PX This.

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… !

Bar Henry

What was your first impression?
It’s bigger than you’d expect from the outside.

Please rate the Bar:
Nice, considering. The ceiling’s mighty low and the ambience borders on claustrophobic, but it’s a cute, surprising little discovery, if that’s your thing.

Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
The wine list is exceptional and diverse, but I suppose that’s to be expected from a former Cru sommelier. The "1/2 bottle" price policy (Bar Henry will open a 750ml bottle and sell just half, if that’s your preference) is unique and original, and reasonably reflective. The cocktail list is thoughtful and adroit. Yup, Bar Henry is a wine/cocktail aficionado’s sweet but mellow little gem.

Please rate the Dining Room:
Rustic but elegant, cozy and welcoming. An astute and cleverly crafted use of the spare square footage.

Please rate the BOH:
On a scale of 1 to 10, maybe a 6. The menu is uncomplicated and a nice fit for both the space and location, but the execution could use a little work. There isn’t much of a truly creative force at work here, made more conspicuous by its incongruity with the beverage program.

How was the staff?
Good. Casual but professional, informal but proficient.

What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Deviled eggs: Eh. Are these pre-filled and cold-stored? Bleh. And did he say truffle? Hmm, I don’t taste any truffle.
Boquerones: Fine. Skewing more toward slimy/mushy than firm/fresh, but adequate.
Serrano ham: Also fine, but I’ve definitely had better quality elsewhere.
Short rib corn tacos: Not bad. Tender, juicy, hearty, but again, unimaginative and essentially average.
Bar Henry burger: Undercooked; way more rare than medium-rare. Ah well, better underdone than overdone. Too lazy (and generally apathetic) to send it back. I’ll live, but it’s a bit disappointing.
Sauteed brussel sprouts: Are these frozen? I think so. And doesn’t the menu say "sauteed"? These seem more like steamed (or rather, over-steamed) and then grilled. Or rather, salamandered? Too mushy and primarily flavorless.

What did you like?
The wine list. The element of clandestinity.

What did you dislike?
I can’t say I really hated anything, but I also can’t say I liked the food.

What was your last impression?
How do they get away with these low-hanging chandeliers (in the bar area)? I’m not even that tall, but I feel like I just barely missed whacking my noggin on that thing.

Would you come back?
If I wanted to have some nice wine and just a small nibble at the bar, then yes, probably.

Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thank you and… possibly!

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