The Gilded Spoon
Owner: Laurent Belmond
The Gilded Spoon is a sophisticated and refined establishment nestled in the heart of University City, known for its gourmet dining and upscale atmosphere. The tavern is meticulously designed to cater to the tastes of the city’s noble clientele, with plush carpets underfoot and softly glowing chandeliers casting a warm, subdued light across the room. The lighting is intentionally dim, enhancing the intimate and exclusive feel of the space. A grand piano sits in the corner, its polished surface reflecting the flickering candlelight, occasionally played by a talented musician to set the mood for the evening.
The air in The Gilded Spoon is infused with the delicious scent of exquisite meals being prepared by none other than Chef Laurent Belmond, the tavern’s proud owner and head chef. Chef Laurent is an enigmatic figure, known for his impeccable culinary skills and an air of aloofness toward the rest of the world. He is highly regarded in culinary circles, though he holds little faith in the fantastical elements that others around him celebrate—be it magic, gods, or the overblown tales of adventurers' heroics.
Despite the occasional flicker of arcane power in his kitchen and the presence of adventurers seeking refuge or a taste of his gourmet dishes, Laurent remains unmoved by anything that isn't grounded in the artistry of fine dining. His focus is singular: to create food that transcends the ordinary, and in his eyes, nothing else—no magic or divine intervention—could possibly match the satisfaction derived from a well-prepared meal. Guests may come from all walks of life, but when seated at The Gilded Spoon, they are treated to a level of refinement, class, and serenity that leaves the outside world behind.
The tavern’s patrons enjoy an atmosphere of quiet conversation and polished etiquette, where whispers of academia and scholarly debate often mix with discussions of art, philosophy, and, of course, cuisine. It is a place to relax, savor exceptional food, and engage in discourse far removed from the distractions of adventuring and the mundane.
Food
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freshly Baked Bread | A warm, delicate loaf of freshly baked bread, served with herb-infused butter. | 1 gold |
| Cheese Plate | A selection of fine cheeses, served with fruits and nuts. | 3 gold |
| Fruit Sorbet | A refreshing and light sorbet made with seasonal fruits, served chilled. | 3 gold |
| Grilled Lobster Tail | A perfectly grilled lobster tail served with lemon butter and a side of greens. | 8 gold |
| Smoked Salmon Tartare | Fresh salmon finely chopped and mixed with delicate seasonings, served with crostini. | 8 gold |
| Duck Foie Gras | A luxurious pâté made from duck liver, served with toasted brioche and fig jam. | 10 gold |
| Golden Truffle Risotto | A rich, creamy risotto made with wild mushrooms, Parmesan, and a hint of truffle oil. | 12 gold |
| Veal Chops | Tender veal chops cooked to perfection, served with roasted vegetables and a red wine sauce. | 15 gold |
| Lobster Bisque | A rich, creamy bisque made with fresh lobster and delicate spices. | 15 gold |
| Roasted Rack of Lamb | A perfectly roasted rack of lamb, served with mint chutney and garlic mashed potatoes. | 18 gold |
| Beef Wellington | A prime cut of beef wrapped in puff pastry with mushrooms, foie gras, and a rich sauce. | 20 gold |
| Imperial Caviar | Exquisite black caviar served with crème fraîche, blinis, and fresh herbs. | 22 gold |
| Saffron-Infused Lobster Soup | A delicate lobster soup with saffron and a rich, creamy base. | 25 gold |
| Wagyu Beef Steak | A beautifully marbled, seared Wagyu beef steak, served with rosemary butter and grilled vegetables. | 28 gold |
Drinks
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkling Water | Purified spring water served chilled with a twist of lemon. | 1 gold |
| House Red Wine | A rich and velvety red wine with notes of dark fruit and oak. | 2 gold |
| Chardonnay | A crisp and dry white wine with hints of apple and citrus, served chilled. | 4 gold |
| Golden Truffle Risotto | A rich, creamy risotto made with wild mushrooms, Parmesan, and a hint of truffle oil. | 12 gold |
| Aged Bordeaux | A rare and aged bottle of Bordeaux wine, smooth and bold, with earthy undertones. | 25 gold |
| Golden Champagne | A luxurious, sparkling champagne with delicate bubbles and a crisp, citrusy finish. | 35 gold |