I don't recommend this place during winterlicious. It may be much better the rest of the year, but at this time, not so much. Winterlicious really doesn't work when a restaurant approaches it begrudgingly, as this place does. The rapport ranged from somewhat hostile (over the phone) to perfunctory with a side order of subtle prodding. We made very early dinner reservations and showed up on time during one of the worst winter storms. Despite that, we were told repeatedly in a variety of ways not to get too comfortable.
The meals themselves were lackluster. Mushroom soup was dominated by something like raw garlic that quite killed the subtlety of the mushrooms. Beef dish was nice but nothing special. Desserts were similarly good but not great. The one exception was the black cod which was absolutely stellar, but not enough to compensate for making me feel unwelcome.
I'm sure restaurants have mixed feelings about Winterlicious, but a good host soldiers on and continues to be a good host. Next year, this place should not participate in Winterlicious. I might have had a better meal here and Corner House could have stuck to their comfort zone.