asian fusion confusion
We were eager to try the new jewel box restaurant in worcester, formerly block 5. The simple yet elegant decor was lovely, but the booths were too narrow to accomodate most patrons, including us. The music was loud and annoying.
We loved thewaiter, having been served before by him previously at block 5, and took his recommendation to order the 50 dollar option for 2. It began with the bento box, sort of an upscale pu pu platter. Portions were miniscule. The chicken wings were tasty but exceedingly small; we have had bigger wings at any run of the mill chinese restaurant. We had requested a substitution for the shrimp balls due to food allergies but were told no.
Next was the salad dish , tuna tartare.
The tuna tartare was served minced in a large triangle formed shape and sauced with a mayonaise flavored concoction when it really needed a hefty dose of wasabi. There was no sliced pickled ginger...no flavor! The minced tuna was grisley as well.
It took a half hour after we had finished the tuna to get the main dish, red cooked pork. We ordered coconut rice as our side dish . The red cooked pork was lukewarm, and so very dry, covered (partially) with a gravy that wasn't hot enough and served atop a large portion of rice. Where was the meat in our 'meat' dish? Where were the spices? It tasted like Sunday roast at a church lady's supper!
There was barely enough for one person.
The large portion of scallion rice underneath the pork was good, and had good flavor (at last!). But I want that flavor in my meat. I want my meat to be ultra tender. The coconut rice we had on the side as our 'rice' dish was delicious, but I can make that at home.
We tried to get our waiter's attention to point out the problems of the pork (cold, dry, etc) but he was so busy serving both mixed drinks and meals. They need another waiter. He's fabulous but too busy!
When I go out and spend what I consider top dollar for a meal, I expect to experience unusual and unexpected taste sensations. I want perfectly spiced food in decent portions. I was dissapointed in jewel box for the bland and americanized versions of what could be a spectacular dining opportunity.
