For our anniversary this past April, we decided to return to Barrel & Fork in Cornelius because our…read morefirst visit a few years ago had been genuinely memorable.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
Despite having reservations, the arrival and seating process felt disorganized. Our server was very friendly and sweet, but she was also somewhat aloof, rarely checked on us, and didn't seem particularly knowledgeable about the kitchen or menu. She mentioned at least five times that they had a new chef and that the menu had become "eclectic."
In retrospect, that should have been a warning.
Unfortunately, we did not have a single item of food that we would order again. At this price point, that is unacceptable--especially when outstanding premium restaurants such as Seaboy are literally just down the road.
We started with a fried rice-ball appetizer and a mozzarella plate. Both desperately needed seasoning and were surprisingly bland. My Caesar salad was tiny, limp, and somehow almost entirely flavorless.
My wife ordered a fried game-bird entrée--quail, if I remember correctly. I can't say exactly what went wrong in the kitchen, but the coating had the stale-oil flavor of McDonald's fries discovered three months too late. The accompanying sauce was murky, visually unappealing, and did absolutely nothing to rescue the dish. I love fried chicken, and even I couldn't eat hers.
When our server cleared the plate, approximately 95% of the entrée was still sitting there. The server asked if my wife didn't like it, and she commented that it was not very good and explained why, yet they did not offer to make any changes or even discount that part of the bill which felt like a significant missed opportunity to address an obviously unsuccessful dish.
I ordered the trout. Even allowing for the smaller portions common at upscale restaurants, it was one of the smallest entrées I have ever been served. Unfortunately, it didn't deliver enough flavor or refinement to make up for its size.
By the time dessert was offered, we had no interest in spending more money after being disappointed by the appetizers, salads, and entrées.
The beautiful historic home, atmosphere, and front-porch dining remain fantastic. Sadly, the food and overall experience no longer lived up to that wonderful setting.
Our first visit was mind-blowing. This visit ensured that we won't return. Unless a massive sign appears out front announcing new management, a new chef, new staff, and an entirely new everything, we will spend our future anniversary dinners elsewhere.
To those about to nosh, you have been warned.