Central

I didn't really care for Central Michel Richard when I went there (not that it's terrible, but I had an "it was fine, but..." reaction to it) and ever since I've been eager to condemn it as "overrated." But I've been unsure how highly rated it is. Ezra Klein doesn't like it either! But now that it's won a James Beard Award I can officially proclaim it underrated [UPDATE: by which, of course, I mean "overrated"].

By contrast, the Bagaduce Lunch in Brooksville, ME, which apparently also won an award of some kind, offers absolutely delicious fried seafood baskets in a delightful outdoors setting for just a fraction of what Michel Richard is charging for his pretentious take on unpretentious food.

Comments

I think you mean "I can officially pronounce it overrated."

Try Belga Cafe in Barracks Row. Incredible Flemish food with lots of great Belgian beers, all at a more reasonable price. The chef happens to to be friends with Michel Richard (and is upstaging him in terms of bang for your buck :)

Posted by edsbowlingshoe | June 10, 2008 11:21 AM

I think the most underrated restaurant in the area is Le Mannequin Pis up in Olney. Mmm mussels and beer.

Posted by Michael S | June 10, 2008 11:31 AM

But now that it's won a James Beard Award I can officially proclaim it underrated.

Or "overrated," if you are communicating with people who speak English.

Posted by Tyrone Slothrop | June 10, 2008 11:33 AM

This is the post you correct? Really? At this point, I'm wondering if your refusal to ever proofread is just giving us something to bitch about.

Posted by Reality Man | June 10, 2008 12:35 PM

*Central* just isn't that good anymore (it was at first) and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

Posted by Tyler Cowen | June 10, 2008 1:28 PM

Central is awesome. Have you had the burgers there? Fantastic, although I haven't been there since last year. I'm not a foodie though, so maybe you are judging by criteria other than burger goodness.

Posted by Christy | June 10, 2008 1:56 PM

Please. Basketball talk makes me gag, but restaurant reviews make me puke. And don't start putting up cat photos!

Posted by Alan Vanneman | June 10, 2008 2:40 PM

I just ate there last weekend. I was sort of expecting to be disappointed, but was pleasantly surprised. The cassoulet was fantastic, easily the best I've ever had. Mushroom 'risotto' (where the risotto was actually made with pasta, which is the kind of culinary trick Richard is famous for) was good as well. Though it would have been even better with real risotto...

Posted by RC | June 10, 2008 2:44 PM

Matt is now establishing his bona fides as a restaurant critic, since he's failed at foreign policy.

We can't get a substantive post on Iran from this clown, but we can get restaurant reviews (of places most people have never heard of since we don't live in the Beltway or routinely fly to New York).

What's next, fashion advice for the ladies, since he's such a feminist?

Posted by Richard Steven Hack | June 10, 2008 7:23 PM