This was our first time dining here, and it had been on our to-do list for quite some time, especially knowing that an Iron Chef is the owner. My wife and I met up with another couple for dinner and were excited to finally give it a try.
The space offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The décor is nice simple, clean, filled with tasteful greenery, and thoughtfully spaced to create a comfortable dining experience.
We worked our way through the menu and ordered seven items along with cocktails: naan & dips, pickled pepper blueberry cornbread, sautéed green beans, wood-fired broccoli, goat shank, sticky glazed pork shank, and grilled kalbi-style short ribs.
The one dish we were most excited about was the goat curry, but we were told it wasn't available. While waiting for our food, a runner brought a bowl of goat curry to our table, only for us to find out it was meant for another table. Naturally, we asked our server what was going on, and he explained that the other guests had ordered it earlier. In reality, the restaurant had simply sold out. Our reservation was at 6:30 p.m., and the restaurant opens at 5:00 p.m., so it was surprising that such a popular menu item was already gone.
As for the food, everything was cooked very well and beautifully presented. The proteins were moist and tender, and the vegetables were cooked perfectly. The cornbread and naan were excellent standouts. While the proteins were certainly good, the flavors didn't quite reach that "chef's kiss" level for me. They were enjoyable but left me wanting a bit more depth and flavor. The Pork Shank was the better of the proteins.
Service, unfortunately, was the weakest part of the evening. Our server, David, seemed to lack attention to detail. He never offered clean plates as we shared multiple dishes, nor did he check in to see if we wanted additional cocktails or more food. It felt like several missed opportunities to enhance both our experience and restaurants sales opportunity. Whether he was overwhelmed, distracted, or simply disengaged, the service came across as mediocre.
Overall, the restaurant has great potential. The atmosphere is inviting, the food is well executed. With more consistent service and better communication regarding menu availability, the experience could easily be elevated.
