Location: 26 Bond St.
Time: 12:30pm
People: RB and myself
Feelings: No matter how hard it tries, Manhattan is not Brooklyn. Such was my thought as I entered The Smile on Bond street. The rustic decor with exposed brick walls and littered with unemployed hipsters scream Williamsburg. Especially the lifeless waiter who was able to mutter, "Hey." Not "Are you ready to order?" or "Can I start with you guys with some drinks?." She just said, "Hey," as if we were in her way. A bit of irony for a place called "The Smile." In Brooklyn, at least in BoCoCa, most servers are extremely friendly and courteous regardless of how hip they seem. It seems the servers in Manhatten are too cool to even be in Williamsburg.
It is a good thing that the waiter was coquettishly cute, and the food was delicious. Prices were also reasonable for the large portion provided. The "Rosemary White Bean Spread Sandwich" ($10.50, with marinated swiss chard, housemade tomato jam on toasted multigrain) was creatively invented, and it is a heavenly option for vegetarians. The sweet tomato jam fused with the smooth beans followed by the texture of the greens created a dynamic flavor. You don't always need to resort to cheese and avocado to create tasty meatless sandwiches.
RB's Harissa Honey Roasted Chicken Breast ($12, with roasted red peppers, manchego and preserved lemon mayo on baguette) was tender and flavorful. Although it seemed like a simple sandwich, there was quite a delicious complexity of flavors and texture.
Both of our sandwiches were served with crispy potato chips and a bowl of delicious pickles. They made me smile, even if the servers were not. We enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere nonetheless.
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2 comments:
I had no clue that Williamsburg was the center of NYC. A hipster commenting on "hipsters." :D
Ha. W'burg is def NOT the center of NYC--I hope not! But the place like "The Smile" is a very, very w'burg place--with Manhattan attitude. But great food nonetheless.
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