What we look for

Critiquing a food experience is a personal and subjective exercise. Some people might think a dressed up hot dog is a good meal -- we don't. So to help the reader understand where the "Gourmet Ox" is coming from, we thought it useful to offer something about the kinds of criteria we use to evaluate, the kinds of things we like or don't like, what we look for to signal this is a good spot to spend your dining dollars. So here goes:

1. Our culinary training and experience is French, and we like French food, but not exclusively. Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and general European food and techniques are appreciated. Perhaps "World cuisine" is not far off the mark, as Caribbean and Asian can be great as well.

2. The food should be fresh, meaning from scratch with fresh ingredients, and not out of a box or can. Local and regional products should be emphasized.

3. Taste is everything -- well maybe not everything, but you get the idea that it is important. As Curnosky said, the food should taste of what it is. That is to say, not disguised with sauces that don't compliment but overwhelm the dish. Faite simple.

4. We are Slow Food members, so we like to see the principles of Slow Food followed where possible.

5. We want the plate to be attractive -- "eat with your eyes first" -- but not stacked up or with meaningless frills.

6. Whatever the food is, it should be properly prepared -- the fish should be hot and moist, the
steaks and magret should be medium rare, the pork should still have a little pink, etc. Vegetables like string beans and carrots should still have a little bite of texture -- not hard and not mushy.

7. Speaking of vegetables, there should be a generous quantity. As the nutritionists tell us, we need out daily doses of fruit and vegetables, so when dining out, we should get them as well.

8. The portions should not be skimpy. Super-sizing is bad, so don't over do it. But the main dish protein should be generous, esp if the price is to the high end -- we don't want to just pay for the ambience.

9. The ingredients should be of quality.

10. The price should be reasonable for the experience -- decent value for the dollar.

So with that introduction, you can see where we are coming from and can read on accordingly. Hope you find it insightful and helpful for your dining choices!