Corporate Concierge members were treated to a sublime dining experience this week at Abacus. When we arrived, we immediately noticed the striking painting in the foyer. Our gracious host Terry Kranz, the catering manager for Kent Rathbun’s exclusive restaurants (Jasper’s and Abacus), greeted us personally.
As we entered the bar area, it became apparent that a major renovation had occurred.The already beautiful space had been updated to reflect their modern take on fine dining.Open space, sloping banquettes, sleek modern furniture, a gorgeous exposed stone wall, tasteful red LED lighting and frosted glass combine to glorious effect.Terry described the renovations for us, and also pointed out that the artwork in the restaurant was all created by the staff.Imagine the beauty of the food to come when you find out that your pastry chef makes paintings worthy of a modern art museum.
- Our gracious hosts, Terry Kranz (Catering Manager), Anne Shukri, (Restaurant Manager) with Jackson (Corporate Concierge-Barney’s NY)
We began our meal with a delightful shrimp vichyssoise, perfectly presented and served at the ideal temperature. The soup had an incredible depth of flavor, balancing the sweet and savory flavors in a perfectly silky texture that made us all consider wiping the bowl clean. The Chateau St. Jean Fume’ Blanc was a delightful accompaniment.
As we eagerly awaited our main course, Terry filled us in on the renovation, and offered us a peek into their extensive catering program.Themed experiences designed around various cuisines and offered at multiple price points are standard for Rathbun’s catering team.Their concept is to bring you the same impeccable quality of food and service that you would find in their restaurants. As an added bonus, and for a little more money, you can even reserve the dining room at Kent Rathbun’s gorgeous Dallas home!
Our entrée was another perfectly prepared masterpiece.Pork tenderloin cooked to juicy perfection was served atop risotto with English peas and red bell pepper.The risotto and peas had a wonderful bite and the mild creamy sauce played beautiful foil to the rich almost BBQ demi that adorned the pork.
Over a fabulous chocolate and crème remoulade, Terry introduced us to the concept of art and philanthropy that lives behind all the fabulous food that Rathbun’s restaurants are known for.Abacus and the Rathbun catering staff will always be high on this concierge’s list of recommendations.In a city where good food is everywhere; great food, elegantly served, with a keen interest in art and philanthropy are still the exception to the rule; a rule that begs to be broken by another visit to Abacus.
Article written by Michael Einsohn, Concierge at Whole Foods Market Lakewood. Photographs by Jenny V. Crossland, Concierge at Trammell Crow Center
Oh, my, I am still remebering the delightful pork and risotto. It was so tender and flavorful that I could not wait to get home to have my leftovers. Everything was superb and Terry was a fabulous host.
This was one of the best meals I have ever experienced. Terry and Anne were excellant hosts and made us feel very welcomed. I will be sure to reccomend Abacus to my clients.
If our clients get treated half as well as we did, they are in for a treat. From our first greeting at the door to the hand shake good bye, our time there was nothing less than MAGIC.
I had such a wonderful time I came back later that night for drinks. I’am sorry, I am a sucker for awesome food and great service …..Oh yeah and cold cocktails!
Beautifully written, Michaeal… I’m so jealous I missed out on this.
I concur with everything that Michael wrote! The food, atmosphere and service were all exactly what you should and would expect from a world-class leader in the restaurant industry. It was a joy and an honor to experience such a wonderful treat! Thanks to the entire staff at Abacus I now have one more exceptional dining experience to tell to all of our clients.