All food critiques will be judged on the following categories: presentation; taste; creativity; and overall rating of atmosphere. Each category will have a rating of one star to five stars with five being the best. And then all four categories will be averaged for an overall rating.
Where: Breitenbush Hot Springs
What: Food Critique
Contact: http://breitenbush.com/
Overall rating: 2 1/2 stars for food; 3 stars for lodging and overall atmosphere at Breitenbush. While Breitenbush is one of my all time favorite destinations their food lacks in taste and originality. The good intentions are there and I really admire that Breitenbush tries to buy primarily organic and to buy local when possible. But cooking for a large crowd is not an excuse to serve bland and predictable food. While one can always count on the incredible, fresh and interesting salad bar and one can usually bank on dessert nights (Wednesday and Saturdays) the meals are completely unpredictable depending on who is making them and the night.
All Breitenbush meals are prepared buffet style, are entirely vegetarian, and are primarily organic. To purchase a meal at Breitenbush it will cost you $12.50 unless you are staying overnight and then the meals are included in the price of the lodging. As you can see the meal presentation is bland and not impressive.
Taste: 2 stars
Note to chef: rolling rice into a ball without seasoning or anything substantial in it is NOT a main course. Thankfully there was a delightful tahini (peanut like) sauce to pour over the tasteless hokey puck rice patties. The meals are really hit or miss depending on which chef is cooking and I use the term "chef" loosely. I doubt many of their chefs have received formal training or at the bare minimum lack expertise in creating tasty and interesting food. However the organic all you can eat salad bar is always consistently amazing! Beyond traditional veggies found in a salad bar there are usually hard boiled eggs, cheese,nuts and assorted pre-made salads.
Creativity: 2 stars
I have to hand it to the chefs at Breitenbush I often find myself saying "How many ways are there to cook vegetables or to turn veggies into the main dish?" Since they are entirely vegetarian and for this I am impressed however the food lacks considerably in taste. Important to note Breitenbush offers what they call a "special diet meal" which is gluten and dairy free and in this arena they hit the mark with soft and tasty gluten and dairy free options of homemade breads. Again 'special diet' main courses depend on the chef.
Atmosphere: 4 stars (Breitenbush is in no way a "4 star" hotel...rather it is beautiful and unique and for what it is a very special place.) The actual hot springs are the perfect temperatures and are gorgeous! The lodging is simple. No TV's. No wifi. Bring a book or enjoy the selections in Breitenbush's cozy library complete with toys and books for children too.
There is more to come! Consider this part one of a more complete Breitenbush review!
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