Village - Review

Intro
Village - Slightly Recommended
62 W 9th St, New York 10011
Btwn 5th & 6th Ave
Phone: 212-505-3355

Sorry, we've been behind on our posts, but we've been busy playing Rock Band on PS3...oh yes it is hella fun. Any who, on to the review. Village is a place that I've walked by 100's of times, but me and the fiancee were in the area and wanted to check out a new place. Village is a tough read. The menu has items like bbq'd pulled pork, but I think it wants to consider itself as a bistro. Overall, I give the restaurant a 75/100.

My Menu
1) Pan Roast of Oysters - Not Recommended
2) Crab Cake - Not Recommended
3) Braised Lamb (the special, not on the daily menu) - Highly Recommended (must have)

Dish Comments
1) Something was strange about this dish. A pan roast of oysters should be creamy and bursting with oyster flavor. This was slightly sour (maybe too much lemon) and the oyster flavor was muted.
2) Crab cake was pretty bad here. The bread crumbs on the outside was slightly burnt and the crab meat was probably canned. Also, served with a strange red pepper puree.
3) We went here about two weeks ago and it was Braise Week in NYC with some participating restaurants preparing braised items. This dish was unbelievable. Small pieces of lamb (probably shoulder) on the bone braised to perfection. It was melt in your mouth good and the sauce was unbelievable (a touch of truflle butter).

Overall Restaurant Experience (75/100)

• Food 7.5/10 – The special was outstanding. The 2 apps were pretty bad.
  
• Service 6.0/10 – Waiter took a while to take our order and he had a little attitude.
  
• Atmosphere 8/10 – Interesting bi-level decor. For some reason, it reminded me of Florida with the high ceilings and plants. Crowd was a mix of young and old (70+). Got there at 6pm and there was a staff meeting. Was seated 15 minutes later with no reservations.
  
• Price 7.5/10 – Price was OK for the quality. Apps were $12 and the special was around $26.
  

Closing Comments
This place is a tough call in terms of the food. The items on the regular menu were pretty bad, but the daily special was amazing. I think even though the special was amazing, I don't think I'd ever go back. Walk 1o minutes and go to Jimmy's in the East Village instead.