Pic. [Closed]
This entry was posted on 6/18/2006 8:15 AM and is filed under Disappointments, Casual Chic - Jeans Allowed, closed.
UPDATE: CLOSED DECEMBER 2006
We struggled with whether to characterize Pic. as a disappointment but decided that, given its genesis (same location, owner, and chef as Aries), it just didn't live up to our expectations. Aries has morphed into a more casual, less expensive venue, but with mixed results. We dined with another couple, so we had a better than usual sampling of the fare. We seem to be having bad luck as of late with the initial drink service. It took too long to place and receive our order. Of course, our harried, indifferent waiter didn't help matters. We tried two of the signature cocktails -- Hemingway Daiquiri and Bad Santa -- with the former being better than the latter, but neither was great. The wine selections are reasonably priced and one of the other waiters who helped us with the wine menu was much more knowledgeable and friendly than our designated guy.
The menu is quite limited, categorized into four groups -- appetizers, salads, plates, and entrees -- with 4-6 selections in each category. The gnocchi with bacon and savoy cabbage was the best of the starter selections, although the tomato basil soup was very good and lighter than the version you get in many places. We do give credit to the chef for cooking on the healthier side with all the dishes we tried. The raw vegetable terrine salad was nicely done -- a stack of thinly sliced fresh vegetables over arugula, marred only by an overly vinegary dressing.
Our entrees were very good but not great -- roasted chicken, grilled salmon, and beef hangar steak. The roasted potato wedges that accompanied the steak were underdone and underseasoned. One of us opted for the hamburger and felt something was missing -- it needed some kind of sauce or other condiment to add to the otherwise fine beef, grilled mushroom, and cheese combo.
It's a pet peeve of ours when a chef uses a commonly recognized food word to describe a dish that doesn't fit 99% of the population's understanding of the word. (The chef at laidback manor has taken this to an art form.) At Pic., it was the use of the word Sundaes on the dessert menu. Ice cream sounded good to all of us, so we splurged and ordered three selections under the Sundae list -- chocolate swan, strawberry cheesecake, and hazelnut. There was not a bite of ice cream to be found -- it was replaced with mousse like substances in every dish. Tasty enough, but not Sundaes.
Sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Tycer, but we like that other place in which you also have an ownership interest -- Gravitas -- better than this new venture.
4315 Montrose Boulevard
713/526-4404
