During my father-in-law’s visit from Colombia, my wife and I decided to take him to Ishtia for dinner. We were eager for him to experience his first tasting menu and explore what promised to be a premium dining experience. I should note that I have dined at many Michelin-starred restaurants (1–3 stars) in both the U.S. and abroad, so my expectations for Ishtia may have been a little too high given the price point. It should also be noted that Ishtia is not Michelin-star rated at the present time.
The Experience:
Upon arrival, we were directed to take an elevator to a wine tasting room upstairs. The concept was intriguing, and the house-made spirits and wines were a highlight. I tried the Cabernet Sauvignon, which was fresh, fruity, and pleasantly exceeded my expectations. Afterward, our group was seated with four other guests in a room with eclectic furnishings and an intriguing design.
The Initial Courses:
The meal began with two courses served in this upstairs space. First, a corn soup was presented. While tasty, it lacked the depth of flavor I had hoped for. Next came a salad dish served on a bed of dried corn, accompanied by small hors d’oeuvres. One hors d’oeuvre featured an intriguing liquid filling, while another was a stuffed cherry tomato. Unfortunately, the tomato’s skin appeared wrinkled and less fresh than expected, which detracted from the overall presentation. At this point, small details—like lint on the tablecloths—became noticeable and hinted at a lack of precision in execution.
Transition to the Main Dining Area:
We were then escorted back to the elevator and taken through the kitchen to the main dining area. The ambiance in the kitchen was inviting, with a wood fire that added a pleasant aroma. The main dining space featured communal seating in a bar-style arrangement, with decor that was again distinctive. Here, we were offered two wine pairing options—$69 for French wines and $129 for Italian—which seemed reasonably priced. However, a pairing option featuring the winery’s house-made wines might have added a unique touch.
Main Courses:
The meal began with a dish inspired by Native American cuisine: a pot of beans flavored with bison. While the presentation was thoughtful, the dish lacked visible bison and felt underwhelming as an opening course. Subsequent courses were served, but the timing was inconsistent—some dishes arrived too quickly, while others left us waiting. Additionally, several courses that should have been served warm were instead at room temperature, and others lacked flavor or balance. Sauces could have added much-needed depth to some dishes. Despite the shortcomings, the visual presentation of each course was commendable. Unfortunately, flavor and temperature often seemed secondary to aesthetics.
Service:
The staff consisted of three members: one filling in for the usual head chef, a sommelier doubling as a server, and a chef who only briefly appeared. While they were polite and professional, they seemed stretched thin, and their attire felt more casual than expected for a premium dining experience.
Conclusion:
Desserts concluded the meal on a stronger note, being both flavorful and satisfying. The portion sizes and wine quantities throughout the meal were well-judged—we left neither too full nor tipsy. After the meal, several guests stayed to chat with the staff, who kindly allowed us to linger indoors while waiting for our Uber on the chilly night.
Final Thoughts:
While Ishtia showcased creativity in concept and presentation, it fell short in several key areas: attention to detail, consistency in service and timing, and the flavor and temperature of dishes. For the price, I had hoped for a more refined experience akin to what one might find at a Michelin-starred restaurant. That said, the wine, decor, and friendliness of the staff added redeeming qualities to the evening. Ishtia has potential but would benefit from a stronger focus on execution and refinement.
