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| - I had high expectations...I always screw myself when that happens. But for all its hype, Honey Salt just fell short for me.
The service was good. Everything came out in a timely manner and everyone was friendly. I liked the decor too. Understated, with a touch of elegance.
The complimentary bread service was delightful: a soft, sweet whole wheat roll and crispy lavash. But it was served with a bland bean purée. There's a couple of things I have a problem with here. I understand serving it with the lavash, but the roll? Nah, homey. That thing screamed for butter (I asked for some and they obliged me). Also, the purée had some crushed pink peppercorns in it which, to me, didn't make sense culinarily and was a bit off putting.
For an appetizer, we shared the "New England Fry": a combination of clams (with the belly) and calamari. I'm not sure what they battered them in...maybe semolina or polenta? But they weren't as crispy as I'd like them to be. The creamy sauce had a little kick, which I liked and it was served with blistered whole shishito chiles. I would've preferred them sliced and pickled because the dish could use some acid. Overall, the flavor was there, but lacked some finesse.
My wife ordered the salmon. Pretty ordinary. It was also rare in the middle. I like my salmon med rare or medium, but this was rare. The garnishes (peppadew sauce and quinoa pilaf) were good by themselves, but couldn't stand up to the big flavor of the fish. Overall, this dish felt muddled and confused.
I chose the scallops. Definitely the star of the show. The roasted cauliflower and herb salad it was served with were delicious. I did have some problems with this plate, though. Lets just keep vanilla where it belongs, shall we? Good in dessert. Does not belong in my cauliflower purée. Also, I detected no truffle flavor in the "truffle" sauce. The scallops, though, were perfectly cooked and this more than made up for the minor indiscretions.
The Mac and Cheese was very good, as well. I liked that they added some peppers and kale to it. It gave the flavor a subtle vegetal quality which was welcome.
Overall, the food fell flat. Kinda like this review. Meh...
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