L’Etoile

L’Etoile has consistently been rated one of the top restaurants on the island and for over 20 years served wonderful meals from its space in the Charlotte Inn. In 2006, the restaurant moved from the Charlotte Inn to 22 North Water Street. The chef and most of the staff remain the same.

I loved the space at the Charlotte Inn, but this is equally as good and with the addition of a small bar and a delightful outside patio, may be even better. The interior has a small room to the right of the entry and a larger one to the left that overlooks the garden. Colorful china sits on white linens and the crisp tables are accented with copper colored leather chairs and draperies creating an elegant yet comfortable setting.

The food is sensational and a pleasant diversion from the normal items or preparation on most menus. Oysters for example, were served two ways with a cranberry mignonette and a Champagne Limoncello cream. Delicious. Or, a sautéed spice crusted foie gras with a crispy exterior and delicate interior was served on a pumpkin leek puree with pear dice and brioche with Sauternes, leek and verjus glaze. A wonderful taste sensation.

My entree was a grilled, herb rubbed Australian lamb rack with purple potato gnocchi with roasted chestnuts, favas, blistered tomatoes, port, shallot, black pepper, Shiraz and rosemary jus.

I was full by this time, but the Farmstead cheese platter caught my eye and with a glass of port was a great ending to my meal.

I like the wine list for its interesting mix of French and “New World” but prices are high. Wines by the glass are average $15 and you have to look hard to find full bottles under $50. Too bad.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
“If you live to eat instead of eating to live”, this “marvelous dining experience” in Edgartown is a “must” with “beautifully thought-out, well-balanced” New French fare from an “amicable” (“without being intrusive”) staff; the “lovely setting” “nestled in a charming house with an inviting porch” and bar is likewise “special”, but “be prepared to spend your monthly dining budget”; P.S. open seasonally. ZAGAT