THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Spoonful

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Spoonful Restaurant Review:

This casually hip spot is ideal for either grazing at the bar or tucking into a full Southern meal. Window tables are cozy for conversation, but one can perch comfortably at the handsome copper-skinned bar tables for a livelier evening amid rustic-chic décor of exposed brick, chandeliers and pendulous Edison bulbs. Southern cocktails are nicely reconstructed with boutique bourbons, infused syrups and muddled fruits and herbs --- ask about the spherical ice cubes. Executive chef Victor Calderon’s cooking transcends cliché but retains authenticity, with fresh, clean flavors. His specialties are worth a drive over the hill, particularly for the braised pork belly served up with a panko-crusted soft boiled egg (which will make you forget that you are growing tired of pork belly). Spaghetti squash with a smoky tomato sauce is as surprising as it is irresistible. Tangy fried green tomatoes have a pleasing cornmeal crunch; plump Buffalo gulf shrimp are tender and juicy. We like the simple but spot-on fried chicken dinner served with collard greens and mac ‘n’ cheese, while short ribs take an elegant turn with sunchoke purée, okra and leek hay. Pecan pie is served warm in its own mini cast iron pan.