Mirbeau is a very special place where luxury and decadence meets simplicity and tranquility. The short drive to Mirbeau located at 851 West Genesee St. in Skaneateles is worth every minute! From the moment you are seated at Mirbeau, you are treated like royalty. The dining room is very serene and the crisp white linen is complimented by the flicker of candlelight and the warmth of a fire in the fireplace. The service by the warm and welcoming staff is exemplary. It is very obvious that the experienced staff takes pride in their work and truly strives to make your dining experience pleasurable.
Upon arriving at Mirbeau, we were promptly seated by the effervescent hostess and we were soon after greeted by our knowledgeable and friendly waitress, Christine, who has been serving at Mirbeau for four years. On this night, Keri and I indulged ourselves in a three course meal with wine pairing and so we were promptly served a flute of Red Tail Ridge Sparkling Rosé, a local Finger Lakes wine. We were also served a glass of the most delicious cucumber water we had ever tasted. Christine informed us of the specials: the soup du jour was Beef Wheatberry and the entrées included gnocchi topped with a loaded baked potato sauce and a 12 oz veal chop on the bone. The vegetable of the day was steamed asparagus. Christine also told us that all of the pastries and bread were baked on premise in the bakery to ensure the highest quality product possible. She also noted that because of this bakery, many of their selections were available gluten free. Many of the ingredients on the menu are purchased from local farmers and everything on the menu is prepared in house.
I began my meal with the Capon Magro ($12), lobster and jumbo shrimp tossed with capers, beets, carrots and eggs, along with smoked paprika lump crab crostini as an appetizer. Keri chose Escargot Vol-au-Vent ($10), sautéed with shallots and garlic in a puff pastry shell with prosciutto, tomato and spinach topped with Brie cheese. This was paired with Franciscan Chardonnay. For my entrée, I selected Lobster Thermidor ($34), a classically broiled Maine lobster stuffed with crab, Dijon, tarragon and cream and the steamed asparagus ($6). Keri decided on the 12 oz New York Strip ($34), aged 30 days through the in-house dry aging process which intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the NY State beef, with a side of lobster ‘Mac and Cheese’ ($12). The dry-aged cuts of beef are served with a choice of two of the classic French sauces. This course was paired with Dr. Frank semi-dry Riesling. For dessert I chose homemade berry sorbet ($9) and Keri decided on chocolate decadence ($9), which is a flourless chocolate ‘cheesecake’ with raspberry sauce, topped with whipped cream. This course was paired with Chocolate Decadence red wine. Throughout our meal, each beautifully-crafted presentation of the dish was outshone by the next.
The Wine Bar at Mirbeau is the perfect place for an intimate get-together, or even to meet up with a group. This cozy wine bar has several specials and events including: Wednesday “Women & Wine” specials; Thursday $8.51 W. Genesee Sandwich; Friday Managers Reception & Raw Bar; Saturday Late Night (9 pm to 11 pm) Happy Hour Snacks and Drinks. On Sunday they offer brunch and at noon they put on their signature Bloody Mary bar. Come in for a drink, but be sure to indulge in one of their mouth-watering plate selections! With Small Plates like Blackened Fish Tacos ($12) or hand selected cheeses served with homemade jam, jellies and chutneys (starting at $8) or Big Plates like the Meatloaf “Cup Cake” ($14) or the Young Spinach Salad ($18) there is something that is certain to fit your appetite!
If you are planning to spend the night at the beautiful and peaceful Inn, please remember that breakfast and lunch are also served daily at Mirbeau Inn & Spa. Breakfast, served for 7:30 am to 10:30 am, boasts both a la carte breakfast items and as well as a fabulous European Continental. This delectable spread includes a variety of fresh fruits, cured & smoked meats, a selection of local and imported cheese along with a selection of breads, pastries, bagels and muffins prepared fresh on site daily for only $10. This breakfast, reminiscent of breakfasts served throughout France, Italy and Austria, may be just enough to allow you to forget your troubles and imagine yourself on the European vacation that you have often dreamed about!
If you have planned to take a drive into beautiful Skaneateles or you have (even better!) planned a day of relaxation and pampering at the Spa at Mirbeau, be sure to also enjoy a delicious lunch with several options recommended by the Spa. Lunch is served daily from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Try a Three Course Tasting ($25), or an enchanting Cobb Salad for Two ($30). The experts at Mirbeau will help you pair any of these dishes with a perfect wine and, remember, don’t forget about dessert!
There is no time like the present to find out what you’ve been missing! Now is the perfect time to take that scenic drive to Skaneateles and find yourself surrounded by the peace and serenity that is Mirbeau. Check out their website at www.mirbeau.com or call to make reservations (315) 685-5006 or toll free 877-MIRBEAU. Treat yourself, you deserve it!