The Metro
Phantom was simply astounding by the he was treated by the front of the house team at The Metro in Portsmouth, NH.
Atmosphere(8)
Wood paneled and colorful, with charming reproductions of vintage French advertising on the wall.
Menu(7)
Phantom would have appreciated more simplicity, especially in the seafood department. Menu is full of empty promises.
Portions(8)
You'll get a hearty plateful, but no doggie bags needed.
Appetizers(5)
Carrot ginger bisque had a velvety texture but a bland taste. Oyster crackers were the only good thing about the clam chowder. The baby field greens featured robust and rich dressing, but the tomatoes were spongy and anything but "vine ripe".
Food and Drink(5)
The seafood stuffed herb crusted haddock was a fat piece of fish bursting with a slimy mixture of bread, Ritz crackers and unspecified chunks of seafood. Greasy potato crusted Atlantic rim salmon. Pan seared tenderloin and shrimp special came in a wash of butter sauce. Overcooked rack of lamb. Here's a tip to the chef: risotto is made with Arborio rice, not Uncle Ben's.
Desserts(9)
Chocolate pate with mint chip ice cream and a truffle was dark and intense. Excellent bread pudding; robust coffee.
Service(5)
The hostess/manager snarled at customers and was incredibly rude. Incredibly short-staffed. Phantom's server was pleasant and efficient but lacking in personality.
Cleanliness(5)
Phantom had to blow mystery flakes out of his water glass. And the bathrooms were about as inviting as an interstate rest stop.
Parking(8)
Downtown Portsmouth with a nearby garage that charges 50 cents an hour if you can't find a space on the street.
Value(5)
Entrees averaged $20... and that's about $20 more than Phantom wanted to spend. Incredibly pretentious wine list offers very few bottles for under $30.
