Mark T.
Yelp
I was on a flight once, and after the plane landed the flight attendants walked around with iPads asking passengers if they'd like to tip the flight crew. I'm only kidding, but in today's day and age where tipping culture has run amok, I wouldn't be surprised if this became the norm. Spirit, don't get any ideas, now!
I have no problem with tipping, and do so generously. Yet, in a world where the trees will soon be subtly nudging towards a tablet with every breath I take, it was refreshing to hear about a no-tipping restaurant that pays its staff fair wages. Always nice to support a family business, too. Thus, when I was more-or-less in the area and due for a family date night, I decided to finally give The Cormorant a try.
I had the opportunity to try the Naan-chos and the Duck vs. Cow burger.
With the Naan-chos, I appreciate the creativity, but the execution did not work for me. I feel that the parts did not work together to form a cohesive dish. This comes down to two factors: First, the large size of the ingredients, specifically the naan chips and veggies. There is only so much I can fit in my mouth without looking like a barbarian! Second, the lack of cheese as a binding agent meant there was little to help stick components together.
Where it comes to the parts on their own, the naan chips were a good base for the dish, and were cooked nicely to give just the right amount of crispness while not making them as hard as a tortilla chip. The hummus, beef, and veggies were good, but nothing to write home about. Though, I'd like to mention: the "spiced" beef felt as if the only spice was salt, and maybe pepper. The harissa, meanwhile was incredible! It had great flavor, and a pleasant level of heat. Meanwhile, the garlic maple tahini sauce did not work in this dish. It was heavy, in-your-face sweetness that did not meld with any other ingredient.
The Duck vs. Cow burger was a different story. I loved the combination of the duck confit and burger patty. The duck especially was cooked to perfection and brought tremendous flavor. The aioli and the sweetness offered lovely savory and gently sweet notes that complimented the protein nicely. The only thing missing for my taste is some kind of acid, even if it is only a pickle on the side. The onion rings though didn't quite do it for me - they felt a little heavy on the breading, and were the kind that the little onion strings escapes leaving a substantial bread shell behind.
Inside, the space is small yet warm and inviting, and has counter seating and a couple tables. The service is polite and appropriately fast. The prices were reasonable, especially considering there wasn't the de facto service charge which is an expected tip.
Thus, while The Cormorant was a positive experience I don't see myself schlepping from Quincy.
