Estate House

Pros

• Fine cuisine in a lovely environment
• Bold and fruity flavors
• Extensive patio dining opportunities overlooking the canal
• Jazzy / bluesy music background

Cons

• Not a place for a tight budget
• Meals are served complete, but no additional side dishes are available
• Online menu may not be current

Description

• Estate House is open for dinner only. Reservations are recommended.
• Well-kept secret: park in the underground parking garage. The entrance is off Marshall Way next to Olive & Ivy.
• ...or park in a less congested area and take a free ride on the Scottsdale Trolley to Estate House.
• Leave the kids with a sitter.
• The service during our dining experience at Estate House was prompt, friendly, courteous and timely.
• Make sure you stop Upstairs for a drink or two at the most inviting and comfortable music lounge I've seen in a long time.

Guide Review - Estate House

The dining room is spacious, classy and comfortable, and pleasantly exploits the views of the surrounding area with large glass pane windows and a patio that nearly surrounds the entire establishment.

We began our lovely meal with the Labelle Foie Gras ($21) and the bold-flavored Creamy Jerusalem Artichoke Bisque ($11). Both were outstanding. Thankfully, our salads came before I could decline any more of the blue cheese rolls offered every few minutes! The Wild Arugula and Warm Camembert ($13) and Butter Lettuce and Fuji Apple ($11) salads were quite different, but I am hard-pressed to tell you which I prefer. I'd order them both again. La Belle Magret Duck Breast and Leg Sausage ($30) and Chermoula Crusted Lamb Loin ($33) were served next, and again, the flavors and combinations of ingredients, spice, fruit as well as visual appeal impressed. Our desserts, Meyer Lemon and Rosemary Soufflé ($10) and Chocolate Pavlova ($10). They were pleasant, and fruit flavors seem the focus for the final course.

If you prefer a place where you'll get a big hunk of excellent steak with large sides to share followed by a decadent chocolate cake, and declare yourself stuffed when you ask for your doggie bag, Estate House might not be your first choice. Delicate flavors and portions are the stuff of Estate House.

_{As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary meal for the purpose of the review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy. All prices and offerings mentioned herein are subject to change without notice. 05/08}