……perfect for the indecisive diner

We all have those nights where we get home from work; starving, want a quick bite, but can never decide what to get. If you suffer from indecisiveness when it comes to food, like many do, than MetroCafe is for you. Their menu offers a little bit of everything; which might not help the indecisiveness but certainly lets a diner have their pick from an array of appealing menu items. The appetizers range from vegetable chili to dim sum BBQ ribs to crab cakes. The entrees range from pizza, to Kobe beef burgers, to fish and chips. There really is something for everyone here, especially if you aren’t quite sure what kind of mood you are in. Go in with an open mind and walk out fully satisfied.

Before we even looked at the food, we were presented with Metro’s extensive wine list (most of which were reasonably priced). They offer wine by “flights” or groupings, so you can taste four of their suggested wines within each flight (flights are grouped by types of wine and by region). For example, Flight #1 includes four 2oz. glasses of the selected wines in that flight. I strongly recommend Flight #16, which is a compilation of four Spanish wines; two Malbecs and two red blends.

APPETIZERS

We started with the Chinese BBQ Spare Ribs and due to a mistake made by the waiter two orders of dumplings; shrimp and pork shu mai and an additional shrimp dumpling. All dishes were prefect for sharing. The meat on the spare rib was a little tough and didn’t come off the bone easily, but I was confident that every little morsel of meat would be in my mouth by the end of the night. The sauce was a bit sticky and we were not given any type of wet cloth to clean our hands before our main dishes. I don’t think I would order this next time; however, I would recommend the Shrimp and Pork shui mai which they mistakenly brought out to us. Before they realized their mishap we had already devoured them, digested and already moved onto the next dish.

ENTREES

Chicken Francaise

This chicken was served in its traditional fashion; in a lemon butter sauce with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Nothing about this dish was spectacular, but neither was the price ($14), so my expectations weren’t very high. It was two huge pieces of chicken alongside a plentiful portion of garlic mashed potatoes. I enjoyed it and cleaned my plate.

Steamed Filet of Salmon with soy-ginger and scallion broth, Chinese baby greens

This dish came just as it was described; a large piece of steamed salmon a top Chinese baby bok choy in a delicious Chinese broth; tasting almost like miso soup. The broth was light and not overpowering and the salmon appeared to have been steamed in the broth itself adding extra flavor to the dish. The fish was cooked perfectly to my liking and was not overdone. The bok choy were soft and tasted as good bok choy should although perhaps a bit on the salty side. I’m not sure what I was looking for that night but I was pleased by my choice. I didn’t expect anything fanciful or overtop which is a good thing because I did not receive anything fanciful or over the top. What I ordered was the perfect Monday night meal – easy and good flavors…. oh and good company.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Metrocafe. The service was prompt, the atmosphere was relaxed and the food was dependable and reasonably priced. With the selection and swank of a trendy lounge, but the mellow attitude and low prices of a neighborhood bar, this spot is ideal for winding down after work with friends or for a not-too-pricey date.

	Restaurant Review Rating Scale
			Total Points Available
Food	7		10
Service	7.5		10
Ambiance	9.5		10
Bang for the Buck	8.5		10
Overall	8.5		10
	41		50

MetroCafe & Wine Bar

32 East 21st Street
New York, NY 10010-7201
Phone: (212) 353-0800