I like brunch.

August 5, 2010 1 note

Rabbit Hole

Restaurant Information:

352 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211-5586
(718) 782-0910

Service 12/15 or 75%

Hostess(N/A)

If there was one, I didn’t see her.

Promptness(5/5 points)

This place runs like a well oiled machine. I was amazed and dumbfounded by how fast they got my food out to me. If one bartender was making my coffee, the other was getting me milk and sugar. If one was serving me food, the other had my flatware ready.

Alertness(4/5 points)

I don’t think I even got the chance to thinking about my water or coffee before the waiter was asking me if I wanted a refill. It wasn’t too eager though, so I didn’t mind; it was clear they were keeping everything in check.

Friendliness(3/5 points)

I was going to rate this higher, but then I remember the first thing that was said to me was, “no laptops are allowed in here.” The laptop was closed and being carried like a book; it’s not like I sat down and spread out papers to stake a claim to my territory. The rest of my experience was quite enjoyable. I even overheard them reserving a table so that a dog owner could keep an eye on his dog, but not ruin anyone else’s dining experience.

Food and Drink 15/20 or 75%

Price(4/5 points)

The prices looked really low on the menu. Then, when I tasted my food, I knew I was getting a great deal. I would have easily paid five to six dollars more for my eggs benedict. Probably, I would have paid another dollar more for the coffee too.

Quality of Food(4/5 points)

I had their version of the eggs benedict. It was the complete opposite reaction I had to Prune. Their version was adventurous, but well executed. Instead of a plain English muffin, they used an herb flavored version. Instead of plain Canadian bacon, they used crumbles of well cooked bacon. The sauce was the perfect consistency, not too runny, but not too thick. The home fries left me wanting a little more spice. The side salad just felt like a cop out to me, but I think it could be much better with a few flavor modifications.

Quality of Beverage(4/5 points)

Rabbit Hole might have the second best coffee I’ve had yet. It wasn’t bitter or sweet; it was right in between. The subtle aromas tickled your nose even before you took your first sip and you were left with a deliciously chocolate aftertaste when you were done. I was going to limit myself to just one cup, but after five minutes I decided I definitely wanted another. I regret not having a third, but I know that would have pushed me over the edge. They also lost a point because they have the water bottle problem.

Presentation(3/5 points)

Everything was nicely arranged on the plate, but there was nothing extra done to make the food look nearly as good as it tasted. A subtle flare here and there would have helped.

Decor and Space 15/20 or 75%

Cleanliness(4/5 points)

Cleaning was part of their service process, and rightfully so. I was impressed that not only was everything I used quite clean, but also that the waiter, bartender, and dishwasher all had their own little cleaning roles.

Theme(5/5 points)

This place has the most amazing interior. I really didn’t want to leave when I was finished with my meal and I might make this a more regular location just based on the decor. It’s dark wood; it’s tile floors; it’s candles discretely hidden for ambient light. File this place under excellent spot for a night time date.

Adequate Seating(4/5 points)

Plenty of seats in the front, at the bar, in the back, and outside. The do close the outside seating from time to time, but it’s well worth it for a lovely day.

Location(2/5 points)

This place isn’t even remotely close to a subway stop. The ten blocks from Bedford Avenue on the L does make for a pleasant stroll after you’ve eaten though.

Bonus(5 points)

2 points for outdoor seating.

Overall Score 42/55, with bonus 44/55 or 80%

overall 80%

food 70%

decor 70%

service 70%

the water bottle problem

February 26, 2010

Joe Doe

Restaurant Information:

45 East 1st Street New York, NY 10003-9320
Get Directions

(212) 780-0262

chefjoedoe.com

Map:
View Larger Map

Service 11/15 or 73.33%

Hostess(N/A)

There isn’t one and there wouldn’t be room for one.

Promptness(4/5 points)

After arriving, we were seated immediately and handed menus. We were then asked what we would like to drink and when our waiter returned with our drinks a few moments later, our orders were taken. Before I knew it, our food was served. This would have gotten a five, but I had to ask for a refill on my coffee and water twice.

Alertness(3/5 points)

I would say the alertness was about what I expect. I think my waiter was a little out of sorts that day or was just having a bit of trouble with the table next to us that wanted to split the bill in some ungodly manner.

Friendliness(4/5 points)

I’ve been to this place twice now and the first time I would say it scored a five and the second time a three. The owner/chef was beyond kind when we talked to him. This score is really a four leaning hard to a five.

Food and Drink 19/20 or 95%

Price(4/5 points)

I think the prices are really fair here and you get some great food for what you pay for when you dine here. The downside is that this is clearly a place that is run by a chef that has to charge you slightly more than you would at some other place that’s very corporate and doesn’t care half as much about their ingredients.

Quality of Food(5/5 points)

You are not going to find better quality of food anywhere. More creative, possibly, larger portions, maybe, but not higher quality. Every meal is served with fresh biscuits and butter. I had an egg chorizo scramble with avocado and various vegetables. The menu has a few standard dishes, but for the most part it changes regularly as the chef sees fit. Also, there will be meats and cheese of the day on special. I’d also offer the caveat that if you don’t know what something is, ask. There are some applications of meats that you wouldn’t normally eat or be offered for brunch, but it’s good to know what you’re getting into before you start the adventure.

Quality of Beverage(5/5 points)

I had to cut myself off after the third cup of coffee—it’s that good. Water was served as it should be and the glasses were neither too big, nor too small. They also have a selection of microbrew beers on tap that just make me drool looking at the list. I haven’t sampled any of the alcoholic beverages, but I’m sure they don’t disappoint.

Presentation(5/5 points)

I think I saw at least three different types of plates for different dishes. When my order came, I looked at it and thought to myself, “this is how every meal should be served.” We taste with our eyes first, then our nose, then our mouth; I was half way through the meal before the plate even was placed on the table.

Decor and Space 15/20 or 75%

Cleanliness(5/5 points)

This place is spotless. I’d be amazed if I found a dust bunny anywhere.

Theme(5/5 points)

This might be my new brunch location. The interior is almost all wood. What isn’t wood, is used for cooking or making drinks, or there for decorative purposes to make you feel more at home. If I could put a bed in the corner and my clothes in a closet, I would live at this place.

Adequate Seating(2/5 points)

It’s just such a small space. The place is wonderful when it isn’t packed, but when it’s packed, everyone is in everyone’s way. I do think they did a great job with the lay out of the seats though. The space becomes more of an issue in the winter when people take off and put on their coats.

Location(3/5 points)

The score would have been higher, as it’s a short walk from the 2nd Avenue subway stop, but on your way to this gem, you pass Prune and several other places where all kinds of brunch chaos is waiting outside. Let them be foolish and tarry on to your destination.

Bonus(3/5 points)

One point for using specialty foods of local farms.

One point for using ambitious ingredients.

One point for a menu that changes regularly.

Total score 45/55, with bonus 48/55 or 87.27%

ambitious ingredients

Gottino

Restaurant Information:

52 Greenwich Ave # B

New York, NY 10011-8309

(212) 633-2590

ilovegottino.com

Map:
View Larger Map

Service (10/20) or 50%

Hostess(2/5 points)

I’m not really sure if the woman that I spoke with was the hostess, a woman that was some how involved with the restaurant, or just a customer. Also, the time estimates were vastly inaccurate. When I first got there I asked how long it would be to get a table outside and I was told 30 minutes; fair, but what bothered me was I heard the same estimate given out repeatedly even though no one left in the time I was there.

Promptness(1/5 points)

I shouldn’t ever have to ask for my coffee twice. Also, it took near half a hour for our food to be presented. Our coffees actually got served at the same time our food did which spells major issue in streamlining to me. The waitstaff clearly had food assignments as well as their regular duties and I think in trying to balance out the two they ended up being sub-par in both which was disappointing.

Alertness(3/5 points)

I’d say the wait staff was about as alert as I’d expect, but then again they were right in front of me at the bar so there wasn’t much of a chance for them to miss anything.

Friendliness(4/5 points)

Every one I encountered there was quite friendly, almost surprisingly so, considering how mismanaged everything else was service-wise.

Food and Drink (14/20) or 70%

Price(2/5 points)

This almost got a one on price, but I decided that the coffee was worth far more than the three dollars I paid for it. I probably would have paid four dollars for it. But, the food was way overpriced. Expect to get about half the portion size of other places. I’m pretty sure that the dishes were served on saucers or at least small plates, so you get an idea of what I’m talking about here.

Quality of Food(5/5 points)

Amazing. The food was so flavorful. Clearly the focus of this establishment was the quality of their food and they nailed it. I had the over easy eggs with bacon, which might be the best bacon I’ve ever had. It was served with two small slices of bread that proved a bit tricky with the flatware I was using. Also, the food was incredibly rich. I wasn’t full when I was done eating, but it sat heavy in my stomach.

Quality of Beverage(4/5 points)

This would have gotten a five, but the water was served in essentially shot glasses. Also, the water bottle problem reared its ugly head here, but in the form of a giant bottle of water that was shared amongst several people at the bar. The coffee was probably the best cup I’ve had yet. It was rich, flavorful, with a hint of sweetness and bitterness, i.e. the way coffee should taste.

Presentation(3/5 points)

The waiter did an excellent job of presenting our food and drinks, but when I saw the small sized plates I instantly thought, “that’s it?” The small plates were overflowing and I think that contributed to make it look kind of a mess.

Decor and Space (10/20) or 50%

Cleanliness(3/5 points)

The place was as clean as I would expect. I didn’t notice anything especially clean or dirty.

Theme(4/5 points)

It’s a wine bar with a focus on fine food. Marble bar with wine stacked along one wall make it glaringly obvious what they’re after in their clientele.

Adequate Seating(1/5 points)

I’m pretty sure the bar takes up the vast majority of their seating area. Their indoor seating and outdoor seating looked cramped. I’m not exactly a fan of them asking us to sit at the bar after misquoting wait times to me. If you’re going to have that many people sitting at the bar at least give us stools that are comfortable to sit in while we’re there; I felt like I was sitting on a converted school desk. Also, they could have taken advantage of their large sidewalk space like their neighbors did and fit a few tables there, but they didn’t.

Location(2/5 points)

I was going to give this three, as it is about a medium walk from the subway, but it’s located on Greenwich which means 10th Street intersects 4th Street and things get wacky if you’re not careful. Also, it sits next to a restaurant that looked like it did a better job at seating and pricing items reasonably.

Bonus(5 points)

One point for playing Beethoven the entire time I was there.

Total score 34/60, with bonus 35/60 or 58.33%