Top Chef's "Craftbar": Is it Worth the Hype?

I really like Top Chef. Especially Tom Colicchio.

 

 photo credit: time magazine

So, when we tried out one of this master chef's restaurants, Craftbar, for lunch today, I had high expectations (admittedly, too high). While we found the casual interior appealing and the customer service excellent, our inventive sandwiches fell a little short of Top Chef-delicious... 

THE LOCATION

 Positioned on 900 Broadway, Craftbar is conveniently located near the 23rd Street subway stop, Madison Square Park and Union Square. The neighborhood-feel of the Flatiron District is home to many Manhattan businesses (like photography studios, advertising agencies and real estate offices), making low-key Craftbar an appropriate complement with the neighborhood.

 THE SCENE

Dubbed "the informal sister restaurant to upscale Craft," Craftbar has a pleasing, industrial-inspired decor that lends an association with contemporary loft living. The restaurant's energy falters below the normal vibe of a hip bistro, but there's no doubt to the popularity of the Tom Colicchio-owned place.

THE FOOD

The lunch menu prices rivaled that of dinner entrees in New Jersey (from $12-$25 per plate). Our beautifully-fried oyster appetizer was light, greaseless and moderate in quality. The batter seemed of a cornmeal variety, giving the oysters a delightful grainy texture.

For our lunch entrees, we each ordered the Craftbar take on a sandwich staple: the BLT. However, this revised BLT was like nothing I've experienced before with a hot, fire-roasted tomato (sounds good right?), locally-grown, fresh spinach (thumbs up), and thickly-sliced bacon (and wait for it...). The bacon had the light, soft, flaky texture of cod. Although the bread was toasted, the mushiness of the whole sandwich left little to be desired.

THE DRINKS

We shared an In Heat Wheat hefeweizen from Flying Dog Brewery (Maryland) and a Sweedish Koppareerg pear cider. The beer was excellent, the pear cider a little on the sweet side (change out the chilled glass and it could have been a pear martini).

Overall, Craftbar has an attractive atmosphere, worthy of a casual drink with a friend. Sample from the extensive, unique drink list and admire the trendy, fresh decor (but pass on the BLT).

* © passport in my pocket *

Comments

[homemade grits]

texture of cod. i just threw up in my mouth.