For months, we anticipated our eventual visit to the Mermaid Inn. But the restaurant, named after the mysterious siren of the sea, kept alluding us. There were several occasions we tried to call in for a last minute reservation, and repeatedly got denied. We even tried walking in a few times. The last time we tried, our get together with friends at the Mermaid Inn on the Upper West Side got canceled. Finally, after the long await, we got our chance.
Upon entry, the restaurant is charming and exciting. The tables are bustling, the east village crowd is eclectic and the aromas fill the space. The oceanic themes are well formulated throughout. When the food arrived, however, we were slightly disappointed. Not sure if it was all the hype, but the dishes just didn't seem as special as we had expected given the space and atmosphere. Sara ordered our favorite (the skate), which was broiled, crispy and flavorful, and I got the dorado, which was over prepared and complex, as well as slightly dry. Nice dishes, but again, nothing spectacular. The restaurant also offers no dessert menu, which doesn't work for me. Everyone gets the same complimentary chocolate pudding with a tuft of whipped cream. Creamy and fun, but certainly nothing special about it. But the prices were reasonable and Sara enjoyed her skate.
This place is special for the experience. This was highlighted at the end when we got this unique fortune fish. Its a thin plastic cutout that you hold in your hand and see how it reacts. I got the moving head (indeed, for being jealous of Sara's skate)... and she got the moving head and tail, which reminded me of what these restaurant experiences are all about. Sure, the food can be win or lose. But its the experience & the love that matters most.. so in that sense, the night was perfect.
