The Centennial Hotel - Sensational Dinner

Instead of bouncing around down-town Concord trying to find an interesting place for dinner we decided to try the Granite Restaurant in the hotel. I made a 7 o’clock reservation which was a good thing. The restaurant turned out to be packed by just after 7 with those showing up without reservations having to wait and have a drink or two at the bar for at least an hour.

The meal started off with really exceptional bread and butter (two choices along with oil for dipping). In a restaurant review who comments on the bread and butter? But that is just an indication of how special this meal was.

Our two choices for appetizers were Mussels Gremolata, White Wine Broth with Garlic, Citrus Zest, Herbs Parmesan Grilled Bread and Saffron Aioli and Grilled Marinated Lamb Kabob. Barrel Aged Feta, Raisins, Curry Toasted Almonds, Micro Greens and a Cucumber Mint Sour Cream.

Our entrees were Potato Crusted Haddock, Lobster, Pancetta, Wild Mushroom, Spring Vegetables and a White Wine Butter Sauce and Seared Sea Scallops, Lemon Linguini, Wild Mushrooms, Seasonal Vegetables, Vanilla Bean Citrus Vinaigrette and Chive Crème Fraiche.

For desserts we had Banana Beignets with Vanilla Ice Cream & Rum Caramel Sauce and Honey and Spice Poached Pear Tart, Tahitian Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream, Hazelnuts, Poaching Syrup Drizzle and a Pear Chip.

 The Granite wine list is extensive so picking a couple of good ones to try was easy.

 It would have been hard, if not impossible, to improve on any of our selections which I am sure held true for everything on the menu. We paid attention to what others at near-by tables were enjoying and reacting to. Every comment we heard was raving about their selections.

The Granite has another nice touch, many entrees and the wines are offered in two sizes and at two prices. For example, the Haddock I chose was available at $26 full and $16 for a half portion which was more than enough for me. Wines were served by the glass in 3 ounce and 6 ounce sizes with $6 and $9 being typical pricing.

For two of us, including gratuity and a couple of glasses of wine each the bill came to $120. The service was impeccable. Despite people waiting at the bar we never felt rushed. We wound up spending a couple of hours enjoying our meal and the conversation with the couple at the next table.

Sitting at the table next to us were Stuart Pole and his wife from the UK and spending a month or so touring America following Stuart’s successful sales career in the computer industry in Europe. The quality of the entire experience triggered us to start up a conversation with our new Brit friends whom we hope to see again before they head home later this Fall.

Corey Fletcher, a native from New Hampshire, is the Executive Chef of the Granite and has been there for about two years. He would thrive and attract a following any place.

I have to be back in Concord on January 6^th and will be counting the days to another great meal at the Granite Restaurant at The Centennial Hotel. But now is the perfect time to see the foliage in New England.

Visit www.thecentennialhotel.com. They can also be reached at 877-969-6838.