Okay, fair enough, we were at the Four Seasons. And I’m no rube. I’ve had a $14 (and more!) cocktail before. And my cocktail was delic. That’s it, over there–it’s called “Secret Garden” and it had gin and grapefruit juice and cilantro simple syrup and, of course, that slice of cucumber. I’ll be terribly clear: I had no complaints about my drink.
My various companions’ drinks, however, made me laugh out loud. Yep, I laughed out loud as the server placed them on the table. I don’t know that I’ve ever witnessed a more ridiculous presentation. Well, here, see for yourself:
Then, to top it off, flatware arrived. This was odd, because we had declined food menus with the comment “we’re just having drinks,” so flatware seemed really unnecessary (unless it was to beat the lemongrass stalks into edibility?). But then the amuse bouche arrived. The spicy almonds and wasabi peas were, apparently, insufficiently grand for the Four Seasons, where even during cocktails one’s mouth must be offered additional amusement (hasn’t anyone shown them a picture of the drinks? I mean, come on, surely that is enough entertainment for one evening). A “polenta cake with sausage and summer tomatoes,” was placed in front of each of us. It tasted just like that sounds it would. Except the sausage was mixed into the polenta before all being made into a slightly gummy cake which gave me the notion that this whole amuse-bouche-with-cocktails thing was just a way for the kitchen to relieve itself of leftovers.
Can you see how it looks gummy and not polenta-like? Can you see the random mush?
Luckily, we had reservations at Camino. So dinner was delicious and fun, not funny. Despite others’ online complaints of small portions and short menu, I love the place. The portions are small, I guess, which just means I can eat my whole dinner. I’m into it, quite frankly. Everything we had was great. The roasted squid with potatoes and chiles was awesome. The wine list is easy and reasonable. And the lighting? It is so flattering.
Now, if only they has pink polka dotted martini glasses….
Marc Hedlund | 26-Aug-08 at 10:09 pm | Permalink
We’ve been to Camino each of the past three Sundays. So yummy. My only real complaint is the ridiculously small amount of lemonade (small glass, huge ice cube) $3 gets you. It is yummy lemonade, though (order it with no ice and since they chill the glass, who cares).
And if *that’s* the biggest complaint….?
Molly Watson | 28-Aug-08 at 1:32 pm | Permalink
I’ll remember to only order the lemonade if I’m not thirsty–is that a good plan?
Next time you go, let us know–maybe we could meet up.
Quentin | 09-Aug-10 at 10:54 am | Permalink
Amusing question