Pravash M.
Yelp
Here's the 411 on Four Eleven (York): Machismo's old diggs, transformed from burritos to boujee. "Upscale dining" with a semi-revolving menu amid chic/contemporary decor in a cozy space with historic bones, sharing a wall with a neighboring bed and breakfast. They offer Sunday brunch but our visit was a Friday couples night celebrating a friend's 50th birthday. Several patrons were wearing jeans (without holes, obviously), so don't over-stress.
Service was excellent. Brittany and Melinda were engaging, attentive, friendly and informative; at their suggestion, 3 of us got the "bartender experience" which is $12 for a cocktail inspired by your name, hobby and mood. I made a joke about "stripper" and "lust" but ultimately went with "writing" and "whimsy." They weren't homeruns but we didn't send them back (probably should have). The other 3 table mates loved their first drinks so much, they ordered repeat rounds. Thankfully, the "experience winners" got way better second (and third) bev options, including my wife who LOVED her "Spill the tea" cocktail which Britney coincidentally helped concoct.
Korean Chili Braised Octopus ($18x2) and Prince Edward Island Mussels w/ Spanish Chorizo and caramelized onions ($20) were my APP FAVES. Octopus had a char/spicy kick combo while the mussels boasted a splendid balance of freshness, texture, moisture and flavor - this coming from a guy that rarely eats onions. Oh snap, THAT SIGNATURE TATER TOT IS STELLAR. It may be the equivalent to food crack because it's single serve, 1 and done. It's a funny story why they serve it, like a tongue in cheek jab to the previous owner that said the only food that the place was good for was burritos and tater tots.
Ladies also tore up the charcuterie board app, probably because the adult bevs were heavy pours and they needed absorbent reinforcements! Nice touch by the servers to provide "board orientation." They also patiently catered to our ladies' feeling of being chilly by turning down the air - welcome to married life, am I right?
For entrees, folks opted for the Red Drum ($30), Roasted Antarctic Salmon ($33x2), Carolina Pork Shoulder ($26), Oven Roasted Free Range Chicken ($25) and the birthday boy's Tagliatelle (pasta with squid ink/crab/lobster roe, $19). Considering the price and hype, this course was surprisingly average which was also the group's consensus, 3 of whom had dined before. Though 1 enjoyed her pork shoulder, we agreed there wasn't a wow factor.
My salmon was a bit overdone, especially around the outer edges. Brittany kindly offered to take it back; after I thankfully declined, she came back a second time earnestly wanting my feedback because a new person was cooking the fish that night. I told her I'd just eat the middle. Despite being touted as handmade pasta prepared with squid ink (typically earthy), Chesapeake Bay crab and lobster roe, the Birthday boy's Tagliatelle was pretty bland; just a warm ball of noodles. Best part of dinner course was the CHEDDAR BISCUITS, delicious and complimentary.
All in all, the pre-advertised bevs and apps were very good; service and ambiance was excellent. Did I mention they surprised our friend with a custom dessert with "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate? Then, they treated the table to dark chocolate truffles! How "sweet." If we return and are dazzled by succulent entrees, this place has the makings of our go-to couples spot for 2019!
Thanks again Brittany and Melinda for your fantastic hospitality.