Jeff M.
Yelp
Last night was my second visit to Sfoglia in less than a week after a long hiatus (first time was at the original in Nantucket).
During my first visit last Wednesday, when I arrived, I asked the attentive hostess if there was room at the bar and she cheerfully replied, "certainly" and promptly walked me over to an available seat. The bartender was Stephanie, who is both an expert at her job and very personable.
I started with a glass of Trebbiano, which was excellent, and the bread, which is hands down the best I can remember having. For an appetizer, I had the beet salad which was not great compared to what else is available nearby. Same can be said for the ricotta cavatelli. It looks very good, but the only taste was the cooked pasta. To be polite, I "took home" the ample leftovers, but tossed the bag in the first trash can I passed on my way home.
What made up for the disappointing food was Stephanie's recommendation for a red wine, the Barolo.
Although my initial reaction was to not go back, last night I decided I should try it again and explore the rest of the menu to see if I could find something I liked. This time, Sam was the bartender. As it turned out, we had a few things in common which made getting to know him even more pleasant. I again started with the Trebbiano and, of course, the bread. The regulars sitting near me all agreed on the bread.
My favorite dish locally is a half roasted chicken which is prepared very well at a couple places in the neighborhood, so I ordered that, a choice endorsed by Sam. For the appetizer, he recommended the gazpacho, which was excellent.
The chicken, however, was an experience identical to the cavatelli in a disappointing way: it looks great, but the only taste was cooked chicken. I literally stopped eating after one bite.
They were out of the Barolo last night, so Sam recommended the Etna Rosso which was just as good. As I was finishing my wine, Sam came over and tried to explain why I didn't like the chicken which, of course, was impossible because I hadn't said a word to him about it. I had no interest in discussing it and abruptly cut him off with something that included the word "fuck" in it. That attracted the attention of the owner, Johan, who immediately came over and said I couldn't use that word with his employees. That sounded pretty quaint, but I admitted it was the wrong thing to do and apologized. I offered to tell my side of the story, but he refused to hear it, just insisting that I finish my wine and leave.
I had maybe half a glass left and admittedly I'm a sipper not a gulper, especially with a tasty wine. When I had about a quarter glass left, Johan came over a second time and insisted I leave. I protested and said I wanted to finish what was in the glass. But he was unmoved and told me I had to go. I responded sarcastically, "well, call the police then." He immediately took my glass and I had no reason to stay.
As I followed him to the door, he pulled out his phone and DID call the police. As we were walking through the foyer, I could hear him say, "there is a patron who refuses to leave my restaurant." After we got outside, he went back in and locked the door. Out of curiosity, I waited for the police, but they never showed up. On my way home, I called the restaurant and got an answering machine. I left my number and asked for Johan to contact me so we could clear things up. I haven't heard from him, but will update this review if I do.
8 28 2023 afternoon update:
This story gets curiouser and curiouser. Last night I met for the first time a regular who was sitting at the bar, for awhile just the two of us. We had a surprising number of things in common and eventually decided we should get together with our wives/girlfriends sometime. I checked-in with him earlier today and told him about my unconventional exit. Tom responded with this:
"I thought they were trying to hustle me out the door. You know, less than 1hr to eat."
I replied: "Really? There were open seats at the bar the entire time!"
Tom replied: "I know. No one was there."
I said: "I guess they are woke and just hate old white dudes like you and me."
I'm pretty sure the four of us won't go to Sfoglia when we get together. Mercy.
8 30 2023 afternoon update:
After lunch and Scrabble in Carl Schurz Park with my best friend, I walked back up 92nd Street to my apartment at Madison. As I approached Lexington Avenue, a nice looking couple left Sgolia and stood on the opposite corner from me getting ready to cross. As we approached each other in the crosswalk, I recognized Stephanie, the bartender from my first visit. I re-introduced myself while we shook hands and let her know I was there again a couple nights ago. Then we were on our respective ways.
Still no return call from her boss, Mr. Congeniality.
9 4 2023 update:
Spent a total of $320 for those visits and no call yet