The Early Word on Menu MBK

Diners have been trickling into Frederick de Pue's Menu MBK over the past several weeks. First the market, then the bistro and bar (the tiny chef's table is just getting started; they're now taking reservations). Here's what the first bloggers, Yelpers and others have to say about Menu so far.

The Reasonable News: Menu MBK is currently earning 4 stars on Yelp with 9 reviews in. Elizabeth M. writes, "THE CLINCHER: IT'S REASONABLY PRICED. A market this swaggy seems like it would be expensive but I found everything to be reasonable, like the dry bulk goods, $7.50 lunch sandwiches (one containing pork belly), and the CHOW CHOW, which is RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING. And only $5. I'm stocking up." [Yelp]

The Nice Ambiance News: Yelper Annie G. writes, "We ordered 5 things: duck confit over farro, calamari, quail with poached apple and grits, buttery lobster over forbidden rice, and Belgian waffles with passion fruit sorbet. If I could do it again, I would nix the calamari (very salty, slightly charred, needed something acidic to cut the saltiness) and the quail ($18 for 3 bites of quail is a little far-fetched for a "main"). Luckily, the ambience and gorgeous space made up for some of the disappointment in the food." [Yelp]

The Carryout News: Krista B writes, "I purchased a pork pasta dish for dinner for the bf and some brussels sprouts to accompany my brown-bag lunch. The bf said the pork dish was good, though a bit more pork for the $11 price would have been appreciated. The brussels sprouts were good, though I like mine roasted vs steamed." [Yelp]

The Beer Selection News: Christina G. "started off with a nice Belgian beer.  They have a fantastic selection of bottled beers and cocktails.  For dinner we started off with the Sunchoke appetizer and it was very tasty.  Nice crispy on the outside while creamy on the inside.  The sunchokes were dressed with a nice red pepper sauce.  I had the charcuterie and cheese - nice selection.  For the main course I had the Mushroom Cassoule and it was delicious.  My husband had the steak tartare which was equally good.  The service was very good and attentive." [Yelp]

The Food Nerd Rave: Here's a Foursquare tip from Katie S. who is, "Already obsessing over everything in here.#foodnerd (@ MENU). [FS]

The Twitter Rave: User @eduncanevents Tweets, "So excited to have great foodstuffs available in PQ @MenuMBK! Trying meatloaf dinner and @ropressedjuice tonight." [Twitter]

The Homey News: Daily Candy says, "The vibe is homey: exposed brick, hanging plants, velvet couches, and repurposed wooden doors." [DC]

The Familiar News: BYT writes, "Enter through the bottom floor of de Pue's new multi-story concept and you'll notice the atmosphere–warm, relaxed, almost pastoral–feels familiar. If you're a fan of Table, de Pue's acclaimed Shaw restaurant, you should feel right at home in Menu MBK's market, which opens tomorrow." [BYT]

The Meatball Advice: UrbanDaddy suggests diners "dig into after-work veal meatballs. They'll be in that same bistro, starting next week. Along with cauliflower panna cotta and butter-poached lobster. Forage for date night at your place. When the pressure's on, you'll hit the market for cheeses, racks of beer and wine, and fully prepared dishes like beef bourguignon." [UD]
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