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| - I've been to Alforno twice now, and I can't stop being blown away by the ambiance. the open concept space looks so incredibly hip, I feel like I'm in San Fran or Seattle. It's a order at the till and take a seat concept - which is fine, except for the part where lines can be literally out the door. Even after you order, there may not be a table - so be careful you don't find yourself without a spot to sit and have your order arrive.....
I've tried the hot cakes, the smoked salmon benny, and the duck sandwich here. I find in general one portion of any of these items isn't enough to be filling for brunch - that may just be the over-eater in me talking, though. The Hot cakes (pancakes, with syrup and berry compote), fantastic. Fluffy, buttery, sweet - what a treat, doesn't taste like pancake mix at all! The smoked salmon benny - as good as anywhere, so no complaints. Finally, I had heard some amazing things about the duck confit sandwich, so I had to try it.
First of all, the sandwich thing at Alforno is a little confusing. They seem to prestock their sandwiches in the case rather than making them fresh, and once they sell out of a sandwich from the case, that's it for the day - which is so unusual because it's not like these sandwiches are difficult to make.
Secondly, I found that maybe because it had been sitting in a display case all morning, the duck was partially dried out. The bread was fine as the whole thing had been retoasted, but I also found that the sandwich was very sparse on the "Truffle Aioli" it's supposed to have - I could barely taste it. Finally, it was served plain with no garnish, which I find to be unimaginative and something that has a very very easy and quick fix. It tasted okay, but not any different from any other toasted sandwich anywhere else, and thus I really expected better.
Because this is such a great, attractive spot I'll definitely come again for brunch or dinner, as I do want to try their pasta menu too, but for the time being I plan on steering way from the sandwich case!
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