Restaurant Review: Local Three

Local Three, 3-12-2011

Local Three is a new restaurant from the owners of Muss and Turners and Chef Chris Hall. The focus is on local ingredients while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. So much as been written about the restaurant in the food press and blogsphere that DH and I wanted to check it out. Be forewarned that it hit everything that has been hyped about it.

The space is a bit hard to find in the middle of a high rise business park. The door is hidden in the lobby of one of the buildings behind the restrooms. Thankfully, there were several signs pointing the way. The space was darker and smaller than I thought it would be. The larger tables are in the front part of the restaurant while the two tops are in a separate space towards the back. DH and I were seated at a two top. It was still energetic without being as noisy, which was nice because we could hear each other talk.

The alcohol selection is fairly extensive. I chose the Hooked Riesling from Germany. From this non-wine expert, it was good with sweet hints of fruit. DH had a Malbec that he enjoyed. We started with the cheese tasting. The sheep cheese was surprisingly very mild. I also sampled a mixed milk and Gouda that I enjoyed. DH liked the New Zealand blue cheese. The cheese was accompanied by a cinnamon jam, honey, and flat bread. For his entr?e, DH got the McDowell, which was two Angus patties. He also got the braised winter greens, which he said were the best he has had in years. He also enjoyed the beef. I got the chicken potpie. It was definitely comfort food. The sauce was thick and creamy, and the biscuit melted right into the rest of the dish. It was the best chicken potpie I?ve had at a restaurant ever. The portions were very generous for this price point and for the quality of the food. For dessert I got the chocolate and caramel mousse, which was slightly less chocolatey than I like but still delicious.
 

There is no valet, and parking is easy in the parking deck. The restaurant validates. Service was very good. My one complaint is that the two tops are very close together. The same server was also waiting on the two tables next to us. Several times she stepped in between the tables, and we got a view of her backside while she took orders. It was a minor annoyance in an otherwise great evening.

Pros: Excellent food, reasonable prices
Cons: Tables close together
Website: http://www.localthree.com