Restaurant Verdant

Top: United States: OR: Ashland

Description

Verdant, serving Southern Oregon Cuisine prepared using traditional European methods, Verdant features
a Prixe Fix (fixed price) menu, changing daily, that includes a variety of roast meats and fresh fish complemented by a number of creatively prepared and presented vegetable dishes.

The new restaurant’s lush, European-style desserts and an extensive beer and wine list will cater to the most discriminating tastes. A wine menu chosen by the Sommelier to match dinner will be available nightly. Set in the Carriage House at the Inn at Lithia Springs, located at 2165 W. Jackson where Ashland’s Main Street becomes South Pacific Highway, the restaurant seats 40 people. The new restaurant is open for dinner Thursdays through Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Reservations are available by calling (541) 488-1062.

In addition to Thursday-through-Saturday dinners, Verdant is hosting "Wine Wednesdays," every Wednesday from 4:00
p.m. until 9:00 p.m. These events feature special presentations of Owner- or Barrel-Select wines, paired with the restaurant’s gourmet fare in an informal setting where guests can eat, talk and sample fine food and wine in comfort.

Helena Darling, Verdant’s executive chef, founded Ashland’s Prima Vera restaurant in the early 90’s, then sold it in 1997.

"I am delighted to be working with Duane Smith to provide our region and visiting tourists with a new and different fine-dining experience," said Darling.

"I’m going to ensure that Verdant will be known for its fresh, local ingredients; sophisticated, textured flavors and creative menu options featuring regional favorites. Our cooking is really inspired by what we’ve got growing outside the kitchen door and the wide variety of very high quality locally-grown organic produce and meat." Darling’s style incorporates the use of fresh and rare herbs, like Saffron; flavored oils, like truffle and walnut oils; and aged, balsamic vinegars in the preparation of roasted, grilled and baked meat and fish entrees. Her desserts add Northwest touches to her classic European sensibilities to
produce menu items like: "Meyer Lemon Custard Cake with Blackberry Puree and Orange Cream Cookie" and "Housemade
Spumoni Bombe with Strawberry, Pistachio and Chocolate Ice Creams served with Balsamic Syrup and Anise Biscotti."

After years of promoting and enjoying all of Ashland’s fine-dining establishments, owner Duane Smith thought it was time to offer area residents and Inn guests his own vision of Rogue Valley Haut Cuisine. "I’ve always wanted to try my hand at the restaurant business," said Smith, who has lived in Ashland for almost 40 years. "I remember when the Chateaulin first opened 34 years ago. I hope that Verdant will join the top-tier of fine restaurants in our region – which is home to some of the West Coast’s finest dining."

Restaurant Verdant plans to expand their operating days and hours during the height of the tourist season in Ashland. "It will depend on our success and the demand for our services," said Smith. "We want to keep all of our options open to best serve our customers."

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Overall* pick one ***** Incredible. The best restaurant of this kind I have eaten at. **** Outstanding. *** Quite enjoyable. ** Decent. * Poor. Food pick one ***** Incredible. The best food of this kind I have tasted. **** Outstanding. A few details were not exactly to my liking. *** Quite enjoyable. One or two dishes lacked a bit in preparation or flavor. ** Decent. Some of the food was not to my liking, or average. * Poor. All of the food was poorly prepared. I did not enjoy any of it. Service pick one ***** Absolutely seamless. Every last detail was looked after. **** Courteous, prompt and friendly. Minor details could be improved. *** Pleasant. A few problems with service, but still a fine meal. ** Needs help. Inattentive / unhelpful staff made the meal unpleasant. * What service? Rude or ignored me altogether. Complaints were ignored. Ambiance pick one ***** Perfect. Unexpected extra touches delighted me. **** Atmosphere, setting, decor and cleanliness were exceptional; minor flaws. *** A pleasant atmosphere, but nothing unexpected; or there were some problems. ** Poorly done / not to my taste. * Where's the taste police / health inspector when you really need them?

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