Although attempting to park at Ferré Ristorante e Bar may prove to be exhausting, your experience will surely make up for it. The trendy uptown location provides a fun European environment consisting of numerous cafes and unique shops. Ferré’s suite is positioned in the corner of a classically designed structure, so it is easily visible from the main avenue. Once inside the restaurant, guests receive a formal and warm welcome by well-dressed employees, dispelling any doubts that may have existed.
Deciding whether to sit in the patio or the main dining room proves to be more daunting. The indoor seating area is adorned with a simply traditional and undeniably Mediterranean flavor. The upscale appearance is validated by an overflowing wine reserve and mouthwatering dessert displays, both in clear view. Ornate windows and elaborate furniture offset the natural walls and basic, yet impressive chandeliers. Sculpted cypress plants complement the restaurant’s Tuscan motif and Italian stylings. The hall leading to the restaurant’s adequate bathroom is proudly lined by positive critiques from past years. Also, the fully stocked bar and waiting area ensures that any wait to be seated will pass quickly. The patio is ideal for good weather because of an exciting view and open atmosphere. With Tuscan landscaping and tiles, the outdoor eating area is as inviting as the rest of Ferré.
Once in our seats, the waiter politely presented himself, stated his name and quickly retrieved some refreshments. The server also accommodated us despite our endless inquiries concerning the restaurant. In order to answer the questions entirely, Executive Chef Wes Ebey took time out of the kitchen to help. Ferré Ristorante e Bar opened its doors in August of 2001 under the corporation Restaurant Works, Inc. The same company runs many other restaurants including the neighboring Cru and another Ferré located in Fort Worth.
The restaurant’s accommodations include a seating capacity totaling 200 people, a private room for eight to 16 people and a patio with seating up to 30. Rentals and catering are also available at convenient times throughout the week. The West Village location also offers dinner-and-a-movie deals with the famous Magnolia Theatre.
The menu boasts a variety of Tuscan Italian cuisine at simplified prices at around $15. The dishes are neatly organized into categories on a single page, each category consisting of approximately 10 to 15 choices. This division prevents the decision- making process from overwhelming the guest with too many choices. We ordered a healthy amount of dishes ranging from calamari, sweet potato gnocchi, cangues salad lobster risotto and French-cut pork with blood orange glaze.
The food began to arrive quickly after our order was placed. Our glasses never dipped beyond the halfway mark and our plates never sat empty for longer than a few minutes. The food was presented artistically and creatively in its own distinct plate or bowl. The timing was perfectly in sync with our appetite and delivered in an inspiring manner. Special servers help the waiter with the meals so each dish touches the table at the same time.
The food floored us. Not only is everything cooked in-house, but the ingredients are second to none. The sweet potato gnocchi excited our mouths with a new flavor while the calamari did not disappoint. The salad only accentuated the homestyle flavoring as the appetizers. Both the lobster risotto and the French-cut pork successfully satisfied our appetites. Tiramisu with newly brewed coffee ended the meal. A special French coffee press ensures that there is no fresher coffee available.
As my party and I exited Ferré Ristorante e Bar, we agreed that the incredible service left a huge impression. The candid waiter, helpful general manager and skilled executive chef did everything they could to guarantee their guests an enchanting experience. Not only was the food impeccable as well, it was affordable. For this reason, I suggest that every SMU student experience Ferré.
