When a restaurant has something worth shouting about it hosts a dinner for the media. Mignon realized that they had something worth screaming to the ceiling about when they announced Chef James Sleeth’s new Game Week Menu. The press dinner took place last week. I was fortunate enough to be invited and I came away impressed. We started with an appetizer of Braised Wild Boar (potato gnocchi, grilled fresh figs, shaved truffle cheese and aged balsamic), $13, which expertly long-cooked those fruit and meat contrasts into a compote that was simply ideal for the upcoming cold weather. It seemed to be a dish that would be difficult to top were it not for the Elk Tenderloin (pommes Anna, caramelized pearl onion, candied pecans, rosemary oil and demi-glace), $49. Elk is one of the treats of Colorado ski country but a rarity around Dallas.
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Another rarity on Dallas menus is rabbit. Braised Rabbit (roasted Yukon gold potatoes, baby carrots, Brussels sprouts and braising jus), $49. The long, slow cooking technique made the meat fall-off-the-bone tender and moist. This was not a stew (another popular rabbit preparation) so the vegetables cooked separately retained their flavor. This was a good thing especially for the Yukon gold potatoes which retained that buttery flavor that gives them their character.
We also had a salad course Grilled marinated Quail (field greens, fresh winter pear, marinated feta, toasted filberts, mixed berries and raspberry Champagne vinaigrette), $14. I loved the seared quail but would have liked some crunch to add contrast to the greens (maybe quinoa?).
Also on the menu, but not tried: Peking Duck 3 Ways (frisée salad, with pine nuts, black berries, grape tomatoes, and sherry shallot vinaigrette), $39 and Venison New York Strip (herb crusted pommes parisienne, chantrelles, spaghetti squash and glace de veau), $49.
The wine list features around 130 selections with markups 3x+ retail. Strength is in California with a focus on big names.
Congratulations to Mignon and chef James Sleeth for taking this step. It adds a new category for Plano diners. The Game Menu runs thru November 13th (although popular items will likely continue on the regular menu). During this time, the regular menu is still available for people who prefer it.
