Touché

Touché has a nice, low-​light bar atmosphere. The service was very good and our server Rachel was super friendly. We dressed quite casually and felt very comfortable. We walked in on a Sunday evening at 8:00 and we were seated right away. The scallop risotto looked like too small a serving, but turned out to be the perfect amount. The perch dinner with the jicama salad was also good. Next time we return, would like to sit out on balcony and watch the boats, but will definitely make reservations for the balcony.

Food is good but a little pricey. Outdoor patio is very nice, sits on river. Service was excellent. A nice alternative to the upscale Chez Francois that is in same building.

It’s always a pleasure to dine at Chez Francois, but sometimes you want to be a bit more casual. Enter Touché. Touché is the street-​level bar above Chez, but the food comes from the same kitchen. Meaning the same amazing chef, John D’Amico, prepares it. So you know you’re in for a treat. And the prix fixe menu, at $ 30 for three courses, is a bargain.
On previous visits, we enjoyed a drink or two, and something small prior to dinner at Chez. If this is your plan, it’s hard to go wrong with their cheese plate, a generous platter of dairy delights, with appropriate accoutrements.
However, this time we were there for a meal, so we started out with the foie gras. Their preparation is particularly delicious, served over a raisin nut toast, with a sweet mélange of what I believe on this occasion was sweet potatoes and pears. Matt, the amazing host at both Chez and Touché, was there with a sweet dessert wine that perfectly complimented the unctuous taste of the foie gras. This truly is a singular dish.
Following that, we had a salad of roasted beets, goat cheese, and tarragon, topped with a vinaigrette rich with shallots. While this is not on the menu, it should be, as it’s a tart salad that is wonderfully refreshing, and a punchy counterpoint to the richness of many of the other dishes.
Entrees took a turn, with an order of the panini croque monsieur, and an order of the day’s special, a lobster ravioli. Sampling both, I again realized you could simply throw darts at this menu, and eat well. The sandwich was beautifully presented, with small ramekins of pickles, relish, and jalapenos. The sourdough bread was toasted crunchy, and the Gruyère and ham was tasty. Along with the parmesean-​dusted pommes frites, simple and delicious.
The ravioli was at the other end of complexity, with tender squares of egg pasta wrapped around lobster, topped with a butter sauce, and large pieces of lobster meat. Additionally, there were generously-​shaved slices of parmesan reggiano, and, taking the dish well over the top, four shavings of black truffle, paper thin, but the size of a small fist. The combination of lobster, pasta, sauce, parm, and truffle is an amazing experience. Complex flavors, yet still in balance.
Suzie took care of us all evening, and did a phenomenal job of keeping us fed, watered, and entertained. Between her and Matt, it was like having dinner with old friends (even if these friends are much cooler than your real ones).
Time always flies at Touché. When you are enjoying yourself this much, you never look at your watch. The service and pacing never seems hurried, yet you never seem to wait for the next glass or plate. The staff at Chez and Touché seem to really enjoy their jobs, and taking care of customers. It’s always a pleasure, a taste of The Good Life.

Bar above chez– good food, drinks, & atmosphere