Restaurant decor and bar area – classic and beautiful. Sorry for the blurry pictures, it was pretty dim and I was snapping shots quickly!
El Diablito
Blanco Tequila, Chilies, Tamarind
Betony Milk Punch
I noted at the time that this was the best cocktail I had that year. The customer chose their own spirit (in my case I selected mezcal, per the bartender's perfect recommendation). I had watched a video the night before detailing how they make this - it was a very involved process by which they flavored the milk and broke it down into curds using lemon juice, then filtered it multiple times until totally clear. I've since enjoyed learning more about this classic drink and even tried my hand at making it myself, though it's pretty tricky!
Another bartender using liquid nitrogen.
Olive Oil Crisps
We ate through three boxes of these light crisps by the end of the night.
Eat a Peach
Bourbon, Peach Leaf, Apricot Brandy, Brûléed Peach
Horchata
Aged Rum, Sesame, Pumpkin Seed
Powdered Cucumber
Yogurt, Pumpernickel
The cucumber in this little amuse-bouche immediately dissolved upon hitting the tongue - it all came together to taste like a light and refreshing cucumber soup.
Betony's delicious bread service: warm caraway rolls with whipped crème fraîche.
Canapés
Puffed Chip w/ Trout Roe
Beet
Crisp Roll w/ Pea Mousse
Corn Chip w/ Aleppo Pepper
Marshmallow w/ Green Tea Powder
We were served this fun assortment of little bites in quick succession. Another photography hiccup here, for some reason my phone's camera started adding these strange bands of light across some of my photos around this time.
More beautiful decor.
Carrot Salad
Sheep's Milk Yogurt, Turmeric
Snapper Crudo
Tomato, Basil
Hen's Egg
Cavatelli, Asparagus
Seared Foie Gras
Braised Chard, Puffed Rice, Duck-Chard Broth
Crispy Skate Wing
Green Curry, Cucumber, Skate Cartilage Chip
We didn't order this course, but we had hit it off with the service staff and they brought this out on the house! They served it with a light, slightly tart beer. Perfect!
The Belgian red ale they helped us pick in anticipation of the main course.
Crispy Suckling Pig's Head w/ Sides
Squash Purée
"Salad" of Crispy Fried Pig Ears & Herbs
Roasted Potatoes, Caramelized Figs, Charred Leeks, Roasted Carrots, Buttered Fava Beans
Boudin Blanc w/ Mustard
Mini Tarte Flambée
This multi-component main course for two was a true delight. We were absolutely flabbergasted by the embarrassment of riches as they brought out plate after plate. As they carved the half pig head table-side, the server tapped on the skin, producing a drum-like sound. So crisp!
Blueberries
Marjoram, Sesame Crisp
"Pretzel"
I can't recall what the individual components of this special birthday dessert were, but they added up to a tasty mouthful.
Pipe Dreams Buche
I have no notes on what else was on the plate here other than "served w/ slightly weird accompaniments".
Another gratis course! A delicate and subtly complex dessert consisting of berries, currants, yogurt, and little jelly cubes (I think made of wine). Super-refreshing.
Homemade Irish Cream
Caramel Chews
Redundant to say, but we had an absolutely amazing time - again, we were very sorry to hear of Betony's closing a few months later (though I did get to go again with Al), but were glad to have experienced it while it was there.
