The prior reviewer has obviously not a clue with regard to what a tasting menu is. My husband and I went to Hugo's last night and had a wonderful, albeit expensive, visit and had the tasting menu of the evening. Yes, we had the four buttermilk biscuits (half-dollar sized), and then an additional two were brought over (which we ate), and then two more (which we could not finish because we were getting full between those and the tasting portions). The wait staff was more than willing to keep bringing them over so I'm not sure why the prior reviewer found the biscuit concept so offensive...the restaurant just doesn't want them to go to waste. This ain't Olive Garden, pal. \r
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We had 6 tasting courses, Yes, they are small. Hence the name, ""taste"" (duh), paired w/ wine. Of note were the Scottish Salmon with a Blanquette de Limoux, St. Hilaire, NV, Languedoc, France; Casco Bay Cod with an Auratus, Quinta do Feital, 2008, Minho, Portugal; and 2 year age, Shelburne Cheddar, Vermont with a Cotes de Gascogne, Dom La Hitaire, 2006, South West, France (truly amazing!!!!!!) The server was always available to us and extremely knowledgeable about the evening's pairings. The atmosphere, unlike the utter cacophony of sound at Fore Street, was intimate and relaxing. \r
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Unlike the prior reviewer, my husband and I have no experience talking with an Alice Waters, or blahbity blah blah, but we know good gourmet food when we have it. And like the manager, I am curious as to what the prior reviewer wanted from Hugo's, or is he or she just a pompous poser who would complain about any experience where he or she felt the portions weren't big enough? If you want big portions, go to Bonanza. If you want tapas, go to Local 188. If you want a tasting menu, go to Hugo's or Cinque Terre. \r
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On the down side, expect to spend about $200 for two people. It is pricey, but overall a very pleasant dining experience.
Pros: Excellent food and service
Cons: Price
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