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?
Hmmm…
Please rate the Bar:
It’s small and rather awkward. By virtue of this, the seats (which are actually quite nice) are cramped on top of each other, and the entire set-up is then piled atop the hostess stand. Now factor in the three ladies manning the tiny podium (which is butted up against the bar) and suddenly you have three loud women socializing with each other, the bartender, their two friends (?) seated at the bar next to the podium— and ultimately it’s very hard to hear anything else.
Plus, the wall behind the bar seats is barely more than an arm’s length away, making the entrance/walkway quite narrow and too close to the bar. Overall, I’d say this is a major design snafu for a space that seems to emulate a serene, polished elegance.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
The wine list is good and diverse, with several choices at a reasonably decent prices. Check the bottle charge before ordering by the glass— you’ll likely find it’s a much better value. The cocktail list is OK, but for the life of me I can’t understand why anyone would specify Absolut for a recipe.
Please rate the Dining Room:
Personally, I find it a bit sterile and uninviting, or to use my guest’s word: "constipated." Some people like that austere, steely, slick vibe, though— I guess.
Please rate the BOH:
The BOH is in the FOH and it’s squeaky clean and spotless. I don’t see George Mendes anywhere, and I do get the distinct impression the BOH is running on auto-pilot without him.
How was the staff?
Fine, but by no means extraordinary.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Sea urchin toast: This could have been so incredibly delicious if the sea urchin were just a little more fresh. I would have come back just for this alone.
Pork belly: OK, but for a dish that’s already rich without embellishments, why skimp on creativity? Pretty to look at (presentation-wise) but a little flat on the palate.
Lightly-cured mackerel: Very nice. Light but flavorful. Probably my favorite of all.
Shrimp Alhinho: Uh-oh, overcooked shrimp? That’s a no-no in my book.
Duck confit "Arroz de Pato": The duck is good and tender, but the rice is dry and vapid, especially for a dish that’s so promising in its heartiness. A little disappointing.
(Complimentary) petit fours: Beautiful and exceptional.
What did you like?
The inexpensive $29 Verdejo/Sauvignon Blanc from Rueda opened up quite nicely by the end of the meal.
What did you dislike?
The bar.
What was your last impression?
I wonder if the food would have been better if George Mendes were here.
Would you come back?
Unfortunately, I can think of other places I’d rather go.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thank you and have a pleasant evening.
Tags: BARS, F&F REVIEWS
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