I like brunch.

June 14, 2010

Dumont

This review was from a reader suggestion. If you have a place you’d like me to review, please ask and I’ll be happy to do so. :)

Restaurant Information:

432 Union Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11211-3420
Get Directions

(718) 486-7717

dumontrestaurant.com

Service 14/20 or 70%

Hostess(4/5 points)

The hostess was quite helpful and friendly. She asked me everything she needed to know before inviting me to the bar in the garden. What stopped her from getting a perfect score wasn’t entirely her fault. The garden bar is outside of the restaurant and can’t really be seen. She didn’t check up on me to see if I was ready when my friend did arrive, had she, she would have gotten a perfect score. I instead had to send two waiters to get her attention, which really shouldn’t happen.

Promptness(4/5 points)

We were given the menus as we were seated and our waitress came over soon after to ask what we wanted to eat and drink. After we had ordered, we were presented a small serving of donut holes and before I knew it our food was there. I will say this, the waitress was a bit too prompt when asking for our order.

Alertness(3/5 points)

When it came to handling our meal and our dishes, they were completely on top of their game. However, our drinks were another story entirely. My water glass definitely sat empty a few times and it wasn’t until both our drinks were empty that we were asked for refreshers. I think this only proves my earlier arguments about the water bottle problem: it allows the waiters to be a bit lazier than they should.

Friendliness(3/5 points)

Everyone was about as friendly as you would expect.

Food and Drink 13/20 or 65%

Price(4/5 points)

The main dishes were fairly priced and you got an excellent deal for what you were paying. The side dishes tend to lean on the pricier side, so avoid them if you’re thinking about it. I ordered the cheese grits on the side, which cost five dollars and definitely not worth it.

Quality of Food(4/5 points)

The food here is quite good. My chorizo omelet was prepared so the eggs were perfectly fluffy and blanketed the filling with out too much left on the edges. The filling though leaned too heavily on the pepperoncini which overpowered the other elements. The cheddar cheese grits I ordered on the side were well seasoned, but extremely dry and overdecorated. The home fries in my meal where crisp and not spicy at all; they played well with the other vegetables but favored onions too much. Honestly, the salad was just completely out of place. My friend ordered the huevos rancheros which looked fantastic.

Quality of Beverage(2/5 points)

I want to give them a higher score on this, but I really just couldn’t. The coffee was too acidic and a bit watery. The water was served in medium sized glasses but with the water bottle left on the table. My beer was good, but the bartender couldn’t tell me anything about it, which there is just no excuse for at all when you consider there were only three beers on tap.

Presentation(3/5 points)

The grits were presented in a bowl far too big for the portion that was given. The omelet looked delicious and was. The salad was served on top of the home fries, an unacceptable mistake that made me think the home fries had been forgotten initially.

Decor and Space 17/20 or 85%

Cleanliness(3/5 points)

Everything was about as clean as you would expect.

Theme(4/5 points)

This place really has two theme, one for each side. Inside, it’s a very well done restaurant with a classic American feel. Outside, it’s an airy patio restaurant. I found myself forgetting I was in the middle of Williamsburg as our meal progressed.

Adequate Seating(5/5 points)*

This place has nothing but space and really handles it well. I don’t think they could fit one more table in here comfortably.

Location(5/5 points)

It’s literally on the same block as the Lorimer L stop and a short walk from the subway exit. I don’t think any restaurant will ever have a better location.

Bonus(5 points)

Two points for outdoor seating.

Total Score 44/60 with bonus 46/60 or 76.67%

*The caveat here is that if the outside seating were not available, i.e. the winter months, this place wouldn’t be able to handle people half as well.

brooklyn

brunch

overall 70%

outdoor seating

Great Jones

Restaurant Information:

54 Great Jones Street

New York, NY 10012-1115
Get Directions

(212) 674-9304

greatjones.com

Service 13/20 or 65%

Hostess(5/5 points)

The hostess was quick to take my name and our party. She gave us an accurate estimate of when the table would be available. We were then invited to have a drink at the bar, which we did. What pushed her up higher was that when our table was ready and our party wasn’t complete, she told me, “you better just sit there or some one else will try to take your table.” This is exactly what should be done, not turn people away until their party is complete, as most NYC restaurants do.

Promptness(2/5 points)

This place was packed and from what I could tell there were only two waitresses. They need at least three for a weekend brunch shift. Otherwise, I think two would be sufficient. Great Jones would have normally earned a three for this, but it was very obvious that the woman working the bar didn’t know what she was doing and that only compounded the problem further.

Alertness(3/5 points)

This place really is stretched thin. They need at least a bus boy, a drink runner, or another hostess badly. I think our waitress did a great job, but the bartender was just horrible so this evens out at a three.

Friendliness(3/5 points)

The people are friendly but not overly so. It’s about what you would expect, nothing really special.

Food and Drink (12/20) or 60%

Price(3/5 points)

I’d say the food is priced perfectly for what you get, but the drinks are overpriced here.

Quality of Food(3/5 points)

Everything on the menu sounds delicious, looks delicious, but the taste kind of lets you down compeltely. The pancakes were top notch and I highly advise you to go that route. I had the smothered biscuits with sausage gravy and eggs that were just as bland as could be. The did have grits—I love love love grits—but they were really overcooked.

Quality of Beverage(4/5 points)

The coffee is okay, their selection of beers is small, but they have a full bar. I would also like to add that I was horrified by pours on my draft beers. I watched her pour, dump half of it because of foam, repour and still end up with far more foam than any one ever should have. My roommate seemed to really like her lemonade-vodka drink. I really hope she’s a part owner and doesn’t mind wasting money or she quickly gets replaced.

Presentation(2/5 points)

So disappointing. So so disappointing. Everything was just slapped on the plate. The food itself looked delicious, but just so sloppy. I was less than impressed.

Decor and Space 12/20 or 60%

Cleanliness(3/5 points)

The place looked about as clean as you would expect. I really don’t remember anything remarkable.

Theme(1/5 points)

This place is the broadway show of brunch theme-wise. Everything is bright and there are nicknacks scattered about the place alluding to a theme but not really committing to it. I kind of hate places that do this because it feels so forced. I can’t really get on board with your Lousiana/New Orleans/South theme when 1) I’ve been to all those places and this is a tacky interpretation of them 2) the entire staff looks like hipsters 3) the mediocre friendliness compounds the problem. I would love to overhaul the décor of this place; it’s really almost insulting.

Adequate Seating(4/5 points)

This place actually does a really good job of fitting enough seats in the small space with out making things uncomfortable. I think they might be able to put a stool or two more at the bar, but that’s just me being picky.

Location(4/5 points)

It’s a short distance from the subway, but NOHO guarantees some excellent eye candy for patrons. An example, two women from Agent Provocateur walked in dressed in the best stockings I think I’ve ever seen and sat down at the bar two seats away from a woman I could swear was Farrah Fausset. I wish they would knock down the walls in front and put much larger windows in for the people watching alone.

Bonus(5 points)

Minus One Point for the three fingers of foam on my first beer; that’s the perfect way to not impress a patron.

Overall Score 37/60 with bonus 36/60 or 60%

May 9, 2010

Fanellie’s

Restaurant Information:

94 Prince Street

New York, NY 10012-3219
Get Directions

(212) 226-9412

Service 13/15 or 86.67%

Hostess(N/A)

There was one but really we blew right past her as we were seated, so I can’t really give her a grade. I would imagine they are quite good here though.

Promptness(4/5 points)

I stood by the bar while I waited for my friend to join me. After only a minute or two, I was asked if I wanted a table or a drink. When my friend arrived we were immediately seated in the back room. Our orders were taken shortly there after and the food arrived before I even had time to think about it. Our plates were cleared shortly after we finished and the bill came right then.

Alertness(4/5 points)

Our waitress was on point. My cup of coffee was never empty, nor was my water. If I have to stop you from refilling my beverage, it means you’re doing your job correctly.

Friendliness(5/5 points)

The people that work here are amazing. I was thanked by the bartender, waitress, and hostess as I left. What made this a five though was a waitress quickly diffused a pair of children having a temper tantrum at the table next to me to which the parents had given up hope. Your dining experience can be ruined by the people around you; they know that here and it shows.

Food and Drink 13/20 or 65%

Price(3/5 points)

The pricing here is average, but the portions are large. Also, this is more of a lunch and dinner place with a few brunch items, so I think they priced it according to that. I really would like if they had a brunch menu, but I think that would both attract the wrong kind of crowd and go against their essence, old bar in a great location with zero pretension.

Quality of Food(4/5 points)

The French toast is not only the best I’ve had, but was so bountiful that I couldn’t finish it. My friend had a buffalo burger which I didn’t know you could get in NYC. I tried her French fries and was quite impressed. The home fries were good but by no means anything special.

Quality of Beverage(3/5 points)

The coffee was so so. Their selection of beer is impressive and this really is a place I’d love to become a regular of the bar. I have a very good feeling that the keeps know how to pour a great drink.

Presentation(3/5 points)

There really wasn’t anything special about presentation. The French toast was presented on a plate of its own, which it deserved and I liked. The sides all had their own dishes which made them more manageable. The fries were served with the burger as normal.

Decor and Space 17/20 or 85%

Cleanliness(3/5 points)

This place was about as clean as you would expect. I’m sure it could use a little dusting, but the dishes, etc. all were clean as could be. On second thought, the dust is where it should be. Cleaning the place might take away from the ambiance.

Theme(5/5 points)

Established in 1890 with the liquor licenses posted on the walls to prove it. The pictures on the walls are mostly black and white, only adding to the old New York feel. The ceilings are black tile which brings the lighting down a bit. This place just oozes welcome.

Adequate Seating(4/5 points)

They spaced this perfectly. Also, there is a back room with even more seating and larger tables if you have more than four people. The downside here is that my chair was actually a folding chair and didn’t feel right height-wise.

Location(5/5 points)

You couldn’t get a better location if you tried. It’s dead in the middle of SoHo and only a block from the train station. Enjoy watching people out the window as they shop and you wait for your table or sit at the bar. I must have passed the place a hundred times and never noticed it.

Bonus(5 points)

One point for easily being the oldest place I’ve visited.

One point for the bravado to post your liquor licenses from 1890 to present on the wall. It’s the kind of bad ass statement that says “I’ve been here, I’m going to be here, don’t even try to change me; I’m the real thing.”

Overall 43/55 with bonus 45/55 or 81.81%

March 14, 2010 1 note

Harefield Road

Restaurant Information:

769 Metropolitan Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11211-3701
Get Directions

(718) 388-6870

Service 11/20 or 55%

Hostess(3/5 points)

The hostess was just what one would expect. She knew how long we were going to have to wait and who was in front of us. She cordially invited us to pour our own cups of coffee while we waited.

Promptness(2/5 points)

This place was PACKED when we got there. Though our waitress was quick to take our order, it might have been a half hour before we got our food. I asked twice to have my coffee refilled before it was. After the check came, I think we had to wait another fifteen to twenty minutes before the waitress came back to pick it up; word to the wise: pay cash and just leave.

Alertness(2/5 points)

This place is sprawling, add to that a very confused waitress, and you get less than great service. There basically is a triangle the wait staff circles from the tables to the bar to the kitchen. The fact that they were a victim of the water bottle problem only added to the lack of efficiency.

Friendliness(4/5 points)

The people here are really, really nice. I think this place would become my favorite bar to sit and drink if I lived closer to it. I’ve been here several times and you get that this is a family run place with all the hardships that come with it. They have a few kinks to work out, but they’ll get there.

Food and Drink 13/20 or 65%

Price(4/5 points)

I’m still amazed at how much food I got for so little money. Everything was honestly priced or far cheaper than I would have expected. If you’re in Williamsburg and strapped for cash, go here.

Quality of Food(3/5 points)

The food itself wasn’t all that impressive, but the quantities definitely were. The first time I visited, I got the French toast and I wasn’t impressed. The second time I visited, I got the huevos rancheros, which is a much better option. My guests both times haven’t really said much about their food so take that for what it’s worth.

Quality of Beverage(4/5 points)

The coffee is so so at best and I’m not a fan of the fact I had to serve myself the first cup. The orange juice was freshly squeezed and quite tasty. Also, they have amazing Irish tea here, so if you’re a tea person, go for it. As mentioned before, they suffer from the water bottle problem which annoys me to no end.

Presentation(2/5 points)

Presentation is not their forte, at all. Really you get what you order with little effort put into making it look fun to eat. Then again, you really can’t beat the price so I guess you get what you pay for here.

Decor and Space 13/20 or 65%

Cleanliness(3/5 points)

Nothing really remarkable to note about the cleanliness of this place. Everything is as you would expect.

Theme(3/5 points)

It’s an Irish bar with a kitchen. Everything screams Irish bar in the place. Wood is everywhere. I think even the owner is from Ireland. Early in the morning, this place is more like a traditional pub, but as the day tarries on it turns more into a bar and hipster hangover joint.

Adequate Seating(4/5 points)

There is a ton of seats in this place. My only complaint really is that the long bar splits the seating area awkwardly. If it’s packed, take a seat at the bar. If you can get a table, take it. Also, some of the chairs are folding chairs, which makes sitting at the table uncomfortable.

Location(3/5 points)

The location is okay. The only downside to this location really is that the sign is blocked by several others so you may not see it initially. I think it is a nice hidden gem of Williamsburg.

Bonus(2/5 points)

Two points for outdoor seating.

Total score 37/60, with bonus 39/60, or 65%

the water bottle problem

February 15, 2010

Le Barricou

Restaurant Information:

533 Grand St Brooklyn, NY 11211
Get Directions

(718) 782-7372

lebarricouny.com

Map:

View Map

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%

Back Forty

Restaurant Information:

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

backfortynyc.com

Map:
View Larger Map

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%