Evenings for Two

Finally got a chance to check out Six Plates last Saturday.  The first thing you notice when you walk in is that somebody paid attention to the design.  From the long, low red couches to puffy mushroom stools to the chandeliers, the ambiance was decidedly romantic and elegant but very unstuffy.

This is a great place for a date night but maybe even better suited to a double date.  Most of the non-traditional seating areas are set up for four or even six to eight.

Interesting restaurant concept described by the name.  In essence, there are only six items on the menu, each paired with a wine.  You order everything at the bar.  They bring it out to you when it’s ready.  (which works pretty well except that by the time the food came out we were already done with the wine it was supposed to be paired with) The servings are a little bigger than tapa sized — I’d say half portions.  If you ordered any 3, I’d think that would be more than enough for 2 people for dinner. They also have additional wines by the glass and bottle if you don’t want to do the pairings and beer too.

We enjoyed some flatbread to start that was dressed up with fontina cheese, bacon and brussel sprout leaves.  But of course, bacon makes just about everything better.  Later, we ordered the seared ahi, which was paired with a verde or green wine.  It was slightly effervescent and a nice match.  We also had the swordfish but ignored the pairing as a favorite rose of mine — the Leverano from Italy was on the menu.  I love it in the summer and a glass in winter was a wonderful reminder of warmer days to come.

In summary, I’d recommend a visit to Six Plates for a relaxed romantic evening or dinner out with another couple or two.  It also makes a perfect pre-show pairing with Duke Performances as it’s only about 5 minutes from the restaurant to the parking deck at the Bryan Center — on a beautiful spring evening I’d be tempted to walk!