Where was the REAL chef?

Posted by just4thefood on 9/27/2009

I had eaten at the original Piatto in downtown Akron. It was a wonderful restaurant with well prepared food and a great wine list. It helped bring downtown back to like. This new version has still been getting rave reviews and I thought I'd give it a try for my wife's and my anniversary. What a disappointment. I should have realized that the evening might not be as expected when we entered and only two table were occupied. We were seated at a great table with a nice view of the falls and our server was attentive and polite. The lobster bisque was very good and the prosciutto and pear salad was delicious. But of the four entrees, the salmon and the pork tenderloin were both grossly overcooked. Even after the pork was ordered medium-rare, it was still dry to the point of being crumbly. The other two diners both ordered the lobster pasta and both said it was 'just ok'. I know the chef has a great reputation and I'm sure he wasn't in the kitchen this particular evening, but that's no excuse for a meal this poorly prepared. After that, we didn't have the courage to order dessert.