BananaWoo "Chomp, Chomp, Chomp."

Take this review for what it is because I absolutely love Bourdain. His assholeness only makes me love him more. I will say this though, the restaurant was not what I expected. The small nosh I managed to fit on top of my Shack burger was however, outstanding. I guess I can’t say much for the rest of the menu.

I debated for awhile about what I would say about Les Halles. It has rave reviews mainly because of it’s ex-head chef, Mr. Anthony Bourdain. Also, it’s in Manhattan where food is king. I might have been overly excited to visit…taking pictures outside the doors as if it was the 8th wonder of the world. It’s a old brick building.

The inside is relatively small and dark filled with old wood pieces, lace over the kitchen window and white linen on the tables. I don’t know what it was that I had expected, but it wasn’t this. More laid back I suppose.

We got to the bar just in time. Soon after we ponied up to the bar the dinner crowd came rushing in. We were surrounded mostly by people who made me feel uncomfortably under-dressed, but as Erykah Badu and Radiohead started to pay in the dining area I felt more at home.

We partook in a little escargot action. I heart snails. These were super great. Each snail floating in its own little bath of melted butter, garlic and basil. Warm and tender with just the right amount of earthy twang.

All fare was actually pretty reasonably priced. We did beer and apps because that is all we could fit in after dinner. Wish I could have tried some other stuff, but that will have to wait for another time. I think I could see myself at Les Halles on a more regular basis. Should probably think about moving closer first.