yousef
Google
Tucked along a bustling street, the restaurant exuded an elegant, contemporary vibe. As my evening unfolded, it became clear that while the kitchen delivered some moments the overall experience leaned closer to good than great.
The bread with butter was standard for a restaurant of this caliber. The celery soup was a pleasant start, the silky puree with croutons added a subtle bite.
The asparagus atop a bed of potatoes was the kind of dish that vegetarians nod approvingly at, but seldom praise. The green goddess salad offered a generous portion of leafy greens punctuated by the crunch of caramelized pecans.
The gnocchi with parmesan came cloaked in an airy foam. However, the portion size felt disproportionate, with an abundance of foam overshadowing the delicate gnocchi. Delicious? Yes. Balanced? Not quite.
The grilled chicken breast was generously portioned, tender, and juicy. The accompanying jus was a warm, savory embrace, but nothing particularly special.
The sweets were exceptional. The dulce de leche ice cream paired with pistachio crumble and banana was creamy, nutty, and unique, while the chocolate and caramel cake was fudgy yet light, sweet but never cloying. Together, the two desserts ended the meal on a high note.
The restaurant was packed and I was forced to sit outside. It made me feel a bit disconnected from the ambiance. The service felt somewhat perfunctory, more reactive than proactive. Inside might promise a more seamless experience as the outdoor setup on a busy street detracted from the evening.
Stylish yet uneven, Martinez leaves you wanting more reliability in its execution.