The Payoff: Buttermilk Channel

As expected, Frank Bruni awarded one star to Buttermilk Channel today, finding it…

a restaurant of real standards, noteworthy ambition and uncommon slavishness to trends. It’s laudable and predictable in equal measures. And it was packed every time I went.

Unfortunately:

Although one in three dishes widely misses its mark and the restaurant’s reach frequently exceeds its grasp, there’s the possibility of a terrific meal. There’s the probability of a pleasant one.

Among the charcuterie items, a few “are like earnest but clumsy culinary-school first attempts.” And how, exactly, would Frank know that?

No matter. Both Eater and I win $1 at even money on our hypothetical one-dollar bets.

	Eater		NYJ
Bankroll	$108.50		$129.67
Gain/Loss	+1.00		+1.00
Total	$109.50		$130.67
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Won–Lost	51–25		53–23

Rolling the Dice: Buttermilk Channel

The Line: Tomorrow, Frank Bruni rides the subway to Brooklyn for a review of Buttermilk Channel. The Eater oddsmakers have set the action as follows (√√ denotes the Eater bet):

Zero Stars: 15-1
One Star: EVEN √√
Two Stars: 7-1
Three Stars: 144-1
Four Stars: 20,736-1

The Skinny: We haven’t paid any attention to Buttermilk Channel, but we subscribe to the theory that two-star restaurants don’t hide in plain sight. The very obscurity of this place makes us doubtful that we’ll see two stars tomorrow. For those looking for contrary evidence, Restaurant Girl’s improbable three-star review gives cold comfort.

The Bet: We agree with Eater that Frank Bruni will award one star to Buttermilk Channel.