When I think of Janice I think of two things. The girl who dated Ross on and off for a few years on "Friends" and a restaurant that tries to be New York Times rated. While Janice was funny on Friends, it was disappointing as a restaurant.
Looking at my experience one year later reminds me of my immediate feelings then as well as my feelings 12 months later; the same. Entrees at NYC pricing with the amateur technique of a home cook.
A party of eight at 6 PM on a Saturday night. Who goes to dinner this early; my in laws that's who. While I am not a fan of early dinner reservations, I made the journey from Astoria to Ho Ho Kus for this family event.
Our table was situated in the front of the restaurant with seating east to west. Now I have to mention this because the width of the restaurant is maybe 25 feet wide. The length of our table and the booth by the wall, left about 2 feet wide space to walk by from the front to the back.
Think about it, 24 inches between the end of both tables for servers, busboys, food runners and guests to walk by. Every time someone did, my wife's left shoulder and my right was bumped into in one form or the other of a butt, an arm, a hip. Someones body just hit us through the 2.5 hours of this annoying experience.
Now, that was my highlight of the evening. As the floor manager (I believe to be the owner) preceded to greet every guest from behind us. Every time someone walked in, he would greet them with a warm welcome. Dude, walk around from the counter to the front door and give them that warm welcome. Let me tell you, I met everyone in Ho Ho Kus that night. Door open; hi there; come on in; everyone in our party just stopped and looked; 2.5 hours of this.
Entrees lacked the imagination of an experience chef. Average at best, zero presentation and the most simplistic entrees imaginable. Rib eye served with Pomme Frittes was as inspiring as the same steak bought at the Shop Rite down the road and served at home. Visually unappealing with beef and fries on a plate.
While the lamb chops were cooked to perfection the sauce was a molasses of sweetness. A saturated sauce that overpowered the essence of the lamb. The brussels sprouts was again amateurish. Something that could have been executed at a higher level. Over cooked, but still hard.
Again the imagination, did not do justice to a lobster bisque that was just liquid in a bowl. Presentation did just that; it lacked presentation.
Overall, Janice is the little engine that wants to play with the big leagues, but lacks the imagination of simple entrees executed right. If your looking for simple American entrees with NYC pricing. Janice has a niche, as evident with a full restaurant on a Saturday night. The balance of atmosphere and food falls short for me. I am a fan of simplistic food and entrees, but execution should be at a high level.
Tip
Parties of 5 or more may be seated in wrong locations. Restaurant does not do a good job with large groups.
Tip
Mr. Owner not cool to ask a party of eight to leave immediately after spending a good dollar in your establishment. I mean, check paid and 30 seconds later telling the host "party has to leave". Com'on man.......... read more