Cuvee
There's not much to choose from at Cuvee in Salem, Massachusetts. But there's obvious care, thought, and concentration in every dish.
Atmosphere(8)
Once you pass the tight entrance and uneven stairs, you enter into a comfortable dining area with a pleasant mix of lights and candles. But this room is loud, especially the music.
Menu(7)
Only five entrees to choose from: one each from chicken, steak, pork, lobster, and salmon. Daily specials help broaden this physically boring menu. But the wine list is a certain bright spot.
Portions(8)
Average appetizers and entrees; massive desserts.
Appetizers(8)
Fresh and tasty Caesar salad with asiago cheese, with a dressing that packed quite a punch. Vine-ripened red and yellow tomatoes with basil pesto and buffalo mozzarella was as yummy as it was pretty. Fabulous complimentary corn bread and biscuits.
Food and Drink(9)
Tortiglioni with pancetta, confit of chicken, and fresh veggies was bursting with flavors, colors, and textures. Grilled tenderloin of beef in a shiitake and blond morel mushroom ragu was a wonderful cut of meat, served with a sweet grilled Vidalia onion that was so scrumptious it would put any fried onion ring to shame.
Desserts(8)
The strawberry shortcake should have taken better advantage of the incredible sweet biscuit. Flourless chocolate torte is obscenely rich... just the way Phantom likes it.
Service(8)
Friendly and accomodating wait staff that has a loose, playful attitude. Servers work as a team, and they do an admirable job timing meals and making sure plates are cleared.
Cleanliness(8)
A slight fishy odor on the way in, but very tidy all around.
Parking(7)
Located at the Salem Inn on Route 114, it's easy to find but a tough place to park. You'll look for a meter... valet is needed.
Value(7)
Appetizers range from $6-9; entrees between $17-25. If you order the wrong stuff, Cuvee will make you say "Oy Vey."
