March is on our doorstep and two classic standby restaurants in town are closing for major renovations. A few regulars have told me that Dharma Sushi was closed for renovations. I couldn't get ahold of anyone at the restaurant, but I see from their website that they will be closed from February 15 to March 1.
After ten year of wining and dining city foodies, Fid on Dresden Row is getting a facelift on everything from decor to menu and yes, even pricing. They will close March 3 until the first week of April.
"Have you ever done something for a long, long time and wanted to mix it up?" Owner-Chef Dennis Johnston asks me. "We just wanted to do something different. Stretch the envelope in a new direction. We've been doing this particular model for 10 years."
They've been planning a change for the last two years. "Super accessible and super comfy," is how he describes the new Fid look. "No more linen on the tables, for one thing." For the decor, Johnston is bringing in his daughter, who works as an interior designer in the UK.
The glam of fine dining will not be lost for good. "Our regulars should understand that we can throw the linen back on for all kinds of different events." The basic principles of classic French cuisine, local, sustainable foods will remain the bedrock of the new menu as well. "There will be a few surprises," Johnston tells me, but "It's a natural evolution, where we're going."
As for the new modest prices mentioned in Fid's most recent newsletter, Johnston is tight lipped, but one of the new, accessible features he is touting will be ready made meals you can take out and reheat at home. Gnocchi is definitely on the take out menu, but he is currently road testing a bunch of recipes.
This week, Fid running their Savour menu (found on their website) and he has a couple spaces left for the Monday night supper club, where he teaches you how to cook. Get them vittles while you can!
