Bauer Awards 3.5 Stars To Rich Table

This weekend, Michael Bauer files on one of the biggest openings of the summer, Rich Table. Although he has gripes about some dishes not coming together, most of the menu, the service, cocktails and the decor are flawless. He calls it "the next Frances" and drops a rarely seen overall rating of 3.5 stars:

"Every dish on the daily changing menu has that same rich balance that creates an exciting juxtaposition of flavors, whether it's huitlacoche - corn fungus - in pasta with goat milk ($17); or lamb tartare ($13) chopped to order and served with shelling bean puree...I would love to have the spaghetti with mint, peas and fresh goat cheese ($17) every day."

Note that the 3.5 rating puts Rich Table one whole star above State Bird Provisions, which Bon Appetit called the Restaurant of the Year. Reservations at Rich Table just got a whole lot tougher to score.

· All Rich Table Coverage [~ ESF ~]