Salum

I've driven past Salum numerous times and always thought it was Japanese food. But the parking lot is always full.

My husband is out of town for Superbowl, and it is my birthday, so I dressed up and went out for a birthday dinner by myself. I looked up reviews for Salum and decided to try it out.

I did not make a reservation and got there at 6:20pm. The hostess said she could seat me but I had to be finished by 7:30 because she was booked. I was very turned off by this, but since I immediately noticed the interior, which is a large part of the reviews I read, I was excited and decided to overlook her insincerity. The decorating is elegant, modern, comfortable, and sharp.

I'm 34yrs old today and found right away I am dining at the hour when the 50-70yr olds are out - I'm clearly the youngest person there. She sat me near the door facing the hostess stand. I ordered a half-bottle of wine (The tempranillo which was excellent and great value). I ordered the Serano and Caprese salad with pesto (the other option is balsamic & oil) and the Lobster w/ mushroom risotto.

After I placed my order, I turned on my Kindle and started to butter my bread the salad showed up - within 2 minutes of placing my order! I wasn't sure if this is because I have a finite window to eat, or if this is how the restaurant is run. That turned me off too. The Caprese was beautifully presented, but the pesto was lacking it's normal full flavor - I expected it would add a touch of salt to the salad, but it didn't really taste like anything.

I took my time with the salad thinking they would have my dinner out within seconds of my finishing the Caprese. Thankfully, they cleared my plate and allowed a much better window between courses.

The wine is excellent, and I'm taking in the room and watching the diners increase in the restaurant. The executive chef is at the front door personally hugging and greeting everyone that comes in - where was my hug and personal greeting? Grrrrr.

Anyway, the Lobster came out and again, nicely presented. It was a succulent lobster and about 6 oz worth of meat - they didn't skimp on the lobster. The risotto was cooked perfectly with a little nutty crunch texture to it, just how I like it. But again, where was all the flavor? It was lacking the WOW factor and I didn't taste any type of seasoning or.....? Maybe this is their point on this dish, I don't know.

I forgot to mention the bread basket. It comes out with mini-slices of baguette, and olive-loaf type rolls. I tried the olive roll first and found a hint of a fishyness taste to it. I thought this was the idea of that roll and tried the baguette instead. That too had the pale hint of fish to it - do they store the bread near the fish or seafood?

Lastly, I look at my watched and it's 7:15pm. It's my birthday and I would like a dessert. At the rate they have whisked me through the courses, I could probably have ordered and finished dessert in the next 5 mins. I decided to order dessert to go and finish my wine instead. I ordered the Caramel Chocolate Tart, perfect portion size, and that was the saving grace.

As I paid my check and walked to the exit, the chef is still personally greeting guests. A waiter near me saw that I stepped to the side to wait for the greeting to end and came over to me to help me get through the crowd. I was surprised the hostess and chef even thanked me for coming in.

I would like to try Salum again to make another opinion. The interior is so appealing that it seems like the food would be the main attraction. It's a beautiful place for a date or to impress someone. Maybe I'll get a hug and personal greeting on my next try. :)

This restaurant has been a favorite of mine since the first visit. I finally stopped trying to come up with special occassions to use as excuses to go, and now proudly visit when I can no longer stand another day without the house salad, or that apple/berry crisp. Service is incredible, and the food surpasses that.