Ian Appelbaum Review of Fiola
The bottom line: I don't mind paying $600 for dinn...
The bottom line: I don't mind paying $600 for dinner for two, but it should be an amazing experience. This wasn't it. As a rule, if there's gold leaf on your food, you are paying too much for it.
First of all, I was unhappy with the table -- that half bench scheme where you are shoulder-to-shoulder with the people at the next table. Not my kind of cozy.
Tasting menu was $150pp. No problem. But wine pairing? $125, and this was the basic pairing -- for $210 there's a "premier" version! Already I know I'm overpaying, but perhaps the sommelier will have some personality. Nope. She rattled off some info on the wine (while looking at my tablemate), poured a tiny amount, and took off. Pairing choices were ok but that's a bare minimum requirement at this level.
Food was good, but definitely short of amazing. If it was half the price, I'd think about going back. However, with so many other amazing options within a block or two from here, I cannot recommend it.
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