For the main course, one of us had lemon papardelle pasta with grilled scallops and asparagus tips in orange fennel broth. The grilled seafood was excellent but sparing, while the fennel broth and pasta were light and enjoyable.
The other ordered grilled tenderloin of beef with fresh horseradish pepper creme fraiche, warm potato artichoke salad and sauteed greens. Neitz says the tenderloin is one of the most popular items, and true to her recommendation, the meat was tender and succulent.
For desert we tried the chocolate hazelnut torte.
Service was prompt and you and your companion will particularly enjoy the basket of breads which proceeds the meal. The cranberry nut rolls are not to be missed.
The salads and soups were tangy and the vegetables were crisp and fresh.
The dinner menu includes just three salads, four appetizers and five entrees: seafood, fish, chicken, beef and lamb.
Although selection is small, the dinner is excellent and the beautifully garnished plates are a joy to behold.
Prices for entrees range from $17 to $22. Appetizers and salads are all around $6 or $7.
For companionable dining, try a late hour. The restaurant serves from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. but Willis says many customers do not dine until at least 8 p.m. to take advantage of the Atrium's unique night-time lighting.
Indeed, the transition between the sunny day-time space and the ambiance of night is something to behold, we suggest timing your dinner to sunset so that you will see the different types of light.
If you are at the restaurant with a special someone you will probably choose to order from the dinner menu.
But Willis suggests that students may also choose to visit the restaurant for drinks or appetizers before heading out on the town, as many of the hotel guests do.
In addition to appetizers and cocktails, the Atrium also offers a lighter fare menu available until 10 p.m. for those not looking for a full dinner.
Lighter fare options range from four to $10 and include items such as soup, chicken and turkey sandwiches and burgers.