My boyfriend and I caught a meal at Cue before a performance on a Sunday. Everything about the atmosphere is chic. Fine glassware, silverware and - my favorite part of the entire experience - sparkle encrusted table tops. However, I was expecting a magnificent view of the river and was surprised that most of the ""view"" is obscured by the exterior pillars of the building. We were promptly seated and our waiter was attentive and professional. Not sure what everyone's comments were about when they said there's no taste or spice in this food. If you're looking for exotic, reach out and grab your tongue kind of spice, go to Bombay Bistro or your favorite Indian restaurant. Although Cue does have a vegetarian option, the focus is obviously on meat. Not contemporary fusion. Not sculptural salads. Just well executed, earthy, simple, meat - pared with hearty sides like potatoes or white beans. The chestnut soup had a nice shock of fennel creme fraiche in the center of it. Again, very meaty, almost tasted like broth of pate - if such a think exists. I had the duck confit. My boyfriend had the chicken with potato-parsnip mash. (I, of course, tasted both.) Though overall the meals were flavorful and had interesting, contrasting components, I could not figure out where the chef was coming from in forcing the entrees to live in either salt or sweet extremes. I have never in my life tasted anything so saturated with salt as the duck. All variations of wine were INSANELY expensive. I recommend making your tax-deductible contribution straight to the Guthrie instead and stick to the house cocktails (around $9 apiece). The cheapest HALF bottle was $21, albeit a good, acidic Chard to go with the duck. The dessert wine was wonderful. A sweet, yet light nectar that served nicely as a dessert in itself.
Pros: Sparkle encrusted table tops, dessert wine, fine glassware
Cons: Super salty or super sweet extremes. INSANELY expensive wine offerings.
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