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I went with two friends for restaurant week and we were pretty disappointed. It's possible the quality of the food was lower since it was a special menu, but most really good restaurants in the city produce a consistently good product. First off, our server was pretty strange and awkward, but the hosts were great, so I don't think you can really judge a restaurant on one bad waitress. The food wasn't bad, it just wasn't very original or anything other than pedestrian. Certainly not worth the regular menu prices. I might go back to have a drink at the bar or in the front lounge, since it's a nice space, but I wouldn't waste my money on eating there again.

My husband walked past this place and suggested we try it. We arrived for dinner on a Thursday at 7pm and the place was empty. Hmmm. Our server was attentive. Given that usual portion sizes in US restaurants are humungous, the portions here seem small, but they are actually adequate. We had the crawfish critters, the shrimp gumbo and the scallops over grits. It was amazing. The grits were so delicious that I dream about them. Service knocked a point as it took the server forever to bring our check. Also, never go to a fancy restuarnat for brunch. The "good" chefs will be working friday and saturday nights, so for a sunday brunch you get the "chefs in training" and the food is usually not as good. And never order anything seafood on special after a saturday - it's probably old. Words of advice from a famous french chef.

There is a reason they offer a bottomless brunch. So you can't taste the food. I had a crawfish benedict with the crawfish the size of a sea monkey. It might have been satisfying if they dropped the word crawfish from the name of the dish. My friend had a duck po-boy. She said it was cooked nicely, but lacked in flavor. Given the great service we might give it another shot, but not optimistic.

A friend told me about Gravy opening. I have been there several times for dinner, brunch and lunch. The food is always prepared perfectly I love the scallops, pulled pork, pork chop and of course the grits and wonderful sides. They also have the best burger in NYC, can't wait to go back and try it again. Gravy is a great additiion to the neighborhood.

...and I can't quite figure out why. The decor DID throw me, but that shouldn't be the deciding word. The food WAS delicious I had the market salad which was the only weak spot in my meal, not flavorful, components didn't seem well matched. The Duck was OUTSTANDING. It was really special and 48 hours later I'm thinking almost exclusively about. My thoughts are shared by mooning fancies over the "porky grits" they were outstanding, and I speak as a woman who dated a man from Alabama for over 2 years, these grits were a joy to behold in my mouth. There's just something OFF about dining in there... the service was good, the staff seemed a little confused but our waiter was great and attentive, the entrees are a little pricey, I see the upscale ambiance they are going for, but it somehow misses the mark and almost degrades what is otherwise a really great restaurant.

Gravy has only been open a short amount of time and has room for improvement. Cons: it was kind of dead, the decor is just weird, drinks aren't very good, and there was a long wait between apps and entrees. Pluses: Waitress was excellent, everything we ate was good if not great. Smoked filet mignon was perfect with a great smoky flavor. The bread and butter is very tasty, the fritters had a seafood essence and good flavor, even if they lacked a ton of seafood actually in them. The honey grits were good - they were less fatty and creamy than I've had before, but I prefer it this way. You could really taste the cornmeal and they were nice and smooth. ug: Pecan Pie on the other hand was unappetizing. They don't make their own desserts, but they should not serve that even if they tell us they don't make it.

Food was outstanding. It is a welcome addition to my neighborhood. Thank god we have something new on the block. and something that I look forward to going to for a quick after work cocktail or a nice dining experience. GO!