3/23/2014

I took my girlfriend here on Valentine's Day night after deciding against Element (largely due to the inclusion of Bull's blood in Element's V-Day menu). Because of the impromptu decision to eat here on such a hard-to-book night, we went for a late dinner. In all honesty, it was chosen as a last resort, but that perception really changed after we arrived.



The atmosphere is always the first thing that is noticed and what was striking was how dimly lit it was. It isn't that the restaurant is pitch-black or so dark that one could not navigate, but it gave off this feeling that, though surrounded by dozens of people, it is just you and your date. I like that. I know that this is just the first time I have been here, but it gave a very romantic feel. It does seem a little loud for general conversation, but that gives every justification to get close to your best gal.



As for the service, the waiter was incredibly friendly. I cannot remember his name, but he was engaging and added to the whole experience positively. As a good waiter does, he was able to convince me to go for a drink (alcoholic), which is rare for me because I don't drink at all - this is important for later in the night.



Foodwise, everything was stellar. We started with the hummus and the vegetables. The hummus was well-prepared, smooth and spicy. I find myself puzzled as to why it is important to mention this, but I can recall a couple of times where I have had sub-par hummus elsewhere. Is it really that hard? Anywho, after the hummus, we ordered our meals. April got the salmon on greens and made sure that the preparation was dairy/gluten-free. I ordered the short ribs which were accompanied by a cauliflower gratin and in a truffle-infused sauce made from a wine of some sort (can't remember). Her salmon and greens were moist and buttery without actually having the butter; this is a well-cooked fish. My short ribs were tender and fell apart from the braise and the gratin was unique - both were incredible.



So back to the drink. I had some apple drink which was atypical, both because I don't usually drink mixed drinks when I do consume alcohol and, more importantly, if I have a few drinks a year, it is a big year. Studies and whatnot require sobriety, so it is easy to understand why I would have a lower than normal tolerance. The drink was delicious and I savored it over the course of the meal, while April sipped on her Sangria (she wasn't a big fan). Nevertheless, I could feel myself slightly askew. The time came to pay and it was expected to be fairly costly. With alcohol in a system that almost always works without it, I began to think about the tip when I was distracted and, upon coming back, started working on the tip based on the original amount (tip and all) that I was going to originally give. Ha. He deserved it for his performance and the two of us got a big kick out of my lapse of judgement that now serves as an awesome anecdote.



Prasino is an easy recommendation and to have an extremely nice restaurant within five minutes of my residence is just awesome.