Anyone been to CRAFTBAR recently?

[Liquid Sky]

Thoughts? Experiences? Comparisons to the Bar Room at Modern?

Thanks!

[kobetobiko]

While my experiences at Craft and Craftsteak have been excellent (and both have got mixed reviews from other hounds), I personally prefer the Bar Room at Modern than the Craftbars. Both the food and service were better at the Bar Room. I particularly enjoyed the egg in a jar, the foie gras torchon, the steak tartare, the gnocchi with sweetbread, the walnut quail, and the donuts

[Liquid Sky]

Did somebody say "foie gras"? I'm so there!!

Thanks, tobiko. I love quail too.

Can someone explain this "egg in a jar" thing I keep hearing about?

[smithreers]

I have not been to Modern, but the last time I was at Craftbar the food was horrible. Way too much salt and the menu was very average.

[Liquid Sky]

Okay... thanks, smith. Too bad, because it is a nice-looking place.

[Lucia]

Not really in the same league--food doesn't aspire so high (it is much simpler), and some dishes are lackluster.

[Liquid Sky]

You mean... CRAFTBAR is simpler than Bar Room??

[Lucia]

Yes--Bar Room has nothing to do with bar food.

[Liquid Sky]

Thanks, Lucia. I got the feeling Bar Room was "small plates" (similar to tapas).

[Lucia]

Yes, Bar Room has a small plates menu. The small plates all tend to be more complex than the food that I've had at Craftbar, which serves a traditional app, entree, dessert menu.

[Liquid Sky]

Lucia,

Any standouts at Bar Room? Besides the tarte flambee...

Also, is this one of those places you need to show up kind of early to get a decent seat?

Many thanks.

[Lucia]

I always make a reservation on Opentable, so I'm not sure. When I go (usually weekend nights), it's pretty packed. My only standout was a well-prepared pork belly the last time. Otherwise, food (except for pastas) tends to be solid, but not great. I also like the "crispy" chocolate cake.