I think that fancy French spot in Portland is overrated

Went to Le Bernardine last month with some chef friends and everyone was raving about their tasting menu. I just don't get the hype. The beurre blanc sauce on the fish was broken by the time it hit the table, and the plating felt like they cared more about looking artsy than making sense. For $185 a head, I expect my food to be hot and the flavors to actually pop, not just look pretty on Instagram. The sous vide duck breast was perfectly pink but completely flavorless, like they forgot to season it. I'd rather go to a good neighborhood spot that nails the basics than pay for trendy presentation. Anyone else feel like some of these high-end places are coasting on reputation?

2 comments

2 Comments

gonzalez.anna3d ago

That whole "flavorless duck" thing makes me pause because my experience was totally different - I had their tasting menu last spring and the duck had this incredible juniper and fennel crust that really popped.

piper_green3d ago

Oh man, so you're telling me they put a fancy crust on it and suddenly it's a different duck? Must be a shapeshifter.