"We went for a celebratory dinner the night before Christmas Eve and picked a tasting menu. Initially we sat at the bar and ordered a classic and special Negronis . The latter was clarified through a special process but flavors were intact. Both drinks were superb. After that we moved to the dining room for dinner . The room is very tastefully decorated , tables spaced appropriately and the noise level is low, which is perfect for a romantic evening. As I mentioned, we decided to go with the tasting menu. It was a big mistake. They serve 7 dishes at ‘chef’s discretion’ , one of them is desert. First was a thumb size appetizer something with Asian pear. It was ok. Next was one scallop. It was very well prepared and tastefully plated. Then they served a white fish crudo. I don’t like raw fish and I wasn’t warned that there is a raw fish on the menu , yet no substitute was offered . After that they served risotto with a golden leaf slapped on top. It would have been fine, only the rice was seriously undercooked and I couldn’t eat it . I could tell the flavor was good, but texture was horrible. The waiter picked up the dish, saying she ‘will let the chef know”…. You are welcome .. that’s what we are here for paying close to $400 per couple to let your chef know he could do a better job cooking the rice .. Next time skip pretentious gold leaf. Then 5 mini ravioli with pheasant meat was good. After that it was a duck breast (about 3 oz) that was plated like in a Michelin restaurant, only it was so raw, it was wiggling under the knife I couldn’t even cut it through. Finally they brought dessert which was a warm chocolate mousse with gelato , and it was exceptional. What I would have liked is the staff to show some care and consideration , warn the customer that raw fish is one of the options. And discuss that the meat will be cooked rare. Perhaps there is some space for feedback . Not everybody likes their meal to quack under the knife. And if a dish is returned offer a substitute or adjust the bill to make it right . We were not the only ones who got mediocre food. The couple at the next table over had both their pasta dishes returned to the kitchen. Overall, it was pretty mixed experience and definitely not good value for the money spent and almost an hour drive for us. Will stick with Arethusa next time."
