Well to start, a little bit about the location. Lynn's is located near the waterfront along with most of the bars and diners in the downtown area. The parking is a bit scarce, so be prepared to walk a little ways to get there. I recommend a quick drive by to see if a street spot is open, before heading to whatever parking lot you can find with an open spot.
Once inside you'll notice that the establishment is not very big, not to say that it's cramped, just not big. I actually like the cozy aspect of it, but it should be noted that because they have a limit on how many can be seated, reservations would be a good idea.
Risha and I had reservations and were seated quickly, but I did pay attention to the crowd that gathered in the little waiting area. I think the fact that despite the lack of seating in the waiting area, people were willing to stand till tables came open should say something to the quality of the place. It could have also been because of the fact that Lynn and her wait staff serve drinks to those who are waiting; I guess if you handed me a glass of Vino I'd have no trouble waiting either. And if that doesn't cut it, and you have to grab a seat while you wait, there is a bar conveniently located just next door.
The wait staff, aside from keeping the waiting guests in vino, did a superb job of tending to all of the guests. Actually, I think it would be safe to say that the wait staff rates in my top five most attendant. My water glass didn't get more that a third empty, we were frequently checked up on, and from what I could tell everyone else seemed to be getting the same first rate service that Risha and I were.
With all this service I couldn't help but anticipate an incredible meal, and Lynn didn't disappoint. For our appetizer we shared chicken pate and french onion soup. The soup was good, but the pate was incredible. The idea struck me as I was eating it that the taste of the pate was similar to other pate that I had eaten before, but this is what those other pates wanted to be when they grew up.
For our main courses we had grilled rack of venison in a huckleberry merlot sauce and steamed sole with a garlic cream sauce. Both entrees came with a layered potato au gratin and steamed vegetable. Ok, that was the straight forward one two of what we ate, but the simplicity of a few words can only describe so much. Like simply telling you that the Venison was grilled perfectly, keeping the tender texture of the meat while at the same type crusting the outside in a perfectly seasoned jacket, cannot fully relate to you just how happy my taste buds were with me. Often with venison there can be a concern about gaminess, but no so with this dish, no gaminess, just a fantastic piece of meat glazed in a semisweet merlot sauce. The thinly cut slivers of potato baked with a creamy seasoned au gratin seemed the perfect fit for the dish, along with the steamed vegetable that added that crisp refreshing snap to finish of this incredible dish.
Risha seemed equally happy with her dish and was kind enough to share a bite with me. I felt that the sole was done well, being steamed can sometimes cause fish to come out a little overdone or mushy; Lynn's sole fish was tender but still held enough firmness to make the texture a pleasure to eat.
To wrap it all up we decided to split on a chocolate covered, fresh berry filled crepe. Suffice it to say that it was delicious.
I truly enjoy this restaurant. On the occasions that Risha and I have been able to go, the service was great. Friendly people who don't try to up sell, and are attentive without being overbearing. The food is fantastic. Lynn, the owner, comes out to talk with people and helps serve the meals herself. I will definitely be going back for more in the future.
We give this one Five out of Five stars. *****
http://kirklandbistro.com/
We got carried away and nibbled on the pate before thinking about taking the photo.
Steamed sole with creamy garlic sauce
Grilled rack of venison with huckleberry merlot sauce
