evergene wrote:

> Each item was fine on its own, but they weren't meant to share such
> close quarters.

I had a similar experience at The Trellis, in Williamsburg, VA. The
restaurant has an excellent reputation, so I confidently ordered "Grilled
Farm-Raised Catfish with Dandelion Greens, Sweet Potato and Caramelized
Onion Hash, and Trellis Barbecue Sauce." Sadly, although each item was okay
on its own, the flavors just didn't work well together. The barbecue sauce
in particular seemed incongruous.

I figured I'd redeem the entree by having a dessert. The Trellis takes
great pride in its desserts, even going so far as to publish THREE
dessert cookbooks. I chose "Chocolate Temptation: Two layers of ethereal
chocolate mousse cake, red raspberry and hazelnut center, bathed with
ganache." It was well-nigh flavorless. I could SEE the chocolate, but
it sure was difficult to TASTE. In fact, the strongest flavor was from
a bitter orange syrup which had been poured around the wedge of cake.

Must have been an off-night for them.

Bob