| My companion and I split a beet salad, moule frites, and a bottle of Ca' del Sarto for a weeknight dinner at Graze during its second week of existence. The beet salad was light and refreshing, featuring fresh chèvre and a tasty balsamic-honey vinaigrette. The mussels were also excellent, served with a pleasant sauce made with white wine and crème fraîche. The Ca' del Sarto was decent, although I thought the wine list could have benefited from a few more options. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive.
The really notable feature in my mind, though, is the decor. Walking in the front entrance, there is a stark contrast between L'Etoile on the left and Graze on the right. L'Etoile, decked with the finest furnishings, is reserved for the Madison elite, whereas the mere peasants are forced to dine at Graze, with its pergo floors and cheap metal tables. Are we dining at a backyard barbeque in the suburbs?
Further, the soft, comfortable lighting in the bar and dining area is assaulted by a bright, white light shining from the exposed kitchen, the reflection of which in the front windows mars an otherwise beautiful capitol view. The large window between the kitchen and dining room exposes a stark metal refrigeration unit.
I shall return to Graze only if this kitchen window issue is addressed, or perhaps with a blindfold. |
