So much potential, but needs some major work.
First, the atmosphere is nice. Parking is a little tricky and long drive out of the valet area is necessary, but bearable. First world problem. I love that they've redone these mills and turned them into something really special. Cosima can be great, but needs to make some big changes. I hope they do. The men's bathroom is poorly done. For a $250 meal for two, it better be nice. The bathroom must match the restaurant that it serves. The urinal is poorly caulked and splashes back like crazy. They need to do some major refurbishment to make this as nice as the place and prices are trying to be. Also, awkwardly positioned tables in the middle of floor space are unattractive and don't feel cozy. Maybe it's the tables, maybe it's the high ceilings with the small tables, but it just doesn't work all that well. The low window view of the falls is cool, but all the cluttered tables really don't feel cozy and they each feel like an island that is awkwardly positioned.
The service was quite good, if somewhat inexperienced and just getting to learn the menu. Nearby, Spike at Woodberry drills into his servers that they MUST know every aspect of the menu and there must be professionalism at all levels. While they were trying hard, we were delivered the wrong dish, given a vegetarian dish with meat on it, and more. It was small things, but it definitely detracted from the experience. That said, it wasn't bad and wasn't worse than I would expect from a new place.
The food was above average but not great. Cindy Wolf and Spike Gjerde both have a more refined culinary experience in town. This was a good effort, but for it to last, the cooking needs to be better. Food tended to seem to be designed to appeal to the bland 65+ crowd that was filling the place, but for it to be great, they need to appeal to a younger group too. The whole fish was somewhat overcooked and so simple and plain. An offer to debone, which I would have refused, might have been a nice touch. The real problem was the fish wasn't nearly as moist as it should be and underflavored. Needed more oil and something to make it special. Stuffed eggplant had potential but came in a small cast iron pan and was more like a mediocre dish you might get in 1st class domestic than in an upscale Italian joint. The large cauliflower dish was excellent and the accompanying sauce was great. The chocolate hazelnut torte was unimpressive and fine but not interesting or particularly good.
These are some high prices, particularly for the entrees. The quality needs to be to match, and it just isn't quite there yet. I will absolutely try it again, but for now, better options in the nearby area include La Cuchara and Woodberry Kitchen, both of which have better honed their craft and will deliver a more satisfying dinner for somewhat less money. This wants to be the restaurant that I'd recommend to out of town friends, but it is just expensive and average at this point. read more