Chez Albert

My brother gave me a Chez Albert gift card for my birthday. It is definitely one of the best gifts I have received. (My brother knows me well).

To be honest with you, I was a little skeptical of Chez Albert. I had heard good things, yet I worried that the food would be overpriced and not worth all of the praise. However, much to my surprise, my dinner was delicious, and I can say with confidence that the food at Chez Albert is the best I’ve eaten in Amherst as of yet.

The service was excellent, and I was so thankful that our waitress kept refilling the carafe d’eau (bottle of water). It’s the little things that can transform the dining experience from mediocre to wonderful. My friend and I both commenced with a warm pea and mint soup. The soup had a very smooth, silky texture and the mint acted as a fresh balance to the sweetness of the peas. For my main course, I ordered one of the specials – grilled swordfish in a tomato butter sauce (yum) with sautéed greens and mashed potatoes. My friend ordered the pork which came with a cherry reduction. Of course I tried it too, and it was very tasty.

At this point, both my friend and I were very very full, but a meal is not complete without dessert, is it? I ordered a chocolate tartine which came with biscotti and crème anglaise. Though not what I consider a typical tartine, the chocolate I was presented with was really spectacular. It reminded me more of a mousse, but it wasn’t too sweet or too rich, just the way I like my desserts.

I wish the food I cooked chez moi would be half as tasty. Maybe I will try and convince my parents to take me back to Chez Albert for my graduation next year.