Le Jardin is set right on the Hudson, on a surprise driveway right off twisty River Road. Nestled among huge developements, some old, some ridiculously new, the surrounding trees and grass areas give it a country feel once you're inside. The GWB is visible from almost all indoor/outdoor patio seating, and on a sunny day the sailboat traffic must be something to see. Oh, and you can eat here. A lot. Bring an empty stomach, because this place skimps on neither the flavor or the servings.
Pandora went all "I can't order anything but the entree" on this feathered dinosaur and then proceeded to consume any bread and olive spread she could get her hands on. But this feathered dinosaur enjoyed only a little bread, and went crazy with the Waldorf Salad- greens, pears, walnuts, and yummy goat cheese topped off with a creamy but light and buttery dressing. Pandora's juicy filet mignon sat atop sauteed spinach with mini garlic potatoes. My braised short ribs had more sauce than necessary, but it's a French restaurant, so all sauces are welcome. My sides were julienned, steamed veggies and garlic potatoes, and everything was not just spiced right, but a good texture- meats cut easily but were solid. Veggies were hot from steaming, but never soggy. Potato skins were crunchy, and the insides chewy and starchy.
Anything called bread pudding is a go for dessert, and Pandora decided to copy me because the chocolate dessert was ruled a little typical. This bread pudding combines the yumminess of soaked bread with caramel sauce, bananas cooked in, and vanilla ice cream. Penance will be required for it, and consist of ten Hail Mary's.
Pandora spent most of the meal complaining about certain, let's say... deficiencies... with her new driver's license. Also discussed: the various ways we would punish ourselves for the orgy of spending and food enjoyed this weekend. We really shouldn't have a car.
