I'd like to start this review by saying that I had a really great time at Balls tonight.
However, there a few things that made the experience not as baller (ha) as I had hoped.
When I called to randomly check if a rezo was needed - we lucked out as a party of 2 had cancelled - we were told to "vraiment be on time". Which ok, I'm Anglo, and cool with that so I showed up at 7:45pm. Yes, they open for dinner at 8pm, which I found odd but I am unable to explain why. Maybe that's normal?
We were thus 10 minutes early outside chatting and didn't even get a single simple or that head nod like "hey, I see you" acknowledgment from any of the employees (who were on their phones .....or something). Since we were told to really be on time I expected a flipping line, so being the only ones outside like creepers wasn't exactly comfortable. I don't mind waiting outside until it opens but usually one gets the "sup" chin lift thing. It was awkward to the point where we felt weird walking in at 8:04. We then got the recognition of our presence from at least one member of the staff. I expected a super friendly welcome, not sure why (or am I just comparing to The Meatball Shop in NYC? Same concept but def. not comparable).
We entered Paris's own ball restaurant. Here we go.
We were the first ones there by a long shot. They were SUPER organized (total plus) - so organized that we had a specific table set for us randomly in the middle of one of the rows (thank goodness not at the bar facing the wall in the back to the right, it seems like it would be really difficult to eat and enjoy a conversation with someone being that close to a wall!).
The menu was simple and graphically pleasing. On the wall there was a large chalk-like menu as well, clearly listed. As they say: "Choose your balls, choose your sauce, choose your side". My date and I were very impressed with the sides, and we even hesitated deciding! We went with splitting the sweet potato purée and the mushroom risotto (like 4 baby mushrooms were in the whole bowl but it was still delicious). The sides were super delicious. I was pleasantly surprised to know that 2 beer choices and also wine choices. I took the Page 24 lager.
Did I mention we were the first ones there? People starting packing in around 8:15-20 (Is it possible to make reservations for 8:20 or was everyone just really late?). I felt silly to have arrived "fashionably early". Oops.
The 'boulettes' arrived in little precious enamel bowls (I think). 5 plump balls for 10€, sitting in a shallow pool of sauce of your choice (cream or tomato). That's 2€ a ball, which really puts things into perspective. I got beef balls with the cream sauce, and my date got the veggie balls with the same sauce. The first bite we were so excited like "THIS IS SO GOOD". Which they WERE really delicious. By the 5th ball, however, it wasn't really warm anymore....
In retrospect, I would like this place for lunch. Lunchtime is always good because you're in a more "speedy" mode and want to finish your plate quickly.
The atmosphere was nice, clean and simple with bench seats along the walls on both sides. We were in and out so I didn't get to check out the bathroom but it did say BALLSROOM on it. Which made me think of a baseball locker room or something. I don't know why it made me think of that.
I really enjoyed the concept and the food was yummy, but I really had higher expectations from the staff. In general the environment wasn't as perky as I had imagined for a place whose owners chose to name it BALLS. We went all out and paid roughly 20€ a person with a drink included. I'm not sure I feel that it was worth it service/quality/price-wise, but hey, it was an experience. And, being a big fan of The Meatball Shop and its epicness in NYC, I did leave slightly disappointed.
I can't say I plan to go back any time soon, but I'm glad I did go. Especially since the "Balls" card in the Cards Against Humanity deck is one of the best! read more