Amuse Restaurant - Ashland

I ordered an Old Fashioned, having previously enjoyed a strong one on my last visit. This time, however, it was disappointing—not strong at all. The fruit muddled at the bottom not only interfered with the flavor but also left a chalky aftertaste. To make matters worse, it seemed like the staff was completely oblivious to the fact that a majority of the diners (10 out of 12) were visibly uncomfortable, huddled in their jackets because the restaurant was quite cold. I was dressed in a sweatshirt, hat, and sweatpants—and I usually run hot—but even I felt chilly. My plate was cold to the touch after just 10 minutes of eating, and the asparagus served with my main course was equally cold. I had ordered the filet mignon, which was recommended by our server. When asked how I wanted it cooked, I specifically requested medium rare. To my dismay, the steak arrived so rare that it was chewy, with one side oozing while the other was barely cooked. When I informed the server, she quickly took it back to the kitchen. However, when it returned, it was still blood red rare. For $13, my Old Fashioned was unsatisfactory, and the $49 filet mignon had been undercooked not just once, but twice. This raises serious questions about the bartender’s understanding of what an Old Fashioned should be, the chef’s ability to properly cook the most expensive cut of beef on the menu, and the waitstaff’s awareness of the discomfort their guests were experiencing in a dining room that felt like it was maintained at a chilly 50 degrees. In the end, I did enjoy spending time with my friend and left feeling full, but I can't shake the feeling that I didn’t experience true fine dining or even a quality meal.

Amuse is absolutely fantastic. I had the black truffle roasted game hen served with Italian kale, and I enjoyed every bite. However, the dessert is what will stay with me the longest. It was a wonderfully creative dish featuring wood-grilled figs and fresh berries accompanied by wildflower honey ice cream. This is the perfect spot for a fine dining experience.

We enjoyed a delightful and sophisticated dinner here after attending the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It's important to make a reservation, as the seating is quite limited. The attention to detail at this restaurant is remarkable, and the menu features a strong French influence. Our waitress informed us that most of the ingredients are organic. They also offer a great selection of wines from Oregon and California.

This restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. The presentation, flavor, and textures of the dishes are outstanding, and they use fresh ingredients throughout. The service is exceptional as well. The dining area is small and has an open layout. The wine list is modern and suitable for most diners, but don’t expect to find high-end vintages like ’89 Lynch-Bages. I’ve spoken to over 50 people who have eaten here, and none have ever been disappointed. I usually bring my own bottle of wine, and the cost typically comes to around $100 or more per couple.

The restaurant is now named Cocorico. The food and desserts are delicious!