Rats, at The Grounds for Sculpture

Try not to work up an appetite after touring the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, one of my favorite places to spend a day. The food at Rats is superb, and expensive. We'd lunched there before and never had to wait, but this time it was crowded with businessmen, ladies who lunch, and tourists. We made a reservation, and waited about half an hour for a call on our mobile phone. Unfortunately, the only table available was outdoors, in full sun, no umbrella. We took it, I put on my baseball cap (so fashionable) and hoped I'd used enough sunblock. The waiter brought fresh bread and herb butter, then seemed to disappear, which he did on and off while we were there. The meal more than made up for the bad location and poor service. Joel had Bronzini and salad with green beans, frisée and potatoes, with a light vinaigrette dressing. The fish was excellent. I had generous chicken Cobb Salad, with bite size pieces od grilled chicken, tidbits of real bacon, avocado, chunks of Bleu Cheese, minced boiled eggs on a bed of crisp Romaine lettuce. pedestrian, it wasn't. Joel had a tasty Claufouti tart with mango, and hazelnut ice cream and a Cappuchino. I had a cup of very good regular coffee. The sun got to Joel, and he waited in the shade for the bill, which took a long time coming.