Though cheeses hit the mark, table service is an unfortunate afterthought.
The scene: the now familiar erzatz bistro, namely, a set and not the real thing. Why is it that in Paris the dining room proportions and decor so often seem to fulfill some divine law, the service there moves like a ballet, where in the U.S., Fawlty Towers comes more often to mind?
Venue never fails outright: raw oysters are excellent, salads honest and nicely-composed, the mains satisfying. One could spend many visits exploring the cheeses with the guidance of the friendly and sophisticated cheese master, this being the only reason for a visit to Artisanal.
Unfortunately, kitchens efforts are not matched at table: service is perfunctory, disjointed, uninformed, and mostly-absent. Cheeses get short shrift by waitstaff, who all seem hurried. Dont go late as the lights dim suddenly at 10:40, the better to rush you out at closing.
Pros: Cheeses, Decently-priced Wines
Cons: , Noisy Atmosphere
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