Out to eat: Mesh

Roasted duck is served with baby bok choy and Shanghai noodles. (Credit: Leigh Taylor | Metromix)

I had heard a lot about Mesh and in no way expected the food to be like something on "Top Chef."

My boyfriend and I invited a few friends to check out this contemporary restaurant in West Chester. Now we know the reason people were talking about it: It was one of the best dining experiences we've ever had.

On a Saturday evening, Mesh was busy but not bustling or loud; the mood and atmosphere are alluring enough for a first date, an anniversary dinner, business meeting or just a relaxing evening out with friends.

I was glad we dressed up a bit, as the restaurant is known as upscale but casual. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, had all of the chef's specials memorized and was able to recommend a fine bottle of wine.

Worth every penny

Our meal started out with an amuse bouche from executive chef Tommy Malone. The dainty crustini was covered in a whipped cheesy meringue of a sour cream, chive and garlic whipped confection. What a perfect way to entice us for the rest of the meal.

We started with the crab trifecta ($16), which consisted of king crab in all of its buttery goodness, artichoke and crab risotto cooked to perfection, decadent crab cakes and a curry and dijonnaise sauce.

When our waiter described the chef's specials for the evening, three of us couldn't pass up the bone-in filet with lobster mashed potatoes and bacon green beans ($65). The filet came out cooked to perfection and covered with lobster and sauce, and even though the price was a little high, it was worth every penny.

My date opted for the Prime New York strip ($39), a 14 oz. steak with whipped garlic potatoes, French green beans and a blueberry barbecue sauce. He finished every last bite as it exceeded expectations.

Our other guest decided to try the chef's special surf and turf ($42) with seared ahi tuna, a filet mignon, succotash, and shrimp risotto, which his wife described as "the best thing she's ever eaten."

Four out of five of us decided to add a delicious house salad ($4).

As if we wanted more

My boyfriend and I split a bottle of Nine Stones Australian shiraz to accompany our hearty portions of beef ($32).

The meal was spread out over a three-hour time period, so I didn't feel so bad ordering crème brûlée ($7). It was not the traditional flavor but a caramel and mocha custard. It was like eating a cup of coffee.

My boyfriend went for the amaretto cheesecake ($5), which was moist and flavorful while the amaretto did not overpower the dish.

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