This is the first restaurant I've given four stars to despite being disappointed in my main course.
But let me explain. And let me start with a cocktail that features a giant piece of candied bacon draped over it. That would be the bourbon-based "Mr. Figgy" ($12). I don't need to elaborate, do I?
And then lets move to the appetizer -- Goat Cheese Dumplings ($8) which were surprisingly light and fluffy, looking more like gnocchi, and they came with shiitake mushrooms and a miso vinaigerette that created a solid umami taste.
Jeannene had the Grilled Faroe Island Salmon ($21)... hold on, at this point I want to point out that this was the most expensive item on the regular menu so you get the idea the food is quite affordable... now, as I was saying the salmon was lovingly grilled as was a half of pear that came with it. Fried black rice and a Sweet Tamari reduction also complimented the heavy fish.
So, they obviously know how to season their food so I was a bit disappointed in my Chicken Curry Rice ($16). It was perfectly cooked but quite bland when I wasn't parceling out the dab of siracha sauce that was on one corner.
But I'll chalk that up to a lone bad dish, not a bad restaurant and the dessert confirmed that -- a slice of whipped pumpkin, honey oat and chocolate ganache ($7) -- had three or four textures working in concert while all the flavors blended perfectly.
This is a successful effort to take the concept of a high-end restaurant and make it less expensive and more casual without sacrificing food quality (not counting the chicken curry).