I recently ate at Norma's for the first time despite its close proximity to work. I enjoyed a three course lunch with a pot of French Press coffee. I didn't love the price of the bill, but I was very satisfied with the food and took home not one buy two doggie bags.
My meal:
The French Press (thankfully!) stayed hot through the entire meal. I liked having my own pot at my table.
I started with the James Beard award winning potato pancakes (two). I was not wowed. I did enjoy the small apple smothered in I think a carrot puree and the cranberry apple sauce that accompanied the cakes. The puree and the sauce are quite sweet.
Next was the Skirt Steak Fajita a la Gringo with guacamole (fabulous!), sour cream, pico de gallo & black beans. You wrap your own in fantastic hot tortillas. Delicious and I would definitely order this again.
Finally came the Chocolate Decadence French Toast (with strawberries, pistachios a whole lot of Valrhona chocolate). Decadent is an understatement. 1 and 1/2 pieces of toast and I had dessert for three meals. I loved it but would NEVER order it as anything other than a shared dessert.
The service:
The restaurant was about 1/2 full when I was seated and about 2/3 full when I left. The full staff was on, yet I had difficulty placing my order, getting a refill on water and getting a bill. Don't expect genuine smiles from the servers - I tried and got not one.
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