Emily S.
Yelp
Last night, following a tiring workday, we decided to explore a nearby restaurant called Distill that had received positive feedback about its cuisine. Despite our initial hesitation due to not being regular patrons of bars, we decided to give it a chance.
Upon entering, we were greeted by a noticeable haze of smoke, a reminder that smoking was allowed in certain establishments, which caught us by surprise coming from the East Coast. However, this wasn't a deal-breaker, given our experience dining in casinos where smoking is permitted. We did wonder whether their air purifier was either inactive or not functioning optimally.
We found our own seats and were quickly approached by the bartender to take our drink orders. A few moments later, our server, who mentioned she was in training, joined us. She was delightful, very attentive, and gave the impression of a seasoned employee.
Our meal comprised mashed potato balls, clam chowder, Cajun pasta, and medium chicken fingers with fries.
The mashed potato balls were an absolute delight, with a crispy exterior and a creamy interior. They were truly scrumptious.
Next, we savored the clam chowder, which turned out to be surprisingly delicious. It was well-seasoned, and the texture of the vegetables was spot on.
Regrettably, the Cajun pasta, although it had an enticing appearance, fell short in terms of flavor. The pasta was overly dry, and the sauce tasted somewhat bland, akin to a simple scampi with olive oil and tomatoes. The promised Cajun Alfredo experience was unfulfilled. The chicken breast, while well-cooked, was marred by chewiness and a noticeable red vein running through the middle.
Upon reviewing photos of the Cajun dish on Yelp, it became evident that the meal I received last night was significantly different from what others had posted. This raises questions about potential issues with quality control or perhaps a lack of expertise in preparing the dish. While this might not be a major concern in itself, it's disappointing given that the restaurant came highly recommended as the go-to place for Cajun chicken pasta.
The chicken fingers were adequately sauced and had a satisfying crunch, making for decent bar-style chicken fingers.
If we were to return, it would primarily be to explore other items on the menu, as well as to order a double serving of those delectable mashed potato balls to avoid any sharing disputes.