We had reservations for 815pm for party of 10. I arrive at 750pm holding a second cup coffee and was greeted cooly by the blue eye shadow wearing hostess with braces who promptly informs me that they do not allow drinks from outside.
Our reservations were upstairs and they had to escort us up to the bar. Instead of going up to join a friend who had also arrived early, I was outside on the sidewalk trying to gulp down my coffee as fast as I could. Perfect start to my evening.
Luckily there was a valet outside who was nice to talk to. Very friendly and not snobby as you might expect from such a trendy establishment.
So finally I get inside after a lengthy wait at the hostess desk. My coat gets checked at no fee. Considering we were getting a family style set menu at $75 plus tax and tip, that's the least one could expect.
The ambiance is definitely very hip, trendy, almost retro. The music is low key jazzy and funky. The decor is original interesting, tasteful. 5 stars for atmosphere.
We were all seated and offered water and drinks right away. We were seated at a corner table comfortably for a party of 10.
Our food started coming out on a timely basis. First came the olives and bread with a white dipping sauce on the side. It was some kind of flatbread doused with a generous amount of spices. Good but nothing mind blowing. This was followed by lamb ribs - good but also nothing too special. They were braised and had some toppings on top. We each had one small rib. Then came the fried cheese on top of a slice of watermelon. Original and different but not spectacular.
Our main course finally arrived- rib eye with pan fried broccoli served with rice and green beans. The steak was was - medium rare, tasty. They served three large steaks for 9 people so we each had three thin slices (approx 4-5oz). The green beans were good topped with chopped roasted pepper but nothing memorable. The rice was good - basmati with lentils and lots of middle eastern spices. Dessert was a mousse cake topped with whipped cream, crunchy caramel flakes and a few pomegranate seeds. Each person had half of a tiny one person serving.
Good overall meal. Great service. Food portions were too small for $100 including 18% auto gratuity given that it was served family style. Not the best value for your bucks but that's the price you pay for a fine dining experience at a new hip/trendy resto.
Would definitely go back to try the regular menu however would recommend eating first before getting the set meals if you happen to be very hungry.