Brasserie 8 1/2

It was extremely difficult to write this blog, as I didn’t come home with a memorable experience. Mind you it was not a terrible experience at all. The décor was like a stateroom on a ship. The staff was polite and the wine was good, but it just wasn’t good enough for me to remember the name.

The 3 course prix fixe is such great value for the money. Eleven Madison has a 3 course dinner prix fixe for $95 and Brasserie 81/2 is at $35.

The portion size is great and if you aren’t vegetarian you have a few good options. The non-vegetarians couldn’t stop talking about the seafood (annoying).The mussels were the best Satyen has eaten, and he probably eats mussels at any restaurant that serves them.

The must haves were:

Truffle Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes

The mussels from the prix-fix

Japanese Yellowtail avocado roulade, braised kombu, passion fruit

I must admit, the desserts weren’t bad at all. However, do not order the cookies in a jar, unless you feel like having every type of cookie ever made. This must have been the point in the dinner when too much wine was consumed as we all started singing “who stole the cookies from the cookie jar……” and began laughing hysterically.

So I would say if you are:

(a) Over 50 years old OR

(b) In the neighborhood OR

(c) Feel like having a decent meal and not hear anybody else in the entire restaurant OR

(d) All of the above

Then this place makes prefect sense. Other than that, it’s just average in every way.

Bloggers recommendation: 2/5
Price: $$$
Ambiance: 2/5
Website- http://www.patinagroup.com/restaurant.php?restaurants_id=67
CUISINE: FRENCH