This is my first visit to Smallman Galley on a Friday around 4:30. We tried the food from Aubergine.
I ordered the Pan Seared Spanish mackerel and the Egg Salad. I liked how inexpensive Mackerel was. Eating mainly fish, usually when I go out to eat it seems like I'm paying a premium. Pricing wise it stood along with everything else on the menu. The fish itself was very well portioned, cooked and seasoned just right: nice and crispy on the outside and just heavenly on the inside. It was paired with Carolina rice and snap peas. It reminded me of a dish you could get from a Puerto Rican neighborhood in New York.
The egg salad was really rich and super filling. I'm also glad that they didn't overdo it with the anchovies. So that made them a nice touch. You definitely get a decent portion of egg salad so it's absolutely worth sharing.
We also were lucky enough to come during happy hour which only means one thing...half off drinks! The bar is this beautifully slated bronze and the bartenders and incredible: they really know their stuff and put their time and care into your drink by tasting the larger batch before pouring a glass.
I'm glad we came at the time that we did because the chef said he was expecting it to be incredibly busy tonight.