A view of the open kitchen and counter seating area. (Marvin Shaouni Photography from restaurant website)
We'll have to await Selden Standard verdicts from pro restaurant reviewers such as Molly Abraham, Sylvia Rector and Joe Hakim, but a few customers flash thumbs up online after Sunday night's official debut and a preview last week.
Grilled quail is served with chestnut puree, radicchio and pickled cranberries for$16.
The Midtown newcomer serves just dinner for now, with lunch and Sunday brunch planned after a shakeout. The menu, with $14-$20 entrees, includes shrimp, quail, octopus, trout, pork shoulder, beef tartare, mussels, oysters and $6-$14 side dishes such as roasted cauliflower, sweet potato ravioli and grilled scallions. Among pastry chef Sara Hackstock's desserts are almond fig cake and mocha truffle torte.
The owners are executive chef Andy Hollyday and Evan Hansen. It's at 3921 Second Ave., north of -- naturally -- Selden Street.
Here's some of what patrons post:
• "Unique, engaging flavors:" Food is so good! Love this spot! Had the squash flatbread to start. So flavorful! Next were the duck sausage and lamb meatballs. They were amazing! I usually don't like mussels, but these with chorizo were awesome! . . . In general, unique, engaging flavors. Get the caramel apple sundae to close out your meal. -- Jeff R. of Detroit at Yelp
• "Nice range:" Everything feels, looks, tastes right about the Selden Standard. And this was during the soft opening. The squid ink pasta is killer. The menu has nice range, the cocktails are top-notch, the wine list looks deeply considered and curated to pair with the food -- love seeing Muscadet on the list to go with the fresh oysters. Lastly, the vibe is very welcoming for a restaurant serving this level of cuisine; it feels like a neighborhood restaurant in Italy, France or Spain. -- Jon S. of Huntington Woods at Yelp
• "Worth a try:" It was wonderful! The food and desserts were yummy and the staff is awesome! Worth a try for sure! -- Nicole Kardas of Taylor on the restaurant's Facebook page
• "Check it out:" Everything last night was delicious Beautiful place! . . . What an awesome new spot. You'll have to check it out! -- Jennifer Lee of Rochester at the restaurant's Facebook page and her event planning business page
• "Design is great:" Selden Standard’s food is delicious, the staff is well chosen, and the restaurant design is great. . . . I sampled the Kale Caesar Salad with crispy chicken skin, lemon and sourdough croutons; Roasted Beets with Ricotta, pomegranate and walnuts; Lamb Meatballs with tomato, olives, yogurt and mint; and the Pumpkin Tart with heirloom pumpkin and vanilla spice cream. It was all very, very good. -- Unsigned post at Traverse 360 Restaurants blog
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