HotelChatter

Somewhat surprisingly, we were seated in one of the prime booths in the main part of the restaurant, back by the kitchen yet with excellent sight lines all around. The place was hardly busy so everyone that was seated had a pretty sweet spot. When you're here, be sure to take a second and realize that the floor is made of pennies—a great conversation starter!

Our waiter, who was chatty and spirited despite the staff's full tartan uniform, began by highly recommending a newly-arrived-to-the-menu appetizer: brussels sprouts cooked in pork fat. Oddly enough, we had been dreaming of brussels sprouts during the days prior, and so we jumped on the offer, along with ordering a helping of our other vice: broccoli rabe, but this one sprinkled with chili bread crumbs.

For our main dish, we went with the trout sandwich; disappointingly small, it's served on what looked like regular slices of toasted white bread, as though your mother had packed you a conservative-sized sandwich for lunch. What bites we had we nonetheless tasty, and can we just recommend to not get the fries; order up a sides of any of their greens in its place and you'll be just as happy.

Since what the heck, we're freaking finally noshing at the Standard Grill, we ordered dessert. The Humble Pie, a warm rhubarb treat paired with ice cream, was not as full of the good stuff as we would have liked, but then again it wasn't as expensive as we'd thought it would be. Actually nothing was—with most double-helping sides under $8 and sandwiches under $18—but then again you get used to paying exorbitant prices in NY, so our judgment may be skewed.

Still, we'll definitely be back, especially since we noticed a healthy dozen or so diners doing lunch with their laptops open. Hm—liveblogging a meal at the Standard Grill? We could do it. But first we'll have another helping of the Humble Pie.

[Images: HotelChatter]