It’s pretty inconspicuous from the outside — a worn brick building with faded letters that read “Restaurant,” and an illuminated sign sporting the Pepsi logo and the words “C&O Restaurant.” C&O is situated on Water Street, on the far end of the Downtown Mall. What used to be a local diner at the C&O railway station has transformed into an intimate, white-tablecloth eatery, specializing in a blend of classical French and modern American fare.
Stepping into the restaurant, I was greeted by the warmth of a floor-to-ceiling furnace and the smile of a hostess. The brick walls and barn wood that line the interior of the restaurant create an intimate setting, which is intensified by flickering gas flames in the hanging lamps.
The ambiance was perfect for the occasion — I wanted to take my date to a nice meal to celebrate his recent acquisition of a culinary internship. With a romantic and quaint front room, the intimate space hosted only about six tables. Our hostess escorted us to a table in the back corner, a dimly lit, secluded two-top…