Unimpressed yet again.

I visited Corbett's: An American Place, a couple of weeks ago.  This restaurant has a very high reputation (much like Seviche) and I know a couple of people who adore it.  Just the name alone struck me as being ostentatious, but maybe I'm being nit-picky.

It's important to note that I did not pay for this dinner (so thanks, Novo!).  I unfortunately don't have many pictures because I was trying to be on my best behavior, so I will quote the menu and state my opinions. 

Appetizers:
Shrimp & Grits
Fried Quail Egg, Maple Syrup, Chorizo & Kentucky Cheddar
9
This was by far the best looking and tasting of the appetizers.  The grits were yellow and atypical, and the shrimp were tiny.  I couldn't taste either maple syrup or chorizo, but the presentation was lovely and I especially liked the egg.

Skirt Steak
Crispy Tortilla, Roasted Poblano & Jalapeño  Sauce
 9  
This was okay.  I tasted the poblano pepper very faintly, but I have no idea where the jalapeno sauce was.  The crispy tortilla strips kept falling off.  When I finally did try one, it just tasted like a Frito.  *yawn* 

Gratin
Mushroom Medley, Reggiano, Truffled Bread Crumbs
12
The worst of the three---bland and unimaginative.  This tasted creamy and was dull despite the textured bread crumbs.


Main Course:

Prime Filet
Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Risotto, Asparagus,
Roasted Baby Carrots, Espagnole Sauce
42

The steak was well flavored, but very chewy.  (I'm not a big filet mignon fan, though.)  The risotto was a little too overpowering (probably due to the goat cheese).  I don't remember much about the vegetables, except that they were there and I ate them all.  The plate was lukewarm and turned cold after about 2 minutes.  That stuck with me the most, unfortunately. 

Dessert:
Vanilla & Chocolate
Mini Vanilla Bean Creme Brulée,
Moist Chocolate Cake, Whipped Ganache,
Passionfruit Syrup
9 
The creme brulee was good, although missing the caramelized crust.  It tasted of vanilla bean and was the perfect size.  The chocolate cake was rich and moist.  I do not care for passionfruit syrup (which is slightly tangy) but I didn't mind it on this dessert.  (The maimed portion of the cake is courtesy of Mr. S., who got a little too excited...and dare I say greedy.)