THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Balance

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Balance Restaurant Review:

The generous patio overlooking the heart of Midtown holds the best tables at this neighborhood bistro. Its tiny kitchen turns out some tasty dishes, but better come prepared to wait awhile before you see them. Our orders took nearly an hour to make their appearance. But once they showed up, we found them worth waiting for. The salmon tartare with fingerling potatoes, chives and crème fraîche, despite being served on a too-warm plate, was nonetheless fresh and flavorful. Seared warm goat cheese with roasted pepper-citrus vinaigrette was delicious with the beautifully fruity un-oaked Kim Crawford Chardonnay. Scallops got raves in our group for their delectable freshness, although we felt the appetizer dish was more appropriately appointed with its hijiki seaweed salad and mushroom-sesame vinaigrette. Choice your protein---seafood, red meat, poultry---or vegetarian proteins, and then choose your sauce. The sweet-and-sour on the entrée scallops had too much heat to work right, but the Bordelaise on the excellent bison strip sirloin was perfect. Grilled mallard duck breast came rare as ordered, as did the bison. Go for the cheese course, a selection of four for $14, instead of dessert. The place will be a hit, although it has definite issues to resolve. Somebody needs to figure out why the espresso is flat and foamless, for instance. The wine list is not bad for a starter round-up, but the glassware needs serious upgrading.