THE MEAL
Drink: Clos de la Fontaine (2007), Muscadet
Oysters: New Point Comfort (Va.), Dragon Creek (Va.), Hama Hama (Wa.), Naked Cowboy (Wa.)
Dessert: Key Lime Pie
THOUGHTS
We've been talking about hitting up Hank's for a while now, but did not make it there until now. We showed up at about 7:45 pm, got our name on the waiting list (having failed to call ahead), and were directed to the bar at Vermillion (as the bar at Hank's didn't have any room).
While this isn't a review of Vermillion, I would note that they do have a nice selection of beer on draught, including Stone IPA (which I selected). The barkeep also provided a sample of Founder's Red Rye, which would be worth a second sample given anther opportunity. About half way through our drinks, Hank's called to let us know that our table was ready.
Hank's is a long, narrow restaurant, effectively divided into a front room and a back room by the bar. Given the comings-and-goings of people and the size of the front room, fortunately they sat us in the back room.
We began the evening by ordering a bottle of Muscadet. While I enjoyed the Muscadet (as a pleasant compliment to the oysters we would have), Hank's carries a reasonably priced wine list with several interesting options.
For dinner, we each ordered a dozen oysters from approximately eight options on the chalkboard (which changes from day-to-day based upon the oysters on site). Being somewhat of a locavore, I ordered the two Virginia oysters on the menu: the New Point Comforts and the Witch Ducks. Of course, they were out of the Witch Ducks, so they suggested Dragon Creek oysters (also from Virginia, but not on the chalkboard). The fact that I was already going "off-menu" on my first trip brought me great satisfaction.
The New Point Comforts were mild in flavor, but delicious. Having had New Point's on several occasions, I knew that I was getting myself into something good. The Dragon Creek's, however, were new to me. What distinguished the Dragon Creek's were the depth of the shell (and relatively small diameter), but, man, were they flavorful. After confirming that the Dragon Creek's were procured directly from a small oyster farmer, I couldn't help but order another half dozen to round out the evening. For what it's worth, my companion shared that the Dragon Creek's were also her favorite oysters of the evening.
My companion ordered the Hama Hama's and the Naked Cowboys, both from Washington State. Both the Hama Hama's and the Naked Cowboys appeared darker in color than the two Virginia oysters (which I found a little off-putting); however, the flavor on both was delightful. I found the Hama Hama's particularly on-point, what with the classic cucumber aftertaste associated with Washington State oysters.
At the conclusion of the meal, I couldn't help but order a slice of the Key Lime Pie. Having seen a piece as we walked to our table, I knew this would be a delightful way to finish the meal. I was not disappointed. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a homemade whipped cream topping, this was an outstanding example of an American tradition.
At the end of the meal, our server brought us a little ramekin filled with shards of dark chocolate. This finishing touch added to my already positive feelings about Hank's. Needless to say, I hope to return. Soon.
CONCLUSIONS
Food: 9/10
Service: 4/5
Errata: 5/5
Total: 18/20
$$
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