Indiana resto-blogger Babelfish Tartare opines on the fundamental differences between dining at Alinea (which he hasn’t done yet) and dining at Schwa (which he loves):
While I really appreciate what Grant Achatz is doing, and most importantly, his comprehension of food in general, I don’t like what I’ve heard about the delivery. Even for me, 24 courses is an exhausting proposition, and while I could talk about food for days, five hours of quiet contemplation and discussion of progressive cooking techniques in a sterile, almost churchlike environment simply makes me want to stay home and watch “No Reservations.” I have no doubt that Chef Achatz’s food is incredible, really. But for me, it just doesn’t seem very….well, fun.
Schwa, is like having a meal that is just as thought provoking, and presumably even as tasty, as that of Alinea, in an environment more akin to your college dorm room on steroids. In-wall air conditioner and furnace poking out, contrasting with two chrome mini-chandeliers hanging in garden windows that are covered with Value Village “lace” drapery, and an Ikea style wooden coat rack/art piece that all combine to imply that Michael Carlson could give a rats ass about interior design, and once we had our first taste of our grapefruit sorbet with black truffles, we didn’t either.
Interestingly, the first reader comment is from alias “Grant.” Wonder if it’s that one…
Schwa La Land [Babelfish Tartare]
Schwa [MenuPages]
Schwa [Official Site]
Alinea [MenuPages]
Alinea [Official Site]
[Photo via Schwa/OS]
