"Smoky and sweet, yet subtly strong—this drink will truly leave you breathless.
**Starter: Roasted Cauliflower**
Cooked to perfection, this dish reveals a surprising meatiness that will impress even my Vegan and Vegetarian friends. Be sure to slather the cauliflower in the rich tomato sauce and chimichurri cilantro salsa to experience its full flavor profile.
**Entrée: Truffle Summer Pasta**
Just a heads up: I ordered it gluten-free due to my Celiac disease. While this dish is usually served with fusilli, I received conchiglie (think conch shells) instead. Unfortunately, they were a bit undercooked, leaning too much toward the al dente side. Cooking gluten-free pasta requires patience and skill, and while I don’t want to undermine the chef's expertise, gluten-free preparation may present challenges.
**Dessert: Red Berry Pavlova**
Sweet, berry-infused, custardy, and zesty—this dessert is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that takes your palate on a magical journey. I’m grateful to my server, who recommended it; she hit the nail on the head. This dish is meant for sharing between two or three people, as it’s quite rich and settles heavily after such a hearty meal. I have to admit, I couldn’t finish it on my own; perhaps a couple of extra mouths would have helped tackle this mountain of deliciousness.
**Forewarning:**
At Semilla, the tip is included in the final bill, which is a common practice in Europe. Given that the chefs, staff, and owner are French, this method is integrated into their pricing. I don't mind it, but I was initially surprised, as it's not something we're used to in the States. Just a heads-up—unless you want to tip more than the included 20% gratuity, which is perfectly fine! That said, Meryline, my server, worked tirelessly and never missed a beat.
**Ambiance:**
The music is a bit on the loud side, but the environment is vibrant and inviting, with a clientele that seems to consist mainly of regulars. French is the predominant language, as I noticed nearly every table I passed was engaged in conversation in French. The décor is cozy and minimalist, adding to the welcoming atmosphere."
