May 16 was JB’s birthday and though this year is one like no other, I still wanted to take him out for a special meal. Luckily, many restaurants in Dallas have opened on a limited basis so we had several to choose from. His only request was the restaurant be close to home (more on that later).
I made a reservation at The Mercury, an establishment that we have loved for Easter brunch, special occasion dinners, meeting friends for a drink and often to enjoy a casual meal at the bar. (which boasts an amazing little menu…a trio of mini sliders and a cone of their famous french fries is the perfect game-watching snack) Sushi is available from their little side hustle and our favorite bartender, Amanda, makes a fabulous Old Fashioned, maybe the best in town. But these are all pre-Covid-19 memories. I was curious to see how this classic restaurant is holding up in current pandemic times.
We were greeted at the Sushi side door (there’s some construction going on with the facade so the main entrance was closed). The bar area is still open but with fewer tables and it’s lacking that buzzy vibe of friends meeting for spirits and laughs. Our table was in the secondary room and not only were we the first table seated there, but we were off to the side, secluded next to the wall. This was okay with me…I wanted a little privacy.
Unfortunately, our favorite server, Mehti, was off for the evening. I had requested his section when I made the reservation and felt serious disappointment when we were told after seating that he would not be our server. Michael was fine but seemed to struggle a little with his mask and he spoke VERY. LOUDLY. All of the other table bussers, water fillers, bread carriers and servers wore masks and gloves and were unobtrusive, silent in their tending to our needs.
We ordered Old Fashioneds from the bar after learning that Amanda was indeed on staff for the evening and she brought them to the table personally. This favorite bourbon cocktail did not disappoint. By the time we were halfway through our drinks, other tables were seated. None were larger than a party of 6 whom I noted, greeted one another with waves, no hand-shaking or hugging. Well, done, Dallasites! There were several parties of 2 and 3 individuals but the room never felt crowded.
And now for the main attraction…the food! This might have been the best sit-down meal we’ve had at The Mercury. I am a little embarrassed to share with you what we ordered because it was rich, rich, rich. But also so tasty, tasty, tasty.
Appetizer: Foie Gras (evening’s special and quite reasonable at $23)
Entree: Miso Black Cod with asparagus
Entree: Veal Milanese with arugula salad and spaetzle
Side: Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Side: Portabella Fries with Ranch
All of the portions were generous. Every dish arrived hot to the table (pet peeve #2 for me!!! #1 is service, duh) Each and every item was delicious, except the sprouts which were undercooked and could in no way be described as crispy. And OMG, I am still thinking about those Portabella Fries! Never had them before and they were so decadently delicious, dipped in creamy ranch dressing. It was an entirely amazing meal from start to finish. JB’s Italian Cream cake dessert was a lovely surprise finish to a perfect night out.
And because the restaurant’s location clocks in at .6 miles from our home, I didn’t even have to visit the ladies’ room—something I have foregone since the start of the corona virus, no public loos for this girl…I’d say the evening was an overwhelming success!
