American, Hot Spot, Notable Chef
http://thelionnyc.com/
62 West Ninth Street – West Village

John DeLucie is Chef/Proprietor of the famous Waverly Inn, The Lion and the newest in the group is Crown uptown.  We had nothing but great things to say about the Waverly Inn even though the food is certainly not cutting edge, it is solidly good and we loved the vibe.  The same can be said for the decor at The Lion.  They transformed the former ‘Village’ restaurant/bar into a super cool space that draws a very hip crowd.

The walls are completely filled with artwork and it has a European feel.  The Lion has high ceilings, huge windows, a dramatic skylight and a small loft overlooking the main floor.  On Sundays,  they do a Jazz Brunch and the band plays up in the loft.  Nice touch.

The fabulousness ends with the decor.  Unfortunately, the food did not meet our expectations.  If it had just been mediocre, we probably would have been happy since the atmosphere is so great it could make you forgive a few faults.  Three out of three meals were sub-par.  Ok, we can be faulted for showing up on a Sunday for brunch.  But really?  I am not so inclined to revisit for dinner.

Pictures always speak a thousand words and I am fresh off the best brunch ever at The Publican in Chicago.  As far as this meal goes, everything was tasteless and/or overdone, particularly the sausage.  My meal was a gloppy mess of polenta, soggy pork belly and eggs.  It sounded great, but the execution was not so good.  Steve’s twice cooked potatoes might have gone three rounds.  And the last pic  with the fried egg on the bread is beyond me.  I recall the bread being tossed aside and I don’t think my Dad was too impressed, despite my trying hard by booking a hot spot!

Baked Eggs with Polenta, Caramelized Onions and Pork Belly $13

Two eggs, Twice Cooked Potatoes $10

Confused – Steak & Eggs (since there is frisee but those are not lardons?)

Side of Bacon

Side of Sausage Pucks

Generally I hesitate to ever say anything negative about a restaurant, but this is one of the few times I find it necessary to call out that this hot spot may be disappointing.  I may be off base because we did brunch, so that is my current disclaimer.  I am sure we will return one day and I may eat my words.