
too much? (photo by Krista Garcia)
We went to Blue Hill last night. It was nice, but something shifted in my mind and I think that I am over fancy food.
I like the farm-to-table concept very much, but the patrons and staff at Blue Hill take themselves too seriously. It was not a relaxed environment. The food and drinks were delicious and presented beautifully but my salad was much too artfully composed. The cocktails were too-lovingly crafted. The dessert presentation was ornate bordering on ridiculous. I found myself longing for simple, un-self-consciously rustic meals a la Peter Luger or even Blue Smoke, and pretended not to remember that those are meat restaurants where all I can eat are side dishes.
I am going to explore new places and re-visit restaurants to see if this mood holds, and if I can find restaurants that balance service, values and atmosphere well. CRAFT BAR might be ok, Stuzzichini would be if only the service was not worse every time I go. I never made it to Corton but I’m afraid that it’s too late. The food descriptions remind me of paintings. Do you have any suggestions? Oh – Blue Ribbon Bakery is good; all the Blue Ribbons in fact. Phew.