After all the praise of the John Dory in the press this month, my friend Princess and I were able to score a seat at the place with the help of her boyfriend Carl, who now works there as a sous chef. No telling if we would have been able to ever try this place on a Friday night, as it's almost impossible to get a table if you don't call way in advance. And, it's for good reason too - the food is delicious, the vibe is funky, laid back, and unique, and you get a front and center view of April Bloomfield in action from any seat in the restaurant. She even spoke to us (and sent out free food!).
Food Consumed and ratings:
a. Free Amuse Bouche: Artichoke Dip with Taro Chips: Salty yet oily chilled dip, reminiscent of a classic spinach and artichoke dip, but cold and without the spinach. Not my fave, but still a tasty little treat (2).
b. Parker House Rolls: Almost melt in your mouth butter rolls, I think I ate about 3. Slightly warmed and so soft and dense with a touch of sweetness. Baked fresh at Del Posto next door. (5)
c. Pumpernickle Bread: Dark and dense sliced bread with raisins. Not what I would imagine to serve with seafood, but delicious nonetheless, especially with butter. Almost like dessert! (4)
1. Kampachi with ginger: under the "crudo" appetizer section: Chilled, fresh tiny slivers of white fish with a touch of skin flakes for flavor and a ginger dash that gives it an extra freshness. Light and perfect appetizer (5).
2. Diver Scallops with Pomegranate: Silky raw scallops - I would assume the texture of these would make me want to hurl, but the taste is beautiful and unique - mild, perfectly acidic and seasoned. (4)
3. Crab Bruschetta: Very similar to the greasy artichoke dip - served with long, diagonally sliced crostini (also brushed with oil). Quite delicious if you like olive-oily, garlicky dips - somewhat tough to taste the crab, but overall a good app if you're into that sort of thing. (5)
4. Seared Squid Stuffed with Chorizo: Total stand out - 3 perfectly seared squid pieces stuffed with savory, crumbly chorizo and paella rice. Nice lemony flavor, seasoned well, and perfect amount of spice. Squid was thinly sliced, so unlike for most un-fried squid dishes I have tasted, chewing was a sinch! (5)
5. Pan Roasted Sea Bass, chili and Artichoke Chips: Good, but unmemorable. not trying to put this place down - the fish was wonderfully executed and simple, but nothing to RAVE about. Definitely was content eating it, though: (3)
6. Treakle Pudding: This overly sweet and dense pound-cake esque mound drenched in sugary syrup could EASILY feed 5 - one bite is enough to get the picture. I know my mom would love this, but for someone who likes their sweets a little more subtle, I would give it a (4) - extra points for originality and hard work (takes 24 hours to steam, apparently).
7. Ginger ice cream sundae: Very refreshing after a delicious meal - the ginger is a bold stand out, and the pineapple ice cream is a good match for it. Very unique flavors and a little more to my liking in terms of place on the sweetness scale. (4)
Overall judgement of John Dory: 4
Website: www.thejohndory.com
Address: 85 10th Ave btwn 15th and 16th
0 comments:
Post a Comment