The reputation of this place precedes itself, enough so that it took three separate visits before I actually got to eat here. They don't take reservations, though I was told that I can call ahead and tell them when I'd like to be seated...which sounds a lot like reservations. Whatever. It's really difficult not to love this place: it's doing New American and New French, with a serious dash of Lonesome Dove Bistro and Magnolia Grill-style "let's-invert-traditional-dishes-and-tastes-with-novel-twists" moves, in a quaint, homey room, in a quaint, homey town. It's a great combination, and it works not because of the things going on the plate--the polar opposite of my meal at Blue Duck Tavern in DC two days before--but the fact there is some seriously good cooking going on here. was Strangely, Eastern Iowa has two pretense-free New American spots that are treasures, yet Chicago cannot sustain one. Much better thai in my hometown, though =) Chef, just wanted to say that for the next six months or so that work keeps me in Iowa City, I'll be eagerly patronizing your restaurant. Expect to see me weekly.
