Yet, despite these initial disappointments, the pleasant surroundings would inspire optimism in even the most jaded of restaurant cynics. And the wine list presents a number of points of interest. True, it is limited to selections from California and France, and also lacks vintage designations, but there are some definite bargains to be had. This Zinfandel blend continues to dazzle wine lovers year after year, and its full-bodied spicy fruit is positively decadent upon the palate. Maybe things weren't as bad as we'd initially imagined.
Hope springs eternal.
But Cafe Gallery's menu jolted us back to reality. In the ten intervening years, it has changed hardly at all. Appetizers include shrimp cocktail, snails in garlic butter, lobster ravioli with basil cream, duck pate with port wine sauce, and smoked salmon with whole-wheat soda bread. The oysters were just fine, but the breading had been laid on with unconscionable relish and was extremely salty. A glob of sour cream and a less than attractive plating did little to help matters along.