Balthazar

December 17, 2010 - SBE XVI

Location: 80 Spring Street, SoHo

SBE Score: 80

An awesome restaurant and fantastic service, but why Balthazar, do you even put a burger on the menu? Even WE wanted to order everything BUT the burger.

After a round of cocktails, we ordered a bottle of red and white to start the night. Although Balthazar is by far the most expensive restaurant we have reviewed (and consequently, paid for), the wine menu is extremely diverse and has reasonably priced bottles.

The White: ST-BRIS - Sauvignon G & J-H Goisot ‘08 . . . . . $35
The Red: BEAUJOLAIS - Château Cambon ‘09. . . . . . . . . . . $35 ... anddddd back to the food.

The starters: White bean soup (of the day), Frisee Aux Lardons ($15), Pumpkin Ravoli ($13/19)

The Entrees: Grilled Brook Trout ($23), Lobster Ravioli ($15/24), Cheeseburger ($17)

We really didn't want to get burgers because there were so many great things on the menu, so, for the entrees, we did a family style surf & turf.

The Results

Pumpkin Ravioli: 7.75 [7-9]
Frisee Aux Lordons: 8.25 [8-9]
White Bean Soup: 6.75 [5-8]

If you're asking yourself, "why is a burger club giving a salad the highest rating among appetizers?" - "aux lardons" means "with bacon"....really good bacon

Lobster Risotto: 8.75 [8-10]
Trout: 7.66 [6-9]
Burger Patty: 5.75 [3-7]
Burger Experience: 4.75 [2-7]
Fries: 9.25 [8 -10]
Cookies: unreviewed, but eaten

Given the subjective nature of these reviews, it is hard to tell whether the Burger Experience deserved more than a 4.75. Maybe it was just bad comparatively to everything else... but then we go back to... don't put a burger on the menu if it's only going to be OK.

As per Holiday party tradition, we played White Elephant. The consequences of this are;

• Leila is now a Rangers fan
• Brian was the proud new owner of a knock-off Snuggie for an hour, until he lost it
• Kate had to lug olive oil, vinegar, and salami all night
• Luke has a board game none of us understand, or were able to learn....
  

Even though our total bill was a whopping $373 (not that it justifys anything, but that was including tip), we recommend that you go to Balthazar. Just don't order a burger.

Happy Holidays!

http://www.balthazarny.com/

Spitzer's

December 4, 2010 - SBE XIII

Location: Ludlow and Rivington, LES

SBE Score: 85

Sometimes we go to a restaurant because of the reputation of the burger. Othertimes, we review places we like, and hope that the burger stacks up to the restaurant's other good qualities. Even though Spitzer's burger was juicy and flavorful, it was not magical, nor was it an SBE favorite. However, the appetizers and sides are American tapas at its best, which is our version of a silver lining.

Overall - it was a fun way to begin a Saturday night....It was the first time that everyone gave 6+ on EVERY dish... which is a testament to non-mediocrity, at the very least.

Above: Brussell Sprouts with cranberries, Pork-Fat edamame ($5), Fois Gras ($15)


Below: Medium Rare with cheddar ($11), French Fries ($5), Truffle Macaroni & Cheese ($11)


The Results...

Burger Patty: 7.75 [8 - 9]
Burger Experience: 7.87 [6 - 9] ... the bun gets a gold star
French Fries: 6.7 [6 - 7]

Brussell Sprouts: 7.5
Mac & Cheese: 9 [8 - 10]
Fois Gras: 7.75 [6 - 9]
Pork-Fat Edamame: 8 [7 - 9]


The Pros

• The food is very well plated (shout out for the pickled vegetables on the side of the burger)
• Awesome beer list
• Great waitress
• Kate's favorite bar in NYC
• Casual atmosphere and no pretension - a running theme of our pros....
• The beer garden style seating - Spitzer's has picnic tables in the middle of the room, which are communal, and also a dining area with smaller tables in the back of the restaurant.

The Cons

• You have to get your hand stamped when you come in- an unfortunate new system, about one year old. I know they are trying to prevent underage kids (don't want to pay for the fines when they get raided), but it detracts from the overall vibe.
  
• Limited Liquor (if any?)

We drank a lot and ate a lot. Total bill: $164 + tip

no website...