Wendy F.
Yelp
2/10/18
... What a difference! We loved the quick, comfortable high top seating (away from the door). Our friendly, helpful server, Leyla, immediately set the tone for a positive experience.
Joe really enjoyed the charred and very generous portion of octopus, served in a deep bowl with romesco and tender butter beans. My half pound of chilled peel and eat (jumbo) shrimp did not disappoint ... plump and tender with just a hint of seasoning and two yummy sauces ... delish!
The baby kale salad with wood-roasted mushrooms, lemon reggiano and thyme was refreshing and a break from my usual Caesar. The portion, filling an entire (soup -sized) bowl was plenty for us to share.
I (still) was not impressed with the pizza, this time, topped with Bacon and Gorgonzola. The meat was scant and the pieces, not larger than crumbles.
We'll be back! Next time, I'm checking out the Eggplant Parm, a new menu addition.
1st Visit
It was Joe who actually suggested that we check out W & G after all, we love Langdon's and Opal, the other restaurants in the Owens Dining Group. Not finding any mention of reservations on-line, I called mid afternoon (yes, someone picked up the call!) and was told that reservations were not taken and that table service started at 4:00 pm. As we often skip lunch on Saturday opting to dine early we arrived at 4:30 pm and was seated right away at the one table for two by the window.
Our server, Erin, stricken with laryngitis, struggled to be heard above the blasting Motown era playlist as she explained that while 'table service' started at 4:00 pm, the only menu options available before 5:00 pm were beverages or from the raw bar. OK, though I was craving a Caesar, I was hungry and yes, the shrimp would work!
Joe started with a glass of the Chianti Classico ($10.00), one of the least expensive options among the reds. The pour was acceptable and he enjoyed it. My Bloody Mary arrived in a highball glass ... and while it was tasty (I love the Zing Zang mixer) ... there was way too much crushed ice and not enough beverage. It was gone in a few sips ... so disappointing. And while I don't recall the price it was probably around $10.00 based on the other cocktail prices posted on the on-line menu.
Neither the menu, nor Erin, mentioned that the shrimp selection ($14.00) was 'peel and eat' and though it became obvious when the shell bowl and hand wipes were placed on the table, clarification should have been made at the time our order was placed for diners who may not be familiar with the preparation.
The shellfish quickly arrived ... wow ... 12 large (bordering on jumbo) heavy, local, chilled and lightly seasoned (think Old Bay) beauties served in a mound on a tray of ice. Both the key lime aioli (smooth and creamy) and cocktail sauce (tangy with a dab of horseradish) were tasty; however, the portions of each were so small to really make an impact.
We were completely underwhelmed with our pizzas. First, they were over cooked and in some spots, burnt, but more disappointing, Joe's Salsiccia ($16.00), composed of tomato, fennel sausage, greens and ricotta, was too short on sausage (four thin, small slices) and while every nano inch of my veggie selection, the Pesto ($15.00), with roasted eggplant, mozzarella, feta, capers, corn and yellow cherry tomatoe halves was covered, I only counted 3 slices of eggplant. No, we were not happy.
If you are considering checking out W&G there are a few things you should know. (1) It is not family friendly (no children's menu) so leave the kids at home. (2) By 5:30 pm, the small dining room was filled and every seat at the bar was taken. (3) If you are looking for a great Happy Hour deal, keep looking as there are no specials. (4) The menu is small ... so check it out on-line to be sure everyone in your party will be satisfied. (5) There is no carpet to help absorb sound and the volume of music challenges meaningful conversation.
In my opinion, a concept like Wood & Grain would be a great option in a large hotel, or resort and for I'on et al. locals wanting after an after the theater (movie, concert) lite bite but with closing at 10:00, for the latter, it's not an option. For us, with so many places around town to drop a fast $100+ (with tip and tax) it's unlikely that we'll be returning anytime soon.