Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant Has Wonderful French Food in a Refined, Yet Homey Atmosphere
Written: Aug 10 '08 (Updated Aug 10 '08)
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Pros: Great Food
Great Service
Nice Location
Cons: I wish I could afford it more often
The Bottom Line: If you live in or visit Maryland, you must visit Tersiguel’s. You, too, will be saying "Ooh La La!"
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| lindeisha's Full Review: Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant |
When planning how to celebrate our anniversary last month, my husband knew without a doubt what would make me happiest - to have dinner at Tersiquel’s French Country Restaurant in the historic area of Ellicott City, Maryland. It’s a bit pricey, but dining there is well worth the treat when we can afford the luxury. For me, Tersiguel’s is the best and I’m not the only one who thinks so (in Maryland that is). Tersiguel’s has gotten high ratings in the Zagat Guide for years. In Zagat’s upcoming 2009 DC/Baltimore area edition, Tersiguel’s is rated among the top five overall and #1 for French restaurants.
Ooh La La – Such Gastronomic Delights!
Every single thing I’ve eaten there for lunch or dinner, I have LOVED. From salads to soups to entrees to delectable desserts, there is nothing but a celebration of the senses.
One of the things that sets this restaurant apart is their use of fresh vegetables from their own small working farm run by the founders Fernand and Odette Tersiguel, where they reap potatoes, greens and flowers.
Their menu is the product of old family recipes from Brittany along with haute cuisine training of the founder’s son and Executive Chef and owner, Michel Tersiguel.
On our last visit I had the “Salade Michel” ($9) made with watercress, endive, Asian pears, pecans, hazelnut vinaigrette and Bleu d'Auvergne cheese. My husband had the house salad ($7), which had a much better choice of greens than typical house salads. My entrée was the Viande du Marché (meat of the day). That day it was rack of lamb, which the waiter finished grilling to order near our table. It was served with Béarnaise sauce and demi-glaze, creamed spinach and potatoes provençale. My husband ordered a special, which was a poulet (chicken) dish. It consisted of about a quarter of an herbed, roasted chicken atop an herbed cream sauce, with a few root vegetables (potato, carrot, rutabaga and I think cassava). Because the portions of each are small compared with the typical American meal, it was a good thing that my husband had salad, and plenty of good, fresh French bread beforehand. I suppose the idea is to enjoy the art and flavor of the entrée, rather than wolfing it down out of hunger. And even though, he is not one for “fancy” foods, he thoroughly enjoyed it. The dinner entrées range in price from around $30 - $35. The more economical fixed price menu ($37) offers the house soup or salad, pate, choice of three entrees, and the house dessert.
And now for the dessert, which is something I look forward to almost more than the meal. My absolute favorite is the Crepes Suzzette, which is prepared at the table. This time, we had the honor of having Fernand Tersiguel prepare it himself with pre-made crepes, butter, sugar, fresh orange (juice and zest), lemon, Grand Marniere and Cointreau. My husband had the chocolate mousse, which he raved about days afterward. They also offer fruit tarts and other pastries, crème brulee, and ice creams/sorbets. The desserts cost between $7 and $8, except for the crepes, which are $12 and made for two people.
Décor & Atmosphere
Tersiguel’s is in a 3-story, 19th century house and has 8 rooms to choose from, including their wine cellar. Each room has its own distinct feel and flavor. Our favorite is the “Brittany Room” with hand-painted dishes and decorated with quimper and b&w photos on the wall of people in traditional Breton clothing living the country life. Each table has fresh flowers, a white tablecloth, beautiful dishes and silverware, a silver bowl for the butter and a small, lamp. The furniture is dark, solid wood. There is a slight musty smell in some places, but after all, it’s a very old house, and its quickly forgotten as soon as you start eating.
The Service
Even though, I am not monetarily rich, I always feel as welcomed at Tersiguel’s as the most well-heeled patrons I see there that seem to be regulars. The waiters are exceptionally gracious, especially when “telling the story” of the menu with such enthusiasm. I don’t know how they keep smiling, while saying the same thing for every single customer, but they do. The waiters are super solicitous, but not to the point of being bothersome. The last time we were there, the cold air blowing up from the floor vent bothered me, so the waitress happily covered the vents under the table for me. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinners.
Location, location, location
Tersiguel’s is located on Main Street of historic Ellicott City, a narrow winding little street lined by antique shops, boutiques, some offices, historical buildings and other restaurants. It’s always fun to walk around before or after eating.
Now I just have to find another special occasion to go there again!
I respectfully submit this opinion as part of Barbara’s new French and English Write Off .
Bon Appetit!
P.S. They have a great website at www.tersiguels.com where you can see their history, menu and even a recipe from the chef.
P.P.S. Thanks to bruguru for adding this to the database.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Check out their special events, especially for Bastille Day.
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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Epinions.com ID:
lindeisha
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Location: Maryland
Reviews written: 95
Trusted by: 58 members
About Me:
Loving life one second at a time
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