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| - Third time's a charm for the lunch counter at Bite. After a couple lackluster stops a tasty Wagyu (?) burger did a lot to salvage what was otherwise going to be a pretty :-/ review.
* This is really a review of the lunch counter and prepared items. I haven't spent much time in the grocery store, just browsed before or after lunch. From what i have seen in the grocery, prices on pantry items were well above what can be found in most supermarkets and specialty ethnic stores (I'm thinking of you $10 mason jar of rolled oats or the $7 bottle of salsa that can be had for less than half that at the Unimart). On the other hand, prices on meat, cheese, and deli items seemed on par with other high-end grocery stores and even top-quality products from the local co-op or Safeway. So if they they carry a favorite product you can't get anywhere else, it may be worth a stop.
Eating at the spacious deli and hot-line in the back, I've had a similar hit-and-miss experience. A late weekend brunch offered an omelet, made to order, but otherwise unremarkable. Sandwiches to go have been more miss-than hit. A number of pre-made sandwiches are wrapped in a cooler alongside the deli salads - fine if you're going to throw it into a sandwich press, but not something I'd jump at paying $10 for cold. When asked what they were making to order, the chef behind the counter proudly described a smoked bison with wasabi slaw and a chicken bocconcini club, so we ordered one of each.
The thinly sliced smoked bison didn't bring much smoke or meaty bison flavor, but thankfully the wasabi in the daikon slaw had a light touch and didn't overpower. Pea shoots or micro-greens (I don't remember now) where a nice touch, but the overwhelming thing I remember from this sandwich was the mealy winter tomato. I get that people expect a tomato on a sandwich, but if this is chef led or chef inspired cuisine, then you really should be thinking about everything that's going into the meal. Heck, I don't think even a decent tomato would add that much to this sandwich, so why not try something different.
The last visit however, turned things around somewhat. A $13 wagyu burger came juicy, with great flavor, on a nice egg bun. The included salt and pepper fries where above average, the other sides in the hot trays looked pretty good too. The eat-in space is bright and comfortable, and take-out containers looked solid enough to survive a trip back to the office.
I don't think I'll become a regular (for groceries or for lunch) but I'd have no problem cycling this place into my stable of reliable lunch options.
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