Three Restauarant Reviews

Recently dined at Blu, Corso 98, and Orbis in Montclair.

I guess I am getting jaded because I was not really impressed with any of the three. No, I am getting jade as my revisions to this post reveals.

These are three restaurants that make a noble effort at being very good.

Blu was pleasant, creative and quite good in many ways. If you read Baristanet, you'll see many raves and some unimpressed. They have raised their prices and while we had a lovely dinner, the wait staff are attentive and fun, I am not planning to return any time soon, I'm revising this post because I would return any day, Blu is great, just have to many other places to go, ah the life of a food and wine writer. Baristanet Reviews, Web Site. We enjoyed the Greek Wines discussed in an earlier posting.

Corso 98 is a restuarant I have always wanted to love. Elio the owner is such a wonderful guy, friendly and cordial to a fault. We have dined there off and on over the years. Now on the Walnut Street traffic boom they are getting more notice. The food is the same as it has always been. Good, only held back by an effort to be extrodinary. I think if they just went for very good they would be just fine.  Baristanet Reviews  Had a nice white with dinner, Passoni Vernaccia Di San Gimignano. Met some people yesterday who go to Corso often and love it. It really is a nice place. Just not a favorite of mine.

Orbus on Watchung Plaza is adored by some. We first dined there shortly after it opened, years ago. It was a welcome addition to a sparse restaurant sceen back then. We tried it twice and did not return. Gave Orbis another try a few weeks ago, really hoping it would be great. 

The staff is very friendly, and other diners enjoy this place, but we were unimpressed. The company was great and we enjoyed some delicious wines. What were they again? Oh yes, a fabulous Turley Zinfandel, Wieninger Vienna Blend 2004  and Domaine Barmes-Buecher Pinot Blanc.

The food however was just not what we had hoped for. The dishes were interesting, nicely presented, clearly a lot of work went into their preperation. The salt was heavy, and I don't shy away from this spice. But don't simply go on my word alone others enjoy Orbis and if you live around Watchung Plaza it is very convenient. Web Site

Comments

[FoodGeek]

You seem to have no complaints about Blu...complimenting the food and the service...yet you have no plans to return? My wife and I found the food to be exceptional...interesting, tasty, and more than enough to justify the minimal increase in prices (still less than the going rate). The service was attentive and the decor was quite nice. This is the first I've questioned your perspective. :)

[manoavino]

You're right, my reluctance to return is purely personal, completely subjective, and in hindsight inappropriate.

I am changing the review.

Thanks.

[Lorenzo]

Shouldn't risotto be made with arborio rice? Mine was soupy and made with orzo, not what I expected from an italian restaurant with "good" reviews. When I inquired about the risotto the owner Elio got offended and created a scene.
My wife's oso buco came out 15 minutes before my entree and was tough and chewy.
The atmosphere mimicked that of an old basement: it was out-dated and stuffy with awkward lighting.
Will not return or recommend.