Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Shangai Trattoria, Palermo



The Shanghai Trattoria got a very romantic write up in the New York Times, and the reality was not anything like what I was expecting from the writeup. After reading about this haven for artists and poets, I wanted to go there, and made a special request to try it. The "eclectic furnishings" mentioned in the article were actually white plastic lawn chairs and tables, and the place was lit by stark flourescent rods. It's a little hole in the wall, with sparsely adorned and simply cooked fresh fish at not so cheap prices. Not much ambiance whatsoever. I certainly didn't have any problems with the freshness of the fish. If my father were alive today, he would have gotten a kick out of eating there, because it was kind of an adventure. But there were problems with timing, long waits, lack of cutlery and the waitstaff was slow to respond on the night we went. The publicity that painted the place in broad rosy tones must be the reason why almost every table was filled with Anglophones. I certainly enjoyed the company at my table, and I was happy to have the chance to take a photo of the market at night from that vantage point. We all know location is everything. I would not go so far as to say avoid the place. Just adjust your expectations, and know that Palermo restaurant dining can have much better ambiance and service in so many little neighborhood trattorias.


Lunch might be better?

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4 Comments:

Blogger Nicole said...

Oh I hate when write-ups build something up and it is nothing like you imagine. Sorry you were disappointed. The photos you took make it look enticing!

2:49 AM, October 17, 2008  
Blogger ArneSalvesen said...

Two words: Cafe Constant

10:32 PM, October 17, 2008  
Blogger L Vanel said...

I always liked Cafe Constant. Maybe its proximity to the Eiffel Tower had something to do with it. Did you recently have a disappointing experience there?

9:34 AM, October 20, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i just found your blog and i'm in love. these pictures... it's as if you bring me back to a place i need to be in now. such a beautiful blog! i'll be back.

12:34 AM, October 29, 2008  

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