I could tell that it was not an awful meal from your review. I only wanted to highlight it is week one, anyone reading your review in the future would not realize that. I led with Opening night in my post, also noted the sound and mentioned the pizza’s were not quite at the level of the original so I think we were generally in sync with me liking it just a bit more. That is a unique space and it is hard to perfect pizza but knowing them they will get it right. I will report back after future visits! Meanwhile I am in Paris where Pizza is exploding!
1 Like
I’ve only eaten at UWS location so can speak for West Village.
i guess i’m just not a handroll aficianado but those seem like some seriously overstuffed rolls.
maybe just the photography?
Anyone eaten at Shmoné recently? Haven’t been but currently schedule for a casual business dinner there Tuesday.
Just came from said dinner. I thought it was good but not remarkable. Would not have pegged it for a Michelin Star based on tonight’s dinner. Drank a bottle of Egly Ambonnay which was lovely, but the dishes were a mix of great and just “good but not memorable.” The king oyster mushrooms were by far the best of the night.
2 Likes
For the NYC crew…
1 Like
I hesitate to shit all over a restaurant as I know three things to be true. First, there’s an aspect of subjectivity to taste. Second; as a frequent diner , I know how hard it is to succeed in the biz. Third, things can change. Restaurants can improve and find their footing over time.
That said, it’s been a while, but my wife and I had an abominable meal at Shmone. The food was awful and the service was even worse. I’m 99% sure I detailed it in this thread. From your review it sounds like they’ve improved. I’m glad to hear it.
1 Like
I agree with the general sentiment. It’s such a tough business. As for Shmone I’m sorry to hear you had such a bad prior experience. As I said, last night it was a good meal, if not special. I love Israeli food (and similar cuisines from the region) so I was inclined to like it generally. That said, the consistency of the dishes wasn’t what I would have hoped for at a place with a Michelin star. Service was similar - good, but with some misses and inconsistency. Overall a bit of disappointment vs expectation, but on an absolute scale still good. It was packed the whole night so clearly plenty of folks think it’s great.
For what it’s worth Eyal Shani is not taken seriously in Israel and for many of us he is a figure of derision. Yes, he has some commercial success’s but some of us have suffered his ‘Emperors Clothes’ syndrome over the years and stopped being amused a long time ago. On the other hand cauliflower farmers love him.
4 Likes
Erick, my wife and I love Israeli food as well and when we went, we really wanted to like it.
1 Like
That’s interesting color, thanks for sharing. As @Mike_Cohen said I try not to be too negative about places given how tough the business is (so maybe I sound too gentle in my critiques).Regardless, it wasn’t a place I’ll go out of my way to revisit.
I went to Rhodora Wine Bar last night for the Mythily pop up. I didn’t have a chance to go to Rasika’s pop up at Fulgrances earlier this year. This was more casual than her other pop ups, but the food was great. Really excited for her to get a brick and mortar soon. She is a unique voice needed for the future of Indian cuisine in New York.
3 Likes
Sorry to miss that!
Last night we went to the NY branch of iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House that recently opened in the La Grenouille space. Decor-wise they really preserved a lot of the LG vibe. Same art, lighting (except the table lamps no longer have the cords that the waiters have to manage, but they are now LED), banquettes, etc. That was nice. It’s only been open for a few weeks, so service was good but a bit awkward and stilted.
There were just two of us and we had a whole duck, so we didn’t get to explore much else on the menu. For appetizers we had some nice simple dumplings and a very good pea shoot dish. The duck itself was excellent, as were the pancakes. Carved beautifully. We had a Christian Moreau Chablis. All around a good experience. Pricy, but well executed. I’m curious to go back with a bigger group and explore some of the seafood offerings. And frankly, it was just nice to be back in that room.
2 Likes