Mark T.
Yelp
One thing was missing: top down lighting; otherwise a fantastic experience!
I'm a big fan of Little Bad Wolf next door, and finally made it a point to stop in and visit the neighbor. It's not flashy, it is less busy, and if you don't know... sneeze and you'll miss it.
The vibe is dark and moody, with notes of brown and dark blue. The art also fits the overall atmosphere well. I question, however, the large TV screen that seemingly only shows their name. It's not intrusive, just a bit weird. However, it was so dark that seeing the menu was more challenging than it needed to be. I can light it up with my phone, though I do (and did) so at the risk of being 'that guy'. Top-down lighting folks, I see the lamps up there, too!
I ordered:
- Oysters (4 as-is, 4 with mignonette on the side)
- Duck Gnocchi
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
The oysters were medium-sized and excellent quality! They were delightfully briny and without a hint of cartilage or sand. The first order came with mignonette, and while enjoyable, being a bit of a purist, I put on a second order with mignonette on the side. Sure enough, I found myself adding it of my own accord. All the more evidence the kitchen knows what it's doing!
Further proof? The Duck Gnocchi - the gnocchi themselves were soft and pillowy, more so than I've experienced up to this point. The duck in the dish was tender and soft as can be. The veggies (mirepoix) were sliced and cooked perfectly, adding texture, freshness and bulk (fiber?) without overpowering anything. To top it all off, breadcrumbs for a little crunch, and a mild sauce that tied everything together in perfect harmony.
For the most important course, dessert, we have the Sticky Toffee pudding. A well cooked, well sauced helping of pudding, topped with a large scoop of ice cream that slowly melted, transforming the flavor as you go.
For drinks, I ordered the Charred Boulevardier and the Burnout. The Boulevardier was rich, sweet and savory, in contrast the Burnout was brighter and fresher, and still boozy. While neither drink was a smack to the face with alcohol, after getting up, I could feel the effects.
In terms of their service, it was polite and attentive, and all items came out fast! The prices are okay, though if you love oysters, keep in mind they will set you back $4/each!
Final verdict: There is nothing at The Good Wolf that I wouldn't happily order again. It is hard to choose a standout when everything was of a high caliber. I look forward to working my way through their menu, and continuing to feed the good wolf (props is you know the story of the Two Wolves).