The Better Half Bistro

Better Half Bistro has been on my short list of places to try for a while now. Just above it on the list was the Tractor Room, and that was our first destination. Unfortunately, when we sat at the bar for about 20 minutes without anybody even acknowledging us (and it wasn't even that busy). Anyway, after getting sufficiently fed up, we ambled a few blocks down the road over to BRB.

What a night-and-day experience. As soon as we approached the door, wanting to look over the menu, we were approached by the Sous Chef. He took some time to tell us about the menu and specials before seating us at our table and leaving us in the capable hands of our waiter. I won't drone on over the details; we went with the charcuterie plate, a mushroom/spinach appetizer served over a tart, and the bison ribs.

The charcuterie plate was a real treat, containing a host of morsels including (but not limited to) fresh pastrami, swordfish, and deep-fried caper flowers. The other dishes weren't quite at the same level, but satisfied none-the-less. The bison ribs had decent flavor but could have been a bit more tender for my taste (make sure to try the pickled watermelon rind that garnishes the plate). The spinach/mushroom tart was a nice, well-rounded appetizer.

The service was really spectacular...attentive but not overbearing and our waiter really knew the food and wine pairings.

BHB is worth the trip. Parking is a bit of a bitch, but if you're like me, a short walk would probably do you some good ;).