A Celebration at Sage

For Frank's birthday this year, he chose Sage. It is our favorite restaurant so I had no doubt we'd be in for a treat. The eats did not disappoint, however, the service was sluggish at best. We've dined nearly a dozen times before and it's never been like this... how do you begin a tasting menu without silverware? Yes, that happened. And no, I didn't expect "Oh, shit!" as response. But that's how it went and it didn't much improve throughout the meal. Thankfully, our signature tasting menu was as delicious as it was beautiful. The menu runs $89 and offers a few options, in addition to our choices we also ordered a side of sweet breads. Simply because we could, and why wouldn't you? They are superb. Each dish was expertly prepared, but the Octopus blew us away. All others will be compared to this going forward; I doubt any will be as tender. Truly fantastic. And the black truffle crumbs and ice cream completely outshined the walnut tart, but I didn't mind in the slightest. I adore savory & sweet. Needless to say, the delightful bites won us over, and despite the hiccups it was a fine way to celebrate.

VANCOUVER ISLAND KUSHI OYSTERS AGED TEQUILA MIGNONETTE/PIQUILLO PEPPER &TABASCO SORBET

SALT ROASTED BEETS HEIRLOOM CARROTS/MANCHENGO CHEESE CRUMBS CORIANDER YOGURT

GRILLED SPANISH OCTOPUS BLOOMSDALE SPINACH/CHORIZO AIOLI MARCONA ALMONDS

MAINE DAY BOAT SCALLOPS BRAI SED OXTAIL/WILD MUSHROOMS SALTED CARAMEL REDUCTION

BEECHER’S FARM WHEY FED PORK LOIN ROASTED BABY CARROTS/BUTTERMILK CONFIT SHALLOTS

48 HOUR BEEF BELLY DUCK FAT ROASTED TURNIPS/PICKLED PEARL ONION BUCKWHEAT POLENTA

WALNUT TART PEAR/BLACK TRUFFLE/TARRAGON

PUMPKIN CLAFOUTIS RICE PAPER/ORANGE/CREAM