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 luck[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?
Huh…?
Huh.
Please rate the Bar:
Sigh. Well, it’s… small. Smaller than the former Grayz bar, actually. Less welcoming, less accommodating, and less comfortable. So it kind of makes you wonder— since they went to all the trouble to tear down and yank out the old bar to move it to the opposite side of the room— why exactly did they make it so awful?
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
The cocktails are small too— but at least not terribly expensive. One look at the glassware is giving me a distinct "Cipriani" vibe, so I’m opting for the hard stuff instead of wine. Sorry, didn’t get a look at the list (but given the venue’s pedigree, I’m assuming it’s not particularly diverse nor irresistibly priced).
Please rate the Dining Room:
They raised the ceilings? Really. Umm, in the "atrium," maybe. Did they have to steal the height from the other (three) dining rooms?
And, I’m pretty confused. I’ve seen Cyril Durand-Behar‘s work before, and seeing this place just doesn’t make sense to me. Is it supposed to be a replica of the one in Nice, perhaps? Because that would sorta make all this nonsensical-ness make a little more sense. I think.
Please rate the BOH:
Is it supposed to be a replica of the one in Nice, perhaps? In which case, I guess I’ll just refrain. I mean— the food’s not the point anyway, right? (Let’s face it, I don’t go to Cipriani for the Veal Milanese if you hear what I’m sayin’.)
How was the staff?
They’re sweet.
Except for maybe the tall dude at the desk. And the slightly exasperated girl standing next to him. And the wee bit too agressive coat check girl. And the busboy who apparently doesn’t take too kindly to the camera built into your Blackberry.
The bartender— she’s nice.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Toast with bone marrow : Well, the low $10 pricetag does make me less inclined to officially complain that the bones are of poor quality and grossly undercooked.
Zucchini blossom beignet : It seems like they could be pretty good, but they’re cold. And ya know… deep-fried food… when it’s cold… is pretty bleah. Also, they’re not stuffed… with anything… in case that’s what you’re expecting… simply because other chefs usually make them that way…
Fried calamari : It seems like they could be pretty good, but they’re cold. And ya know… deep-fried food… when it’s cold… is oh forget it never mind. I give up.
What did you like?
Pass.
What did you dislike?
Sigh.
I’ll let you guess.
What was your last impression?
Thank goodness they found my friend’s coat.
Would you come back?
What do you think?
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Yeah yeah.
Tags: BARS, F&F REVIEWS, MIDTOWN
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