Mark’s Score 8.7
Salisbury’s Riverwalk is a long way from reaching its full potential. Several years ago, the city did an excellent job refurbishing the banks of the Wicomico River. But then, it just seemed to lose interest. Though it is a lovely walk along the river, it is also lifeless. Therefore, the addition of the Double Tree and Savour Restaurant is most welcome.
Savour is the inhouse restaurant at the refurbished Double Tree. Both were formally reopened last February. David Rosenblit is the Owner and General Manager and Phillip Trout is the Executive Chef at Savoir. The restaurant is situated next to the Riverwalk, with outdoor patio facing the water, making it easily accessible. Chef Trout defines his cuisine as approachable, yet exhibiting the creativity and quality of upscale fine dining, with a relaxed coastal charm.
I had been meaning to try this restaurant for some time. But there have been so many new restaurants in Salisbury, I kept pushing Savoir to the back burner. But the other day, I was at my vet picking up medications for my dog. Their office is just a few blocks from the Double Tree, so I decided to check it out.
This was my first time in the newly refurbished Double Tree. I was impressed with the new design. The dining area had been moved further back into the hotel in the refurbishment, putting it closer to the Riverwalk. Frankly, the old La Quinta restaurant was an eyesore. Savour on the other hand, is very sleek, and vaguely Scandinavian modern.
The menu was eclectic, a bit eastern shore, a bit Mediterranean, a bit French, with a little bit of Latin thrown in the mix. It made it hard to choose. But I was having lunch with a friend so we ordered a nice sampling of dishes, Crispy Pork Belly, Cream of Crab Soup, the Rock Fish Imperial, and a raspberry panna cotta for dessert. Given the eclectic menu, this seemed like a great selection to get a sense of the restaurant’s style.
I am big on first presentations. If the chef doesn’t care enough about their food to present it well, why should I care about the food? The food was presented in a random mix of dishes, but all were elegantly simple, and the food on each dish was expertly and artistically arranged.
But in the end, it is the taste that matter’s The Rockfish Imperial was a real star, to the point of being memorable. It was expertly seasoned, and cooked to perfection (including the bed of asparagus). The pork belly was delightfully sweet and sour and was cooked with the crackling. It is very rare to find crackling in the US, so I found it a real treat. The cream of crab soup was fine, but not stellar. The panna cotta was a lovely combination of sweet and tart, and not runny.
Savour is a welcome upscale addition to the Riverwalk. It breaks the rule that hotel restaurants are always mediocre. Savour is just what the Riverwalk needed to make it a destination.
What else is there to do in Salisbury?
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