Restaurant Review: Vidalia

A few Fridays ago, our social group decided to meet at Vidalia for happy hour and possibly dinner. A draw was the gratis mini-wine tasting in their lounge. Plus, neither DH Jeff or I had been there, so we were enthused about trying it.

The first impression was positive: helpful hostess staff, a relaxing and hip lounge area near the bar, beautiful, calm restaurant interior. We decided to have dinner there and that was when the sticker shock set in – especially with the rest of the group. DH Jeff & I knew that it would be rather expensive and had planned for that…but the prices even surprised us. Yet, we weren’t going to eat there all the time – this was a treat, a novelty. However, even with the complimentary amuse bouche (a little culinary architecture along with a shot glass of soup), the place was over-priced. The quality of food was good but not commensurate with the cost, and the portions were tiny. The food presentation, in fact, impressed me as a parody of snooty, high end French restaurants. Clearly not the intention of the restaurant, but there it is.

I appreciated the serene, well-designed interiors with all the clever Crate & Barrel-style dishes. The service was polite and competent. We didn’t kvetch about the expense like the some of the group, because we expected it. But I doubt we’ll be going back because, let’s face it, there are better, more reasonably priced establishments in the area. Like legions.