Surfish Bistro — Restaurant in New York

This is my 2nd time here but I left a little bit disheartened since I really didn't get the full experience the first time I went midweek in an early afternoon because I so happened to be walking by. This review really needs to be viewed in parts. We had a reservation for 9 for a 2:30 reservation in which the party sans 2 was already seated at 2:20 at a table for 8 even though the remaining 2 were walking from their car and were shown to table by the hostess only to see one setting was missing. It wasn't until I suggested that we bring the empty single table over to accommodate the entire party that they figured it out. Not that much of a big deal but if it wasn't available, I don't know what solution they would have come up with. Also, even though we were seated upstairs, downstairs really didn't seem to be abiding by the 75% capacity. So for those of you who care, just be forewarned if its busy. So my real issue is with the service. Our waitress took our drink orders, well half of them.... I had to get the attention of another waitress to get our half of the tables order which she brought to us promptly. Then we wait and wait and wait. Drinks empty and she still didn't come to take our orders. We've been 40 minutes already before she came to take our order. We ordered promptly with another round of drinks only to wait for what seemed like an eternity for our appetizers which slowly came in a few minute intervals. At this time we've been there an hour and 15 minutes. I got the anticucho as the appetizer and they were delicious except for the last 2 pieces which seemed way too overcooked (comes kebab style in a pair of 2 with about 4 pieces each, this was on my second kebab, 1st was was perfect). I ordered the special for the day with was the rib eye with a side of fried yuca. When that came the flavor was stupendous but I must say that the quality of the cut was nothing to brag about. I was surprised that it cost more than twice of a normal entre but it did include the 1 side. I did taste the paella and it was delicious and my college was left unimpressed with the size and taste of the entraña, especially condering you need to order sides separately from your main dish and he didn't realize it comes alone. Overall the atmosphere is chic but nothing special that defined a character. But that service(i.e. lack of service) just will make me consider if I...

The chef obviously knows how to make good food, but I was expecting more finesse. While the prices are high for a mid-scale restaurant, I think the establishment ultimately ends up serving big portions but compromising on quality. Maybe accessibility it important to the chef.

What I mean by this is- the mussels we ordered were absolutely delicious- but the quality of the mussels itself weren’t great. They were gritty with sand and very very little meat. It’s too much of a rich dish to have in volume so I think if the portion was smaller and they opted for meaty mussels, it would be even better.

I got the Corvina, which I noticed was served with creamy buttery sauce and rice. The thing that held the dish together was the sauce, which tasted like cream, salt and butter. Aside from the sauce, the fried fish was not seasoned and crispy; nor was the rice flavorful.

The heavy use of butter, salt and cream made me see the restaurant more as a French-Peruvian blend than something traditionally Peruvian- which is understandable because at a glance, you can tell the dishes are very experimental. Even the mussels had a very strong butter taste, so I imagine the chef REALLY loves his cream and butter. We ordered the causa too and that reminded me of a potato salad. The ceviche trio was excellent.

I think, as a consumer, what I missed the most was the sharp, fresh, and vibrancy of Peruvian Cuisine. Despite Peruvian ingredients, I felt like the Peruvian roots of the menu were muted by other influences. The heavy use of mayo and cream made the food heavy, and lean more on the side of sashimi with spicy aioli as opposed to anything distinctly Peruvian.

Our waitress, who was sporting a golden pixie cut, was great but would be better as a host. She reminded me of a mother scorning her children for not eating the last bite. I’m sure it was innocent, but it felt uncomfortable when she’d ask us if we’d like the last bite of our dishes.

Overall- the food was very tasty. Not quite what I was expecting, but good. I think the decor and general exterior of the establishment didn’t align with the food being served. These dishes at heart felt like they could thrive in fine dining, but the decor and general ambiance was more Americana in Miami. This is a casual spot with big portions that is good for groups- I would recommend...

Ok, so it's been a long while since I have gotten to go out to a truly fantastic restaurant. I'm very happy that this is the one I chose. It's in a quiet area of Brooklyn, NY. Is a non-descript building on a corner. At fist glance it didn't even look open. I was staying at the hotel across the street and decided to check it out as it was near rather than start walking around to find something. As soon as I saw it was a Peruvian restaurant I made my decision that this was going to be dinner tonight!. The food was outstanding! I had their ceviche sampler which is absolutely worth every penny. I had their Hamachi ceviche, Pineapple Tuna and the Mixto. Mixto is my go to for Ceviche, so I ordered it as if anything sucked I knew I'd have something I would enjoy. All three were Amazing. I can't believe that they can make all these different types and that they would all be good. The Mixto is still my favorite and it was intoxicating. But I would not hesitate to order any of these again. For dinner I had the skirt steak with a rice and beans and a quail egg. Honestly I would have preferred a chicken egg but this was beautifully cooked and very delicious! Finally I had a flan for desert. This again was outstanding. It was definitely homemade but someone that truly know what they are doing! Not a single complaint. If this place wasn't 3 1/2 hours from where I live, it would be a new regular spot for me! If you have a chance to go, don't hesitate you will not be...