Plated dishes awaiting personal delivery to the dinner guests by the chefs.
It’s more than dinner, it’s a dining experience. And you simply MUST GO! I had heard all about it, friends have raved about it — I finally made it to the Clean Slate Eatery and I can’t say enough about it.
The food was amazingly delicious and creatively prepared. The chefs took such care in the preparation of each of the 6+ courses and the casual, relaxed atmosphere in this 16-seat restaurant made everyone feel instantly at home. The emphasis is on farm-to-table. locally-sourced foods and the menu changes every week (they wipe the slate clean, get it?). There are no servers, the chefs plate everything in front of you and bring it to you personally.
There are 2 set menus – Traditional or Vegetarian and the chefs honor dietary restrictions specified in advance. It’s a challenge to convey how tasty each course was, so I’ll let the photos and captions attempt to tell the story. Foodies go nuts for this place but no need to be a foodie to go – I assure you that although some of my friends (you know who you are) call me a “picky eater” and there were several items on the menu I didn’t recognize (rand butter? willoughby?), I jumped right in. I mean, of course I recognized “scallop”, “cod”, and “steak” but the methods of preparation, sauces and details of each dish were a mystery to me. I’ll admit this initially made me a bit anxious, but from the first bite to the last, I realized I didn’t need to understand all the terminology to know it was all totally delicious! I ate every single bite and was thrilled with it all. I can’t wait to go back – props to Chef Jason “Jay” Montigel and his team – see you again VERY soon!
No need for menus, just glance at the chalkboard to see what’s for dinner (also available on their website)Hmmm . . . we are getting a dozen of these freshly-baked, hot out of the oven Hawaiian sweet rolls to take home with us, right? (With the yummy butter please)East Dennis oysters delicately balanced on rocks – cool to watch all of this in action taking place on a stainless steel table in the midst of the dinersIt’s all in the presentation. And the taste. And the creativity. Ahhh . . . oystersDAY BOAT SCALLOP – Pan Seared, Lucki 7 Pork Belly White Gracy, Carolina Gold Rice Cake, Biscuit CrumbDAIKON RADISH – Cellared CBI Farm, Tamari Poached, Cape Abilities Bib Lettuce, Oyster Mushrooms, Korean Red Pepper “Caviar”Plenty of time to chat with friends between courses. Seating at an L-shaped table as well as two tables for 2 and a table for 4 (not pictured)To be able to watch the chefs prepare each course and ask questions in this casual atmosphere felt like we were having dinner at their houseCOD – Smoked Paprika Green Garlic Stone Ground Grits, Curried Purple Eyed Peas, Pickled Wild Ramp ButterOne of the special “surprises” – loved hearing how this one was createdFLANK STEAK – Northeast Family Farms, 24hours, North Country Bacon “Tater Tots”, Creamed Broccoli Rabe & Clothbound CheddarAdd a wine pairing ($30) to your meal or enjoy a glass of wine, beer or a specialty cocktailMise en place (French pronunciation: [mi zɑ̃ ˈplas]) is a French culinary phrase which means “putting in place” or “everything in its place.”WILLOUGHBY – The Cellars At Jasper Hill Farm, Greensboro Bend, Vt, Washed Rind, Cow’s Milk, Sorghum Popped & Syrup“CANNOLI” HAND PIE – Whipped Ricotta, Chopped Valrhona Chocolate, Ganache, Lemon Ice CreamA little after-dinner coffee – loved the simple design of these carafesOur master chefs — so very impressed with their expertise, knowledge, creativity and open, friendly way of sharing their love for cooking with all of us“Happiness is sharing good food with good friends.”
So are you hungry yet? Just posting these photos makes me want to call right now for another reservation. And yes, you will likely need a reservation, so check out the website, give Clean Slate Eatery a call and get ready for a special experience. You can thank me later! (Or invite me?)
2 Replies to “Clean Slate Eatery: A Recipe for Success”
i’m so hungry right now. Wow. Cool concept.
Wow! I didn’t know about this place! Thank you!