THIS JUST IN: CAFE STAR HAS CLOSED AND WILL BE REPLACED WITH STELLA'S. YUCK!!\r
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Here is another example of an originally unique restaurant, ruined by identity crisis. Yes, it was tragic when the chef who created their outstanding menu defected to NYC. But is it really that hard to imitate some of what she was doing? Is there no one in the kitchen capable of any creativity? And for gosh sakes, why remove some of the dishes for which you were best known??? Gone are the refreshing Mediterranean salad, the amazing escargot bread pudding and several of the other items I literally used to crave and couldn't get anyplace else. Instead, we have boring pizzettas, more pastas and just a more mediocre selection overall. The weekend brunch still stands, and those selections are as delicious as they are inventive but overall, the lousy, inept service coupled with the trashing of the dinner menu really, really disappoints. We used to be really loyal regulars but after they 86'd my favorite cocktail on the menu and installed the bizarre movie night screen in the bar, it was the last straw. That bar is a gorgeous, hidden gem- made for adults who appreciate real cocktails and the opportunity to sip them in hip surroundings. Why destroy that with movie nights and crappy drinks you could get at Bennigan's? Sorry, but I'm in the market for something different and unfortunately, Cafe Star's desire to conform is working all too well.
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