It's not Mami (just 2 doors down), but what a pleasant surprise. We got last-minute reservations, having tried and failed to get a table at Mami. Was surprised to see this place only half-full at 7 PM on a Saturday night. Very nice space, high ceilings, trendy atmosphere.
Service was friendly and prompt. Though overly encouraging at times. We decided to pass on drinks, but the waiter kept pushing the wine & cocktail list on us (which was kind of a turn-off, to be honest). That aside, we spent 3 hours eating and talking (more talking than eating) and never felt rushed.
And of course, the food: App, main course, dessert. Reasonably priced.
- White fish & salmon starter. Visually stunning, served on a black plate, more abstract art than appetizer?... but still tasty. So many components. I tried (and often failed) to assemble the perfect bite, maybe because I was too focused on the dinner conversation. Hard to multitask with this dish.
- Risotto with mushrooms & truffles. Generous portion, and the risotto spread out on the plate (vs. "stand up" in a mound), just as it should. Awesome.
- We shared desserts: White chocolate panna cotta w/ blueberry sorbet. And the chocolate terrine w/ hazelnut ice cream (on another black plate). These more than satisfied my larger-than-life sweet tooth. Also visually striking. Blueberry smears, fudge dots, scattered honey brittle. But no chocolate brown smears/streaks, please.
Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely. But it probably wouldn't be one of my everyday-eats type of places. read more