Rickster Z.
Yelp
A few weeks ago, I realized that I had fallen into a sad and mundane rut. My dining choices over the past few years were always the same...joints that were on my well-worn and tired rotation list.
I wasn't taking any culinary chances anymore. I was playing it safe...too safe. I came to the conclusion that I had to, once again, start throwing dining caution to the wind. I told myself, "so what, if a new experience resulted in a less than stellar night?" I had to get past the unexplainable fright of an eatery that might offer sub-par service, too many ankle-biters, poorly-attired and misbehaved crowds, and inferior seating options too close to the kitchen.
As part of my new gastronomical safari into the unknown, I rolled the dice on a place I noticed a few times in my travels, AT Bistro in Preston Center. After all, it had good reviews on Yelp, was reasonably close by to the old homestead, and one didn't have to fool around with valet parking given the plentiful parking options.
On our mid-week journey, the restaurant was not quite half-full which is big plus in my dining book. The mid-evening crowd seemed to be be a mix of business people and groups of friends. The ambience is pleasant and eye-pleasing, a step up from a casual eatery.
The menu doesn't wander too far from the beaten path...it's solidly new American. While I'd prefer a little more variety, as of late, my dining choices have been fairly middle of the road, so not seeing an adventuresome dish like foie gras and oyster infused spam on the menu didn't bother me.
I went simple for my menu selection, sticking to the tried and true roasted chicken preceded by a Caesar salad. It was solidly above average. I can't offer any of suggestions or criticisms from my elementary epicurean brain.
Simply put, it was an enjoyable meal, with good service, and I'll certainly head back, sometime in the foreseeable future.
That is, after I have completed my current safari into the dining unknown.