Forum, I wish I could like you.

Well, clearly I was not alone on my thoughts about Forum. On Saturday, April 16, 2011, Forum called it quits. No big out of business party or anything, just open one day and closed the next. It's really too bad. It's an absolutely gorgeous space.

Oh, Forum Restaurant, makes me so sad. I want to like this place, I REALLY do. Why? First, it is absolutely beautiful. Second, it's conveniently located - all sorts of post-meal fun right nearby. And third, it's gorgeous (did I mention that already?). What's wrong with it? Almost everything else.

DRINKS: Same exact drink + two different bartenders = two very different resulting drinks. We're talking neon green versus clear, fresh ingredients versus premixed stuff. Thank god, I got the tasty drink (I have a thing against neon green margaritas - maybe I'm a snob, who knows). I got the yummy drink cause the good bartender served me - she's fun, I can't remember her name - I think she's the only gal behind the bar.

FOOD: Again, it's a consistency thing, I've ordered the same appetizer multiple times (a girl's gotta nosh during HH). The first time, great. The second time, meh. The last time was the last time. I've had some of the driest meat I've ever eaten here - duck, lamb, beef. Everything else just feels over done. And the whole rotating regional menu - why? Instead of sucking at a bunch of new dishes each month, why not scale back the menu and focus on doing a small number of dishes really well.

SERVICE: When I sit at the bar, it's pretty decent. When I don't, the service leaves me wanting more. I can never understand where the servers are or what they're doing. The last few times I've been to Forum, it's been as dead as a doornail - so I'm not sure why it is so difficult to get good service.

DECOR: The restoration is flippin' fantabulous, which is why the restaurant aspect of this place is all the more disappointing. Want to see more pictures of this beautiful space? A Treasury Of really highlights many of the art deco details (that's his photo above). Check it out.

So, after all that, you're probably wondering why I keep going back. Well, I'm hoping they get better. No such luck - at least not yet. Frankly, Forum is just too pretty to be this sad.

Would love to hear your Forum experiences (especially the good ones). Honestly, I do. Also, if you want to know what I think about other restaurants, click here.