Delaware and Hudson is casual Williamsburg restaurant that offers affordable culinary experience. The venue is long and narrow and it can accommodate about 32 people. There is not much of a décor, the space is very simple and I think it misses some coziness; it needs some warmth. Perhaps the space is a reflection of the food, simple menu with simple flavors and lots of potential.

The chef Patti Jackson serves only pre fixe menu that includes 6 small plates (starters), first course, main course and a dessert. At the end you get a bonus plate with home made chocolates. You can choose between 3 main course options, the rest of the menu is fixed.

The menu changes regularly and on the day of our dinner we were served the following dishes.

- Carrot and coriander soup – warm and full or flavor cream soup, carrot sweetness was not overpowering and coriander added some distinctive flavor

- Pretzel rolls – amazing home made roll, soft and warm

- Spaghetti squash with walnuts - I was the most excited about this dish as I wanted to try this combination, unfortunately it was too salty, tasty but I think it needs some improvement.

- Shad roe on toast with bacon butter – this was great bite full of flavor, as always bacon makes everything taste good.

- Salt-cod croquettes - by the look of them you may think they are regular fish sticks, but don’t judge a book by its cover, the flavor was there, it was tasty and crunchy.

- Lamb meatballs - very well spiced meat balls in home made tomato sauce, well executed dish but no excitement here.

- Farmer’s cheese dumplings with Brussels sprouts, Virginia ham and gruyere cheese - simple dish that I know from my childhood very well. This dish has mild flavors except gruyere cheese which does not overpowers the entire dish, but it is definitely the main flavor you taste.

- Black sea bass - pan seared fish with artichokes and potatoes. Potatoes were missing seasoning, the fish was well cooked, but this is such as popular dish, you can find at most restaurants.

- Braised pork shank – this was a highlight of the dinner, a good size shank cooked to perfection, where meat comes off the bone, full of flavor that you expect. Delicious.

- Plate of three desserts: flourless chocolate-peanut butter cake, peanut brittle and flan. All desserts were amazing; since the chef Patti Jackson is pastry chef you expect a great dessert and this sample plate delivered.

The winner dish of this week is pork shank. As much as I am not pork girl I think this dish was executed the best, it was the most exciting dish out all options served that night and it delivered what it promised.

In general I appreciate the idea and efforts of the chef, who serves so many dishes for $54, which is not easy in New York. I think the service needs some improvement; there were few missteps during the dinner but nothing major.

I am not sure if we come back here but the food was not disappointing, it just was not exciting. I think this restaurant has a potential and few menu changes can take it to the next level.

Cuisine: American

Avg price per person: $54 pre fixe only

Attire: Casual

Overall Rating: 3 plates