Wife After Wife

Although more well-known as a brunch place, my wife picked Jack's Wife Freda on Carmine Street for dinner on the fly after we saw The Wife with Glenn Close. (Both it and she are excellent and highly recommended.)

As we were approaching the restaurant, the threatening rain became a reality and we huddled in the doorway a couple of doors down while we tried to figure out exactly where it was.  The rain made the restaurant seem even cozier: candlelit and convivial, warm and welcoming, with pendant lights like miniature moons. Crowded as it was, we were instantly welcomed and rapidly ensconced in seats of our own (though we were definitely tempted to sit at the bar).

It was on the louder side (the communal table behind us was filled with people in their 20s), though the banquettes and individual tables had a more mixed group of ages.

When the table at the corner of our banquette opened, the staff were happy to accommodate our move.

The whole roasted garlic, thoughtfully split in half, was deliciously creamy and mellow and less drenched with olive oil than other versions. Grilled haloumi cheese was deliciously paired with cooked garlic cloves and halved grapes.

A somewhat misnamed Greek salad with kale and pickled onions (which we both ordered) was excellent and the salmon I had on top was perfectly rare as requested.

The only weakness was the wine, with the Six Hats Cabernet being a bit too young and tannic, though the waiter did refill our glass for free.

The dessert was truly transcendent with the flourless, chocolate chipotle cake, providing a rich and subtle mix of flavors to perfectly end our dinner. Though not particularly a dessert venue, this alone would merit a return trip.

Overall, this restaurant is well worth it and we would happily return.


From the Armchair,



A Critique