rev:text
| - We had a pleasant but not-memorable first dinner here. Ordered 5 plates and dessert to share:
Bread and butter were divine and ample portion - is that coffee in the pumpernickle?
Salmon small plate with broth and noodles - very mild, to the point of underwhelming. No textural contrast, the sear on the salmon was minor and did not contribute flavor. Could have used an element of freshness or acid and crunch. Too bland, flavored only of sesame oil on mushy fish. But beautifully bowled!
"grilled peaches" had 3 wedges of peach amidst a pile of nice and colorful heirloom tomatoes with a couple of creamy chunks of burrata and whole basil leaves. The plate held pesto and balsamic puddles. Again, no texture contrast, all mush. Not much peach which should be featured, not a very creative flavor combination. But a tasty version of caprese that I might throw together at home for guests.
the lamb kebob was a good dish! Very flavorful and tender meat, very nicely textured couscous, with some big chunks of raw radish and carrot, which might have served better diced fine for crunch in each bite. Missing some fresh herbs here!
The best dish of the night by far was a veggie - the carrots. Nuanced flavors, textures, great spice, a nice sauce on top and puree below. Visually the best-looking as well.
Cocktails were unremarkable but lovely in description and presentation.
Dessert was a mess! Chocolate "cake" arrived as a large caterpillar looking row of squirts of mousse - which was good but way too much - with a few crumbs of cake sprinkled about, a few cherries, and some smears below of a very tasty but hard to find cherry sauce, and a barely detectable white sour smear. Again, all mush, no texture. I get "deconstructed", but where's my cake?
Service was pleasant and congenial and attentive.
All in all it was good, but I would only recommend the carrots. Everything else was fine and unremarkable. I hope for more nuance in the future!
|