I'm all about subbing sides but you may want to try the risotto. It was so good that I asked for the recipe. Very creamy and just all around good. I didn't think that Le Cellier lived up to all of the hype but oh the risotto...
I really disliked it. I regretted not subbing the mashed potatoes...Someone once described LC's risotto as rice with condensed mushroom soup on top... and after tasting it I really agreed with that interpretation. A lot of people really love it, though...
Risotto is just rice cooked in some kind of cream or broth. I find it delicious and creamy every time.
OP, I think you're thinking it's something like quinoa, which is definitely a different texture, or maybe even semolina or couscous. I don't like weird texture things, either, but risotto to me feels just like rice. Not oatmealy at all.
I really disliked it. I regretted not subbing the mashed potatoes...Someone once described LC's risotto as rice with condensed mushroom soup on top... and after tasting it I really agreed with that interpretation. A lot of people really love it, though...