Mimi’s Table — In the Zone

We went to Mimi’s Table here in Tallahassee Saturday night for a family celebration. My sister-in-law, Lissette, came into town for a visit after finishing her Doctor of Musical Arts program in Texas. We haven’t seen her since she moved to Lubbock in 2017. Mimi’s Table has been a local favorite of ours since it opened right after we moved to Tallahassee. We hadn’t been there since right before all the lockdowns started in 2020. Seemed like a great choice to celebrate and enjoy some time with Lissette.

As always, the team at Mimi’s was welcoming and ready for us. We arrived a little bit early. The person who greeted us took us to one of our favorite tables by the windows. Our server came by soon after to introduce himself and get us some water. As he always does, Chef William Lawson sent over a small tasing bite to welcome us to Mimi’s. It was a very flavorful quiche with fresh fruit.

For the Table

To start, we ordered the Frito Misto for the table. This dish is flash-fried calamari with roasted red pepper strips and artichoke hearts. It is served with a fra diavolo sauce. Lawson has an awesome touch with the fryer. The crust is almost “lighter than air.” There is almost no grease or oil on the paper the dish is served on. The calamari and vegetables are cooked to just the right consistency. The flavors are so good, you are always tempted to eat the crumbs.

First Course

Teres and I shared the Wild Sea Scallops for our first course. This dish is four fresh jumbo scallops served with grilled corn salsa, arugula, and creole remoulade. The scallops were “sea fresh” and cooked to perfection. The corn, greens, and sauce were delicious and made for a great “bite” when eaten with some scallop. Teresa and I both really enjoy scallops (I know my aunt Alice Harrington is in total shock!) and we think these were some of the best we have ever had. Lissette had the Garden Salad which is a fresh garden lettuce mix, cucumber, tomato, carrot, radish, and croutons.

Second Course

For our second course, Teresa and I shared the Braised Beef Short Ribs. These were slow-cooked in red wine and served with roasted red potatoes and green beans. The beef was cooked perfectly. It just fell off the bone. The sauce was deep and had multiple layers of flavor. The potatoes and beans were also perfectly prepared and complimented the beef. Lissette had the Salmon Provençal which was served with a tomato confit, olives, capers, basil, roasted red potatoes, and grilled asparagus.

For Dessert

For dessert, we splurged a little since the menu had favorite dishes for both Teresa and I. Teresa had a classic vanilla crème brûlée, I had a tiramisu, and Lissette had key lime pie. We had a Broadbent Madeira Reserve which has the flavors of coffee and rum soaked raisins, and walnut fudge notes.

In the Zone

We have had some fabulous meals at Mimi’s Table over the past few years, but this meal was exceptional from start to finish. Chef William Lawson and his team were definitely “in the zone.” Every dish we were served was done perfectly. The service was very attentive but respectful and unobtrusive. There was a nice crowd that was relaxed and I even noticed some folks talking to people at other tables for the first time in so long. We are so glad that this great restaurant not only survived the past year and a half but has emerged stronger. We want to thank the chef and the entire Mimi’s Table team for a truly fabulous meal and enjoyable evening. If you are looking for a romantic place for your next great meal, Mimi’s Table in Tallahassee should be on your list!