PX This.

PX This presents THE "WORD OF MOUTH" REVIEW

We’re actually getting kinda sick of new restaurants; it’s a bit tedious pointing out the same types of flaws over and over and over again and ultimately being disappointed more often than impressed. (Here’s a novel idea: why don’t you try working to improve the shitty restaurant you already have, rather than opening a new one every nine months, you greedy egomaniacal bastard?) But hey, maybe that’s just us.
Anyhoo! It’s so nice to see you! We hadn’t planned on visiting your place, probably like— ever— but the "word of mouth" on this joint has been pretty outstanding. So, ya know— we’re intrigued. We’re hoping that good "word of mouth" is all genuine, and we can get us some of that good in our mouth. Word.
What’s that? You’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you’re hoping we’ll like it and help spread the news, since you fired your publicist long ago for not doing jack shit for you?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what obnoxious opinionated food-bloggers 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… !

The Plaza Food Hall

What exactly made you choose our restaurant?
I dunno; it was around the holidays, it was snowing, New York felt Christmas-y… lunch at The Plaza just seemed oddly appropriate.

What was your first impression?
Geezus, where the fuck is this place? (In the basement— just roam around until you finally find it.)

Please rate the Bar:
Uh, N/A? It’s kinda all a "bar." Without the self-seating. Yea, even the actual bar bar (where the liquor is located) is host-seating only.

Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Opted for a Sauvignon Blanc recommended by the waiter, and it was good. Didn’t actually see the list though, he presented it by memory. But later when the check arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to find the wine was priced pretty reasonably at $12 per glass.
And oops hmm, come to think of it now, I’m not even entirely sure if they have a full ABC license. Sorry!

Please rate the Dining Room:
It’s… different. It’s a bit odd and not particularly welcoming or comfortable, but for them it’s a smart decision and likely works efficaciously. All seats are stool-height and everything is communal.

Please rate the BOH:
Very good. Better than I expected. Not exactly a raging Todd English fan here.
Great diversity— very impressive. Adventurous and creative but still simple and straightforward. However, the delivery system is consequently a bit messed up, what with the menu items coming from separate "kitchens" and whatnot. The dishes arrive sporadically, so be prepared to "share" everything or you may be left eyeing your companion’s dish longingly while you wait for your meal to arrive.

How was the staff?
The front desk is a bit harried and brusque, but the waiter was great.

What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Pork dumplings : Good. Big portion size. Love the (included) side of kimchee.
Pork ramen : Very delicious. And on a blistering wintry day like this, it really hits the spot.
Grilled pastrami : (See what I mean about diversity?) Quirky deconstructed presentation, but delicious. Too bad the special request of Swiss cheese on the side (not included— kosher, I guess) arrived after half the "sandwich" was already gone. The cheese comes from the cheese station, and the pastrami comes from the grill, you see.

What did you like?
Pretty much everything.

What did you dislike?
Wellll… you do feel sorta cramped…

What was your last impression?
What’s that in the "grocery" fridge? A jar of "Mother-in-law’s kimchee." Ha ha ahaa, hilarious. (Todd English has Yellow Fever, get it?)

Would you come back?
Sure.

Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks, it was fun.

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