We have been going to The Blue Mingo here in Cooperstown, NY for years and it was one of our favorite spots, even if only for the beautiful lakeside setting and previously the really good food. Changes over the years have brought the level of food and service down. Last night could be chalked up to a large group that seemed to be about 20 people, but we waited for almost 15 minutes before we were even asked if we wanted water and then our drinks came over a 1/2 hour after we arrived. Our server also seemed confused as he brought two starters that were the same(when we only ordered one) and then two drinks for the kids(when they only ordered one) and he could not remember which dish went where. That said, it would have been okay if this was the only issue.
Will & I started with what turned out to be the best part of the evening: The Mingo Spicy Margarita had 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno-infused Tequila, lime, lemon & orange juice with a spicy tajin clasico salt rim. It was super refreshing and the drink itself was not too spicy at all, just the rim.
Sam had his usual Potstickers made of chicken with a lemongrass soy broth which was the winner for the starters. Will's Coconut Shrimp has been a standard here for ages like the potstickers and are still good with their yummy coconut-crust, sweet chili sauce and a teeny lime-gingered Napa cabbage salad, which is so small now since they serve the dish on a much smaller plate. My steamed Littleneck clams were tasty with a nice simple melted butter for dipping, but the menu said one pound and I really doubt there was even 2/3 of a pound in my bowl!
We chose a decent Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2017 from South Africa's Western Cape Winelands, but I have to say as well that after many years , it is time to make some changes in the wine list as well as the basic menu(there are 4 carb-heavy potato starters!).Sam surely liked his Angus burger with garlic mayo and fries and Will's Lobster Roll was pretty good, but the Lobster Pasta was laden with rich gloppy creamy mascarpone cheese sauce with parmesan to boot and there was no way anybody could have finished it. My Pork Chop Special sounded great with Black Cherry Bourbon Apple Chutney, Sweet potato waffle fries(more like chips as in potato chips) and brussels sprouts was so dry I was practically begging for more chutney to help me get through, but alas there was not much more than a tablespoon or two. Will did like his Key Lime Custard which was laden with whipped cream, but I think we may have to skip the Mingo next time up here and look for some new spot to start our weekend at the Glimmerglass Festival!
