Charlie Trotter's Query

I am going to Charlie Trotter's for the first time a week from Saturday for my birthday. I'm very much looking forward to it but I have one concern. As a non-drinker, is it uncomfortable to not order wine? I normally wouldn't mind ordering a glass of wine with a meal but I imagine the price of the wine here is going to be rather high. If need be, I will bite the bullet and order it anyway because I've wanted to try the food for so long. I know that for some food and for some people, the wine pairings make the meal, and not ordering wine somewhat defeats the purpose. Thanks for any input on this!

Love,
John

I can't imagine that a place like Trotter's would make you feel uncomfortable for not ordering wine...and I'd further assume that they have some interesting non-alcoholic alternatives. I certainly wouldn't order a glass just to please the server.

When you do go, I'd be interested in hearing what non-booze options Trotter's offers.

Hammond

My daughter once went there when she was pregnant and not drinking and they couldn't have been nicer, bringing out interesting waters instead. I'm sure this is something they deal with frequently.

Wait, don't rush . . . you'll be able to taste some Trotter-inspired creations in United Airlines First and Business Class to Europe, beginning this summer!

Interesting press release hitting the wires this a.m. about the United/Trotter organization linkage. Click on this link to read the story:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070110/cgw036.html?.v=83

Now, back to your regularly scheduled program!

David and Ann,

Thanks for the quick responses! I'm relieved to hear that. I didn't see any non-wine options on the online menu, but I will report back after the meal. I have a couple other questions: I am going with one friend. Would you suggest one of us ordering the Vegetable Menu and the other ordering the Grand Menu, and splitting, or are the dishes not really "splittable"? If not, I'm assuming the Grand Menu would be the way to go, considering this is a one-time event. Also, for the sake of my friend, how much should one person expect to spend if wine is included in the meal? I think I read that the food itself is 135 and 115, depending on the menu. Thanks again!

Love,
John

I had some of the same concerns when I went because I enjoy beer and distilled spirits more than wine.

I've never been made to feel more comfortable than I was at trotters.

Ideal Machine wrote:David and Ann,

Thanks for the quick responses! I'm relieved to hear that. I didn't see any non-wine options on the online menu, but I will report back after the meal. I have a couple other questions: I am going with one friend. Would you suggest one of us ordering the Vegetable Menu and the other ordering the Grand Menu, and splitting, or are the dishes not really "splittable"? If not, I'm assuming the Grand Menu would be the way to go, considering this is a one-time event. Also, for the sake of my friend, how much should one person expect to spend if wine is included in the meal? I think I read that the food itself is 135 and 115, depending on the menu. Thanks again!

Love,
John

This is exactly what we did when the wife and I went, however if you are planning on splitting the dishes, be sure to bring a magnifying glass. I would think along the lines of an occasional taste of the other person's entree because the portions are extremely small, though presented nicely.

Although I haven't been in quite a few years, when I went, and tasting menus in generaly, they are not splittable. You'll be able to get a taste from your companion' s plate, but little more. I do recall that my wife and I ordered different menus so we could taste all the more dishes. Also, the Grand menu isn't necessarily better, it just usually has a few more luxurious ingredients. I'd look at all the menus offered and order which one appeals most. Enjoy.

Jonah

I haven't eaten at Trotter's, but I know they do a special non-alcoholic beverage pairing for $45 if you request it. If you're trying to avoid the added expense, maybe they'd be willing to whip up a bev. for just one or two of the courses? It's worth calling the reservationist to ask and/or give them a heads up.

Check out this story about non-alcoholic pairings.[/url]

crrush is correct Trotters offers a non-alcoholic tasting, which I ordered last time I ate at CT on the assumption that I wanted to see what Trotter could do; I know what vineyard owners could do. My reaction was generally favorable, although as a wine drinker I wouldn't order the flight again, not because they weren't good (I think I didn't care for only one of the set of drinks), but because they lacked the complexity of wine. However, for those who do not consume alcohol, it makes a special meal even more special.