SoHo on George

This week’s restaurant review focuses on SoHo on George. Several feelings hit you upon entering the door located right on George Street: First, the lively attitude of the patrons at the bar, eating a quick meal before a show at the State Theatre. Second, the spacious interior feels at once solid, yet beckoning. Lastly, the clientele all seem to be out for a special occasion. Whether a birthday, promotion, or just a nice night out, every person in the place seems to have a more convivial attitude than usual.

This feeling is promoted by the staff who offer drinks before they utter the word “Hello”. So we started with Manhattans. A classic cocktail, the dash of bitters is as fruity and pungent as the freshly fallen autumn leaves. The bread course was deliciously hearty as well, consisting of warm, buttered, whole wheat rolls, accompanied by olive tapenade and a roasted red pepper puree.

Our appetizer was just as seasonal, it being a deep fried slice of brie on fresh greens, covered with a fig and brandy sauce. The warm brie was a perfect balance to the cool greens, and the whole dish ended sweetly with the fig and brandy sauce.
The entrées were delicious as well. One was rack of lamb with dried fruit couscous. The petite lamb was tender and perfectly cooked. The couscous really stole the show however, as it was slightly sweetened by the fruit. The whole dish was interesting, as something sweet is traditionally served with lamb. The sweet flavor does not normally end up in the “pasta” dish, however, and it was a nice surprise. The other entrée was a stuffed pork chop, nearly the size of a softball, filled with chorizo, cheese and spinach, and covered with a mango salsa. This was a perfect combination of flavors, and a great plate for someone with a big appetite.

The dinner was not without incident, unfortunately. Our hostess sat us, and another person took our drink order. Our waiter then arrived, followed by a food runner, and then our waiter again, informing us the other “guy” delivered the wrong plate. While this may go against the restaurant chain of command, I would like to think the rapport built between one waiter in the 3 hour course of the meal would be a benefit, rather than a detriment to the service.

Lastly, the décor could use an update. A portion of the restaurant screams early 1990’s, and while a bottle of Scotch from the time would be great right now, it feels like one is eating on the set of “In Living Color”.

While the potpourri of flavors and genres is surprising, and the interior design was done by the “Golden Girls”, SoHo is a great place to celebrate with great food. Don’t forget your wallet.