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Sitting at The Mary Stegmaier last week, I felt the grandeur of the mansion and the Stegmaier family all around me.
My sister, Erin, and I picked The Mary Stegmaier mansion for a late birthday dinner, and we couldn’t have been more pleased with the exceptional service, flavorful food or exquisite atmosphere.
In fact, the entire experience — and it is an experience — is exquisite. This is fine dining in timeless Victorian-era elegance.
There are intimate parlor rooms for more privacy, a large central room, and a refined bar area with its own lighter-fare menu, including handcrafted cocktails nestled inside historic encyclopedias.
Each area has rich architectural charm, so no matter where you sit, you’ll feel transported in time.
Our party of seven was in the front dining room with a view of Franklin Street. I loved sitting in such a polished space in Downtown Wilkes-Barre, watching the comings and goings around Wilkes University.
Right from the beginning I knew I was in the right spot with the light, flavorful treat the chef sent out: a tiny amuse-bouche couscous salad, which stimulated the palate.
It was the perfect preparation for all that was to come: for me, the French Onion Soup, the Grilled Octopus (which I split with Oscar and my sister) and the Red Wine Braised Lamb Ragu as my entrée.
The French Onion Soup is classically prepared with a savory broth, crusty baguette and melted gruyere cheese. It’s served piping hot and was undoubtedly one of the best I’d ever had (and I am a French Onion Soup enthusiast).
The Grilled Octopus was served with a potato fondant, confit herb tomatoes, chimichurri and charred pearl onions. Similarly, this was as good, if not better, than any we’d had.
Oscar and I both ordered the Red Wine Braised Lamb Ragu and loved every bite. It’s braised lamb tenderloin (generous amounts) in a savory ragu, house-made harissa pappardelle with buffalo burrata and basil oil. It had a little spicy kick to it, which triggered a delicious sensation.
My sister loved the Chilean Sea Bass Milanese with red rocket panko, confit herb tomatoes, roasted new potatoes, pecorino romano and lemon beurre blanc. She ordered whipped potatoes alongside and commented on how tasty they were.
My mom ordered the Alaskan King Salmon with asparagus and lemon risotto, while my dad and other guests loved the hand-cut filet mignon. The latter is an 8-ounce filet seared with beef tallow, charred heirloom carrots, russet terrine and whole grain mustard demi-glace.
And, of course, we had to finish off with a scrumptious chocolate peanut butter concoction with raspberries on top for dessert.
One thing I didn’t mention is the Butler’d Bread Service, which is an option if you’d like to try a curated selection of artisanal breads baked fresh daily.
The level of sophistication is high, and with the grand piano, extraordinary staircase, and gorgeous chandelier, we couldn’t help but take family photos as we ended the night.
Then, since it started to pour rain right before our departure, the valet service was kind in keeping our car on standby.
We were glad it rained, though, because we got to sit in the bar and have a drink while chatting with the super knowledgeable and conversational bartender, Annie, who was a joy to get to know.
The manager Brianna and our server Kristen (apologies if the “e” should be an “i” here) were absolutely lovely, sociable and couldn’t do enough for us.
I encourage you to visit thestegmaier.com to explore more, book a reservation and immerse yourself in the level of refinement.
The venue opened to the public just this month, so if you’re looking for a romantic, luxurious or upscale night out, The Mary Stegmaier at 156 S. Franklin St. in Wilkes-Barre is for you.
It is open for fine dining Wednesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 9 p.m.
Mike McGinley is a Times Leader columnist who is often called a man about town. Email him thoughts at [email protected].