Can food be thoughtful? I wondered that because while you know chefs put much thought into their menus, how much of it is based of a mix of intuition, tastes and the atmosphere they are trying to create.
Micas tiny menu, smallish space, General air of decorum and thoughtful food all combine to provide a relaxing, incredibly taste rich and fun meal.
First, kudos to the wait staff who are attentive, smart and yet not hovering.
Next, to the atmosphere of quiet relaxation that surrounds you in the almost Shaker-like decoration, hard wood chairs and tables, no carpeted floor.
One of our current gripes about eating out, no matter whether the venue is upscale or every day, is the decibel problem — people have simply gotten louder at restaurants. It is an extension of the general self-centered ness of our American society but in a restaurant it can be particularly annoying to sit there, and as the place fills up, the noise goes over the brim to where you practically have to shout to be heard. Not right.
Not sure how, but Mica keeps the conversations private and the murmur polite and really, do you want me to hear your conversation? If so, here’s my number, give me a call later, now please lower the volume while we eat! Decorum, politeness, manners…also a part of the dining experience.
As for the food, the menu definitely has a strong seasonal bent and farm-to-table approach. And it is all delicate…not overly fancy, or some red splash around the plate that acts like wall paper to the meal before you. For example, my appetite was smoke white fish with nuts and ever-so-thin flash-fried zucchini slices. I am not a big fan of white fish but this was so rich and balanced as to be unique.
For my main course, I had grilled trout; this was done with a few of those same zucchini slices, but more focus on pickled cucumber spears and a small pool of pesto to dip the fish in, if you liked. The fish was perfectly prepared and delicate — treated with a caring touch.
More to the expensive side, and a BYOB, but so classy and delicious. And the entire experience? Very thoughtful.
#mica #chestnuthillpa #greatfood #phillyrestaurants #outspokentraveler
Outspoken Traveler 