Whitman and Bloom - New York

Not my kind of place. The bar / tavern had screaming, loud customers on a day when there was no one around. Really a tasting menu, teen plate, teen servings, bad value for money. The waitress told me that the green peppers in my clam chowder were mild - they weren't and had to spit out with a burning mouth. Really embarrassing when I was treated. Instead, they gave me asparagus. Your only vegetable. They didn't notice that my water glass was empty and I had to request it. Backless benches to sit in the tavern / bar, but you can request an uncomfortable chair. Not a place where you, like me, eat a lot of healthy protein and vegetables. I don't like leaving a restaurant where I feel bloated with too much food, but I don't want to go hungry either. The coffee was good after the meal.

4 plates divided. Scallops cooked perfectly, sauce not very aromatic, chased the small amount of peas around the plate. Beet platter was good. Tuna poke had strings of supposedly kelp salad, fries were sparse and not wasabi powder. If more chips were requested, the answer was "not sure but will be checked". Return with 4 chips. It seemed rather strange that the smoked bluefish and avocado toast was served with bluefish on one toast and avocado on the other.

I had an incredible experience at this restaurant, from the friendly staff to the inviting atmosphere. The food was thoughtful, fresh, and inventive. I can't wait to go back for the vegetable gnocchi.

The taste of the food was between ok and good, nothing special. I had higher expectations after seeing reviews. I ordered a pasta dish with sausage. I guess pasta, sauce and sausage are homemade, but I was disappointed when the dish arrived with 3 small bites of sausage. I ordered a cocktail that arrived weak and mostly with ice in the shape of a juice glass. When the waitress noticed that I drank it in a few sips, I asked for another one, but without ice. What I got was an 8 ounce glass of milk with a dash of Kahlua in it. No way to impress. I just wanted a good drink.

When my friend and I entered the restaurant, I was immediately impressed by the exterior and decor. Despite being located in a typically busy area, I was able to find parking easily.