Fine Dining at Longwood Gardens - The 1906

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Longwood Gardens – 1906

In the midst of one of the world's premiere gardens, 1906, named in honor of the year Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954) purchased the grounds, at Longwood Gardens offers a fine dining experience that is unparalleled. Enjoy lunch daily and dinner seasonally with a view of the Longwood Conservatory and the Gardens. The completely redesigned fine dining restaurant offers fresh fare and beautiful decor for a sophisticated dining experience. Located in the mushroom capital of the world, 1906 offers many dishes which contain mushrooms. Not a mushroom person? Most dishes can be ordered without. Enjoy a variety of tasty appetizers, meals and desserts that support sustainable seafood and local, sustainable agriculture.

I’ve never experienced fine dining quite like 1906, so I was very much out of my comfort zone, but the food was unbelievably delightful. Each guest received their own bread in a ceramic “flower” pot. The bread was shaped like a mushroom to represent the mushroom capital of the world.

The inspired soup preparation, tomato, was thick and creamy, which is how I like my soup to be made. For my main course, I ordered the Creekstone Farms sirloin steak which came with crispy Portobello mushrooms, roasted pepper confit, creamed spinach and bordelaise sauce. I am not a fan of mushrooms, so I ask for my dish without. It was the best steak I ever had. The meal was perfectly made to my liking and the flavors exploded in my mouth with each bite.

My best friend ordered the Ran Roasted Chicken Breast which came with charred pepper sauce, crisp pancetta, Tuscan kale, parsnip puree and cipolini onions. Talk about a succulent meal. I was lucky enough to try it and immediately fell in love with the parsnip puree (definitely a side dish I will attempt to make).

You may be full after finishing your meal, but the enticing dessert menu will suck you back in. My suggestions would be the Elderflower Pannacotta, a mix of passion fruit curd, raspberry, citrus & mint, or the Pecan Tartlet, chocolate ganache, Chantilly cream, and salted bourbon caramel. Both desserts are exquisite and delivered in perfect presentation.

1906 also has a variety of wines, cocktails, cordials & spirits available throughout your meal. Our server was very knowledgeable of the menu and very respectful of her guests; however the wait time for meals were not to my liking. I appreciate the understanding, allowing your stomach to digest, but our party resided at 1906 for at least 2.5 hours, losing time to enjoy Nightscape: Longwood Garden in the dark. My suggestion would be to enjoy the Gardens during the day and end your night relaxing at 1906. It’s an affair you have to experience.

For more information please visit www.longwoodgardens.org/dine/1906-fine-dining-room.

Disclosure: Guest travel reviewer Sara Miller received a complimentary meal and beverages. No monetary compensation was received for this review. Regardless, Sara's opinions, thoughts and words are her own 100% unbiased opinion. Your opinions may differ.