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?
Cute. It’s different.
Please rate the Bar:
There are two; the one on the lower level is a lot more appealing, and I would think, more comfortable. The main level one seems more like a coffee bar where they’re willing to serve you wine should you be so inclined (it’s cramped, and the stools are smaller).
The bartender is affable enough.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Oh, damn it. Did I forget to even notice if there’s any liquor here? Yup.
Uh, well the name of the place would indicate it’s beer/wine only, but in the photo of the bar I see some extracts and whatnot which would indicate mixology. So, dunno. Sorry!
The wine list is decent; nice selections, reasonable prices (full and half carafe only). But the glassware… sigh. Blecch.
Please rate the Dining Room:
Nice. Simple, rustic (mostly recycled from its prior incarnation), and sorta beautiful in a way. Downstairs is more pleasant than the upstairs dining room. As for the “market” in the anteroom— well, it doesn’t quite seem to be the smartest decision, but if it works for them then good on them.
Please rate the BOH:
Very good. Again, nothing too fancy here, but the quality and execution are top-notch.
How was the staff?
So-so. They’re not the most attentive, conscientious, nor amiable bunch, but they’ll do. Maybe it’s just part of their stilo— farmland food, barnyard service.
But considering the management, it’s not surprising. One manager addresses his staff way too loudly during dinner; that speech should’ve been done at line-up. I don’t work here, I don’t need to hear it (and no, your “authority” doesn’t really impress me). The other two, no joke, were standing at the top of the stairwell having a conversation, blocking the entrance to the sunken dining room. Two customers enter, head straight for the bar, and— picture it— the two managers don’t move. As in, at all. They just stand there looking at you like, “yes?”
Seriously? I have to say “excuse me” to get you to let me in? Come on now.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Oh crap. You are not going to believe this, but I accidentally erased my menu notes. Arrgh! But : I do remember there was a sausage appetizer though, and that was very good. Uh, brussel sprouts: delicious. Pasta with cacio e pepe: not bad, but just a touch too peppery. Pappardelle with ragu was much better; beautifully thin pasta. And ugh goddammit there was one other good thing I just can’t remember now. Overall, I recall thinking it was a pleasant meal.
Sorry! Again. Oh I give up.
What did you like?
It’s a cozy neighborhoody kinda joint.
What did you dislike?
Nothing really.
What was your last impression?
The space is really quite charmingly designed.
Would you come back?
Probably? Ya know… there are a LOT of Italian restaurants downtown, so…
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks, have a good night.
* * * * *
Have you heard?
Until the release of PX Me – The Sequel to PX This (Spring 2012), this website will henceforth be updated only intermittently (approximately once or twice a week).
Abbe Diaz’s new (daily) blog is now at: abbediaz.com
Tags: BARS, F&F REVIEWS, NOHO, WORD OF MOUTH REVIEWS
= "personne extraordinaire"
March 5th, 2012 at 3:50 PM
ok went and checked it out afer the times review came out. what a joke, 3 stars!?!? ny times is so stupppppid!!
they are going nuts, they cant handle now they are a destination place. they are set up for a local place, now its a mess!!!!
March 8th, 2012 at 1:04 PM
I agree with ‘My Ass.’ The place is a disaster now. They have actually set up tables in that “market anteroom” to accomodate the increased traffic, which is horrible. Also it’s true that the staff was never meant to be 3 star fine dining, and now it really shows. The Times is clueless as usual.
March 10th, 2012 at 10:01 AM
Good. Let the Times keep up with this kind of stupidity until it finally loses whatever tiny shred of credibility it has left. The gray lady is sinking fast, as well it should.