THE PHOENIX HAS RISEN FROM THE ASHES!
The Phoenix features a lovely, inviting facade and daily lunch specials on a sandwich board outside. the place gives the impression of being fancier than it really is--good-looking spot, plenty of windows, lots of wood accents. My waiter was very cordial and seemed to know what he was doing.
The place is pretty dead at the lunch hour, and I'm not sure why. Certainly the never-ending construction immediately outside the front door doesn't help. The past several months have seen scaffolding and tarps run up the entire front of the building, nearly obscuring a small sign at the corner which reads "yes, we're open!" or something to that effect. The chorus of power tools, cranes, and gruff workmen does little for the ambience at the Phoenix.
I was disappointed with my cheeseburger, which was doubly disappointing because I thought it would be better than average fare for 8 bucks. Indeed the menu makes the food sound damn good. However the flaccid and unwashed piece of lettuce I received looked like it was rescued from the bottom of a Sysco carton before they tossed it out back. Speaking of Sysco, the burger had all the hallmarks of a pre-formed frozen patty, though the menu insists it is not. Unremarkable bread. They have special cole slaw with a stupid name that was pretty delicious--I think it's "Bayou cole slaw" or something.
Indeed the Phoenix just tries too hard at times, sporting condiments like "chipotle raspberry bbq sauce." Ick. By all accounts this place is much better for dinner, and offers live jazz to boot of course. but that's not what this blog is all about now, is it?
Thanks to Plastic Sax for the photo, which I shamelessly stole.
0 comments:
Post a Comment