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Today is: Thursday, November 21, 2024 |
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Celadon Galerie Restaurant Review
Celadon Galerie Restaurant was destined for greatness. Owner Louie Chang has named his restaurant after the exquisite and much admired green glaze of Chinese ceramics. Mr. Chang is respected and loved for his innovation, incredible
culinary talents and for being a really nice guy. Celadon Galerie was highly
visible and much-discussed. So by the time the restaurant opened last
December, the buzz was out and expectations were running high.
Generally, Celadon Galerie has met – and often exceeded – these High
expectations. The food defined as Euroasian cuisine and being first-class.
The menu changes seasonally and ingredients are not only fresh but
presented in beautiful and imaginative ways.
Ahi Tuna Caprese with Buffallo Mozzarella
We started with a great selection of tempting appetizers, which they called: Crudo. The Ahi Tuna Caprese with Buffallo Mozzarella, Ooba, Balsamic reduction which graced the spring menu was one of our favorite dishes of all time. Since the Tuna poses a challenge for red wine drinkers, our friendly server Denise took us through some
of the incredible Rieslings on Celadon Galerie’s excellent wine list.
Tuna Tartar “Lollipop”
Snow Crab and Smoked Salmon Spoons
Fortunately,
that wine is also a wonderful pairing with my other two favorite appetizers, the incredible Tuna Tartar “Lollipop” and the luscious Snow Crab and Smoked
Salmon spoon, both of which are usually described as the guest’s favorite. When
we limit our wine drinking to reds, we usually must try other kind of appetizers available, on their menu they are called Yam Cha.
Alfredo Snow Crab Wontons with Truffle Micro Herb Salad
We could not pass without
trying Alfredo Snow Crab Wontons with truffle micro herb salad; which in
my opinion was divine, another one you can’t miss is the Scallop
and Shrimp Crispy Dumplings with Kalamata Olive, Garlic Ponzu
Scallion sauce and the Vietnamese Sesame Shrimp Toasts
with shaved baguette on a sweet chile sauce.
Tempura Creamy Spicy Shrimp with Candied Walnuts
The salads were all tempting and I wanted to try the Tempura Creamy Spicy
Shrimp with candied Walnuts, Asian Spring Mix, one of the best salads I
must admit, simply to die for! The shrimp was one of the best
tempura shrimps we have tasted in a long time.
"Saraudon", with Scallops and Shrimp
One of the most amazing Wok and Sides is the "Saraudon", Sizzling Cripy
Noodles and Rice with Scallops, Shrimp, Boc Choy. This was one of
our table favorites! They also have vegetarian versionsof this dish.
Coriander Crusted Salmon with Black Forbidden Rice
Entrées are wonderful, too. Diners swoon over the Coriander Crusted Salmon with Black Forbidden Rice, served with glazed heirloom carrots, curried crème
fraiche
and hazelnuts, which can be ordered as an appetizer as well.
Grilled Prime Ribeye Steak
Colorado Lamb Kebab with Grilled Artichokes
The Grilled Prime Ribeye Steak and the Colorado Lamb Kebab with Grilled Artichokes are
sure-fire hits as well. And if you happen to dine on an evening
when the
“specials” include their scallops, you are in for a special treat. I
don’t know
how Chef manages to do this, but he does it very well.
Lemon Trio: Lemon Pudding, Lemon Greek Pastry, Lemon Amaretto Sorbet
Desserts also delve into the comfort zone with a Lemon Trio with has 3 delicious samplers of lemon pudding, lemon Greek pastry and lemon amaretto sorbet. It's a daunting bowl of creamy soft lemon pudding scattered with chopped lemon. The
combo is great, we almost fight for this desserts it was truly excellent and
the Black Sesame dessert with banana crème brullee and chocolate
mochi. Simply the best combination also, and very well prepared and
presented tasting amazingly delicious.
Black Sesame Dessert with Banana Crème Brullee and Chocolate Mochi
The wine list at Celadon Galerie also deserves a special mention. Not only is it well-chosen both for its breadth and pairing with the cuisine, but the there is a wide range
of styles and prices. At lunch when the weather is hot and I’m looking for
something light, it is wonderful to find not one – but two excellent local
rosés for under $35 per bottle. And this is one restaurant where I never
hesitate to ask for suggestions on wine pairing. The staff is terrific.
Our Friendly Server Denise
They really know both his wines and the foods being served. They have often made suggestions we would not have tried and we are always delighted with their picks.
It’s so nice when you meet with a great staff that is really excited
and knowledgeable about pairings.
Celadon Galerie is an ambitious undertaking, serving dinner every night, lunch
Monday through Saturday and Sunday brunch. There is also a lovely bar
area and outdoor dining in the summer months. The lunch menu has
many of the same dishes as the dinner menu but there are
more salads and lighter entrees and fewer meat dishes.
As we slowly meandered from the restaurant, my guests and I found ourselves consumed
by the pleasant afterglow of our fine meal and the flawless, personalized service
that we had received throughout our visit. While walking toward our car, it was
difficult not to smile, because we knew that we would be returning to
Celadon Galerie again, and again. Our special thanks to Michael,
the general manager for your wonderful hospitality.
For map and location click Here!
For more information please visit their website at www.celadongalerie.com
Article By: Mary Adams
Photos By: Chris Marx
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