My impression is that this is what the new OP is looking for. I think sometimes foodies get so wrapped up in things being creative that they forget the classics. Add to that the problem that too many restaurants follow that trend and what you end up with is too many restaurants that focus on creativity and end up either creating nightmares or missing the boat on execution or both.

I would rather have a more commonplace meal that is well-executed than a creative meal that isn't.