PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW
Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the F&F survey, because you’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you invited 75 people to F&F, and afterward all you got was 41 "Congrats[es]!" 22 "Awesome[s]!" 3 "Ciao[s]!" and 9 "Best of lucks[s]!" ?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what friends & family are for!
No no please, don’t send anything more, we’re stuffed, we can’t breathe, you’ll have to roll us out of here, ha ha ha… !
What was your first impression?
ooh swanky.
Please rate the Bar:
beautiful. but apparently, technically it’s not a bar, "it’s a dining counter, by reservation only." a tad irritating to hear, but understandable considering there isn’t much else you can do if the bar space is needed because the dining room is consistently maxed out. the service was exceptional.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
the wine list is actually quite diverse and reasonable, particularly since i was told LeCaprice is "very expensive."
all i need with my good polish vodka (available) are three big fat juicy olives (delivered) and i’m a happy camper.
Please rate the Dining Room:
nice. maybe a wee stiff for my tastes but really quite nice. spacious, accommodating, serene— very appropriate for The Pierre Hotel.
Please rate the BOH:
quite good. again, i was surprised to see the menu is more reasonable than i had expected. prices are adequately competitive with even more casual places downtown. the menu is unfussy and straightforward, simple enough to please a business traveler, but artful enough to gratify a seasoned diner.
the timing of courses was perfect, and the preparation was commendable.
How was the staff?
the hostess was congenial but professional, as were the maitre d’ and service manager. the barcountertender was most pleasant of all— warm, attentive, efficient, knowledgeable, and amiable. overall an A+ team.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
steak tartare : decent. personally i’m always impressed if i get a little quail egg cuz i love them, so maybe the lack of one was a little disappointing. but i thought the charming arrangement of all the best unpretentious condiments on a silver platter was great. tabasco and lea&perrins rule.
tomato/basil galette with burrata : okay. tasty enough, but for $18, maybe just a wee skimpy on the burrata.
wild mushroom risotto : delicious. very flavorful. very rich. probably my favorite of all the dishes, and i’m not even that crazy about mushrooms.
deep-fried haddock : good! pretty big portion. who doesn’t love a fancy fish&chip?
creamed spinach.: very nice. also very rich. the butter/cream/oil/steamed options will make a lot of people happy.
scandinavian iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce : just kidding. i wish! unfortunately, way too full and short on time :(
but damn did that sound enticing.
What did you like?
pretty much everything.
What did you dislike?
hmm. having to go to midtown?
What was your last impression?
i really enjoyed this much more than i had expected. this could be my next one-and-only midtown joint. my new Grayz, so to speak.
Would you come back?
yes!
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
any minute now…
Tags: F&F REVIEWS, HOTELS, LE CAPRICE, MIDTOWN
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