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| - With an emphasis on locally sourced foods, and a chef from California, we were hoping the local food movement could come to Central Illinois as successfully as it has in Northern California: excellent, innovative, and well prepared food that supports local farmers and ranchers while often exceeding the expectations of diners. Alas, it is not to be.
In spite of many available tables, we were seated in a dark and cavernous (all in black) alcove. Although elsewhere it was the bright light of day, we were barely able to make out the menu in the darkness. We ordered wine by the glass to start; they waved the bottle over the glass and delivered a very small quantity for a full price pour. Actually, I like the option of small-glass, but only if they offer the option of paying accordingly...I've had larger pours at free wine tastings around town. Illinois is beer country, and as they are going local perhaps we would have been better to order a local brew.
We waited a long time for our food, allowing our meager splash of wine to warm in the glass so as to save the few swallows to have with our meal. At long last when it arrived, the spouse's was pleasant enough but mine was not at all as described. I had ordered the chicken salad on wheat bread with greens; one of the few sandwiches that did not say it was served with chips. All flavors were erased by a thick layer of Dijon mustard and it was served on very dried out toast with chips on the side. The "greens" were a piece of lettuce inserted between the mass of mustard and the dried out bread. The person at the next table ordered the same dish and had the same impression, asking the waitress where the greens were and commenting on the dried out toast. It was supposed to have tarragon and other interesting ingredients, but every flavor was eclipsed by the strong Dijon mustard.
Don't know if it was the worst lunch I had since moving here last summer, but it was clearly the most expensive bad lunch I have had, approaching $50 for two sandwiches--one nearly inedible--and a smidgeon of wine. This was very expensive for mixed quality, not a good value.
Pluses: I like that they are trying to source from local farms, although I missed having a fish or seafood option on the menu. The staff was very friendly.
Minuses: Expensive, very small portions, descriptions on menu not accurate, food quality uneven, some bad seating locations.
I gave it two stars for the effort to source locally and the friendliness of the staff. I a willing to give them a try again in a couple of months to see if they iron out the kinks, but only if I am feeling extravagant.
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