05.18.08
Review of The Smith, Sunday brunch April 2008
55 3rd Ave. & 11th St., 212-420-9800
Great for: not waiting for brunch, fast service
I hate waiting. It drives me crazy and I won’t do it for more than 10 minutes. This is why I have not yet been to Clinton Street Baking, despite living pretty close by. So I was well pleased to discover The Smith from the New York Magazine Best of 2008 article. They take reservations for brunch! And the space is huge.
My country breakfast of fluffy cheddar grits, ham steak, biscuit and gravy was decent. There were too many green peppers, though, and the meal was too heavy to finish. The Boyfriend, on the other hand, hated his eggs Benedict with home fries and applewood bacon. The eggs themselves were ok but the bread/muffin was a rock-hard brick, the bacon was far too fatty, the sauce was just all right, and B said the potatoes tasted sweet and reheated “six times.” After reluctantly tasting them, I had to agree. It was so bad he actually got pissed off eating it. This is a guy who loves to eat and is usually only cranky when he’s hungry.
On the plus side, we both got a free bellini with our brunch items. The food came out lightning quick and our waitress was hot and friendly, but that paled in comparison with the infernal din of stupid people and the abysmal food. For such a big room to have all tiled walls is just a terribly dumb idea – it aggravated the noise problem. I didn’t like the bizarre selection of old nude photos that made a mosaic on the upper part of the back wall either. I’m really puzzled as to why Adam Platt loves this place. I don’t care if they do take reservations, I’m never eating here again.
Rating: 4 / 10
Our cost: $36
Noise level: everyone shouting to be (mis)heard
Chance of walking in: medium, but they take brunch reservations.
