Originally, part of the appeal of our new home’s location was its proximity to Einstein’s — a glitzy, funky local eatery with an amazingly spacious outdoor patio. In years past, I’ve enjoyed plunking down in the shadow of Midtown’s skyscrapers, ordering up a batch of coconut shrimp, and scarfing it down in the company of good friends.
Einstein’s retro-futuristic facade looks better than ever. The managers are genuinely friendly and hospitable. The wait staff — composed entirely of sleek young men in tight black t-shirts — is easy on the eyes.
The kitchen, alas, has lost its way. Twice now, the dishes I’ve ordered have been completely inedible. The macaroni and cheese was a glob of thick, starchy, greasy paste with an unpleasant bitter aftertaste. (To their credit, the wait staff whisked it away and replaced it with a hamburger without so much as raising an eyebrow.) A week later, hoping to avoid another disaster, I ordered a sample sandwich … and found myself wrestling with tough, cold bread, unpleasantly bitter lettuce, congealed cheese, and tough meat.
I walk past Einstein’s every day, twice a day, on my way to work … but I won’t be dining there again (or encouraging others to) until the kitchen gets its act together.
Oh my! this hurts what’s left of my heart! spent a couple of years living dangerously close to Einsteins and enjoyed many a great meal – not to mention a drink or three. back in jxn now – please keep us posted on any progress! Food is love!