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?
It’s nicer than the one in New York.
Please rate the Bar:
It’s pretty and spacious, and the seats are comfortable. Unfortunately, I didn’t really get to interact with the bartender, because our guests arrived just as we were thinking about ordering a drink, and we were ushered immediately to our table. But I did notice the bar was clean and very well-kept.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
The wine list was impressive in its diversity and extensiveness, but I did feel the prices were more skewed toward the more expensive end. There were several less expensive wines on the menu, but not many, and those choices were less inventive and adventurous than they could have been. In the end it was our guests who chose the bottles of red wine we had, and they were slightly more full-bodied and tannic than I would have chosen, but good. As I didn’t see the selection (or the check), I don’t know what it cost.
Please rate the Dining Room:
The dining room is quite big, with very high ceilings. Again, I do feel it’s more beautiful than the one in NY, which, to me, seems stale and a little worse for wear. There’s a warmth and vibrancy here that isn’t present in NY, as well as a relevancy by virtue of its novelty (it was our guests who chose this restaurant— it was something of a business meeting for my boyfriend. I don’t think we would have chosen to dine here on our own).
Please rate the BOH:
The menu is typical of a steakhouse and a little uninspired— except for the sides, which had some nice unexpected choices. The timing was fine and the execution was good.
How was the staff?
Good. Professional and adept, if not particularly amiable or effusive. There were no missteps in the service at all.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Hamachi sashimi: Good and fresh, if not, again, inventive.
Lobster bisque: Flavorful, but less robust than I normally prefer. Good, though.
Seared foie gras: Beautiful and rich. Very gratifying.
Caesar salad: Big, like everything in Miami. Fresh, good, satisfying. Love the white anchovies.
Bone-in ribeye: Perfectly cooked and very good. Juicy and tasty.
Creamed spinach: Stick-to-your-ribs rich. Hearty. Very delicious.
Mushroom "Cigar" with truffle oil: Probably the most unusual thing on the menu. Very good.
What did you like?
Overall, the food was very satisfactory.
What did you dislike?
The ambience (and crowd) seems more "Ft. Lauderdale" than "Miami." A little boring.
What was your last impression?
God, I’m stuffed.
Would you come back?
I can see how it’s appropriate for business meetings or "dinner with the in-laws," but otherwise, probably not.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thank you.
Tags: BARS, F&F REVIEWS, HOTELS, MIAMI BEACH, OTHER NYC BOROUGHS
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