When the forever loved Lobster House closed its doors a few months back, loyal lobster goers were hesitant weary about what could ever replace the former Lobster House. With a name (Char) that did not convey much more than the obvious opening of a new venue, the wonderment filled the air. Now four months later this beyond impressive family run business is already turning people away at times for dinner due to overpacked rezzy (rezzy=reservations) books. Now with the marvelous new Fall/Winter menu here making a reservation must be made a top priority. Walking the line of bistro hearty, organic when possible and overall natural what makes Char unlike any other restaurant I have seen in our little gem is that everything from its decor to ambiance, staff to menu are all reflective of an all around welcome, rustic chic vibe. Rather than using some cliche home depot wood, Char owners carefully planned, selected and chose various forms of reclaimed wood from all over the world to give their spot a true authentic feel. With a large impressive dining area with an enormous fireplace and a spacious bar the rustic feel makes Char a cozy yet posh choice. The floor is water logged white oak from Alabama exceeding 100 years old in age, the paneling and beams are all from old factories in manhattan and brooklyn again over 100 yrs old, all still in tact with their natural color. Each piece of reclaimed wood has a tremendous story, the inserts on the bar are antique pine used for the doors and windows, the bar top is a solid 3 inch antique red oak. But it doesn’t stop there. The efforts to keep this at the creme de la creme level did not waiver. Every detail was attended to, all the way down to the fixtures in the bathroom. All the fixtures are solid brass made in the US,20+ chandeliers brass and crystal made in america as well. Even the walls have a story. A local artist came in and painted all of the walls. Each wall has a different technique and story, texture and color scheme, mimicking a waterfall on one and a metallic palette on another, the walls alone speak volumes.
With unique tunes in the background, a Cafe Del Mar sound with and international twist, their bar and lounge area inspires conversation as the sounds of asia and africa brush through the restaurant ever so subtly. Just launched, their Fall/Winter 2013 menu had me speechless. Trying items such as the Far East Tuna, Portabello Cavier and Duck Confit it was evident that Chef David put much thought in each dish. What seperates their menu from others is that Char is ingredient driven food w tremendous care and mental approach to the pairing of the ingredient and the textural, seasonal and temperature contrasts. David likes to cook freely and to give people a cool spot to try
somewhat trendy but with a substance food. And that is exactly what he has accomplished. Char genre of food could be considered new american yet globally influenced which leaves a lot open to imagination. If you are looking fir a mini escape and down right incredible food, visit Char. The warmth of the fireplace and the intensity of the subtle rustic chic decor will have you in awe.
Trying items such as the Far East Tuna, Portabello Cavier and Duck Confit it was evident that Chef David put much thought in each dish.