Roger K.
Yelp
First of all, kudos to the hostess for reading the comments under "special occasion" and "special requests" on the Open Table reservation service they subscribe to. The couple seated just before us likely mentioned that it was their anniversary. As the hostess prepared to seat them she wished them a Happy Anniversary. When she returned and read our reservation, she said "let me check on your table." We had requested an outdoor table. She went to their deck and personally cleared a table for four, the only remaining vacant table on the deck, for our party of two, and returned to seat us. Nice!
Service almost seemed over abundant initially. Two different workers promptly inquired if we desired water. The second was our assigned server, the first was likely a busser or a runner. With drink menus in hand my wife chose one of their Mocktails - Sweetwater Basil Bliss ($10) - watermelon juice, pineapple, basil, aloe, & ginger simple syrup. She was pleased that it was not overly sweet but commented that the basil leaf garnish appeared wilted and mangled. My choice was the Meiers Creek, Floatin On By, draft pilsner ($10) - it was clean and crisp.
Moving right into appetizers, my wife selected the Tuna Tartare ($21), from their raw bar, with edamame puree, wakame, ponzu, and crispy shallot. My choice was the Spanish Octopus ($23) with fingerling potato, puttanesca jam, pistachio, and salsa verde. Both preparations were delicious, but I enjoyed all the flavors in my perfectly cooked octopus more than those in my taste of her tuna tartare.
For our entrees, my wife ordered the Chilean Sea Bass ($47) from their regular menu while I decided to have the Diver Scallops ($55) on the Daily Features menu. The sea bass was light, moist, and perfectly cooked. Served on a bed of creamy fregola, the fish's flavor was further complemented by sherry glazed shallots and cherry tomatoes, with a frisée salad on top. My five large scallops were tender, flavorful, and served with a golden brown sear. The accompanying crispy capers added a contrasting texture while the grilled broccolini and spicy romesco sauce raised the scallops to yet another level of deliciousness.
It being a celebratory occasion with beautiful al fresco weather and a view of the Hudson river, we were not about to pass up on dessert. To go with her Cappuccino ($6) my wife ordered the Housemade Cheesecake ($15) with a graham cracker crust and covered with a berry compote. The cheesecake was rich, light, flavorful, and very creamy. The berry compote was not overly sweet and with a bit of whipped cream and caramel drizzle on the plate there was no doubt the plate would be almost licked clean.
I chose a dessert whose name and description had me baffled - Candy Bar ($15). I was trying to imagine how "chocolate brownie, caramel, wafer, vanilla sponge cake, toffee, feuilletine, chocolate shell, and smoked sea salt" could be presented. You'll have to look at my photos to fully understand and appreciate the creativeness and time consuming work that must have taken place to make this dessert. Impressive plating was only surpassed by what this "candy bar" looked like once you begin to eat it, and the variety of wonderful flavors you experienced.
This being a popular place, the noise level can be a bit high, especially if you are seated near the bar, even on the deck. Service overall was excellent. All the front of the house staff were friendly and attentive to their responsibilities. Our total evening's experience is what has earned them their final star.