THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Red Maple Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Red Maple Restaurant Review:

Red Maple can be a little intimidating to the uninitiated. The rather severe Deco façade has no signage, only a stylized icon of a tree. The retro-modern, multi-level interior is attractive, but perilously dim, illuminated by candles and a couple of flickering fireplaces. The place has a reputation as a noisy dance club populated by young chic types. And eating a meal off a shin-high coffee table while seated on a backless hassock --- or, in the romantic aerie, a floor pillow --- will have over-forties speed-dialing their chiropractors. Nonetheless, a fine meal can be had here. In the early evening, the mood is mellow, the jazz low-key, the servers attentive, and chef Courtney Kobal’s menu of farm-to-table-inspired small plates tempting. Will it be sweet corn fritters, butter-textured beef tenderloin with blackened tomatoes and Gorgonzola, or barbecue duck flatbread? Offerings change frequently, and if you are part of a group of four, six or eight, the chef will prepare a special tapas tasting menu just for you.