Open Thread Wednesday 1/27/10

Maybe he has had the experience of being ticketed by Sanitation for improper disposal, which happens when people walking along the street add whatever they have in hand to the top of sorted garbage. I’d like to yell at these people and those who put their household garbage in the top of street baskets leaving no room for what they’re intended for…

OK, dinner last Saturday at Bread and Butter.

My co-diner and I arrived very early, at 6:00 (we’re both geriatrics and need to be in bed not later than 7:15.)

The place was mobbed. The only table available was near the front window, a seating that guaranteed a chilly experience.

This we indeed had, as the front door was protected only by a curtain whose billows trapped the frigid air as the door opned and then released it in icy bursts. Memo to B & B: build a better buffer.

On the table, a dish of sweet and sour sliced cukes–good, if a tad on the sweet side. Bread basket held cornbread and muffins, both of which would have been even more delish if warm, or at least room temp (see paragraph one).

My companion started with a New Englandish clam chowder, quite good, and I with slices of andouille, also good. Companion then had scallops, perfectly done, served with creamed corn that left the Green Giant stuff way, way, way in the dust.

I had deviled short ribs that were really a treat, the meat both melting and chewy (go figure), bones and meat covered with crsip breadcrumbs, served with excellent mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Perfect winter food.

Coffee, but no dessert. The hostess, who I believe is also the owner, and who seemed to have something of an attitude, placed the check on the table before we were finished. “When you’re ready,” is the usual line, and she said it. What is meant–and what is felt–is, “we want you to go.”And so we did.

Good food, generally good experience, excellent menu: a boon to the nabe.

Grade: B+

AEB – Thanks for good and apparently balanced review. Wine Bar has the same draft problem, which has been nicely solved in several neighborhood places with a framed canvass vestibule. Nice to know that all the eateries on that block of Henry Street are doing well.

Can anyone recommend a good car rental place in the area?

R.S. – we use Allcar Rentals – they are in the garage of the Marriott and so are very close by – easy to deal with and drop off is a cinch even if they are not open – the garage is! They have good prices but gotta say their cars aren’t always the newest…but if you aren’t thrilled, and you ask nicely, they almost always will change yours for a better car…usually with loaded with extras! A very oddly run place – so much the better!

Anyone know a bar in the hood where one can watch the State of the Onion tonight?

Publius – I bet they would have it on at Floyd
(floydny.com)

Way cool, Publius, thanks for the link

Publius, Thanks for the link! lots of useful Info…

AEB, did the tab include drinks?

Kat, do a search of this site under Poplar Street. There have been a number of stories on the stationhouse.

Thanks harumph and ak.

“bet credit” Nice Freudian slip, Publius.

The “new” guy at Plaza Cleaners is an idiot. Can anyone recommend a reputable dry cleaner/laundry service in the North Heights?

I have a tux that needs tailoring. Any recommendations for a tailor nearby? Is the tailor on Henry St any good or should I go into Manhattan? It’s an expensive tux.