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 Intro
Without a doubt
Topper's at The Wauwinet is one of the premier
restaurants on . A twenty minute ride
from town, this extraordinary restaurant is an
integral part of the Wauwinet Inn. The original
hotel was once a very informal place with families
renting in the area, enjoying casual family style
dinners. That was totally changed a few years
ago when new owners completely renovated the entire
complex which now includes luxurious accomodations
with breath taking views of the head of the harbor
and the ocean. Just to walk on the grounds is
a special experience. On season, round trip cruises
from town provide a unique way to experience Topper's.
This is one of the deluxe restaurants on ,
expensive and impressive.
Ambiance  |
One
of the unusual features of Topper's is the walk
outside on the deck to enter the restaurant. On
the night we visited a gusty rainstorm was underway,
and guests struggled with umbrellas thoughtfully
provided for just such evenings. It was a startling
sight to watch departing guests pass outside, by
the dining room window, bracing against the the
strong winds. The interior of the restaurant has
three connecting dining rooms and in quieter weeks
not all are used. In the smaller rooms tables for
two are creatively separated by large sculptures,
providing dramatic dividers which create a very
private dining atmosphere. Formal soft long drapes
add to the elegant feeling in the room as do the
tables set with beautiful china and linens. The
chairs are covered with fabric across the top, an
interesting detail. Outside a delightful patio with
umbrellas offers the only glimpse of the
sound while dining. Our waiter explained that the
architect created the best bay views for the guest
bedrooms, not the dining room. We wished the decision
had favored the reverse. Even so, the dining room
is a striking room.
| Food |
For
starters we tried Micro Greens with Seckel Pears,
Toasted Pecans and Buttermilk Blue and Smoked Salmon
with Sevruga Caviar. Both were stunning in presentation
and taste. Salmon and Sea Scallops were our choice
for entrees and we were again delighted. "The
chef prefers to serve Salmon on the rare side,"
the waiter explained, "but will cook this as
you wish." We opted for medium cooking and
it was served exactly that way, and was tender perfection.
The Sea Scallops were also delicious. The vegetables,
so often disappointing, were astonishing in their
crispness and flavor. Each fish dish was presented
with a different assortment of crisp vegetables
including Baby White Lima Bean Succotash and Butterbeans,
which we happily devoured along with every morsel
of fish. The chocolate lover enjoyed a rich chocolate
cake with light filling between the layers and the
fruit tart was accompanied by a beer ice cream,
providing a fine finish to the evening. Complimentary
truffles at the meal's end. Topper's indeed lived
up to its reputation.
Other Observations:
When
we arrived we noted two older people in chaises
bundled in blankets, much like you would see on
an ocean line, soaking up the setting, despite
the chill of the wind, and approaching rain. The
view from the deck is wonderful, even in inclement
weather. In the bar, an informal air was our instant
impression as some guests were in shorts, relaxing
while others were dressed more formally, clearly
intending to dine at Topper's. In the restaurant,
gentlemen tend to wear slacks, jackets, and open
necked shirts, although ties were also seen, an
indication of the high regard the guests hold
for Wauwinet's famed restaurant.
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