Most Romantic Restaurant

[Fish'n John]

Originally Posted by Maria

Coming from Gilford, I would think you know that the Lyons' Den is a great place!!!! The Dining Room offers such a beautiful view of the Lake and the atmosphere with the Fireplace is second to none!!!! Have you tried it there?
I think the service, the food and again the atmosphere is what you are looking for, whether it be, winter, summer, spring or fall!

We haven't been there but see that they advertise Roast Duck. I still have not gotten over the loss of the Hickory Stick Inn in Belmont. Talk about romantic and their duck was to die for. Has anyone had the duck at the Lyon's Den?

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by Fish'n John

We haven't been there but see that they advertise Roast Duck. I still have not gotten over the loss of the Hickory Stick Inn in Belmont. Talk about romantic and their duck was to die for. Has anyone had the duck at the Lyon's Den?

I have relatives who get it every time they go, so it must be good.

[Zeke]

It has been a few years since I’ve been, but there is a very romantic, and very nice place in Barnstead, (sort of Lakes Region) called the Crystal Quail. It is secluded and intimate, and the food is on a scale that is not really done around here. It is not an everyday restaurant, but would not disappoint for a special occasion.
http://www.crystalquail.com/

[Overlake97]

Crystal Quail is certainly not an everyday restaurant; in fact, it's not really a restaurant at all. It's essentially a private residence where a husband/wife team serve dinner to individual parties on a reservation only basis (see the link provided by Zeke). When you arrive, one of the hosts greets you at the door and walks you through their gourmet kitchen, then into their single rustic, candle-lit dining room. There are only three, maybe four, tables, and you and the other diners are their only guests for the entire evening.

They take your wine (it's "bring your own"), and uncork and/or chill it, then serve it throughout your meal as if you'd purchased it there (no 'corking fee' either). First time, after we'd ordered from the limited (usually 3; but all very tempting) nightly options, through our window we watched the chef walk to the garden to pick the herbs and/or vegetables for our dishes. Now that's fresh! They also give you a couple options for appetizer and dessert, but in addition they usually bring unannounced "treats" (mini appetizers) to nibble between the items you've ordered. To say you're not rushed is an understatement: The place is yours until you're ready to leave.

During our first visit to the Quail we were waited on by one of the hosts' college-age daughters; the second time, by the wife. On that second occasion, my wife and I brought an old friend who was visiting from Seattle, WA, and we ended up being the only party there. We brought, if I recall correctly, about 3 bottles of wine (four?), and they treated us like royalty. We stayed for well over two hours, and were not once made to feel that we were overstaying our welcome. Our friend, who was quite familiar with Seattle's restaurant offerings, thought it was the most unique, satisfying, and special, dining experience he'd ever had.

The Quail has apparently served dinner to a number of "important" people over the years (e.g., politicians or other public figures) who were looking to duck the crowds while being fed well, and when you're there you realize that this makes perfect sense. It's quiet, secluded, and hard to find; but once you enter you know you've come to the right place. Oh, one more thing, which you might have guessed: The food is excellent.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Overlake97

Crystal Quail is certainly not an everyday restaurant; in fact, it's not really a restaurant at all. It's essentially a private residence where a husband/wife team serve dinner to individual parties on a reservation only basis (see the link provided by Zeke). When you arrive, one of the hosts greets you at the door and walks you through their gourmet kitchen, then into their single rustic, candle-lit dining room. There are only three, maybe four, tables, and you and the other diners are their only guests for the entire evening.

They take your wine (it's "bring your own"), and uncork and/or chill it, then serve it throughout your meal as if you'd purchased it there (no 'corking fee' either). First time, after we'd ordered from the limited (usually 3; but all very tempting) nightly options, through our window we watched the chef walk to the garden to pick the herbs and/or vegetables for our dishes. Now that's fresh! They also give you a couple options for appetizer and dessert, but in addition they usually bring unannounced "treats" (mini appetizers) to nibble between the items you've ordered. To say you're not rushed is an understatement: The place is yours until you're ready to leave.

During our first visit to the Quail we were waited on by one of the hosts' college-age daughters; the second time, by the wife. On that second occasion, my wife and I brought an old friend who was visiting from Seattle, WA, and we ended up being the only party there. We brought, if I recall correctly, about 3 bottles of wine (four?), and they treated us like royalty. We stayed for well over two hours, and were not once made to feel that we were overstaying our welcome. Our friend, who was quite familiar with Seattle's restaurant offerings, thought it was the most unique, satisfying, and special, dining experience he'd ever had.

The Quail has apparently served dinner to a number of "important" people over the years (e.g., politicians or other public figures) who were looking to duck the crowds while being fed well, and when you're there you realize that this makes perfect sense. It's quiet, secluded, and hard to find; but once you enter you know you've come to the right place. Oh, one more thing, which you might have guessed: The food is excellent.

Is there a minimum size party required to make reservations???

Dan

[Overlake97]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Is there a minimum size party required to make reservations???

Dan

I've been there with two and then three people. Call them (see Zeke's link again); I'm sure they'll be glad to answer all your questions.

[Little Bear]

Originally Posted by Fish'n John

We haven't been there but see that they advertise Roast Duck. I still have not gotten over the loss of the Hickory Stick Inn in Belmont. Talk about romantic and their duck was to die for. Has anyone had the duck at the Lyon's Den?

Yes, and it's very good. Perhaps as good as Hickory Stick.