Salut Bar American 1/11/09

A friend made reservations before I could counter-offer, so I experienced Salut Bar American tonight. Convenient to my apartment, I have been avoiding this and the full chain of the Parasole group restaurants which offer fair to middling food with exceptional marketing at relatively high prices. One thing the parasole group seems to get right is cocktails, so the night wasn't a total bust.

What I ate:

• Black currant shortbread with a heavy creme fraiche and chives?
• Rare Ahi tuna nicoise salad

The review:

Ambiance: Large open room with a raw bar dividing the dining from the kitchen. The wall art reminded me of chino latino and the table tops were circa Macaroni Grill. The baguettes are stacked in baggies at the waiter stand with the butters stacked ready for the rush and lacking in any attempt at freshness. The seafood we were reminded came off the same plane as the stock at Oceannaire stealing yet another chance for Salut to have an identity of its own. Nothing special about this one.

Amuse bouche: A little greasy and the creme fraiche was not freshly applied. Overall, it was okay, but could have been better if the restaurant focused on quality more.

Entree: The salad was huge, but dressed lettuce doesn't stand up well as a leftover. I am used to tuna nicoise having freshly seared tuna, warm potatoes; however, this dish was cold all around. The tomatoes were cherry and tasted fresh and good after a bit too indulgent of a weekend of rich foods. The tuna had potential, but was underseasoned and cold. Overall, the plate needed to be seasoned, but overall was not bad.

RECOMMENDATION: For the money, go to Meritage. For the burgers and fries, save yourself half the price and hit up the Nook.