An almost empty restaurant on Friday night is suspicious, but the menu sounded good and friends had recommended this place years ago. I should have noted that no one had spoken of it since.
Service was fine. The ambience was stiff and we were sitting right next to some sort of insect-catching device. The place needs freshening up, loosening up. The host does not need a tie and buttoned sleeves.
Food was fine and lacked nuance, but way over-salted. The molded rice and appetizer presentation does not fit the homey, basic food.
This place could succeed if they stopped pretending they were fancy, because they are not at all - drop the prices a bit, offer more a la carte choices, and they could attract students and everyday diners. Paint and relax the vibe, lose the tie, roll up the sleeves and smile!
I wish one could order sides of the good sounding things that came with some entrees - offer a side of plantains, side of fries and they would rack up the additions.