Dinner -- 2/14/09

1424
1424 Washington Ave
Waco, TX 76701

254.752.7512

5:20 - 7:15 PM

$$$$

Valentine's Day. This holiday calls for something extra special, and 1424 fit the bill as always. We tried to eat here last year, but they had a full house. This time, we made our reservations when we visited in November.

Nick had prepared a special prix fixe menu consisting of a fresh greens salad with pesto, leek soup, and an entree consisting of shrimp with etoufee, two broiled lamb shanks, and beef wellington, all over a bed of rice. Vanilla creme brulee finished of a wonderful meal. We shared a bottle of Bomarito Cabernet, 2004, Napa Valley. The wine had an exquisite bouquet, and went perfectly with this absolutely perfect meal.

While the food clearly deserved a rating of outstanding, we do have a couple of suggestions for next year. First of all, Nick, you need to put bread plates for each guest. Second, for special occasions, a prix fixe menu is perfectly appropriate, but a card should be at the table listing the menu and the price. After we settled in and ordered our wine, the waiter informed us of the price. We felt a bit uncomfortable, as if we might want to make sure we could afford the dinner. I know that was not the intention, but it seemed as if a young couple left rather quickly without eating. As regulars at 1424, we know what to expect, so we had no "sticker shock." I think this information could also have been revealed when we heard from them to confirm our reservation about three weeks ago.

None of this will stop us going to 1424 as often as we can. We love the atmosphere, the food, and the wine list -- except it could benefit from some French Bordeaux's. We want 1424 to be as good as it possibly can, especially since we always refer friends there when the occasion calls for a special dining experience.

-Jim