Saint-Jacques

Absolutely phenomenal

by mockingbirdeffect at Citysearch

My husband, mother, in-laws, and I decided to go to Saint-Jacques for my 22nd birthday. My mother and I, in particular, are self-proclaimed foodies. I had read all of these wonderful reviews and was concerned that perhaps it had been to hyped up and I wouldn't enjoy it as much. I was happily mistaken!

We were seated at a very spacious table for five, especially considering how small the restaurant is! Our white napkins were exchanged for black ones so as not to leave any lint on our dark clothes . My father-in-law discussed the wine list briefly with the gentleman there (I wish I knew who he was! I feel so ignorant!), and ordered a fabulous bottle of red wine, the Margaux. We had a very diverse dinner, and it was great with everything.

For starters, we ordered the sweetbreads, the goat cheese salad, and the french onion soup. The sweetbreads were out of this world. My mother and I shared it and it was entirely too much for two people considering how rich it is. My husband felt as though his french onion soup was a little on the sweet side, but I thought it was great.

By the time we finished our starter, we needed another bottle of wine. Again, the gentleman was there to help us and steered us toward ordering another bottle of the Margaux. I ordered the pork tenderloin; my mother, the family-recipe veal; my husband ordered the duck a l'orange, his mother ordered the sea-bass, and his father got the beef Normandie. Of everything, I liked my pork the best but all the other dishes were great. The veal was served on creamy polenta and mixed with the reduction sauce, it was delicious. The pork was moist and stuffed with squash and bacon that melted into the pork. It had a nice, crisp skin and sat on wilted greens and potato blini. I loved it.

Dessert was amazing. We had the clafoutis, the chocolate addiction, the cheese plate, their house made vanilla ice cream, and creme brulee bread pudding with biscotti, which was the special. Everything was, again, delicious. My mother in law had been to Saint-Jacques before and mentioned a poached pear with ginger ice cream to the gentleman. He said he didn't remember it but that it sounded good. A few minutes later, he brought her the dessert, having described it to the chef! We were so impressed.

The waitstaff was very attentive and had just the right blend of personable-ness (if that's a word) and the ability to disappear. Obviously, we were having a great time and joking around, and the waitresses would laugh and joke with us occasionally. I love that they felt comfortable enough to do so (besides, we're funny people).

We had a phenomenal time and I will always, always, always recommend Saint-Jacques.

Stellar Authentic French Food, Amazing Service

by CandiceMedi at Citysearch

My fiance and I went here on a special occasion and felt like we hit a gold mine. It was just amazing, because the food was wonderful and the service was second to none.

To be clear to those wanting to check the place out, do not be dissapointed by the location. They are actually located in a strip mall with what I remember being a Chinese takeout and cheap hair salon. We were extremely turned off to this when we realized this. We were very dressed up and feeling quite out of place.

But once you get inside it is like you stepped into Paris. The beautiful lace curtains hide the less than charming view of the ATM machine outside. The tables are beautifully set and the wait staff (really one person that night) are so nice and our waitress was a native French speaker.

I ordered the duck a la orange and it was made perfectly, which is quite a feat. The flavor was just right and it was not too greasy as duck can be if not cooked perfectly right. His food was very good as well, but he ate like half of mine anyway. The prices are not cheap, but you really get what you pay for her. We left a thirty something dollar tip, if that tells you how good our service was.

One of the best in the Triangle

by myongsun at Citysearch

Lil and Lori Lacassagne have created a most intimate and cozy space with some of the most memorable food in all the Triangle.

The Blue Cheese Delicacy is amazing: Bleu cheese mousse served on a puff croquant in the middle of Port wine poached Bosc pear slices, finished with the reduction syrup.

Our dinner for two was $190 including tip and a $20 corkage fee.

Never disappointing.

• Pros: quiet, small space
• Cons: some would consider pricey

WE LOVE THE FRENCH!!!

by goheels2 at Citysearch

I just want to say, I LOVE this place. It was my first time for my girlfriend and I trying French food and it was my birthday. First thing you notice is how quaint the place looks and feels. We were greeted and seated promptly when we came in and the matre'd was very nice. The service was very good. We never had an empty glass or unwanted plates/silverware just sitting on the table. Someone was always coming by filling up the water glasses or asking was everything OK especially the owner. He and his wife are from France and they take great pride in what they do. He was a sweet man. Our server was very cool and she made great recommendations. I choose this place because it sounded interesting and my girlfriend and I love to try new places/foods. I made a really good choice. One of the features we loved was the grapefruit sorbet they gave as a palate cleanser. If we could eaten more of that we would have. It was really good. The food portions are just the right size so you can save room for dessert. Glad we did. I had the lemon burlee tart and my girlfriend had the apple tatain. Excellent!!! It was a wonderful ending to a great meal and experience. We will be coming back!!

• Pros: The Food Was Fabulous!!!
• Cons: They spoil you rotten!!

A Wonderful Place to experience!!!

by GorgeousFlyy at Citysearch

I ate at this restuarant tonight and was so excited to come home and write this review. I allowed them to pick their most recommended wines and meals to serve me and boy was I in for a treat! I was served a wonderful wine which married the meal and left my mouth completely and utterly satisfied. the Appetizers and Entrees were delicious. Please DO NOT make a mistake by ignoring this place because of its outer appearance once you come inside you will forget where you are at. The staff is wonderful and knowledgible. The owner personally greeted me and my date and I must admit the personal touch was well worth the price on the check! I look forward to eating here again

• Pros: atmosphere, flavor and service
• Cons: none