Two - Food Scores, But Little Else Pleases

We dined at Two this month. Two is the new Hawthorne Lane - same people, same location, just new restaurant.

A small, but lively group gathered for this month's DASF, including Phu and Winnie, 2nd month in a row for little Isaac, Lehmann, Rob and Kathy, and Mollie.

Overall the food was very good - every dish was solid. But a lot of noise, eclectic decor and average service made an otherwise great meal just good. I would, however, recommend Two based on the quality of the food and fairly good value. On with the scores:

Food: 90
The highlight of the night, besides the company, was the food. Every dish was solid. Interesting salads to start, with the avocado and chopped spring greens suprisingly good. Duck pizza also well received. 28oz steak was a hit amongst the meat eaters - great salt & pepper crusty outside. Roast chicken with quinoa very moist and flavorful. Sides hit the spot - carmelized broccoli and fries. And, suprising to me, the pork streusell was excellent - light & crispy outside and flavor pork inside. Who knew a German dish could be this good. Dessert were good - nothing amazing, but the Two Cupcakes (choc mouse and peanut butter) and strawberry rubharb crips put a sweet end to a nice line up of entrees.

Atmosphere: 80
The larger round bar from Hawthorne Lane remains - and creates a lot noise. Hairy lamps, '70s style wall paper, and beaming spot lights did not create a soothing atmosphere. However, extra points for nice bathrooms - we'll see if Rob adds his notes for "Jon on the John" this month.

Service: 70
This is where Two fell short. Very, very slow sums it up. Also, little to no personality from our waitress - although she did increase her score by being helpful in splitting up the bill between gift certificates, cash, and cards. At one point I commented that the whole wait staff seemed to be bellied up to the bar chatting. I think I was overheard by someone in charge, because our waitress came over soon after. The waitstaff are encouraged to go "casual" - most wore non descript jeans and boring to sloppy t-shirts and shirts. A little "two" casual for my taste - but that's a minor point.

Looking forward to our next outing!