Haute Mess Awards

Haute Mess Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Owner Michael Simhai has a very sharp mind, so the store design of Haute Mess is all about the details. Direct your eyes up, down and all around to admire the ceiling, the continuity of the dark wood wine display, the floor tiles that came from Spain, the tables and chairs ordered in France, the glass work of the impressive street window and the mix of the glass pendant lights blown in Italy. Simhai even had the marble of the counter redone, as the work was first executed while he was on a trip, and upon returning he noticed that the marble that had been set was not exactly the one he had selected (and it is not easy to remove marble).

Likes: You will leave the store in haute style.
Dislikes: None.

About the food: Haute Mess defines itself as “Your neighborhood European inspired Market & Café,” but we think that “neighborhood” is a little restrictive as it is worth the drive for what can be found inside. There are two main reasons to come here, with the first being to browse and shop. Start at the entrance with cheeses and dry-aged hams, move in to find breads and beautiful (and good) pastries, then charcuterie. Turn right for wines. There are more than 150 labels from which to choose --- mostly European countries. Hidden behind the gourmet items like olive oils, pasta, jams, cookies, mustards and gift baskets, there is a coffee bar with a full-time barista who makes some of the best coffees in town. The other justification for a visit is to eat the sandwiches, salads and cheese and charcuterie boards that are available all day long. The sandwiches, which bear the names of cocktails like “Old Fashion Salumi” or “Mojito di Verdura,” are made on the spot on slightly toasted home-made baguette. Socialite Paris Hilton is a fan of the “Cosmopolitan e Rosati,” made with prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, fresh tomato, basil, arugula and pesto vinaigrette. We also got to try the burger, prepared with a tasty beef patty and light home-made buns. The octopus salad is a must-have. We loved the feta cheese that is in it, something you don’t usually find paired with octopus. The team at Haute Mess will be happy to cater your party, regardless of the number of guests. Don’t forget to ask for the addictive house-made potato chips on your platters.