Fannie Chadwick

By Annabelle Goodman –

This Annex restaurant opened one year ago. I went to the restaurant shortly after it opened. I had reservations about the restaurant. I loved the idea of a small neighborhood in the Annex that honored a former author and resident of the Annex, Fannie Chadwick. I found the menu too heavy on meat and not sufficient options for vegetarians. The food was adequate but not great.

I decided to go back on the first anniversary to see how the restaurant was doing. I was meeting an annex resident so it was very satisfying to be able to walk to the restaurant.

We were greeted in a friendly manner. There were quite a few people at the restaurant. We were treated to an amuse bouclé in honor of the fist anniversary. Miniature potatoes were stuffed with marinated artichoke hearts and a little scallion. They were delicious.

It   all went downhill after that.

My friend ordered the Tortiere Turnover. ($14.95) The pastry looked too thick and unappealing. The meat inside appeared to be grey looking. My friend said it was okay. (Not good enough)

I ordered the Fanny’s Fall Salad ($9.50) with roasted beets and heirloom carrots with arugula, leeks and malt vinegar. Have you ever heard of caramelized vinaigrette? Globs of caramel sauce were at the bottom of the plate. Caramel on ice cream, yes. On my salad I found it to be sickenly sweet. I asked for some bread to help get rid of the sweetness. The cheapest type of sliced white bread was served.

The Cappuccino was excellent.

I found it difficult to choose something from the menu. I could have ordered the Smoked Fish on marble rye with cucumber and house mayo.($9.85)

Braised Lamb Shoulder is offered with a green olive tapenade on sourdough. (($11.95)

Beef Burger is prepared with fresh ground beef, ketchup. Mustard, mayo, pickle.($11.95)

The restaurant does claim to offer ocean wise seafood and naturally raised meat and poultry. I applaud them for this.

I would like to see more vegetarian options. The food lacked presentation. T is the little details that make for a satisfying meal.

May I will return in a year to view the progress but I don’t think so.