs. A sorbet dessert consisted of three small plates on a larger rectangular plate. The three sorbets were: Mango, Rhubarb Strawberry, and Cherry. Under each sorbet was some fruit: fresh mango, strawberries, and dried cherries. The creativity and execution of the food is excellent. The wine list is outstanding, with an especially good selection of red Burgundy and California boutique wines. Highly recommended.