What Happens When, NoLita
Such an awesome idea—What Happens When is a pop-up restaurant that changes everything about its concept (food, design, music) every month for nine months. I love the collaborative creativity behind this project, and the fact that it’s in my neighborhood (and not Brooklyn, where it most definitely would be at home).
I was so excited to finally try the second “movement” last week (reservations are difficult—probably more so now that the Times review came out the nite I was there). I had heard such great things about the first menu that I was willing to fork over $58 for the three-course prix fixe.
With tax, tip, and one glass of wine, I ended up spending almost $100—a huge splurge for me. Unfortunately, the meal didn’t blow my mind. The complimentary Prosecco and pine liqueur cocktail was unpleasant, the forest mushroom salad was somewhat soggy, the brook trout with beets and orange spice panna cotta were both average.
If I’m going to pay that much for food, I better go nuts for it. And for something that was funded by mostly $5 and $25 donations on Kickstarter, this place should be more accessible to foodies of all income levels (perhaps that’s why it’s in Manhattan).
I’m torn about trying it next month. I really wanted to love this place so much, but it just fell short for me. Has anyone else been? What did you think?
