Rue Dumaine: Intimate, Unique, Tasty!
I don't know about you, but I think what makes a great restaurant, is when I can escape into good food, good atmosphere and forget for a few hours the stresses of the day-to-day life. With Rue Dumaine, it does exactly that.
Rue Dumaine: Intimate, Unique, Tasty!
I don't know about you, but I think what makes a great restaurant, is when I can escape into good food, good atmosphere and forget for a few hours the stresses of the day-to-day life. With Rue Dumaine, it does exactly that.
Located in a shopping mall in Centerville amongst Piada, Coldstone Creamery, Five Guys and Chipotle, is this American-French bistro that opened in 2007. Don't let Rue Dumaine's restaurant neighbors fool you, this is an elegant restaurant full of class. The inside is dimly lit with an emphasis on French design. Its walnut bar and wine room will be the first thing you notice, right after the greeter offers to hang your coat. I love a little special treatment.
Anne Kearney, the chef of Rue Dumaine, was originally from Ohio, before moving to New Orleans to open her own restaurant. "Rue Dumaine" is French for "Dumaine Street", which was the street Kearney's restaurant in New Orleans was located. In addition to opening her own place, she had also worked with Emeril Legasse for three years and helped write the script for his first television show. It's obvious Kearney has skill in the kitchen.
I had met Kearney in 2009 when I worked for a local community newspaper. She was teaching a cooking class and I had the honor to speak with her for an article I was writing. It wasn't until this year, though, that I found my way into her restaurant. I don't know why I waited so long.
Kearney's restaurant is unique in its options - like offering duck legs as an entree. It also has an emphasis on getting as many local ingredients as possible. To top it off, every night the chef will tailor any menu item to be vegan or vegetarian. You'll find the menu holds a glossary on the back, helpfully explaining all the big French words people like myself aren't smart enough to know off hand.
There are specials every day, but I would suggest going on Wednesday, when the chef offer a taste of Louisiana. I've gone twice - both times coincidentally on a Wednesday.
This past time I visited, my friend and I started with the frog legs. It was our first time trying this delicacy. We weren't prepared for the bones like a chicken wing, but we liked them regardless. For the main course, I ordered the special which was a Kingklip fish that featured ham, kale, pecans and sweet potatoes. The fish was thick and flavorful and everything mixed in it was fantastic. I loved that it filled me up and was tasty. Sometimes I regret getting fish at restaurants, but not this time.
My friend got the salmon and asparagus, which was just as good as mine. If you are unsure what to order, I was told by my server that Kearney's favorite is the grilled lamb loin. I finished my meal off with a flourless torte. It was a chocolate hazelnut cake with a hazelnut honeycomb. I was not disappointed with the chocolatey goodness.
In the two times I've visited, I've found the service great. My water glass was always full, and there was constantly someone nearby if I needed something. The more intimate setting I think helps this element.
Yes, the pricing is a bit higher which means this may not be the location for a weekly visit if you're on a tight budget. But it's definitely the perfect date night location, offering a little something different for the taste buds in our wonderful city of Dayton.
Rue Dumaine
1061 Miamisburg-Centerville Road
Dayton, OH 45459
