3 $$$ = 3 *** for me. I really had high expectations for this Thomas Keller spot but the slow SERVICE and TEMPERATURE of the food left me very disappointed. Decor aside (Venetian is just purely spectacular), the food left me very dissatisfied.
My first course was the special of the night braised veal cheeks. Cheeks of most animals are always wonderful because it is tender and succulent. So when I see veal cheeks that's like adding sugar to my fudge. It must be good right? Not really. It could have been any meat tenderized and slow cooked in an overpowering sauce. SERVED LUKEWARM.
Second course was Magret de Canard (duck breast). I get excited because I LOVE DUCK. It was served in an All-Clad copper-plated pan. A spectacular presentation but it came out LUKEWARM! As an All-Clad copper core owner, it really pained me to cut into this beautiful work of art and I'm not talking about the duck. What a waste!
Overall, the experience is nothing spectacular for dinner. I still debate whether I should return for brunch just for the courtyard view.