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| - Authenticity. This is one element I always look for when I review an establishment. Whether it is a 5 star restaurant or a divey hole in the wall, I look for whether or not they stay true to what they are. When I look at Avenue, it lacks this critical element.
Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't a fan of the "old" Avenue either. It looked worn and weathered.
The new rendition tries to emulate a mid century modern feel but it falls short. The fixtures, tables, chairs and other furnishings just don't do it for me. They lack originality and more importantly, history. The charm of supper clubs and other restaurants of the like is that they have that history, they have that authenticity. They may be awkward or clumsy looking. But the fact that-at one time-to some people, it was the "in" thing makes it appealing.
Picking some products out of an Ikea like restaurant catalog doesn't do it for me.
Aesthetics aside, I felt the food choices were acceptable. The waitress recommended the calamari and her recommendation was on point. The rings and tentacles were perfectly battered and fried. For my entree, I opted for the cheeseburger. The bun was maybe a little too much for the ingredients between it but it was solid. As like many other Food Fight restaurants, the food never blows you away yet never disappoints.
For some, I am sure the new Avenue Bar is just up their alley. Unfortunately for me, it's not even on my same block.
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