REVIEW OF CLEMENTINA’S
The ultimate setting for a special evening

Atmosphere

After entering into the casual foyer of El Serrano, with extremely informally dressed guests, we were concerned that this may not be the place to celebrate our anniversary. We were then greeted by a very pleasant hostess, who expected us, and whisked away to an upstairs sanctuary consisting of four private dining rooms.  Each room is outfitted with a working fireplace, lit candles, and volume control for the music.  The room is softly lit and furnished with stunningly beautiful Peruvian wooden carved tables, chairs and stained glass windows.  There seemed to be a passionate and painstaking attention to detail in the decoration of each private room to evoke a feeling of Peruvian authenticity.   

Food

Clementina’s offers a five course tasting menu.  The numerous selections for each course were a pleasant surprise, as often with tasting menus one only has one or two options.  Here, there were three very unique, tantalizing and varied options for each course.  We, being of a very disconcerting New York City palate of a "been there done that" mindset, were very pleased with our menu selections.  The salmon starter was soft, slightly salted with capers and perfectly tart with a touch of lemon.  The gazpacho was hearty, yet light with the perfect amount of spice.  I'm still not sure what the chef had done to the julienne salad to make it the most amazing salad I have had, but the fusion of flavours and chopped delicate nature was unexpected in a salad and quite tasty.  For dinner, I chose the seafood combination.  The seafood was prepared perfectly, but I found the sauce a little too overpowering for my taste. That didn't stop me from devouring all on my plate and asking for a taste of my husband's lamb.  The lamb was moist, succulent and beautifully prepared.  Overall, the dinner was outstanding. 

Service
Holly was extremely solicitous of our well being without being intrusive.  It is a balance that is hard to achieve, but Holly managed to take care of every whim and fancy - and usually without being asked.  Her knowledge of the menu and Peruvian cuisine was impressive.   The chef introduced himself to us, and was pleased we were having a wonderful, romantic evening - along with enjoying his preparations, of course.  We hope he is successful in introducing Lancaster to fine Peruvian dining in a posh upscale venue.  

Wine List
The wine list was not extensive but offered a very reasonably priced range of wines from the United States and South America. Prices were in the mid $20 to $40 range for the most part.

Price 
$75 prix fixe, not including beverages, taxes and tip.  Reservations are necessary.