Course 1: Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna with Wakame-Seaweed Salad
After a beyond fantastic dinner with my husband at NICK’S Restaurant in Fondren recently, I have two very, very important words to share with you: TASTING MENU.
These two important words only apply if you are eating at NICK’S, but they are so powerful that I’m surprised more restaurants in the area don’t do something similar.
My hubby and I made a reservation for a Thursday evening dinner at NICK’S. When we arrived, we were promptly and cordially seated in the main dining room at a table for two.
Praise for Alex
Before I even mention any food, I’d like to give a quick shout out to Alex, our waiter. He was probably the best server we’ve ever had. He engaged with us, made great recommendations, and kept our drinks full among other things. We loved Alex, and we hope to have him serve us the next time we dine at NICK’S!
Course 2: Pan Seared Sea Scallop with Pancetta, Arugula and Grana Padana
About the Food…
This particular day was actually the first day of the new dinner menu at NICK’S, so my plan for this trip was to order a few things off that new menu. It’s my job to give you the scoop on the newbies… right?
But then I saw the Tasting Menu tucked on the edge of the beautiful menu…
What exactly does “Tasting Menu” mean?
Chef Steve D’Angelo, the mastermind in the NICK’S kitchen, dreams up a five course dinner, different every night, that he personally serves to those who order it.
A friend actually told me that, after her last visit to NICK’S, she would never order anything but the Tasting Menu again. (And it wasn’t that she didn’t love everything she’d ever tried at NICK’S!) She raved about how much fun the tasting menu was, and what a great feel you get for the chef’s creativity. She also told me that she said this even knowing that in her heart she would never order on her own half of what was offered on the menu. But she was so impressed – and in love – with every flavor brought to the table – that she would never turn away from the Tasting Menu again.
When I saw the Tasting Menu tucked into the menu sidebar, it reminded me of her shameless and insistent recommendation.
When Alex told us what was on the Tasting Menu that evening, our eyes got bigger and bigger. “There’s no way we can pass this up,” we thought aloud to each other.
Alex added, “The Tasting Menu is really fun because Chef D’Angelo comes out with each of the five courses and tells you how he prepared it. This is a great way for him to have fun and get creative, making something new every day. You can also order a wine pairing.”
Course 3: Pan Roasted Quail with Butternut Squash Puree and Blueberry Jus
Sold! Before I put a single bite into my mouth, I was sold on the fact that this was going to be one of the best date nights ever.
First Course
Alex presented our first wine for the evening, an ’09 Luli Chardonnay paired by the chef with our first course – which followed just moments later: Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna with Wakame-Seaweed Salad.
Tuna, yes, but Seaweed Salad? Not something I would usually choose. When I put the Seaweed Salad into my mouth, the vibrant, salty garnish actually turned me into a seaweed fan! Now that’s something I never thought I would hear myself say… The Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna, of course, was amazing. The crunchy sesame seeds added such a nice contrast to the smooth, seared Tuna.
Second Course
Our second wine was an ’09 Sauvignon Blanc from The Crossings which complimented course number two to a tee! The Pan Seared Sea Scallop with Pancetta, Arugula and Grana Padana was delightful. The single scallop, placed in a bed of Arugula (greens) and Pancetta (delicious Italian bacon) was topped with shavings of Grana Padana (a hard white cheese). This combination was flawless, each flavor complimenting all the others like music notes.
Course 4: Grilled Petite Filet with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Foie Gras Butter
Third Course
Course number three was a Pan Roasted Quail breast with Butternut Squash Puree and Blueberry Jus. I must say, this course was the one that had me most excited from the get-go. This Quail had a nice thin, crunchy exterior that made the meat on the inside seem extra tender. The Quail matched with some of the Blueberry Jus (which was almost like a thin jelly) and some Butternut Squash Puree was flat out heavenly. Three very different foods coming together to create a masterpiece… I love it! The wine with this course was a delightful ’08 Pinot Noir from Elk Cove.
Fourth Course
This fourth course was the one my husband was most excited about! The Grilled Petite Beef Filet with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Foie Gras Butter was something straight out of a dream. The small filet rested on a miniature tower of potatoes, covered in the Foie Gras butter. Just imagine the richest, most intense, yet soothing bite your taste buds could experience… That’s what this tasted like. The Foie Gras Butter took the concept of just plain butter to the next level. And that little filet was nothing short of spectacular. The wine pairing with this course was ’08 Joel Gotte Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sweet Finish: Fifth Course
Course 5: Chocolate Crepe with Creme Anglaise
After a perfect break from food to enjoy our date, Chef D’Angelo (along with his taltented pastry chef) presented us with a plate of beauty, with the same joy and enthusiasm as he had done with each prior course. This dessert course was a Chocolate Crepe with Crème Anglaise. This light chocolate crepe, rolled up and filled with a lovely chocolate mousse, was just the perfect cap to this meal. The mote of Crème Anglaise surrounding this crepe was like silk! This course came with a glass of Churchill’s 10 Year Tawny Port, which was very sweet and a nice pairing with the semi-sweet dessert.
The Tasting Menu at NICK’S changes every single night, and with a chef like Steve D’Angelo in the kitchen, you can guarantee that every night’s Tasting Menu will be as wonderful as our experience. The whole concept of the Tasting Menu also made me step outside of my food comfort zone a time or two and try something I normally would not order – each time with a delightful result for my taste buds. The Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings also provides a tremendous opportunity to discover fantastic new wines. The small glasses they bring out with every course are just the right amount to enjoy with the small portions of each course.
NICK’S Restaurant is located in the Fondren area of Jackson and is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. (last seating), Friday from 11 a.m. through 10 p.m. (last seating), and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. (last seating.)
#EatFREE
Have you tried the Nick’s Tasting Menu – or any of their new menu items? Which was your favorite?
Comment below for a chance to win your very own Tasting Menu experience courtesy of Eat Jackson!
NICK’S
Fondren
3000 Old Canton Rd
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 981-8017
nicksrestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
Have not tried it yet but would love to try it! That petit filet looks to die for.
Have not tried it yet but would love to try it! That petit filet looks to die for.
I’d love to try the Tasting Menu! I’ve been to a bridal shower there, but otherwise I’ve only had cocktails!
I’d love to try the Tasting Menu! I’ve been to a bridal shower there, but otherwise I’ve only had cocktails!
I haven’t tried it yet and really want to. I love a tasting menu!
I haven’t tried it yet and really want to. I love a tasting menu!
Would love to try the tasting menu!! Love Nick’s!!
Would love to try the tasting menu!! Love Nick’s!!
I am a very picky eater. But the Tasting Menu sounds fun and would encourage (or force) me to try food I’ve often avoided.
I am a very picky eater. But the Tasting Menu sounds fun and would encourage (or force) me to try food I’ve often avoided.
I have only been to nick’s once, but wow was it great. I would love to go back and try the tasting menu. I hate making decisions, so it would definitely be fun and easy.
I have only been to nick’s once, but wow was it great. I would love to go back and try the tasting menu. I hate making decisions, so it would definitely be fun and easy.
This sounds totally amazing!
This sounds totally amazing!
I have never tried the tasting menu, but EVERYThINg I have ever eaten there has been delicious! My sisters and I hosted out parents 30 anniversary party there and they made sure everything went perfectly! We love Nicks!
Looks delicious!
This sounds scrumptious!
I think I found our next date night!!! That sounds amazing!
Oh, wow! I love a tasting menu.
I love Nick’s. Especially the new(ish) location. And the best waiter in town.