Wheatleigh, Lenox

We had dinner in the dining room, the colonnade portion. One of the most beautiful visual dining experiences we have had. The room is just wonderful and you must be there before sundown to have a truly amazing experience. The service was truly extraordinary with the precision of a fine Swiss watch. Pure perfection. While the prix fixe menu may appear expensive, service is included. So for a fine restaurant, given the selections on the menu, it is not unreasonably priced. But as for the food, that was another story. My wife ordered from the four course regular menu @ $125, while I ordered the chef's six course tasting menu @ $165. My wife enjoyed both of her appetizers, although the heirloom tomato could have had more than ordinary taste. But the Muscovy Duck was just down right boring. The breast was simple without any imagination in a counterpoint to the rich duck. The taste of the duck itself was without distinction. Her desert of rosemary ice cream was wonderful. When I ordered the Chef's tasting I was assured of a true eating experience with adequate portions. Well it was a true tasting experience, I experienced boredom and palate fatigue. The dominant feature of the tasting was a light foamy white sauce. I one point I could not even figure out what was being served. The portions were small indeed not allowing me more than a couple of tastes to name that ingredient. While ingredients changed, the dominant taste remained the same. Boredom quickly set in. The two exceptions to white were the foie gras and the lamb, but neither was what one would call exceptional. I found salt to be a bit too heavy, and affected the enjoyment of the wine. However, the desert was wonderful. As for the wine list, it is excellent and relatively expensive and there is a pomposity about it. There are bottles listed that are said to be still aging. What do they want me to do, beg that they sell them to me at any price? Either offer them with a price or don't tell me. Is it to create a sense of if I return in a year, they'll sell them to me then? All in all a beautiful dining room and excellent service, both of which far surpassed the food. My wife and I are glad we went, but plan not to return.