I like brunch.

February 26, 2010

Joe Doe

Restaurant Information:

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

(212) 780-0262

chefjoedoe.com

Map:
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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

best coffee

best food

best theme

Le Barricou

Restaurant Information:

533 Grand St Brooklyn, NY 11211
Get Directions

(718) 782-7372

lebarricouny.com

Map:

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Service 12/15 or 80%

Hostess(N/A)

If there was one, I blew right past her on my way to meet my friends.

Promptness(4/5 points)

I was given a menu right as I sat down and the waitress was ready to take my order after just moments. Before I knew it, my brunch was sitting right in front of me.

Alertness(4/5 points)

We had a party of twelve people and I was amazed at how well our one waitress took care of all the drinks and food. When we all had finished our meals she was there with a bus boy ready to clear the table and let us enjoy our company.

Friendliness(4/5 points)

I really like the waitress and the other people we interacted with there were friendly as could be. These people clearly enjoy their job and you’ll get that when you visit.

Food and Drink 12/20 or 60%

Price(3/5 points)

I would say it was fairly priced for what I got. Nothing really to push me higher or lower though.

Quality of Food(3/5 points)

I got the ham omelet and it was pretty good, but I felt like it needed something more to compliment it. One of my friends swears this is the best eggs benedict she’s ever had. I think the portions were just smaller than what I needed that day.

Quality of Beverage(2/5 points)

The coffee was horrible and the water was served in absolutely tiny glasses. I think this is another reason I didn’t feel like the food was enough; I need more water and coffee! I will say that another friend said that the bloody mary is the best she’s ever had, but I don’t much care for the drink.

Presentation(4/5 points)

I was impressed. Everything was arranged neatly and extra touches were made to let you know they didn’t just throw your food on a plate and send it out to the table.

Decor and Space 15/20 or 75%

Cleanliness(3/5 points)

It was as clean as I would expect, nothing more, nothing less.

Theme(5/5 points)

I loved the decor and seating in this place. I really felt like I had just walked into a cafe in Paris. Part of me really wants to go back here one night and hang out at their bar.

Adequate Seating(4/5 points)

I thought this place was okay seating wise, until I realized they have a huge back room for larger parties. We had twelve people at our table and they had no problem accommodating us. I dare you to try to get twelve people seated at any other brunch restaurant; it just won’t happen.

Location(3/5 points)

The location isn’t great, but it isn’t horrible either. It’s just a few block from the Lorimer L stop, and you can take a lovely stroll down Grand Street after you eat while your food digests. I probably would have rated this higher, but the shock from inside(lovely as can be) to outside(dollar stores and miscreants) of this place is what keeps it right in the middle.

Bonus(5 points)

No bonus was awarded.

Total score 39/55 or 71%

Shopsins

Restaurant Information:

120 Essex Street New York, NY 10002
Get Directions

(212) 924-5160

shopsins.com

Map:

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Service 11/15 or 73%, alternatively 8/15 or 53.33%

Hostess(N/A)

There was no hostess

Promptness(4/5)

Once we were seated, we were immediately given menus and asked if we wanted anything to drink. This place is all about going fast, fast, fast. They don’t waste time doing anything.

Alertness(3/5)

I think the service was exactly what I expected. Because of their promptness, they suffer a little in the alertness. I think with what they have they manage very well.

Friendliness(1/5 or 4/5 points)*

I’ve given them two different scores here and let me explain why. If you’re from New York and you’re used to hearing people say “fuck you” to each other while they work and enjoy a good spat, this place is great. If you’re the kind of person that would be offended by this, you’ll likely leave horrified. Also, you should know that they will kick you out of their restaurant and they dictate when the last person gets served. This is their restaurant and you get to eat there.

Food and Drink 16/20 or 75%

Price(4/5 points)

You get a ton of food for a very solid price. After looking at the menu you might think the prices are high, but when you see the portions you’ll understand that they are more than justified.

Quality of Food(5/5)

The food here melts in your mouth. On top of that, they are highly creative with their food creations. I had never heard of macaroni and cheese pancake before visiting this place, now I want to order it everywhere. S’mores pancake? Yeah, they have that too. I just can’t explain how many different short order combinations the owner put on the menu.

Quality of Beverage(3/5 points)

I’d say the coffee is the definite weak point of the experience. I would easily pay more money for them to buy better coffee and I think it would launch them as close to brunch food perfection as they could get.

Presentation(4/5 points)

They vary their presentation but everything comes out on adequate plates, or in some cases pans. It really is hard to enjoy the presentation when all you really want to do is eat everything.

Decor and Space 16/20 or 75%

Cleanliness(3/5 points)

The restaurant is as clean as I would expect. They make sure to wipe down each table before another customer sits, which definitely helps because some of the dishes get messy.

Theme(5/5 points)

It’s family owned, short order dining at it’s finest. You feel like you’re eating in the pantry and the Mets gear lets you know you are definitely in New York.

Adequate Seating(2/5 points)

There just needs to be more seating for this place. There is always a line to sit and they could likely fill a place twice their size.

Location(4/5 points)

It’s literally right next to the subway stop. The only thing that stopped this from getting a perfect score was the fact that it’s inside the Essex Market and if you don’t know it’s at the south side then you’re going to spend some time finding it. It’s also right by the Williamsburg bridge if you want to take a nice walk back to Brooklyn.

Bonus(3/5 points)

One point for creativity in naming the dishes.

One point for conflict resolution skills between feuding siblings.

One point for sticking to his guns and being the guy he always is.

Total score 43/55, with bonus 46/55 or 83%

Roebling Tea House

Restaurant Information:

143 Roebling St
Brooklyn, NY 11211-3365
(718) 963-0760
Get directions

Map:
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Service 10/20 or 50%

Hostess(1/5 points)

I was baffled at how bad this hostess actually was. She would wait for people to come in and put their name on a list then walk away completely. She’d then return and tell them their wait time. Once she thought she had a table for you she would then wander off again to figure out which table to place you. I really think she had no concept of how to do her job.

Promptness(2/5 points)

Once we were seated we were instantly approached by our waitress. We were left to ponder the menus for mere moments before she was back asking for our order. My friend scrambled to order something she had no idea what it was.

Alertness(4/5 points)

I will say our drinks were refilled with out a heart beat being missed and I wouldn’t have noticed her if it weren’t for the giant bottle of water plopped down on our table.

Friendliness(3/5 points)

I want to say they were friendly, but really I think everyone that works in the waitstaff was just trying to act friendly but really trying to appear like they just don’t care.

Food and Drink 8/20 or 40%

Price(1/5 points)

This place was so ridiculously overpriced for what you got that I was kind of insulted. I felt like my meal probably could have cost 3-4$ less than it did as could have my friends.

Quality of Food(3/5 points)

My chicken fried steak was delicious but the steak definitely wasn’t cooked all the way through and I could have done with a bit more of the gravy. My friend’s dish was basically glorified mixed vegetables with scrambled eggs and bland as bland can be.

Quality of Beverage(2/5 points)

My friend said the coffee was nothing to write home about but they did have an extensive listing of teas. I stuck to water which was served to us in an used wine or champagne bottle. I was completely unsurprised that the waitress plopped a bottle down on our table, but it seemed like a pain to her to do it in the first place. This is exactly why I hate The Water Bottle Problem, it turns the simple task of serving water into something that annoys you.

Presentation(2/5 points)

If they put effort into the presentation, it wasn’t on the two dishes we ordered. Everything just looked kind of slapdash.

Decor and Space 15/20 or 75%

Cleanliness(3/5 points)

The plates, glasses, and flatware looked about as clean as I would expect, but nothing remarkable.

Theme(5/5 points)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the decor. This place would be amazing if the waitstaff, price, and food selection didn’t blow. Personally, I really want to take my camera and do a photo shoot in the restaurant. The wood tables and patterned wall paper comfort you and the lighting from the large windows make everything feel much warmer. I didn’t get a chance to sit outside as it was raining, but that option is available if you want it.

Adequate Seating(4/5 points)

This I had a hard time grading, I’m not going to lie. I think this place is actually perfectly designed seating wise, but because of the hostess’ incompetence interjects an unnecessary delay which in turn creates the illusion that there is inadequate seating when really she could split a four top in to two two tops or the other way around and be fine. I don’t think though she had the capacity to figure that out on her own though and thus the place looked far more packed than it should.

Location(3/5 points)

The restaurant is just a short walk from the Bedford L stop or a bit further of a walk from the Lorimer L stop. The wide open sidewalks make for a pleasant post brunch stroll. The restaurant is just far enough away from the hipsters that you don’t run into a ton of them, but enough of them gather at the restaurant for it to be annoying and that comes with the Williamsburg location.

Bonus(5 points)

If I could give negative bonus points, I would.

Overall score 33/60 or 55%

the water bottle problem

June 30, 2009

Back Forty

Restaurant Information:

190 Avenue BNew York, NY 10009-3600 (212) 388-1990
Get Directions

backfortynyc.com

Map:
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Service (15/20) or 75%

Hostess(5/5 points)

I don’t think I’ve ever been so impressed by a hostess. My friend had arrived shortly before I had, but the instant I got there the hostess came up to us and then asked us if we’d like to sit at a table or stay at the bar. We were then instantly seated at a table near the window.

Promptness(3/5 points)

We were served in an adequate time frame. Our main dishes came out just as our starters were being finished, but maybe a little early by a few minutes. I hurried a little through the last half of my donut, because of this, but soon those dishes were removed.

Alertness(4/5 points)

There was a very alert and attentive wait staff. At one point the hostess actually started checking on people and their coffee then went back to her normal duties when needed. I don’t think my coffee ever got below halfway empty before it was refilled again.

Friendliness(3/5 points)

I couldn’t really get a feel for the friendliness of the waiter, he was just kind of there then disappeared. He did seem a little hesitant to tell me what the jam was though, when I asked him. The hostess was super nice and I kind of wish she’d been our server.

Food and Drink (12/20) or 60%

Price(2/5 points)

I felt like it was a little more expensive than it should have been, but not by much. The three dollar cup of coffee was what sealed this as being a two instead of a three.

Quality of Food(3/5 points)

I wanted this to be better, I really did. When the biscuits came, they were tasty but complemented with butter that tasted off and a rubarb jelly that was almost flavorless. When the donuts came, they didn’t have the volume or sweetness that I would have wanted, a little brown sugar and flour could solve that easily though. Also, I wish the raspberry sauce had been served on the side as a dip instead of drizzled all over the donuts. I did love the hint of cinnamon flavor in them though and overall they were pretty good. I ordered the “Eggs Southern Style” which were good, but the gravy needed a little black pepper added for spice. They looked far better than they ended up tasting, which was disappointing. My friend ordered the shrimp and grits with side salad, which she was hesitant to do. I think she inhaled the shrimp and grits but lazily picked at the side salad.

Quality of Beverage(3/5 points)

I only had water and coffee here. The coffee was good, but not impressive. They served us water in a bottle and then let us serve ourselves, which I have an issue with always. This almost was a two, but the creative coffee mugs made it a three. The wine and beer list was notable and unexpected, though I didn’t care to use it.

Presentation(4/5 points)

Everything looked so good when it arrived at the table. I could hardly wait to take a bite. The problem with this was when I actually did take a bite.

Decor and Space (15/20) or 75%

Cleanliness(4/5 points)

I was quite impressed with how clean the dishes were. The restaurant itself also looked quite clean. I doubt you could find a dust bunny in this place if you tried.

Theme(2/5 points)

The entire time I was here I felt like there should be a plaque somewhere that said “Western Wall Theme by Ralph Lauren, available at Macy’s and other fine department stores.” Also, there was a hook for a picture to be hung on the wall exposed. To add to the confusion, they were blaring alt-rock from the 90s, which I love but it made discussion difficult.

Adequate Seating(5/5 points)

Very spacious seating arrangement with plenty of room for the servers to come and go as they pleased. I think this actually helped the service ratings a bit.

Location(4/5 points)

It’s located in the East Village and a short walk from the 1st Avenue L train. I think I gave this higher marks simply because it’s quiet enough and nice enough in the neighborhood that you don’t mind the walk.

Bonus(3/5 points)

One point for having home made donuts. One point for having home made biscuits. One point for having perfect consistency in the grits.

Overall score: 42/60, with bonus 45/60, or 75%