James M.
Yelp
Our recent visit to Bimi's Canteen and Bar, occasioned by a wedding anniversary, was altogether enjoyable. The interior, predicated on relics of early Northeastern industry (exposed brick, rolling doors, giant cogwheels) was attractive. Some of the tables were set with wooden banquettes against the wall. (the HVAC ducts blow out on your ankles which might bother some). A few others are installed in corners and window niches. We did not explore the downstairs bar but did see people going there. We did not notice any returning. Speaking of the bar, the cocktail menu is intriguing enough to get one off his usual pre-prandial martini and willing to explore other dimensions, in this case the vieux carré, a delicious mixture of rye, cognac, sweet vermouth and bitters that was delivered in a glass with a single mammoth ice cube. The white cosmo itself was poured around an orchid encased in ice. Both were delicious, and not too gimmicky. Excellent drinks for "grownups". The menu is fairly minimalist with a range of different starters and half a dozen mains, one from each protein group. We tried the roasted artichoke with allium aioli, tasty but very messy (note to staff: please deliver with a finger bowl, cleansing wipes or fire hose for de-messing). The pork belly on Johnny cakes, a mini-takeoff on pancakes and bacon was okay, but there are better choices. The black bass with a tomato and cannellini bean sauce was rich and delicious. The bouillabaisse both was excellent and aside from the eternal dilemma of how to eat the langoustines (or were they crayfish?) the elements were a decent rendition of the dish. While the portion seemed a little on the slim side, it was in fact more than enough so that the three or four potatoes were unnecessary.
Bimi's has aspirations of a top-tier dining experience in a comfortable setting. Thus, when I mention its single true shortcoming, it's in the interest of completing the experience without a glitch. Simply put, the waitstaff needs to be better trained. Our extremely nice and eager-to-please server was completely ignorant of the dishes, their ingredients and preparation and pleaded the "new menu" defense which I'm sure was correct, but that puts the onus on management to make sure the front line workers are informed. Further, and this is just a general pet peeve, please ask the waitstaff to refrain from addressing the customers as "guys" and never, ever, (cross your heart and hope to die), use the phrase "Are you still workin' on it" when asking whether you and your dish are done with each other. Thank you on behalf of a grateful nation.