The Roosevelt Room, 121 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
By Irene Merenda
After volunteering at the Pena Peck House with the Woman’s Exchange one Friday evening, I walked down the street and met Frank for dinner at the Roosevelt Room. I had been there for brunch a year or so ago, and it was excellent, so decided we should try it for dinner.
We arrived about 6:00 and the restaurant was empty, save for a very friendly bartender. We were seated in the upstairs loft (no elevator) where there were only 2 tables. Another couple arrived shortly after we did and they were also seated upstairs. While we perused the menu, a group of 6 or 7 young men (of course everyone looks young to me these days), came into the bar area, made their presence known loudly and a bit profanely. I suspect that they had been to several other bar stops prior to this one.
Our very attentive waiter, David, took our wine (Duckhorn Chardonnay glass-$15) and appetizer order. The French Onion Brie appetizer ($20) was a delicious round brie enclosed in slightly crunchy fried pasty and topped with caramelized onions, datil honey and charred rosemary. It could easily have been an appetizer for 4 and we brought at least half of it home. I’m sorry I didn’t get a good photo of it, as this appetizer was the highlight of our meal.
Frank ordered the Bone-in New York Strip steak ($65) with au poivre sauce ($6). The steak, requested medium rare, arrived closer to medium well. It was smothered in the sauce, which was ok but very salty. The entree came with a side of creamed spinach, which was flavorful, but 2 bites worth. Frank suggested that the sauce should have been served in the tiny ramekin, instead of the spinach. (i.e. more spinach, less sauce). The fingerling potatoes and roasted tomatoes were very good.
I had the Lobster Pot Pie, ($55) which was not a pot pie at all, or any kind of pie for that matter. I can’t be sure, but I believe the pastry was a “Grand” instead of true pastry, covered with a creamy, overly salty sauce. If you are not familiar with Grands, they are bake at home biscuits that come in the dairy section of the grocery store in a cardboard tube that you have to smack to open. There were 3 pieces of tender and flavorful lobster and some overly soft peas and leeks. Overall, the dish, especially for the price, was underwhelming.
I am awarding The Roosevelt Room 3 spoonbills for the delicious appetizer, David’s great service and the friendly bartender. If we go back, which I doubt, the appetizer is all we would order. Or more likely, we will try it again for brunch. If you want to form your own opinion on this restaurant for dinner, it is open nightly from 5:00-9:30pm. They serve breakfast and brunch daily from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
