ctay122 Posted January 24, 2007 Share Posted January 24, 2007 I was wondering if there is a good time to visit Firefly. My husband and I went there one evening after a Friday DR HH at Notti Bianche (it's obviously been a while). It was so noisy there (we were over by the tree) that I felt like we were yelling at each other across the table. As a result, we haven't been back, though I thought the dinner was excellent. Is it always like this? Would a mid-week visit be better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted January 25, 2007 Author Share Posted January 25, 2007 I was wondering if there is a good time to visit Firefly. My husband and I went there one evening after a Friday DR HH at Notti Bianche (it's obviously been a while). It was so noisy there (we were over by the tree) that I felt like we were yelling at each other across the table. As a result, we haven't been back, though I thought the dinner was excellent. Is it always like this? Would a mid-week visit be better?I would go any time you like, but sit at the bar and order dinner there. It's much quieter and the full menu is available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunnyJohn Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 Noooooo! "After 4 1/2 years at his contemporary American restaurant, Wabeck, 38, is leaving in March without a job prospect. A longtime devotee of wine, he says he's mulling "the wine thing" or "the kitchen thing," meaning he's undecided about whether to focus next on a wine or cooking project." From The Weekly Dish in today's Post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpschust Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 Noooooo!"After 4 1/2 years at his contemporary American restaurant, Wabeck, 38, is leaving in March without a job prospect. A longtime devotee of wine, he says he's mulling "the wine thing" or "the kitchen thing," meaning he's undecided about whether to focus next on a wine or cooking project." From The Weekly Dish in today's Post Sad news indeed. I'm sure Robyn and I will be there at least once to eat before he heads out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted January 31, 2007 Share Posted January 31, 2007 Left an apparently incoherent message on Mr. BLB's office voice mail at 7:30 this morning to tell him this. Will fit in at least one trip before he goes... Sigh... Jennifer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walrus Posted February 1, 2007 Share Posted February 1, 2007 We'll be there Friday, for an anniversary of sorts... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Landrum Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 If I am not out of line, please allow me to thank Mr. John Wabeck, publicly, for some of the most enjoyable, memorable, and meaningful dining experiences that I have been able to sneak in over the past four years. Rarely does anyone have as much to thank as I do to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Souper Man Will Return [posted on eGullet January '04 from my soup tour] ******************************************************************* "Eggs are a good investment now and then, expensive or not, and unless you are told otherwise by your doctor, or hate them in any form, they should be eaten in place of meat occasionally. The old fashioned idea that they are 'invalid food,' something light and inconsequential, is fairly well proved foolish by the fact that two eggs are fully as nutritious as a juicy beefsteak...and ten times as hard to digest unless they are cooked with great wisdom." -M.F.K. Fisher, "The Art of Eating" ******************************************************************* John Wabeck cooks with great wisdom. Right now he has two soups [egg drop was the other] that hi-light the egg, and if you eat them both, it's like giving your soul a juicy beefsteak. Wabeck's creamy turnip soup with bacon-n-egg crust is the newest and was one of many reasons for my jaunt to Firefly Thursday night. To have gone home after work, comforted by some souless carry out, bad television, a goose down throw--that would have been a dreadful mistake. But for some reason the thought crossed my mind. I ignored it, though, and put on my souper hat and gloves, polished my silver spoon... and made my way to Firefly. I arrived, and the place was warm, buzzing and glowing with life. And waiting at the bar for me, my friend, Soupernatural. Oh yes, good company, good times. Creamy Turnip Soup with Bacon-n-Egg Crust The soup comes to me in a nice big bowl, sans fancy pours or shaves of imported delicacy; no vague or rehearsed descriptions. It's just a hot bowl of soup, free of disguise. The soup's color, a creamy rose, has a lavender hue in the amber bar light. On top, defying gravity, a float of minced bacon and egg in a somehow delicate lace of buttered bread crumbs. The eggs and bacon are made tender and are naturally vibrant in color; in the soup they have a soft-boiled consistency, rendered slightly by the light crispness from the crumb. I had imagined something different; an encrust that might compare to the cheese atop your French onion soup...or maybe some metamorphosis of a pot pie. No, this float of bacon and egg is unique. I haven't seen this one before. The old pair, eggs and bacon, are a part of one of Wabeck's all-star casts; honest and comforting with an element of surprise. Treasure at the end of a rainbow. Goodbye tree, goodbye roof, goodbye tool shed, goodbye Rooks. Goodbye codmopolitan (garnised with a cod-piece shaped piece of cod), not to mention, favorite chicken, foie gras burger, slutty lamb shoulder and tomato bread puddin'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 My breakfast this morning is lamb steak and garlic mashed potatoes from last night's impromptu dinner at Firefly. Faced with a choice of eating in the city or sitting in traffic for ages, Mr. BLB picked dinner. We started with the oysters--as always--and I moved on to the lamb while he had the cumin dusted mahi-mahi. I can't stand cumin so I didn't try it but he was quite pleased. We talked about our deepest wish that Chef Wabeck would do a greatest hits review before he leaves--damn, but we miss those spring rolls. Everything clicked for us last night--our last few visits we have been very happy with the apps and then less happy with the entrees. This time everything was wonderful. Alas, I had no room for dessert.... Would love to know what others think of the Mexican Panna Cotta. Jennifer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Would love to know what others think of the Mexican Panna Cotta. uh-oh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbogrrl Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 uh-oh. *I* don't have dinner plans this evening... ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walrus Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 We, too, had no room for dessert. But that's entirely Chef Wabeck's fault, as the food was just too, too alluring. Plus, we weren't even able to give our fond farewells, as Chef was out to dinner with the suits. Nonetheless, it was a lovely meal -- just as fine as when it opened, which was when we started going to Firefly. I started with the duck confit bread pudding. I think it's fair to say that Tripewriter's lucky I didn't have a sharp knife on my side, as he loved this dish. I loved it too, and the wine that Alyx, our fabulous waitperson, provided was seriously perfect for the dish. Tripewriter had the oysters to start and we shared a cone of truffled frites. Crispy, salty, delicious! But no match for that bread pudding. Next I had the leek soup -- sooooo good! It was salty and rich and filling and delicious, and the white wine that was brought to me was lovely with it. Tripewriter had the beet salad, and the one taste I had of it made me begin to rethink my beet aversion. Finally, I had -- of course, for those who know me -- the risotto. Chef Wabeck's risotto was the first thing I ever had at Firefly, and it's kept me coming back. I must confess that after the perfectly salty soup, I had to season my risotto just a bit to prevent the gorgonzola from taking over the dish, but it was very nice, and the new white wine (and I do apologize for not focusing on the wines -- I was really savoring the food! But William, who's been there since November [and whom I'm assuming chose our wines, though it may have been the cheerful Alyx], chose some very, very nice pairings) was lovely. Tripewriter had the pork, and he was so full at that point, he took it home for lunch today. Our greatest sorrow was not having room for dessert. Chef Wabeck, we've watched your restaurant grow from construction through your departure, and it holds many, many special memories for us, some of which were relived last night. Thanks for your hospitality, your introducing me to the joys of rose, and, it goes without saying, the food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demandalicious Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Would love to know what others think of the Mexican Panna Cotta.I had it with my lunch a couple of weeks ago. Let's just say that because of said panna cotta, I was 30 minutes late for my afternoon meeting...and it was worth it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lackadaisi Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 I tried, and loved, the beet salad the other day. The horseradish and dill sauce balanced it perfectly without overpowering at all. The rest of my meal was wonderful as well, but I have been craving more of the beet salad ever since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ustreetguy Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 I tried, and loved, the beet salad the other day. The horseradish and dill sauce balanced it perfectly without overpowering at all. The rest of my meal was wonderful as well, but I have been craving more of the beet salad ever since.It's also a great foil to the stir fried shrimp with candied ginger which had more of a kick than I was expecting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jlock Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 I had the Duck Confit Bread Pudding (with Gruyere and Leeks) and found it to be a wonderful dish! Moist and savory - it was the perfect dish for a cold winter's night (and even more perfect as it started to snow that very evening!) I am always a sucker for duck confit and the addition of the salty-sweet gruyere really added something special to this play on a classic bread pudding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted February 9, 2007 Author Share Posted February 9, 2007 The braised pork with olives and tomatoes also is surprising. The saltiness of what appear to be Kalamata olives provides a nice foil for the mild pork. Very tasty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpschust Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 We are eating there tonight for a late seating after going to the Improv. I'm going to be so hungry. Started the day at 4:15 today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 We are eating there tonight for a late seating after going to the Improv. I'm going to be so hungry. Started the day at 4:15 today If you like chocolate, cinnamon, and almonds, try the Mexican panna cotta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lackadaisi Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 Well as I've been ordered by my personal trainer to start ignesting more calories (I seriously kid you not- the dude told me to start putting more bacon on my food as 2,000 calories in my day just isn't enough) this seems like a good start.Not fair! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpschust Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 Last night Robyn and I went to Firefly after an evening at the Improv. Let me tell you, two drink minimum and a terrible mc makes me watch my watch to get to Firefly. Robyn had never been to Firefly before so I felt it imperative to order a bunch of things from the menu. Amuse-kinda-bouche- this wasn't so much an amuse as a taste of what's to come from the kitchen after chef Wabeck leaves. It was kind of a rice cake with a mildly spicey sauce cut with some soy with shrimp and veggies on top. I can see that Firefly is about to lean in a new direction, though I'll be honest- I hope it's not this cuban asian fusion thing. I've never been a huge fan of that. OK, I'm digressing Things weren't really done as much in courses as a bunch of plates: Pork Rillettes- These are so simple that they often remind me of things that my mom would do in Indiana (where I was born) though these are with a lot more clarified butter and better seasoned. It's a good thing my mom doesn't read this. I adore the rillettes here, though I'll admit it, I liked them more when they were duck. That said, these were excellent. Serrano Ham- I love charcuterie. I can eat cured meats all day long. This was truly a treat for us. Robyn spent time traveling in spain and this brought back memories for her of the museo del jamon. She loved this and I did too. Perfectly savory. Lamb Minute Steak- I've had this more times than I can count and adore this. Perfectly medium, perfectly seasoned, so tasty. Robyn and I were both in heaven. Mac & Cheese- I'm going to say it right now. I was downright pissed when this was taken off the menu in the past. This is my favorite side at Firefly and has been for a long time since I started coming there. Only one note- could have used a touch more salt, but that's why we have salt at the table. Simply wonderful again. Cheese course- the Pecorino and the Livarot are two of my favorite cheeses in the world. Both were on there and were extremely good. Wine: 2001 Barrel Monkeys from Australia. I love this Shiraz and I don't even like Shiraz that much. Truly a great meal and cheers to chef Wabek. I think we might even try to make it in one more time before you head elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 There were too many things on the menu I wanted to try to hit them all last night, but I did my best. I loved the beet salad and ended up--despite my efforts to restrain myself--sopping up the extra horseradish cream dressing with slices of baguette (that's just like adding croutons, um, was my rationale ). I couldn't decide between the stir-fried shrimp and the oysters so ordered both and split the oysters with my husband, who doesn't like shrimp. The wild rice corncake that came with the shrimp was a wonderful surprise. I'd like to try that just on its own. The sauce for the dish was perfectly not-too-sweet. I dunked a couple of the oysters in the remaining sauce that came with the shrimp and those flavors worked pretty well together. The chipotle dipping sauce was a perfect match for the oysters, though. The oysters managed to be crispy and fluffy at the same time. I finished with the three cheese risotto and wish I had been less full so I could savor it more. It's such perfect comfort food for a freezing night. The cheeses complemented each other well, and the texture was just right. My husband had planned to split it but was full after his Bibb salad and roasted half chicken and frites. I've got plans for the leftover risotto today My husband loved the chicken, proof that the simplest seeming dishes can be the best. I could tell just from looking at the chicken that it was moist and delicious. I only got one bite , but that did confirm my prediction. The garlic frites that came with it were salty rather than garlicky, but oh were they good. Our waiter was excellent, and service all around was quite good. Best wishes to Chef Wabeck in whatever he does next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 He he he. Should I tell 'em what we had last night?Go for it. It made a great breakfast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Wabeck Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Fact checking is not our friend this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpschust Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Fact checking is not our friend this week.so i saw nice jump on that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camille-Beau Posted February 17, 2007 Share Posted February 17, 2007 Special burger at FF today with cheese, foie gras royale and a poached egg on toasted brioche. What's not to love? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted February 17, 2007 Author Share Posted February 17, 2007 I thought the ones this year were better than last year's version. For a picture of last year's foie gras burgers, click here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanCole42 Posted February 19, 2007 Share Posted February 19, 2007 Special burger at FF today with cheese, foie gras royale and a poached egg on toasted brioche. What's not to love? So good was this burger that I'm scraping the cholesterol that crept into my arteries from it and saving it to use on toast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Here's a tip: on the drink menu, order the "Blossom" with Hendrick's gin instead of vodka, on the rocks. You're welcome. The slow cooked pork with paprika and olives is very good with Rioja. And the Mexican panna cotta with salted almonds is one of the best desserts I've had so far this year (but I am all about salt with the sweet stuff). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Ox Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 So good was this burger that I'm scraping the cholesterol that crept into my arteries from it and saving it to use on toast. Was the burger a one day special, or is there any chance it would be available today? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdt Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Was the burger a one day special, or is there any chance it would be available today? It is a once a year special, right after Valentine's Day. Unfortunately I was in LA and missed it this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 At this point, I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that GM Mike Hill is most likely one of the two best tennis players on this website. Cheers, Rocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpschust Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 Robyn and I went to Firefly for a very pleasant brunch on Sunday morning (11:30) She had the NOLA Bloody Mary and I had a couple of mimosas. I was in the mood for champagne Both were excellent. We split the crispy oysters whose sauce was a touch hot, a touch spicey and reminded me of a nice new orleans style preparation. The oysters were delecately fried so as to be soft in the middle and wonderfully crispy on the outside. I had the bennedict which was huge. The best part was that the size of the english muffin was so balanced to the size of the egg- if the muffin or egg is too big you can't get it all in your mouth. Yummy Robyn had the 3 pepper goat cheese omlette which was perfectly prepared. Total check, a heavy $75, but it was a very good meal nonetheless. The alcohol is where we really took the hit- 10 bucks a piece for mimosas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLK Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Daniel Bortnick to take the helm, says Tom Sietsema. (scroll down) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted March 21, 2007 Author Share Posted March 21, 2007 Daniel Bortnick to take the helm, says Tom Sietsema. (scroll down) It's true, I met him this evening. Wabeck says he's an OK guy and that's good enough for me. I suggest giving him some time to settle in before rendering any verdicts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunnyJohn Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Ok. How 'bout we give him until after the NCAA BBall Tournament is over, which is when I plan to return to circulation (Final is Monday, April 2 soo maybe we can do an FF HH on Good Friday.) Edited to add: Any word on what Wabeck is going to do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cajcaj Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Does Firefly have a happy hour? I didn't see mention of one on their website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunnyJohn Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Not really a Happy Hour, but on Fridays, at least under the Wabeck regime, they offered a red and a white wine at a decent price per glass, in addition to the other wines-by-the-glass included on the regular list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngfood Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 Does Firefly have a happy hour? I didn't see mention of one on their website. Metrocurean says it does M-Sat 4-7. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonaire Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 I'm headed here tonight. Has the menu changed yet with the new chef? If yes, does anyone have recommendations on what's good? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexC Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Does anyone have anything to report on the state of Firefly under this new regime? The dinner menu has clearly undegone some major revisions, which is to be expected. The pricing seems a little strange to me.... but how's the food? Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demandalicious Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Had lunch there a couple of weeks ago it was okay. Just okay. The menu has changed significantly, and I'll have to try it a few more times before I can say that it's still a favorite neighborhood spot. I opted for the crabcake w/ caraway slaw. Crabcake was fabulous....but the slaw was weird. The caraway flavor was too strong for me. My lunchmates had cobb salads, which were apparently very cobby and salady. Nothing exciting to report there. For dessert, I had an apple tart with clove ice cream, which I did not like at all. The apples had been soaked in some sort of brandy/firewater and were extremely bitter - almost to the point where I couldn't eat it. The clove ice cream was quite refreshing, but not good enough to trump the bitter, verging on icky, apples. Dining room was crowed. Service was good - in fact, it looks like some FOH staff stayed on, which was a nice surprise. I'll be back. Next time, for dinner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookluvingbabe Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 I also went for lunch about two weeks. The fried oysters were tasty but seriously soggy. The fish and chips were very good, crisp and perfect. Worth the price? Probably not. Especially with Eammon's just over the river. BLBaby woke up so I skipped dessert. Since Firefly isn't easily stroller navigable, I probably won't do a solo+baby lunch there again though we may try dinner again at some point. Jennifer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpschust Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Does anyone have anything to report on the state of Firefly under this new regime? The dinner menu has clearly undegone some major revisions, which is to be expected. The pricing seems a little strange to me.... but how's the food? Alex Maybe it's because I've been eating at Cochon and Herbsaint in New Orleans for the last few days, maybe it's because I've eaten at Firefly a lot under John Wabeck, maybe it's something else, but does that menu look a touch boring to anyone else? I mean there's plenty I could eat on there, but it seems a real step backwards from where Firefly was beforehand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 It looks a lot more conservative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waitman Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 The new menu makes one wonder if they consciously asked Bortnic to tone it down a little, in deference to hotel guests who -- on the whole -- may be looking for dinner rather than a culinary adventure when they eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edenman Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 Especially with Eammon's just over the river. This just in, Baltimore is "just outside the beltway". </snark> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brettashley01 Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 The new menu depresses me. I don't think there is anything on there that I'd want to eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demandalicious Posted May 10, 2007 Share Posted May 10, 2007 The old menu was much more adventurous, but lets be real about something: Towards the end of Wabeck's tenure, things were going downhill fast at FF. That was far more depressing to me than a new chef and a new menu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Erion Posted May 12, 2007 Share Posted May 12, 2007 The new menu makes one wonder if they consciously asked Bortnic to tone it down a little, in deference to hotel guests who -- on the whole -- may be looking for dinner rather than a culinary adventure when they eat. Bingo!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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