Sam B.
Yelp
With much anticipation three weeks after the opening, I looked forward to finally eating at Rhinebeck's newest restaurant, Bia.
The chef, who led the wildly popular and delicious tapas joint, Elephant, in uptown Kingston, was apparently brought in here to lead some kind of Irish fusion endeavor?? Not sure why Irish, but with Rhinebeck restaurant owners fiercely bent on edging out their local competition, I understand completely....why not?
The restaurant is located in the space previously occupied by Puccini's, Rhinebeck's finest Italian hideaway, which closed after a successful 5-year run on Garden Street, a remote corner off the town's main drag. Bia's new owner wonderfully renovated the previously stark white space with warm atmospheric style murals and new banquette seating; darkly welcoming and comfortably easy to dine in.
When we arrived, most of the tables were occupied and the vibe was quite pleasant. The diners were smartly dressed, visually tattoo-free (for a welcomed change) and seemingly the type of customer who wouldn't flinch at the $30-$40 entree pricing. There is a garden too for romantic al-fresco dining out back.
Briefly, the menu is interesting, including an obvious heavy nod toward traditional Irish influences; Beef and Cashell Pie, Champ (Irish mashed potatoes), Earl Grey Tea Cured Organic Salmon, Braised Lamb, Pork Belly.... and for the less-than-adventurous, more familiar dishes include cod fish, risotto, duck breast and some variety of steak, and a few vegetarian options.
The wait staff was professional, if not overly attentive, which was an encouraging sign. However, during our first round of (excellent) wine and mixed Irish whisky drinks, the table conversation had to compete with some loud and very uninspiring pop music which proved to be anything but dinner-friendly. I would have mentioned something but chose not to. Here's your hint, now.... find something to play in the background, not to sing along to.
Our entree orders arrived perfectly timed. And the plate presentation, top shelf! The scallops were exceptional, the cod, fluffy yet crisp, but the two remaining entrees, the lamb and the duck, not as well received by our guests.
Still, 50/50 isn't bad for a new restaurant and specifically for a table of finicky locals.
The meal was so rich that we skipped dessert.
We'll definitely return to Bia for another visit, however, I'm hoping (selfishly) that once this Irish bent has run its course, the chef will return to what made him a real hit - TAPAS.
I know I'm not alone.