340437 Mon Nov 06 19:55:13 -0800 2006 2 18 Manhattan 0 2000997 We had lunch yesterday at Pier 2110, just opposite the Clinton office building at 126th and Adam Clayton Powell. We chose it because we wanted to eat in the neighborhood, but wanted to avoid the usual gospel brunches. The result was mixed. The space is cavernous. We split on it - I thought it could look retro-glamorous at night, others thought it was a little on the cheesy side in broad daylight. (Thre is a serious nautical theme.) Unfortunately, there was a lone singer and a pianist doggedly marching through gospel standards. (This part would probably have been better at a more touristy place.) Service, though, was terrific. There was a set price brunch menu - an absolute ton of food for $25: mimosa or Bloody Mary, soup or salad and a main course which was much more substantial than the usual brunch: a choice of tilapia, steak, chicken and waffles and a number of egg things. The food was really good - not Michelin good, but far better than most meals described as "brunch." In particular, the chicken was lightly fried and really flavorful and the fish was very fresh and tender. On balance, it was definitely worth the trip. My guess is that these guys are really serious about their food. It would probably be a much better experience at dinner. Mon Nov 06 19:55:13 -0800 2006 20560 mcchowhound 1 2008997 Hmmmm, you are one of the first people I've heard to say that they liked Pier 2110. They must be improving. Personally, I haven't tried them. I heard they are slightly overpriced. The owners also run the Manna buffet chain that has 3 locations Harlem. Not sure how the location is opposite the "Clinton Bldg." which is 55 125th Street. Pier 2110 is on the Avenue in the same building as the Alhambra Ballroom and Harlem Lanes. Thu Nov 09 18:10:31 -0800 2006 2000997 18198 Uptownflavor 2 2009545 Lots of people think that the State Office Bldg. across the street is the one in which Clinton has his office. But, you're correct, that's the "other" NYS office bldg. a couple of blocks east on 125th. However, the one across the street from Pier 2110 does house a program that I oversee and that's why I ate lunch there on 11/7. The place is what it is.... somewhat "elegant" if you like that kind of "we're trying to be proper" place. Nothing wrong with it and they were friendly and trying very hard to serve that niche... business lunches and jacket/tie dining w/tablecloths at night I suppose. After all, the State Office Bldg across the street does house Congresspeople and other politicians and the Apollo is just around the corner. At any rate, the food was surprisingly decently prepared. Overpriced but good for a business lunch. I had a seafood bisque ($5 or $6 for a bowl) that was rich w/shrimp and lump crab or lobster meat: very tasty and not thickened too much. The pastrami on rye wont give Katz a run for the money but was nice lean meat, warmed up and on decent rye w/the right mustard ($14 is too much but, again, it's the price point that they're shooting for). So, bottom line is that it's "atmosphere" & "ambience" (that you either love or hate) over food (decent food) for too much money. I wont avoid it but I ain't rushing back. Thu Nov 09 20:48:23 -0800 2006 2008997 11394 Steve R