The Blabber in the Trenches
• The latest riveting rumors swirling within the industry have restaurateur Keith McNally "livid" over the news that the lease on Meatpacking District mainstay, Pastis, will not be renewed. Although there’s some disagreement as to the exact date of the lease expiration (Pastis opened in the Fall of 1999), speculators have the restaurant’s impending denouement pegged anywhere from "by the end of this year" to "sometime next year." As long suspected, the air rights over Pastis have proven far too valuable to its owners to extend Pastis’s entitlement, which simply cannot fulfill the estimated cost of retaining its space at its current market value, even if offered the option.
This comes on the heels of the cognition that the latest of several nightlife impresarios to have been offered the Pravda space on Lafayette St, within the last year or so, has also declined.
• And speaking of the latest move in NYC’s fast-paced Tenancy Twirl, sagacious speculators have Andre Balazs waiting in the wings for his crack at the Tony Turf Two-Step. Although his turn still "may be about a couple years" away, insiders say there’s already "talk" of the prime basement level space in Balazs’s perennially posh Mercer Hotel (currently Mercer Kitchen) and are rubbing their hands in glee over the inevitable "infusion" of new blood a Balazs self-owned/operated venue could bring.
And let’s face it; given Balazs’s smashing success at self-sufficient F&B in The Standard New York (and the, ahem— lack of love lost, so to speak), in our percipient minds this prudent rumor practically confirms itself.
• Aaand speaking of the habitual Hotel Hippity Hop, this just in reminded us: Former General Manager Lana Trevisan is no longer at Hotel Americano. She’s at Gansevoort Park now. (You’re welcome, googlie gods.)
• Which! also reminds us: Former Executive Chef Jonnatan Leiva is no longer manning the kitchen at 10 Downing (which also not-so-recently lost three of its managing partners, duh). He’s up the street at John deLucie‘s The Lion now.
• And now that we have chef on the brain, yes it’s true what you’ve heard— Josh Eden‘s Shorty’s .32 is indeed closed for good, and not simply "for renovations" as you’d all hoped. After failing to secure the "roughly $186,000.00" in this troublesome economy that Eden had sought to "buy out" his decisive principal partners and make minor reparations, Eden then accepted one of several major offers for his tremendous talent.
• Finally, as for the you-know-who and the you-know-what due in you-know-when: come on now, peoples. What are we, his mother?
That is all. And we really really mean it; THAT IS ALL. What the hells do you want, a pool or something? christ.
Hope you’re happy now, sheesh. [Thanks, we missed you too.]
* * * * *
Have you heard?
Until the release of PX Me (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
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?
Ooh, snazzy. Bienvenidos a Las Vegas.
[Also: Where the fuh-? The googles tells you the address is 346 W 17th, but the entrance is really on 16th St, right next door to The Maritime.]
Please rate the Bar:
Pretty good. Also snazzy. The stools aren’t too comfortable, however, and the very frigid air conditioner blows right in your face. The lounge might be a better option; it’s spacious, commodious, and those massive silver sofas are way more welcoming to your derriere. (There’s another bar upstairs by the pool, but it’s standing room only. And the tables are "for guests of the hotel only," wink wink.)
The bartenders are amiable enough and perfectly proficient (read: Better than Lavo).
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Typical, pretty much what you’d expect— except for maybe the price, which is decidedly un-Strategic Group in its noteworthy reasonable-ness. Recessions, what are they good for? Lower-priced booze, that’s what. Good robust glassware and healthy-ish portions.
Please rate the Dining Room:
It’s uh… snazzy. And big.
Please rate the BOH:
Better than you’d expect. I mean, granted, I don’t know much abot that Top Chef dude, but I don’t exactly eat at Avenue (or Tao or Lavo) if you get what I’m saying. Kinda expensive, though! Bring your corporate card— ya know, if your company still lets you do that sort of thing, that is.
How was the staff?
Haa, well, they’re very experienced/competent all right! You might catch a familiar face or two up in there…
And from what I gather, they like it here. A happy server is a pleasant server.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare : Good. Fresh. Nice little twist on a classic.
Peekytoe Crabcakes : Very good. Tender and tasty. Nicely done.
Raw oysters : Excellent. Very fresh and expertly shucked. If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s a butchered oyster. Impressive.
Carne Asada : Outstanding. Perfectly cooked, succulent, juicy, and flavorful. This "chef’s specialty" is a winner for sure.
Wild mushrooms : Great. Hearty and delicious. Pretty big portion too.
Creamed spinach : Mmm, delectable. Nothing wrong with this dish.
What did you like?
The food was good.
What did you dislike?
Well, overall, it’s not really my stilo. I’m sure the bankers and the steno pool (what’s left of them) love it, though.
What was your last impression?
Umm, I’m sorta surprised the hotel went with the circular motif on the facade? It almost looks like it’s just the newest attachment to the Maritime next door.
Would you come back?
Wellll, it’s not exactly in my neighborhood…
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks, it was yummy.
* * * * *
Have you heard?
Until the release of PX Me (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
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… !
What exactly made you choose our restaurant?
Actually, my hosts chose it; I think it came highly recommended to them by a friend of theirs who’d visited Panarea the summer prior.
What was your first impression?
Ho-lee cow. Is this the most beautiful restaurant I’ve ever seen in my life? Could be.
Please rate the Bar:
It’s nice. Very hip. But quite frankly, to opt for the bar over the lounge and turn your back on these incredible views, you’d really have to be kind of out of your mind.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
The wine list is decent, and more diverse than you’d expect in a rather remote place like this. But it’s really expensive, of course.
Sorry, forgot to note anything about the cocktails, but I’m sure they’re expensive too. But what was it I’d said about the place in Salina with the other amazing view? Oh right, "with an ambience like this, I might very well have been quite happy drinking hooch and Boone’s Farm." Yea, that.
Please rate the Dining Room:
There are a few, and they’re all gorgeous, but closest to the fresh air is best. (After the sun goes down though, the view ceases to matter as much; it’s nothing but pitch out there.)
Please rate the BOH:
Very good. Far better than I’d expected, cuz the gratutitous lounge snacks really sucked. They should really rethink those— they’d fare much better with simple nuts and crackers than the bad crostini, the breadsticks that go stale, and the sad wilted fruit on a skewer. Less prep time, too. (Oh crap, I hate when I give out too much free advice, dammit!)
The food in the dining room’s good though, but really really expensive (€35.00 for an appetizer, hello). Plus they seem to run out of the more popular items pretty quickly.
How was the staff?
Great. They were very sweet and accommodating. Ha ha haa, you won’t even believe it, but our waitress used to work here in New York City— for a restaurateur in our party. How CRAZY is that.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Amberjack fresh from the sea : Delicious, perfect. Better than Blue Ribbon, which is a good thing cuz it’s double the price of Blue Ribbon, too. I mean, yes, that’s the sea yonder a stone’s-throw away, but oh forget it never mind. (By the way, I’d originally wanted the lobster and avocado— yah, at €35— but they were 86ed. Just sayin.)
Grilled squid : Decent. Could have been just a tad more tender, but fresh and tasty.
Pasta (with melanzane e funghi, was it? I forget now) : It was okay. But shut up, who cares? Come on, you can get food anywhere…
Biscotti e malvasia : This is my favorite new thing. How am I going to live without Malvasia now?
Nobody else let me try their dishes : Can you believe it. Maybe they figured the food’s so expensive, they’d better hoard every last bite.
What did you like?
This place is like paradise.
What did you dislike?
That it’s so far away from home :(
What was your last impression?
Seriously, how fucking cool am I right now. I’m not even sure how I got here.
Would you come back?
Oh please please please please please gawd pleeeease….
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
‘Piacere. Buona giornata, grazie e arrivederci.
More photographs of Panarea, and/or the rest of Isole Eolie are at abbediaz.com
* * * * *
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
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… !
What exactly made you choose our restaurant?
Actually, my hosts chose it; I think it came highly recommended to them by a friend who’d visited the Aeolian Islands the summer prior.
What was your first impression?
Wow. Holy cow.
Please rate the Bar:
N/A? If there’s a bar, I didn’t see one. But they do have an extraordinary outdoor patio/lounge overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea that’s "for drinks and dessert only." In which case, who needs an effin bar?
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Opted for wine (a Chardonnay I didn’t choose, which was very good) so I have no idea about the cocktails, sorry. But quite frankly, with an ambience like this, I might very well have been quite happy drinking hooch and Boone’s Farm, I’m not sure.
Oh okay, on a more serious note, my friend’s Campari and soda looked appealing, respectable, and refreshing— and it had a beautiful fresh orange slice in it. So I’m willing to bet the majority of their cocktails really don’t suck at all.
Please rate the Dining Room:
Beautiful. Rustic yet incredibly elegant. And again, that view…
Please rate the BOH:
Outstanding. Really truly excellent, no exaggeration.
As a person of my — ahem — "noted" expertise, I am often asked where I’ve had the most phenomenal dining experience. Well, now I finally have an answer I needn’t think that hard about nor elaborate with justifications and explanations. Ha ha ha ahah, I can’t wait to tell the next person that inquires that one of my favoritest restaurants everrr is in Malfa on Salina the Aeolian Island in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the coast of Sicily ("you muuust go by boat, dahling"). It sounds even more awesomely pretentious than "al Moro in Rome."
How was the staff?
Wonderful. Very congenial and accommodating, especially considering we arrived without a reservation (it soon became much more crowded than the photos would suggest).
In all honesty, the waiter seemed a bit agitated at first when he mistakenly thought our (large-ish) party was going to skip appetizers, but he got a lot more amicable when the food and wine orders started rolling in heartily.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Raw fish ("cruditá") fresh from the sea : Amazing. Without a doubt the best I’ve had in my whole entire life. The shrimp especially was of a buttery texture and flavor that’s damned near indescribable. I am not kidding when I say I feel like I’ve had some kind of crudo epiphany. If seafood is shipped in from eh-nee-where, it will never ever ever ever EVER taste like this.
Grilled octopus : You know that pretty general perception that if an octopus is fully grown or older or whatever (as opposed to the cute whole little babies), then it’s inevitably going to be a bit firm (i.e. "tough," i.e. "chewy")? Well, that’s a straight-up LIE, evidently. Cuz this one was as tender, succulent, and tasty as a cute little baby octopus’s ass. So now that’s two epiphanies.
Some kind of tiny ravioli-like pasta, the name of which I can’t recall, with something "pork ragu" and fresh tomato : Omylord, so delicious. And I really looove how the portion size was just exactly perfect and sufficient (for a late-night pasta dinner the evening before you have to don a bikini early the very next day). This is how Italians (in Italy) stay so slim.
Panna cotta : Oi. I’m generally not a dessert person, but I ate the whole thing. Just the right amount of dolce with a consistency like gelatinous air.
Biscotti and Malvasia : Somebody call my moms cuz I musta died and gone to heaven.
What did you like?
Are you kidding?
What did you dislike?
It’s a helluva trip to get back here.
What was your last impression?
Can this place possibly really exist?
Would you come back?
Oh please please please please please gawd pleeeease….
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Buona notte, grazie mille. Che bellissima sorpresa.
More photographs of Signum, Salina-Malfa, and/or the rest of Isole Eolie are at abbediaz.com
* * * * *
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
Last night, Chelsea newcomer Hotel Americano hosted a preview cocktail party for a "small gathering" of 20 40 180 260 or so of its closest friends. Although it has several private events lined up over the next few weeks, it is not slated to open to the public until July. The Mexico-based Grupo Habita Hotel Americano will house a French-inspired Latin restaurant with outdoor patio space on the main level, two indoor bar/lounges, and an additional restaurant/lounge on the roof (along with a lap swimming pool).
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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
Following relatively recent news of shakeups at The Box, EMM, and Bagatelle, PX This has learned that Managing Director Ian Nicholson is the latest executive to decamp The Standard Hotel here in NYC. Following the earlier but unrelated departure of F&B Director of Operations Lana Trevisan (currently GM of soon-to-open Hotel Americano), Nicholson resigned from Hotels AB to forge a partnership deal with hotelier Alan Faena, most notably of Philippe Starck designed Faena Hotel+Universe in Buenos Aires.
Prospective projects of Faena and Nicholson include the somewhat beleaguered Cipriani Ocean Resort & Club location at 3201 Collins Ave in Miami Beach, as well as a future NYC site, currently still in its early stages of development. They are backed by Russian-American billionaire, Len Blavatnik who also, mere weeks ago, purchased Warner Music Group for a reported $3.3 billion.
Nicholson has served as The Standard’s Managing Director since May 2007 and as Vice President – Hotel Operations of Andre Balazs Properties since January 2010. Prior, he maintained the General Manager position at The SoHo Grand, Tribeca Grand, and The Hudson Hotel.
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… !
What exactly made you choose our restaurant?
My friend is a big fan; I just went along for the ride…
What was your first impression?
It’s very pretty.
Please rate the Bar:
It’s OK. Rather small, but the lounge tables are nice, welcoming, and comfortable. (Evidently, the hotel has another bar/lounge upstairs near the lobby, as well as a rooftop bar/lounge for the summertime.)
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Very nice. Great house cocktail recipes with fresh and exotic ingredients, including some unique non-alcoholic varieties. The wine list as well is good, diverse (particularly for an Asian restaurant), and reasonably priced (especially considering its location within a chic SoHo hotel)— which makes their new Spring "Happy Hour" dinner special of 50% of all bottles of wine (starting May 2nd) remarkably intriguing.
(And don’t miss their great Thai Iced Coffee after dinner, either.)
Please rate the Dining Room:
Beautiful. Warm, commodious, and relaxing. (How many NYC dining rooms can boast a tranquil meditation pool?)
Please rate the BOH:
Outstanding. Chef Ty Bellingham has done a great job re-invigorating Kittichai’s ample and stellar menu. Very impressive.
How was the staff?
Great. Friendly, knowledgeable, and perfectly proficient.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Rock shrimp : Delicious. Crisp but succulent and very tasty. Great take on an Asian classic.
Smoked trout with shiso leaf : Unexpectedly terrific and unique. The description doesn’t begin to do it justice.
Mekhong whiskey ribs : Very good. Fall-off-the-bone tender. Flavorful (but not overwhelming) sauce.
Banana blossom salad : Different. Piquant. Maybe just a tad too generous with the dressing, though.
Oxtail soup : Mmm, rich and tangy but delicate. Gorgeous presentation.
Hamach tartare : Fresh and delectable. Zesty but light.
Spicy prawns : Scrumptious and delectably fiery, but personally would have preferred them just a wee bit undercooked. Otherwise, excellent.
Sauteed gai-lan : Perfect.
What did you like?
That smoked trout wrapped in shiso was really amazing.
What did you dislike?
That I missed out on the curried short-rib? So much food! But I really wanted that too. Oh well, next time…
What was your last impression?
50% off all bottles of wine?! I just might move in here…
Would you come back?
Ohhh, yeah.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thank you, it was a pleasure.
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?
Wow. Swanky.
Please rate the Bar:
There’s two actually— and they’re both pretty slammin. Big, welcoming, commodious, and smart. Curious to see how they end up handling the door, but this place could very well be the new jumpoff…
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Excellent. Good sagacious recipes with quality, creativity, and lots of fresh ingredients. And the prices aren’t bad either, considering.
Please rate the Dining Room:
It’s pretty stellar. There’s maybe just a wee touch of austerity, probably due to all the glass and concrete, but overall it’s a beauty. Very impressive.
Please rate the BOH:
Well ya know, it’s Sam Talbot…
I can’t exactly say I’m the greatest Top Chef fan, but I can say after one meal, this dude has made a believer outta me all right.
How was the staff?
Exceptional. Everybody. Really.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Cauliflower fritters : Wow. Not flowers as you might expect, but pureed like mashed potatoes. Sooo delicious.
Iberico lardo and toro : Faaantastic. How can I explain— sorta like a crostini with scrumptious fresh toro and Iberico lardo piled on top? Oh who cares, just eat it.
Slow cooked octopus : Not as mind-blowing as the others, but still very good. Rich and flavorful.
Shrimp and grits : Better than it sounds, trust me. Succulent and hearty.
Cucumber kimchee : Yah, uh… –the fuck? Whatever, it’s good. Tamer than the "real" stuff, but ya know… that’s just how round-eyes roll, I guess. Ha ha ha ha haaa… oh lighten up there, Casper.
What did you like?
Just about everything.
What did you dislike?
If you must know, I’m not feelin those girl uniforms. What’s with all the hotels and the ugly satin dresses everywheres all of a sudden?
What was your last impression?
Oh look it’s Charlie Walk. [Waaalk this waaay... sorry, couldn't resist.]
Would you come back?
For sure.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thank you, it was a pleasure.
* * * * *
Have you heard?
Until the release of PX Me (Summer 2011), 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
Hey, remember a few weeks ago when we referred to Armin Amiri‘s new enterprise but didn’t want to give away all the details because we were trying to be respectful, and then Eater graciously picked up our tidbit and then the very next day The New York Post shadily ran with the story without crediting us, as usual, because they’re lame shystery fuckers, and then supposedly Amy Sacco got pretty upset and then maybe may or may not have thrown a wee bit of a tantrum that Amiri is riding her coat tails straight over her head now that he’s getting all these big new deals in New York (hey New York Post, did you happen to hear about the other project Amiri’s been fervently eyeing for months now?) and she’s not?
Yeah well, that place is called Mr H, and it soft-opened to "friends and family" as a complimentary "preview" last week on Friday night for "only thirty invited guests," in a practice run before the Prabal Gurung and Derek Lam parties over the weekend. We have a few photos even though technically we weren’t allowed to take pictures, so we’ll show you some because clearly there’s no point in trying to be respectful. However, we will endeavor to remain somewhat courteous and just give you a sneak peek, because apparently Mr H is currently in the unfortunate position of having to honor Fashion Week bookings made months in advance despite being behind development schedule and "not fully prepared." Evidently, its current state is "temporary"; Mr H will re-close after Fashion Week to undergo further renovations.
That is all for now. Try checking The Post tomorrow— maybe they’ll make some calls today in an attempt to score some kind of awesome indignant quote from Amy Sacco or something.
* * * * *
Have you heard?
Until the release of PX Me (Summer 2011), 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
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… !
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.
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?
Swanky!
But I’m not surprised; I looove The Setai hotels.
Please rate the Bar:
Beautiful, welcoming, spacious, and comfortable. (There are actually two bars/lounges in The Setai—- one on the main floor and another on the second floor past Ai Fiori’s glass doors.)
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
The cocktails list is creative and diverse, but on the main floor they have a bit of a recipe problem. On two separate occasions, two different bartenders altered their mixology to accommodate their own whims rather than supply the drinks as described. One bartender attempted to substitute Beefeater for the Beefeater 24 offered in the recipe printed on the list, and the other added framboise and cranberry juice for no apparent reason to a special house "margarita" recipe that stated simply two types of premium tequila and fresh lime juice. Very odd.
In any case, if you’re a truly discerning drinker, keep your eye on those shifty fuckers.
The upstairs bartender seems more fastidious, but unfortunately, he’s slow. The wait time for your drink is then compounded by the fact he’s also servicing the entire dining room as well as all the patrons seated at the bar. Good thing the seats are so cozy.
And the wine list is as you’d expect— ample, diverse, and sagacious, but reasonably priced, all things considered.
Please rate the Dining Room:
It’s big. And luxurious without being stifling. It does kinda make you wonder, however, why they slapped that ugly POS monitor up on the wall smack in the center of the room.
Please rate the BOH:
Very good. Vaaastly better than Morini, I’ll tell you that much.
This is likely why Morini sucks—- homeboy is busy, mmkay?
How was the staff?
Extremely polite and quite conscientious. Superbly professional (except maybe the downstairs bartenders, obvs).
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Crudo : Good, fresh, simple, tasty.
Black Truffle Risotto : Very good, luscious, flavorful. Delicious.
Lobster : A bit too underdone for my taste, but otherwise lovely. Oh well, better underdone than overdone. But, personally I would have preferred a bit more succulence and a bit less translucence.
Rack of Lamb : Tender, perfectly cooked, hearty but delicate.
Oh damn, I can’t remember dessert now: Not much of one for the sweets, so dessert was either sent from the kitchen or it was ordered when I wasn’t paying attention. And honestly, I can’t recall what the dishes were (one was chocolate— very rich), but I do recollect they were quite good— and reminded me of pastry chef Patrick Coston. (I’m sure they weren’t his, though.) Sorry!
What did you like?
Hey, if The Setai installed itself a fancy KFC, I’d probably still love it to death.
What did you dislike?
Framboise? And tequila? Gagh.
What was your last impression?
So, now I finally know where the fuck Ai Fiori is.
Would you come back?
The full dining experience is a tad turgid for me, but I’ll gladly return to the bar/lounge anytime.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks, it was a pleasure.
Welcome to: Where I Spent My Week Off —by a NYC Restaurant "Insider"
So, what do you do in the industry?
Oh, this and that.
And you have how many weeks off a year, generally?
About three or four.
What made you choose Vieques for this vacation?
Advertising! Ha ahaa, I wish I were kidding, but really I’m not.
We’ve been to a bunch of other Caribbean islands before and we totally love the convenience of the short flight durations. Well, this time we wanted to try something new, and so naturally Puerto Rico came to mind because of its advantageous location. Unfortunately, although a visit to (Old) San Juan seemed appealing, it isn’t exactly known for its awesome beaches, and also the notion of the Ritz Carlton as the typical New Yorkers’ Caribbean playground just seemed a bit tired and kinda played-out.
That sorta narrowed it down to Islas Vieques and Culebra. And I gotta admit, one gander at the new W Resort’s promotional video had me completely sold at pressing "play." Seriously— check that shit out and see if you’re not packing your bags before the 4:49 minutes are all wrapped up.
So, we planned our vacation in Vieques with a one-night stay in San Juan on our way back home.
And where did you stay?
The W Retreat & Spa on Vieques Island, and the San Juan Water & Beach Club ("The Water Club") in Isla Verde.
How were the ambience, service, and amenities, etc?
The W was pretty awesome. Beautiful, chic, and contemporary with a creative ambience and a hip, stylish crowd. The service was mostly excellent— attentive and conscientious but casual— and the food was great nine times out of ten. They’re right on point with a lot of special little details that other high-priced hotels tend to overlook. I really liked it a lot.
The Water Club was okay. It was recommended by a pretty savvy friend, and it was perfect for the one night, but I couldn’t imagine enjoying it for any longer than that. But, for people who want that groovy Ian Schrager ambience at Howard Johnson prices, it’s a very good choice. They sure got their funky goin’ on, but the rooms are small and the walls are thin. I would imagine it was quite the little hotspot when it first opened, but at this point it’s starting to look a tad worse for wear. They are currently renovating the "famous" rooftop pool/bar though, so maybe it’s aiming for a comeback or something.
Any major glitches and/or disappointments?
Sigh, welllll… there was the New Years Eve debacle. I mean, yeah yeaahh, I get it— it’s New Years Eve, so that means it’s Hose the Clientele Night, right? The W’s "Alain Ducasse‘s" Mix on the Beach was already fully booked for dinner, so we got sold the "Burgers and Bubbles" poolside package at $125.00 person, which was supposedly "all you can eat" and "all you can drink." Well, the drinks ended up being mostly pre-made cocktail crap-garbage and even if you could manage to eat three burgers a piece, it’s hardly worth 125 bucks.
Which, ya know, might have been fine anyways, except I had specifically inquired "So there’s nothing available à la carte here this evening?" and the mutherfukking manager LIED to me. He straight-up told me "no, nothing" to my face, but in fact the Living Room bar was open as usual and functioning regularly with its condensed Mix on the Beach "bar menu." Granted, it wasn’t a full dinner menu, but it sure as hell beat pre-paid fucking $125 burgers. So, the fact that I could have had a good bottle of wine and nibbles of my choice for $250.00 instead, needless-to-say really pissed me off.
But the midnight fireworks show was nice.
Oh and the one night we did opt for the full dinner at Mix, it sucked. But it was January 2nd, so I guess the head chef took the night off, probably worn out from working the height of the season the whole time straight through. I say that because all the other meals we had at The W were wonderful, so the contrast of that dinner (and actually come to think of it, breakfast the following day too) was really quite evident. It was so bad, I wouldn’t be surprised if the dishwasher was the only one left in the kitchen cooking.
The only other thing I can think of is drinks at the San Juan Ritz Carlton pool bar. Sour mix in the margaritas— rilly? And ordering the Chips with Salsa and Guacamole was a big mistake. Most of the corn chips were dyed red and green (so corny— haa, corny, get it?) and on top of that ridiculous nonsense, they were stale. Plus the guacamole was awful and I didn’t even touch the salsa because it looked gray, I am not even kidding.
Dude, it’s supposed to be the fucking Ritz! Come on now.
Any great standout experiences?
The trip was fantastic overall.
Oh but I should also mention the cute little restaurant in Esperanza called Trade Winds, though. Just simple and rustic, but with really terrific food (and a nice, but very reasonably priced wine list). Evidently, their lobster is famous (and it was delicious!) and they had the best mofongo I’ve ever eaten in my life (apparently, not to be confused with Dominican mofongo, though).
Later in Old San Juan, this nice saleslady in a sunglasses store recommended this seafood restaurant called Aquaviva and it was fantastic. We’d asked for "a good place, not a tourist place," and so she told us about this one, plus another one called Parrot Club. She also mentioned a French restaurant the name of which I can’t recall now, it was something something Onze, which makes me think it was maybe Neuf Dix Onze (?) but I tried googling it and got nothing. If you happen to be in the area and want to give it a try, it’s right up Calle Fortaleza from both Aquaviva and Parrot Club.
How much did you blow all week?
The hotel (suite, ocean view) was about $5000 including taxes, resort fees, etc, but not including meals and incidentals. Airfare from JFK to/from San Juan was about $700 each (booked only two weeks in advance) and additional $240 each from San Juan to/from Vieques. Meals and drinks for two were I dunno, I guess $200 to $300 per day including gratuities.
GREATEST HITS: PX This [The Blahg]
Hi! Thank you for your "search"!
This website is currently undergoing changes as it continually progresses, so the entry for which you are seeking has likely been archived within "The Greatest Hits – PX This [The Blahg]". It was removed from its original location in preparation for the upcoming release of PX Me -The Sequel to PX This. If you would like more information and/or further clarification on this particular narrative, please read PX This – The Revised Edition and/or PX Me(coming soon).
And so without further ado— by popular (search engine) demand, we proudly present THE GREATEST HITS of PX This [The Blahg]
[*** warning: Eats, Shoots and Ladders Leaves freaks, please CLICK HERE* and HERE before reading any further. then take that favorite book of yours and stick it up your ass. thank you! ***]
"St. Barth… Isle de France… Billy Joel…"
sun 01.16.05: … so our first day was fun we roamed around the grounds with billy-joel and katie-lee and their two scrunch faced pugs, and they told all about how they looove st.barth— they got engaged there and then went back a few months ago and got married there too.
oh and by "grounds" i mean the Isle de France. see, when johnny-podell originally invited us to his "place in st. barth’s" i assumed he meant his house but what he really meant was his big private residence club dual-villa 2BR 2BA with outdoor kitchen/dining and private pool at The Hotel St. Barth – Isle De France on the Baie de Flamands that he visits regularly seven times a year (duh).
that night after we settled in, johnny-podell took us to Le Ti for dinner. which was nice. i might have enjoyed it more if we didn’t almost plunge off a cliff and die on the way there. [you think i'm kidding oh i so am not.]
Le Ti is big (with three separate dining rooms) and it’s all red and velvet and really loud music, it even has its own boutique that carries "sexy" type clothing all in like fur and leather. [yes i said fur and leather. in the caribbean. whatevs!]
evidently the boutique has a fashion show every saturday night and then around midnight peoples start to go crazy dancing all over the place, even on the tabletops.
anyways that was our first night.
the next day was sunday it rained all day so we went into Gustavia and we had lunch at Nikki Beach. Nikki Beach is cute and fabulous, it’s right on the Baie de St.Jean and it’s all white with beds and drapes just like you’d expect. i’ve noticed the boudoir thing is really popular these days (Bed, Duvet, Shore Club, etc) but personally i can’t stand it. i mean i get it, it’s supposed to be "hot" and "sexy" and comfy and all, but really when i see peoples all lounged about with their feet and limbs and asses and whatnot sprawled all out like roadkill while they are dining out in public i think it just looks kinda hideous.
like for example, when acquaintances visit you in your home you don’t generally receive them in your private quarters unless maybe you’re sick in bed or something, yes? so when i see this eating-in-bed fad becoming all the rage i just have to wonder what comes next— dining while squatting on toilets maybe.
yah so, then that night we had dinner at K’fé Massaï which from what i gather, is the favorite restaurant of all the native st.barthelemese. the menu is simple, just three prix fixe menus (at €29, €39, and €49) consisting of three courses each and the food is very good.
then it was monday and the sun was shining so we chilled at the beach. and it was great, billy-joel came over and plopped to chitchat. and he told us all about how he and his wife are going to donald-trump‘s wedding, but he "wouldn’t have realized" he was expected to sing at the reception had he not picked up a newspaper one morning and read all about it. so then apparently billy-joel decided to make up a song about The Donald, he even busted out with part of the little ditty for us.
it was really amusing and i would love to tell all about it but i don’t want some gossip rag to come along and read this and "scoop" the story and print billy-joel’s song lyrics and ruin the wedding surprise. maybe i will google the wedding date and then i will tell about the lyrics that day instead.
anyhoo billy-joel also said how his wife katie is an "incredible chef" and a "real foodie," so i gave her a copy of PX This (hee ehee i didn’t tell her i wrote it, of course) and she told me all about how she is working on some teevee pilot thingie with david-rosengarten called "A Matter of Taste," and she is thinking of doing some sort of book thingie too.
anyways so then later that night johnny-podell, marc-bagutta, and i went for dinner at Maya‘s because katie & billy-joel raved about it, they said they’d dined there last saturday night.
Maya’s was very quaint and provincial. and we just happened to run into billy-joel and katie in the parking lot on their way out after dinner, so apparently they liked it so much they dined there again. katie recommended "the fig and mozzarella salad" and "the salmon" to me so that’s what i ordered. johnny-podell remarked he’s been there a few times already and he always sees lots of stars like chevy-chase and jack-nicholson and harvey-weinstein and other peoples like that all the time.
on tuesday it was windy so we decided to go to a different beach called Saline (pronounced suh-leen not say-leen). and we had lunch at a really cute cafe that had great burgers but i can’t remember its name now. which is really terrible of me, so if you happen to be in st.barth and you want to try it, it’s right next door to L’Esprit Salines.
during lunch we met the nice woman who runs the Vintage store in Gustavia and she told us Saline Beach is windy too, so she sent us to a different beach instead called Governeur which is way up the mountain and back down again and the beach was very pretty indeed but unfortunately we almost got killed on the drive back. twice.
then on wednesday we shopped in Gustavia all day and drove all over the island. that’s the thing in st.barth, you see. driving driving and more fucking driving. we stopped for a drink at the hotel Carl Gustaf. very pretty.
then marc-bagutta and i had a sunset cocktail back at the Isle De France and billy-joel came over to join us and ordered a "mojito sans sucre avec swit and lo." i vaguely recall he mentioned something about performing at The Beacon soon. and he also commented something about singers getting old and losing their pipes, i can’t remember exactly because i was a little nervous and starstruck and drunk.
but i did notice billy-joel spoke with a cute little european accent so i think maybe he is learning french now or something, he has that strange "assimilation" affliction that peoples who speak perfect english sometimes get when they are conversing with foreigners.
then later we had dinner at La Vela which came highly recommended by the Hotel St.Barth. it was okay. it was designed to look kinda like a boat inside with little portholes and everything.
thursday we had lunch at Dõ Brazil on Shell Beach. i had ribs and fries and a "bailey’s colada."
later that evening during our new st.barth sunset cocktail tradition, we met carlos-sandoval who is a filmmaker and Sundance award winner. he’s really nice. a bit later johnny-podell sat down to join us and then so did billy-joel and katie-lee. billy-joel said "jimmy-buffet is in town" and so they were on their way to meet him for dinner at Maya’s.
finally friday night was dinner at L’Esprit Salines with johnny-podell, marc-bagutta, and a group of friends from NYC we’d run into on the beach earlier in the week— one of them was scooter-weintraub who manages sheryl-crowe. that night was the most fun of all, they took us to see the big beautiful house they always rent whenever they visit st.barth and then they gave me a tiny polka dotted bobble headed turtle as a gift, just because they could tell i really liked it.
the next morning we heard we totally missed an impromptu billy-joel concert at Le Gaïac at Hotel Le Toiny, he performed Georgia On My Mind, evidently because the house piano singer had already sung New York State of Mind.
fri 01.28.05: … thanks for reminding me about billy-joel’s trump wedding song lyrics.
i noticed the donald/melania wedding pictures on lots of covers of papers and magazines and stuffs but i didn’t really read the pages upon pages and pages of articles so i have no idea whether billy-joel’s wedding surprise was written about anywheres or if he even did get to sing it after all. well it’s been over week now so i don’t remember the words so clearly but i do recall billy-joel saying when he discovered he would be singing at the reception he decided to write a little ditty to perform called That’s Why the Donald is a Trump. and the part he performed for us went a little something like this (sung to the tune of That’s Why the Lady is a Tramp):
if he likes you/ maybe he’ll hire you
but watch your back/ he might turn around and fire you.
that’s why the donald is a trump.
what’s with that hair/ and that crazy combover
and smack in the middle is this clump
that’s why the donald is a trump.
* * * * *
pxthis.com archives
This is an abbreviated version of Abbe Diaz’s diary/blog entry on January 16 and 18, 2005, for web archival purposes only. A far more detailed, thorough, and incisive account may be included in Diaz’s upcoming second book, PX Me – The Sequel to PX This (Coming Soon in the Spring of 2011)
* "…The intellectual community, as usual, showed itself to be timid and divided, and even the most unexpected graphologists engaged in controversies regarding their inconsistent analyses of my handwriting. It was they who divided opinions, overheated the polemic, and made nostalgia popular…. Make no mistake: peaceful madmen are ahead of the future." – Gabriel García Márquez
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?
Holy cow, it’s huge.
Please rate the Bar:
Snazzy. It’s big. And slick.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
It’s a drinker’s bar, all right. Good fancy cocktails with impressive ingredients and swanky garnishes served in robust glassware. Sorry, I didn’t get a look at the wine list— I was too busy tasting a half-dozen pretty delicious cocktails, I am not even kidding.
Please rate the Dining Room:
Well, since there’s no doubt Las Vegas is the new Culinary Capitol of this country, it’s no surprise all the New York restaurants are jumping all over that bandwagon.
P.S. There’s a deejay; need I say more?
Please rate the BOH:
Much better than I expected, actually. I mean, ya know— there’s a deejay; need I say more?
How was the staff?
Ha ha ahaa, pretty awesome. I mean: if you’ve ever been a PX at Da Silvano or La Esquina, you’re allll set. Come on down, your homeys are waiting for you.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Pretty much everything on the menu : Yes, somehow I made it for the real "Friends & Family," and the dishes haven’t stopped coming since I sat down. If I mentioned every single one, I’d be here all day. So lemme just say most of them were very good, with the standouts being the pork belly flatbread, the octopus pizza, the pesto gnocchi, and the beef tenderloin. Quite frankly, with all the flowing cocktails, all the great company, and the overall conviviality, I’m having some difficulty recalling the food. And why do I feel like I’m wasting my time trying to describe it anyway?
Oh right, it’s probably because you really don’t care. You know what you have in mind, and you want to be sure you’ll indeed find it here. The answer is: yes. Yes, you will. So bust out the Audemars and your Laboutins, honey. This is the place to express your elation you’re one of The Chosen who still have a job.
What did you like?
Soraya, Luis, Alessandro, and Benny Blanco.
What did you dislike?
Dude, it’s Friends and Family! Get serious.
What was your last impression?
Oh look, it’s John Utendahl and the kid from Jersey Shore. (Not together.)
Would you come back?
Oh, I know exactly who I’m bringing next time.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thank you. It’s nights like this that really make those 20+ years in the industry all worthwhile.
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… !
Cecconi @ Soho House (Miami Beach)
What was your first impression?
I wonder how this location is working out for them.
Please rate the Bar:
Very nice. Charming, commodious, and welcoming. This must have been quite the scene all weekend…
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Oh crap. Sorry, forgot to look at the lists. I’m here for brunch, and I got a little distracted watching white truffles being scraped upon the pizza two tables over. (Were you able to afford truffle pizza when you were 22? And since when do models eat carbs, anyway?)
But the white wine by the glass recommended by our waiter (Chardonnay-Vermentino, $12/glass) was very good.
Please rate the Dining Room:
It’s pleasant. Rustic but elegant. Spacious but cozy, and smart too.
Please rate the BOH:
Better than I expected, actually. I mean, ya know— Soho House here in New York is hardly known for its food. And Miami Beach in general isn’t exactly a culinary mainstay. Throw "fabulous" in there, and the prospects don’t seem all that promising.
But then again, it’s brunch. I’d like to say you’d have to be pretty pathetic to screw up eggs, but now that I think of it, lots of restaurants I’ve visited in the past sure have messed up eggs pretty badly.
Anyway, the menu is straightforward and appealing, and the prices are more reasonable than I’d anticipated too.
How was the staff?
The hostess must be new (or maybe a wee stupid?); she could definitely use a bit more training. Is it really necessary to ask two people if they have a reservation for 3PM? And then inquire of the maitre d’ if they "anything available" [response: "I'm suuure there's plenty available."]? And then parade us past 8,000 empty tables all the way into the back of the dining room right next to a occupied four-top… before acquiescing to our personal request anyway? Yah, like that.
Our waiter was excellent though—
knowledgeable, proficient, and amiable. Casual but totally professional.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Eggs Benedict : Very good. And the accompanying tater tots (with chives?) are delicious.
Steak and eggs : Great. Tender juicy skirt steak perfectly cooked. Pretty fairly priced at $22.
Beet salad :Good. Fresh. Tasty. And huge.
Apple-yogurt-something cake with gelato : Not quite what I expected from the description, but good. Kinda tastes more lemony than apple-y, though.
What did you like?
Pretty much everything. Best of all, now I get to say I’ve been here.
What did you dislike?
Ha haa, wellll… you know, it’s Miami Beach— some of the outfits parading by, oh my lord.
What was your last impression?
Now I kinda wish I’d come for dinner instead. The show must be spectacular.
Would you come back?
It’s kinda far from South Beach… but maybe.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks, it was fun.
Art Basel Miami Beach – Day 01
- Living in NYC is awesome— pretty late dinner at Kenmare and then breakfast bright and early at The Raleigh (Newark Airport still does not have creepy X-ray cancer boxes or nasty horny perverts trying to feel your goodies. Hooray!).
Spotted poolside: Julian Schnabel
- Tour of Art Basel Miami Beach at the convention center.
- Early dinner with friends at Sardinia (off the beaten tourist path and beloved by the locals).
- Drinks at John deLucie‘s The Royal "grand opening" reception at The Raleigh.
*See also (earlier):
• Art Basel Miami Beach – Day 02
• Art Basel Miami Beach – Day 03
= "personne extraordinaire"