A Review by Shavira
A few rare establishments have managed to gain enough fame to make their name recognized throughout the civilized lands. Most of these, however, take decades to amass such glory. The Swordfish in Neraha, Fern Glen in Faol, Midsummer in Mina's Quay. Even Jirtanai in Jedda Felsuin. How, then, could a restaurant and inn establish an equal reputation in the space of only a few years?
I went to the Aurora to find out.
You'd expect such an establishment to be in the River District, home to the most upscale shoppes in the city. But instead I traveled to the eastern edge of the Merchant District, close enough to the docks that the smell of the sea was strong in the air. To the south rose the high, steep hill that plateaus to create the High Merchant District, dwelling place of the wealthiest citizens in Aranor.
In front of the Aurora, the street widens and ample space is present for drivers to drop off guests. That space, too, is often filled with a scattering of onlookers, eager to see the wealthy and sometimes famous people who enter the doors to take of the legendary food or to stay in one of the Aurora's rooms.
The reputation that the Aurora has to live up to is a large one. Unequalled quality of food, flawlessly kept quarters, and unparalleled service, all with an atmosphere of friendly warmth, and rumored to be conspicuously lacking in snottiness.
With a bottomless purse of gold offered by Illumination, I took a deep breath and stepped inside.
A dashing young gentleman greeted me at the door, impeccably groomed, and asked if I was here for food or room. When I suggested that I might be interested in both, he assured me that rooms were still available, and that I could take my meal and decide at my leisure. With no weapons to check and no coat or cloak, I was directed to my immediate right, where a hostess led me into a large dining room.
The architecture of the place is something between Masallan and Old World, but whoever built it took their liberties with design. The wall facing the street is graced with high, smoked glass which lets in the light but hides the faces of onlookers. The side wall is cut in half by a grand stone fireplace. On either side of this are two huge tapestries, each detailing a beautiful scene of Rel Morde. The effect is almost as if you are looking out of immense windows upon the scene. These tapestries are changed every moon, I was told- sold to the highest bidder and replaced with a new atmosphere. And the back wall is almost entirely glass, with wide glass doors that open to a deck where diners may also sit.
I took a table near the fireplace, where two harpers sat harmonizing their fine Tirané instruments.
The crowd was of an interesting variety. There were, as I had expected, some well-dressed nobles. But there were also those who appeared self-made, perhaps adventurers that had made it big and were reveling in the relaxed atmosphere.
As my potential date had backed out of his invitation, I found myself rather lonely. But when my server came, I was glad that I hadn't brought someone along.
He was fabulously handsome, with rich brown hair and sparkling blue eyes. And to my amazement, his first words were of friendly flirting, and my loneliness evaporated.
By that time, the service had gained my good marks.
What followed with the food was equally as wonderful.
Choosing was one of the most difficult tasks I had ever undertaken. The descriptions of the various sauces, methods of cooking, and marinades were enough to make me want everything, but in the end I decided to put them to the test and order fish.
Fish, of course, is the most common fare in Aranor, and indeed, in all port cities. And it can be notoriously difficult to cook. Could the Aurora staff make salmon stand out?
"It's a combination of our grilling process and the marinade," I was later told by the cook when I clambered into the kitchen begging for more (well, not really, but my fantasies ran in that direction).
The Description read like this --
Blackened Salmon Fillet
A thick salmon steak marinated overnight in wines and light garlic-infused vinegar. We then smoke it for an hour over our grill before coating it in our blend of coarse-ground pepper, dried lemon zest, and herbs, and then flash-cooking it over the fire. You'll find baby red potatoes, flame-roasted red peppers and a smoked tomato and olive relish on the side.
As I had begun with a huge, crab-stuffed mushroom, an exquisite local ale flavoured with berries, and generous amounts of the most luscious bread you can imagine (with spicy olive oil for dipping), I was too stuffed with goodness to sample any of the desserts.
I waddled up to my room, the having of which had been arranged over dinner.
The ornate key opened a dream. It was the sort of place that kings live in. An already warmed bath, a huge four-poster bed, broad windows with a wide balcony (designed so that I couldn't see my neighbors, or they me! Yes, I lounged naked!), and a loft complete with a small library. There was fresh fruit, including Moraithian varieties, three bottles of wine, and even a small rope in the corner leading into the ceiling with a little sign by it that read "Pull to fetch a servant".
Finally, after night fell, I had a complaint. The bed was too soft. To be fair, they had asked me if I desired a room with a soft, medium, or firm bed, and I had chosen soft, but it felt like I was sleeping in a huge pillow.
In the morning I feasted on an omelet filled with freshly gathered wild mushrooms, thick pieces of bacon, three varieties of cheeses (one lightly smoked), and wide cuts of the sweetest onion I had ever tasted.
Impressive.
People travel from Masalla to sample the Aurora's offerings. And not without reason. The staff put their fullest efforts into the smallest details and seem to have hired the nicest people in Aranor. They offer Guestrooms (200 silver a night), Suites (I stayed in one -- it cost 300), and Residences, where visiting people can stay for a moon or more (in the realm of 14,000 silver a moon).
In the end, I had traded in 390 silver coins, but had received quite a bit in return. Not only had I sampled the meal of a lifetime, but I could now brag to all my friends that I, Shavira, had stayed at the world-famous Aurora.
