This is one of those places where the cliche "I really wanted to like it" fits. But it didn't live…read moreup, confirmed after a second visit.
I tried the Veggie Spring Rolls appetizer, with spicy aioli. The veggies were crisp as were the wrappers. There was a flavor that I couldn't place, not disagreeable but strange - or should I say intriguing? Unfortunately it was overpowered by an excess of ginger and way too much salt. The aioli was very disappointing: bland, thin, and blended smooth. It reminded me of thousand island dressing right out of a bottle.
Their drinks menu had some interesting cocktails, a very small selection of wines, not just one hard cider but two, and a rotating selection of beers on tap. If you want a bottle you have choices - Bud or Bud Lite! I tried the pineapple daiquiri. It was way too sweet with not great pineapple flavor. I would hope they were using fresh juice but it sure didn't taste like it.
For my entree I got the Gorgonzola Encrusted Filet Mignon, with mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, sauteed garlic, grape tomatoes, and balsamic drizzle. I remember really liking this last visit. But it was nowhere as good this time and looked nothing like the beautiful photo on their website. The gorgonzola, which was ample and crispy last time, was scarce and not "encrusted": soft and not even completely melted. Just a slab placed on top of the steak. And first time there was enough that it melted onto the potatoes underneath for more flavor. Not this time. So much for their motto "delicious, unpretentious (and consistent) food."
Beware specifying doneness here. Both times, I (and the wife last visit) ordered it medium-rare. All three were somewhat under that level, slightly more than rare but not by much. She sent hers back last time and they corrected it. I probably should have too but didn't as I'm a little more tolerant of underdone steak.
But the biggest problem so far in the meal? The entree arrived not more than 5 minutes after my appetizer, which I had only just begun to eat. That's a serious no-no in any restaurant, let alone one that tries to identify as "fine dining". I was having a relaxing meal, nibbling my appetizer, sipping my drink, contemplating life, and out of the blue this plate of steak is plopped onto my table! I expressed my surprise and displeasure to my waitress, whose specific response I don't recall but didn't make any sense, but she did immediately box up the spring rolls for me as I asked.
Dessert was a Raspberry Lemon Drop: layered lemon cake with raspberry puree and lemon custard. It was served very cold which I liked. But surprisingly lacking in much lemon flavor, and especially the brighter notes like grated lemon zest of which there was none.
The division of the dining area into many small rooms is likely a reflection of its conversion from a house in a prior life. This could make it a problem to find your waiter if you need them, but it didn't impact me personally this visit or last. The biggest problem is noise, especially if a large party is nearby as happened on the first visit. The "Wal-Mart special" air conditioner in the window, complete with dangling power strip to a distant outlet contributed to the noise on the second visit and certainly made the place feel less classy.
My waitress in general was polite and adequate but we never did "click" as far as the waiter/diner relationship is concerned. And never once was I asked how things were going, how I liked the food, etc. I did write my comments in the suggestion box on leaving, with my name and contact info, but 2 months later and I haven't heard back.
They have a great website with lots of photos by category. Including photos and names of all the staff, bios of the chefs, local info, and lots of dogs. I think they quality as "dog-obsessed" here, even closing their voicemail message with a "Woof!" Good place to bring your dog though, on the outside patio.
Worth another visit? Maybe, given the limited choices in the area? But I had hoped for better.
