Tucked a block away from the chaos of South Street is the charming BYO named Overtures. Nestled in a row of quiet restaurants, Overtures stands out from the crowd in every respect. Owned and operated by self-taught head chef, Peter Lamlein, the French-influenced dining room is every bit as refined as its name suggests. From d‚cor to palate-satisfying compositions, Overtures deserves an encore.
Upon entrance, Overtures exudes an elegance ornamented with classic touches such as fresh flower arrangements, walls of faux-painted draperies and an infusion of candlelight. Our dining experience began with the warm welcome of exuberant hostess and former Miss Uruguay, Susanna, whose enthusiastic description of dining options makes each diner feel immediately at home.
Susanna recommended the 4-course prix fixe menu ($50), a great deal relative to the regular … la carte prices. Beginning with appetizers, the crab cake atop lobster sauce combined two favorite tastes in a perfect union. Unadulterated by the usual dry breading, the crab meat was notably flavorful and appropriately moist. Although unobjectionable, the shrimp scampi could not compare to the high bar set by the crab cakes.
After salads, the meal reached its crescendo with impressive entr‚es of baby rack of lamb and the roast tenderloin of veal. Chef Lamlein's preparation of the baby rack of lamb was truly exquisite. It was meticulously seasoned, perfectly cooked and lovingly presented meat that hit the spot. The veal was equally tempting and quite unique in its finely marinated taste.
With tastebuds fully satisfied by the first three courses, the dessert platter arrived bearing a plethora of choices -- many more than a usual prix fixe menu. The final selections were warm apple tart with caramel ice cream and white chocolate cheesecake. Some moments of indecision led the charismatic and generous waiter to sneak in a scoop of Overture's distinctive honey-rosemary ice cream as well. The standard cheesecake was on par with a typical excellent cheesecake, and the fresh apple tart was complemented beautifully by the homemade ice cream. Most interesting and adventurous was definitely the honey-rosemary ice cream that hit the tongue in waves: first ginger-like, then rosemary and finally a deluge of smooth honey.
Overtures is the quintessential special occasion destination. Whether it be an anniversary, birthday, or failed exam, find an excuse to splurge on this masterpiece of a restaurant. Overtures presents meals to be savored, appreciated and recommended. Its food, ambiance and staff are engaging and impressive, as its name accurately suggests. And tell Susanna we say, "Hola"
