Restaurant Reviews

When Food Loses Its Magic Touch

November 17, 2013

when-you-look-at-the-prices-at-an-expensive-restaurant

Since I left my job a little over a month ago, my budgeting has been tight. Cutting corners is just my way of being able to keep up with my high demand of going out to restaurants on a weekly basis and enjoying the flavors that come from restaurants all over Saratoga and beyond.

What’s been bothering me lately is that I just haven’t seen that magic in my meals like I have in the past, and I’m wondering why that is.

Could it be that these restaurants are dropping the ball, or could it be that my taste buds are failing me?

When it comes down to it, I simply haven’t been BLOWN away by a meal since I visited Javier’s back in May.

The dishes were so inspired, the flavors were all perfectly balanced in each menu item I tried, and everything was prepared with such finesse and precision.

From salmon to clams, even to the dessert – I left Javier’s beaming and raving for weeks, even months now.

There’s certainly some front runners in the area, including Strata and Mio Posto, but I’m really determined to find another restaurant that will give me that wow factor like Javier’s and these others have.

I know there are still many restaurants on my list that I have yet to visit, but I’d love to hear your suggestions on where you have had an amazing experience.

Tell me where you’ve been that has made you rave for weeks, that you think could really knock my socks off, and why! I look forward to your feedback!

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6 Comments

  • Reply shannon November 17, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Right now my 2 favorite menu’s are Strata and Merry Monk. I love to sit at the bar at MM and order from their starter menu. Mussles, Charcuterie platter is always different and always super YUM, I could eat their beet and goats cheese salad every day of my life, and the frites?? Need I say more?
    Strata, again with the small bites but the Fried Chicken is A-MAZ-ING!! AND I could BATHE in the parsnip soup. BEYOND GOOD!!!

    • Reply Ashley November 17, 2013 at 5:47 pm

      I really love Strata and continue to be impressed by them, but aside from the veggie burger at merry monk, I have yet to be blown away or excited by a meal there!

  • Reply Mark Bergman November 17, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    Brunetto’s in Warrensburg and Telulah Bistro in Glens Falls more consistently offer some wow. I have not eaten at One Caroline recently, but I’d bet on Chef Garrett to impress. I do agree. I, too, am tired of paying too much for “average” meals.

    • Reply Ashley November 17, 2013 at 8:44 pm

      Thanks for commenting, Mark! I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Bistro Tallulah… it’s now number one on my list to visit! I’ve never heard of Brunetto’s in Warrensburg but I’ll definitely look it up and add that to my list as well. Thanks again!

    • Reply Karen November 20, 2013 at 10:12 am

      Yes…….BOTH Brunetto’s and Bistro Talulah are absolutely wonderful, well worth the drive out of town!

  • Reply Daniel B. November 21, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    I haven’t been, but the TU concluded their recent review of Jack Dillon’s, “Dinner for three — four appetizers, three entrees, two desserts, wine and coffee — came to $240 with tax and tip. However, a pair could easily have an enjoyable evening sitting at the bar, sharing a wood-fired pizza, appetizers and a few beers for less than a third of that.”

    Magic? Maybe not. I think part of the problem of finding magic at our regional restaurants also has to do with the length of their menu. There may be some magic dishes there, but your chances of finding them decline as the total number of preps increase.

    For the most part, I’ve given up on this segment of the market and have learned to find great joy in “lesser” establishments.

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