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| - Having had a handful of dinners here and now (most recently) a stop in for brunch, this intimate restaurant remains near the top of my list for upscale places to visit with foodie friends and out of town guests. While partially subscribing to the locally-sourced ingredient movement, Customshop gets creative in the kitchen and the result is serious flavor in a very cool atmosphere.
As mentioned in other reviews, the appetizer menu is not to be overlooked. Specifically, the cheese (and meat) boards are a must do as there are selections here you will not find at even the local specialty grocer. Each cheese is paid with a honey, marmalade, or other side that complements the pairing. The board is also served with large crunchy crackers that contrast nicely with the creamy smoothness of most cheeses. Pair these with a glass a wine from the trim but sufficient wine menu and you may not make it to the main courses- a very happy problem to have. You can bring your own wine, but there is a corkage fee of $20 per bottle- typical, but a bit disappointing.
The main course menu does vary according to the seasons, but they usually have at least a couple of house-made pastas that deserve your attention. Squid ink linguni, for example, might first look like tentacles lurching across your bowl, but when paired with a chili pepper-based sauce and rock shrimp with mint you'll trust in your taste buds as you tame that beast with your fork. Gnocchi based dishes and their pairing were also worthy of attention. But don't be afraid to venture beyond pasta, as the others mains will tempt you with unexpected but most tempting combinations of flavors- all waging a mini-war for the attention of your taste buds.
Brunch is equally a feast for your eyes as much as for your hunger. You will find an upscale collection of both traditional breakfast items as well as main dishes for those more on the "lunch" side of the equation. The wife and I both had dishes that utilized poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, which were both expertly executed and decadent when paired together. Sadly, the small side of home fries seemed bland and uninspired compared to the main dish. Portions sizes were adequate, and refreshingly not made to fill a buffet-style plate. Bonus for offering counter culture coffee in a french press. Bottomless mimosas are also a popular choice.
Love the old yet modern feel of the space- from the booths to the little tables tucked along the wall and cloaked in primarily candlelight after dark. Even the bar feels rustic yet private, like a speakeasy tucked into a back alley. Smoothly cool, yet creative and expertly executed- Customshop is a serious gem to be savored.
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