Yale Daily News

Doesn't require a cab fare. It's a 20 minute walk from the campus. Are Yalies really that lazy?

Living in New Haven County and working the heart of the city, I’m extremely exposed to the viral buzz about town when there is a hot new spot opening. When I heard about Dolci, a sexy, loungesque chocolate bar, I couldn’t wait to indulge!

As a grand finale to a long week, I visited Dolci with high expectations to surrender to my cravings. At first glance, I felt like I was in a sinful sanctuary. I loved the décor— it was almost like being in a chocolate grotto—I immediately wanted to nestle in a corner, enjoy a glass of wine and relax. Interior Design = 8

I was escorted to a charming table behind the bar. The table happened to be unset, but the server quickly scurried over with a flailing tablecloth and some napkins. After settling in, I began to study the menu which was a bit of a challenge. While I understand that reading practicality may not be at the top of the priority list, a bold font really never hurt anybody. I ordered a glass of Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc of Marlborough and narrowed down my food choices. Finally, I selected one of the specials--a risotto topped with duck confit, cherry tomatoes and fresh parmesan; the cavatelli and mushroom dish; and tempura battered shrimp with some sort of Asian sauce. (Note: I was not dining alone, so please don’t be misguided while trying to guess my jean size after reading all the food I ordered.)

As I waited for my meal, I began to yearn for a better balance of music throughout the restaurant. When I had first walked in, I thought the sexy lounge music complimented the ambience. Sitting in the back room, the music was more of a distant echo, than the soothing blanket of rhythm that I experienced upon my arrival. This made my atmosphere score drop down to around a 5.

After a very short while, the server brought over the tapas. The presentation was fine. (I use the term fine in the same connotation that a man would use it when you throw on a dress that he doesn’t really like but you’re already late, so who cares). I dabbled in the special risotto first. I was expecting a flavorful mouthful of the creamy rice dish with sharp hints of parmesan and chunks of tender duck. This, unfortunately, was not what I experienced. The risotto wasn’t the traditional thick texture; it was loose and bland, and quite honestly tasted like Rice-a-Roni. The “duck confit” made me question whether or not the meat was actually duck at all, it resembled and tasted like dark turkey meat – the kind that is left on the platter on Thanksgiving because it was too dry and mysterious looking to eat. Clearly, this dish did nothing for me, so I moved on to the cavatellis in a mushroom ragout and truffle oil. I took a bite and found myself chewing what could’ve easily been mistaken for mushroom flavored bubble gum. The pasta was simply drowning in what tasted like condensed mushroom soup from a can. This dish was the complete antithesis of al dente or anything Italian for that matter. Moving on (with dreary hope), I tasted the “tempura” shrimp which was definitely a slightly different preparation of popcorn shrimp. I am almost willing to bet that these shrimp came out of an economy size freezer bag from BJ’s Wholesale and were saturated with some sort of Asian soy glaze.

I found the entire culinary experience to be so disheartening that I could not even bring myself to order dessert, regardless of my severe chocolate craving. I couldn’t imagine that it could make up for the meal that I had just endured. Rather than risk it, I asked for the check. Needless to say, food = 2.

The server brought it over after a little while and when she asked our opinion, we couldn’t help but tell her a mild version of the truth. She seemed surprised, and instead of offering to talk to the owner or asking further details or requesting specific feedback that may be able to help whatever is happening in the kitchen, she simply shrugged it off and apologized without a second thought. (The service is another atrocity of the entire evening, but all in all she was a sweet girl that shouldn’t quit her day job.)

I left Dolci that evening feeling upset, disappointed and hungry. Upset that I wasted hard-earned money on a meal that I could’ve easily made with a box of Rice-a-Roni, a turkey drumstick, a can of soup, frozen shrimp and soy sauce. Disappointed because I had such high hopes and was really excited to experience a quality meal and a decadent dessert. Hungry and craving chocolate to the point where I had to stop at the highway McDonald’s to get a hot fudge sundae from the dollar menu, and pathetically enough, it was the best treat that I indulged in all evening long.

I dont understand this mans problem but I have eaten at some magnificant restaurants and think I know if its good and I have had three good experiences at this new place and wish them the best of luck. I highly recomend it...I'm not sure what the motive of this rude comment above is stemming from but maybe he should stay at mcdonalds.

I had a recent experience at Dolci too where the food was really bad. Its a good concept and there is definitely a need for nicer places like this but hopefully they don't favor style over substance. The interior was really nice but the food left a lot to be desired. I'd rather eat somewhere else and keep Dolci as a drinks only type of spot.

As I sat at an outside table, with my husband and two children, ensconsed by potted pines, I felt like I could have been sitting on Sacremento Street in San Francisco! The waitress was lovely and even brought two artfully decorated chocolates to my children while we waited. The children has dessert, while my husband and I had wine and a small plate each. I, the Spring vegetable risotto and he the portobello mushroom salad. Both were so amazing, with flavors that practically exploded in your mouth! The food was light, fresh and clean. We have waited the six years that we have lived here for a place like this. During that time we have tried many of New Haven's restaurants and Dolci tops the list. I can't wait to go back.

Not nearly as good as we were hoping for. The server was clueless about the offerings on the menu, the wine list is extensive but with no descriptions and the server again was clueless. We were hoping to try a nice gluten free pasta, but no luck there either - they were out of it. We ordered a selection of cheeses, and even that was not presented well. Usually the server tells you which is which on the plate and what order to move through them. No info given and we are pretty sure it included one of the cheeses we specifically said we did not want. Oh, well. I've tried this chef's gluten free pasta which you can purchase frozen, and even with that I've had better. I hate the aftertaste that tapioca flour leaves in gluten free things.