benihana.

Though group projects have been quite a bugger this year, my FSA group took a trip to Benihana, the company we're researching, for some "due diligence."

I've never really been a fan of Benihana, and this trip did not change my opinion. To start with service, it was below par at this branch. There weren't enough staff on duty, with our waitress often leaving mid-sentence to attend to other customers, and the chef was uncharasmatic, under-wowing, and quite awkward. It is really loud in the restaurant, because of the many birthday celebrations and drunk corporate folk, and therefore hard to have a pleasant conversation.

And the food. Oye the food - so mediocre and overpriced. The premium for the "theatrics" wasn't even justified as our chef did his mandatory two tricks and moved on. The "Japanese" meat is just flavored with "Japanese" soy sauce and "Japanese" salt/pepper (our chef kept saying that for some reason). Throw in some grilled veggies here and there (also flavored with the Japanese soy sauce) and you've got a $40 dollar dent in your wallet.

park avenue cafe

In another of my birthday dinners, I went with Chris, Kim, and Elaine to Park Avenue Cafe to catch the pay-your-age special. Basically, you get a three course meal with the freedom to choose any item on the menu for the price of your age (but you pay $25 if you're under 25 and $65 for those over 65). It basically started as a marketing scheme to attract a younger crowd to the restaurant.

With regards to the food, it had some pretty solid selections, though I wasn't too fond of the ones I chose. Pictured above is I believe a Filet Mignon of Beef paired with a Veal Shank - regardless, it was very decadent and cooked very nicely; the meat was moist and juicy. I had the Salmon, which was filled with chives and a salty sauce, but didn't wow me at all. From the choices of the table, I'd have to say they prepare their meat dishes better than their fish. But the star of the night was definitely dessert. Presentation was unique and polished, and taste was out of this world. I highly recommend The Chocolate Cube. It is like candy for your eyes and your mouth. Deeeericious.

I'd say it's worth the trip if you're into gourmet dessert or want a fine dining experience that isn't too rough on the wallet. Menus change seasonally so there's always a reason to go back!

Tempo || Mediterranean

256 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-636-2020

Appetizers:
Duck Pastilla Roll
crisp feuille de bric, toasted almonds, Moroccan barbeque glaze
Asparagus Bruschetta
castelrosso cheese, watermelon radishes, red wine vinegar, olive oil

Main course:
Roasted Organic Chicken
green olives, preserved lemon, saffron, ginger, coriander leaves, chick pea fries
Alaskan Wild King Salmon a la Plancha
piri piri glaze, shaved fennel and apple salad, juniper berry vinaigrette

Dessert:
Tempo House Made Gelati or Sorbetti
Vanilla with Nutella swirl, Orange and coriander, Raspberry and coconut, Mango and basil

This week is Brooklyn's restaurant week. Cecil, Lucy, Tina, and I went to a very nice Mediterranean place. For only $20.06, we got to eat at an amazing restaurant that usually averages $49 per person. The ambiance was quaint and subtle. The service was excellent and attentive. And, the food was soooooo goooooood. It was fresh, complex, and innovative. The dishes were modern in approach, such as the chick pea fries or the interesting and delicious mango and basil sorbetti. It was all plated nicely too. Sorry kids, no pictures =(

Overall Kathy Rating: definitely recommended. very very satisfied.