Curiously, Curiosity, open mere months, is practically faultless. Curiosity's front window is a still life of aged and weathered objects. Their gentle patina a reminder of a time before laptops and cellphones. The buzz on Curiosity's stellar weekend brunch is already in full swing. This has inspired Curiosity to open up mornings to serve up java a la Jet Fuel Cafe along with fabulous homemade croissants.
Dinner is near perfection.
The Fred's Bread salad is rife with grilled veggies imbued with balsamic, crowned with a dramatic minaret of grilled bread, and presented on a plate drizzled with arugula pesto. Although California vine-ripened tomatoes suffice, chef Cardoso should try the cherry or grape version. Such a minor substitution would improve both the presentation and flavour of this authentic dish. But, along with its crunchy bits of sharp cheddar, the salad's potato focaccia is one ingredient not to be changed. With nary a drop of chicken stock, the soup offers a clean, light alternative that borders on spa cuisine.