Checked out Jonathan Eismann's Pacific Time the other night and was truly impressed. We stuck with the small plates list (of which there are 15 options and according the chef, dozens more that he plans to introduce). Standouts included:
- the gnudi – lovely pillows filled with a silky sheeps milk ricotta
- a side of farro with stracchino cheese – rich and risotto-like
- the sauteed grouper in red curry, bananas and coconut water - the best dish of the night, amazing flavor, all the elements of the dish came together to a satisfying effect.
The Colorado lamb with mango salsa and grilled endive (above) was beautifully presented but not as mind-blowing as the other dishes. For dessert we skipped the ubiquitous chocolate option and went with an intriguing Florentine terrine, a slice of cream-like pudding studded with dried fruit and nuts and it was pretty nice. Prices are reasonable with most small plates around $10-$12 and sides at $6. Wines are also well-priced. The 1/2 carafe of Fernleaf sauvignon blanc at $16.50 went well with the spicy fare and there were other reasonable options under $30 including a Wente Riva chardonnay. The dining room is comfortable and spacious and, on the night we visited, bustling. So far it seems Eismann has created a locals-friendly place, one that may actually pose a threat to Michael's dominance of the Design District. We shall see!
35 NE 40th St.
305-722-7369
Also check out this interview with the chef at MenuPages.
5 comments:
I have a name for this restaurant. Its called, "place I will try if MGFD is unable to accommodate me". I guess Im not thrilled with the menu as well as its lack of entree options. Plus having not had great experiences at the LR location leaves me with less of a reason to go try out the new. Your review brings about some curiosity...
It also makes me laugh that we have officially reached the day and age where $6 sides are "reasonably priced"!
bm - I think it's worth checking out. The chef is on top of his game. Michael's has become too sceney for me. I was there the other night and all these Italians were so f'ing loud.
And regarding the $6 sides, I hear you. The thing is, the sides are almost as big as the "small plates" so it's kind of a bargain.
I usually sit at the Bar at Michaels because Im either solo or without reservation. Went there last Friday with 2 buddies and went a tad over the top. Bill was something like $550 LOL.
I'll eventually give PT a try but Fratelli Lyon will be first!
How did you manage to spend that much at Michaels?!!
The 3 of us ordered a round of drinks, then 2 bottles of Cloudline Pinot Noir, a bottle of champagne, and about 4-5 eats in the snack-small-medium range. It was my first time trying sweetbreads and they were incredibly good. I believe the $550 included tip. Worst part was that Id already had 4 bourbons at Blue Martini before we went there and then another bourbon at Badrutts and another ill-advised jaunt at Blue Martini before calling it a night around 1 or 2am... Surprisingly enough, no hangover!
Post a Comment