After Mr. Purple and the Tenement Store, we made our way down to the Dimes. I have been hearing so much about this place and have been wanting to check it out for awhile however, I am so not into crowds and I am not about to wait a hour plus to eat somewhere. Sorry, I am past that point in my life. We got there somewhat on the earlier side around 6:30 on a Monday and just walked right in. We were great by a too cool for school millennial which ended up being our server. He was lovely but the whole "I live in Brooklyn, look like I haven't showered in 2 days and I cant be bothered" look I am so over that. That is another story though. 

We decided to sit in the cubbie under the window, which gives you a great view of the tiny but charming space. The decor was slightly contrived with what I felt looked like vintage school chairs from the 60's with some fake plants here and there. They consider themselves "an airy cafe with health conscious fare." None of that I found true. Its tiny not airy. The arched popcorn ceiling does not make it feel airy! Health conscious...why cause you have cous cous and salads on the menu? I don't think so. Its a kitschy space with a nouveau american cuisine. 

The food was good but nothing to write home about. Moreover, nothing to wait more then 20 minutes for a table for. Perhaps I am a wee bit too harsh. Don't get me wrong, I like the concept but it all seemed contrived and not organic. It might have checked all of the boxes off on what it is to be a cool new restaurant in Manhattan however, it lacked soul. The dates filled with cous cous were good, not amazing. It need fat and/or another texture. The pulled pork bowl felt like something I could grab off a food truck for half the price. It was good but just lacking the jus no se qua. Again, maybe I am to picky when it comes to this stuff but I work in the industry, know how much stuff costs and flavor profiles. 

I will say this though, they might be lacking the jus but I do LOVE their website. I think its charming and full of life. The website makes you want to go to to the place. Now only if they can inject that whimsy and pizzazz into their food they would be killing it and would have the potential to be a fixture in BelDel for years to come. However, I feel like it will have a similar fate as Northern Spy Food Co. and close after 5 years. 

Overall: 

Environment: Kitschy 

Noise Level: 6/10

Food: Mas o Menos 

Good For: Small parties and are in BelDel Monday-Wednesday