Disappointing Dinner

I was lucky to dine at Springwater Bistro tonight. It's my favorite restaurant, and I think I can describe each meal I've eaten there. In case you haven't been, it's a casual yet chic spot with an ever changing menu but the same waiters for years. Such good food- very eclectic influences; menu varies daily based on what's fresh and local. I have had some entrees more than once: the veal london broil has been in my belly on two occasions. Imagine the most tender meat ever, perfectly seasoned, surrounded by a delicate sauce, adorned by three perfect onion rings. Another fave is the short rib variation. A "steak mingon" that's so tender, accompanied by an amazing piece of braised short rib so well cooked that you don't even need to use the provided steak knife.

I could go on and on about the deliciousness available in this fine establishment. Tonight's dinner plans were put in place a couple of weeks ago, so I've had ample time to plan. Yet, you can't plan fully due to the ever changing menu thing. I was hoping for the beet carpaccio, which I've enjoyed the past two visits. Thinly sliced beets topped with a handful of mixed greens, amazing balsamic something, and a ball of goat cheese that is not really fried but encrusted in deliciousness, somehow. For an entree, I imagined maybe the veal, maybe the short rib, or perhaps the carne asada I had in June.

None of these things were one the menu. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but there were no proper replacements; nothing new. From the starter menu I chose fried calamari. Very good- nice crispy fry; topped with a sweet and sour sauce. Not a fried calamari dish you'd get in the many other places that serve it, so I felt that it provided the Springwater signature twist. There was a beet salad available, but it was not my beloved carpaccio. Goat cheese nugget was replaced with a poached egg and asparagus, which is not my favorite vegetable, as noted in my last entry. My dinner companion, BioDad, got the beet salad though and I was jealous. The calamari was delicious but too filling.

I, for the past few visits, have been angry at Springwater for stooping to the "Wedge of Iceberg" salad, which was included in tonight's salad options. However, last time I went, my companion (Mak-daddy..she'd be a good one to invite to the blog) explained that the iceburg was "simply a vehicle for the warm bleu cheese". So I forgive Springwater because although I'm not a fan of bleu cheese, I get the whole vehicle thing. (Sometimes I eat something just because sour cream comes with).

Anyways, the entree menu was terribly sparse. 1)Seared diver scallops 2)Rainbow trout 3)Some type of rack of lamb 4)Something pork-choppy 5) Duck breast. Notice the sad lack of Cow!!!??!! That is so terribly wrong. I was tempted by the scallops as they were accompanied by good sides, but went for the duck. The duck is a frequent flier on the menu- have often seen it but always been swayed by another option, so now was certainly my chance. BioDad got the duck, also. So, Duck Breast with 7 spices, served with "extremely wild" rice, garlicky sauteed greens, and balsamic cherries.

Good dinner, but the least memorable. Duck was fine. Definately did not taste 7 seasonings; but cooked well. Ignored the cherries. "Extremely wild" rice kind of tasted like tea; garlicky saute was good but kind of bitter.

We didn't get dessert either- too full. Also no option (out of the meager 4 offerings) was enticing enough.

I will certainly go to Springwater again, and in fact already have a plan to go there with my ex-boss. We treat ourselves to dinner there together in December each year instead of buying eachother presents. But it was not at all packed, which was worrisome for a Friday night. We arrived at 6:30 and were only the second party there- they open at 5:30. Tons of tables not turning once=a bad Friday night!! Plus, they no longer serve an unsolicited amuse bouche, and the limited menu options makes me wonder if they are in financial trouble. That would be sad.

Also what made me sad is that BioDad answered his cell phone at the dinner table and didn't put his napkin in his lap until the entree arrived. Thank Buddha I inherited table manners from my mother.