Babette's

63 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937, 631-329-5377, www.babetteseasthampton.com

While on vacation in the area during Christmas week, we decided to take an evening stroll. But when the thunderstorm began, we quickly ran into Babettes. The dining room was virtually empty, not a good sign, but it was warm and dry and we were about ready for a glass of wine and some hot food.

The meal began well. We both ordered the goat cheese salad and were surprised to find the cheese baked into little crispy puffs of dough and sprinkled throughout. They tasted heavenly and there were plenty of them. Empty dining room or not, clearly we'd stumbled into a hidden gem! The disappointment began with the entrees. A chicken pot pie sounded so comforting on a cold, rainy night. And, it was fine but a little watery, a little bland and nothing better than what can be had in the frozen foods section of the grocery store. The chicken dragon bowl was filled with what appeared to be a year's supply of broccoli but little else. We'd hoped a chocolate desert would make up for it but it was fairly ordinary as well. The ultimate outrage, however, was the bill. The previous night we'd splurged on a first class, 4-star place and it had been worth every penny. And that cost less!

We still think fondly about that salad but it's the only fond thought about Babettes.