Usually, even when I read a negative review, it's very rare that the description of the food is such that it makes me cringe. However, John's recount of the food he tried really turned my stomach. I can tell you definitively that I will not be dining here in the near future unless I hear of some drastic change. Blueberry wasabi sauce? No thank you.

Wow 1 star...is that a first??

It's a pleasure to read an honest review by a critic who had a crummy meal. Compare it to the reviews in a local magazine whose critics invariably follow the same pattern -- almost everything was wonderful except for a few minor caveats (but nothing negative enough to tick off the ad department.) Sorry, but I believe in the Ruth Reichl school of restaurant reviewing -- if the food was mediocre, if the service was arrogant, if the experience was dismal, warn the public not to waste their money. And if it was a glorious experience (or even an earnestly enjoyable one,) help the restaurant find an audience and prosper.

there is a piano bar in mt. vernon on read st. called jay's on read. i haven't been there yet, but have been meaning to.

Michael A. Gray, thanks for bringing up Ruth Reichl. I just finished her latest book, "On Not Becoming My Mother," and can recommend it highly to those who enjoyed her previous memoirs. This one shows the "queen of mold" in a more sympathetic light.
Which reminds me, Richard--have you abandoned the D@L book club?

I think about if from time to time! But something about our commenting structure didn't make it easy. Or I gave too much time or too little time to read it. Or, probably, it was just the wrong book. I'm open to suggestions of how to do it better!

"jay's on read"

Isn't that where Piano Rob used to hang out?

Camille, I was just thinking about Piano Rob! Has anyone heard from him? The last I recall he had moved to Milwaukee.

It struck me as a bit harsh - almost like a Yelp review. I do appreciate candor when I get criticism of TBA but it's a bit different when you get it in the local paper of record...

Given the average age of the residents at Scarlett Place (its basically a retirement home), I think the piano bar concept would be better suited for that location.

@Dahlink
I've been thinking about Piano Rob too lately. He was my choir director for several years many moons ago, and a good friend. I do believe that he is now back in his old stomping grounds of Milwaukee. I wish him the best.

MC, thanks for sharing about Piano Rob. I never met him, but I am kicking myself now for hesitating one time when he invited himself over for dinner. I think it was a joke, but I wasn't sure at the time. I wish now we had just gone with it. I miss his presence here.