My thoughts on Saltaus

I tried Saltaus for the first time last night, and although my dining companion and I dined early (6pm), I can't help but think that this place might be in trouble given the fact that there were people at only 2 other tables by the time we left (7pm). I think it deserves better. Perhaps the fact that it's further west on Randolph is hurting it a bit . . . but I liked the fact that there was a lot of free parking near the restaurant.

It seems as though Saltaus is trying to appeal to the Avec crowd, but I guess first it has to survive and build a loyal following. And although I'd say the food was good to very good, it's not on par with Avec.

Service was excellent. Not enough good things can be said for a waiter that is very familiar with items on the menu and is willing to steer you away from items that apparently are not executed as well as others. And I can't blame the waiter for the slightly loud techno music playing throughout the restaurant.

On to the food. They start you off with a very good olive bread -- not sure if it's Red Hen or their own.

My friend and I then shared four appetizers:

1) Beef carpaccio w/ fennel, citrus and goat cheese (I think Humboldt Fog). This was well done, but perhaps no more remarkable than other versions I've had. The fennel and goat cheese were nice touches.

2) Sautéed diver scallops w/ a potato-onion puree, and calamari, black olives and lime - the scallops and calamari were perfectly done, the puree was smooth but could have stood a richer onion flavor. The olives and lime added nice flavors to the dish. Overall, good but not fantastic.

3) Flatbread w/ ground beef, parsley and perhaps something else, and served with a thick salsa on the side made out of jalapenos and marcona almonds. The online menu does not list this particular flatbread so I could not refer to it to determine the precise composition. But this flatbread was fantastic. Great crust (medium thin), flavorful ground beef mixture (I wish I could remember all of the seasonings) and the salsa was amazing. One of the better tasting dishes I've had anywhere in a long time and perhaps reason enough to return. It's too big for one person so perfect to share.

4) A selection of 4 cheeses (can't remember the names) served with fig, olives, roasted peppers, and toast).

Overall, I enjoyed but did not love the food. I just think Avec, which is similar in many ways, does a little bit better job with flavors and textures. But this place is still pretty new and probably feeling itself out. They also have a nice wine list with many by the glass.

I notice the online menu does not list prices but I think that Saltaus might be a little more expensive than Avec, although not much. I believe the appetizers we shared were in the $10-12 range.

But if the size of last night's crowd is any indication, you might want to try this place very soon.

Thanks for sharing!