When the NY Times recently dropped a Zero star review on Food Network star Guy Fieri's new Times Square restaurant, Guy's American Kitchen and Bar, there was tons and tons of chatter. Everyone was talking about it. I was even shocked that they would even review that restaurant. When I heard Guy Fieri was opening up a Times Square restaurant (owned by the Heartland Brewery), my first reaction was, I bet it's like any other Times Square restaurant, I'll never go there. But after Pete Wells slammed the place, I was like, "Ok, I need to see what was so bad."
So, a few weeks ago I went on a culinary adventure to Times Square and ate at Guy's American Kitchen and Bar. I went during lunch time, and the NY Times review has not affected the place. The place was pretty packed. Filled with tourists, and yours truly, the Foodie Magician. I will tell you after my meal here, that it is exactly how I expected the place to be. It was a typical Times Square restaurant, and thanks to Pete Wells and the NY Times, I was there. Oh, what is a "typical Times Square" restaurant you ask? A restaurant in Times Square with overpriced mediocre food, geared for tourists, out-of-towners, and non-New Yorkers.
Guy-talian Nachos ($12.95), Guy's all-star meaty, cheesy nachos packed with sweet Italian turkey sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, piquante peppers, ricotta crema, cheese, and fresh herbs, was not that good at all. Even if I was high, I probably would not have enjoyed these nachos. Totally boring. Turn off.
Both the waiter and the hostess highly recommended the Sashimi Tacos ($14.50). Four crispy wonton tacos stuffed with sashimi grade ahi tuna, mango jicama salsa, wasabi. and sweet soy. Now, these babies weren't that bad. My dining companion enjoyed them, I thought they were overdressed with soy, a bit too drenched for my taste.
I actually enjoyed the Chicken Tortilla Soup ($8.95). Rotisserie roasted chicken in a hearty house made chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapenos, lime crema, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips. This was one tasty soup with great flavor. They nailed it.
"Awesome" Pretzel Chicken Tenders ($12.50), all white- meat tenders coated in crunchy, crushed sourdough pretzels and panko, served with spicy honey-Dijon dipping sauce. Um, I did not think these tenders were awesome at all, they were quite lame, and did nothing for me. Were they bad? Nope. Did my dining companion enjoy them? I think so. But calling them "Awesome" would be quite an overstatement. They were just ok.
So there you go. I ate at Guy's American Kitchen and Bar. Was it awful? Absolutely not. It was ok. I mean, again, it is exactly what I expected it would be. I wish Pete Wells would have picked a restaurant that nobody knows about, that people should know about, to write about. There was no need to write about Guy's restaurant, quite silly actually. Guy got my money, and he doesn't need it. I know plenty of hidden and undiscovered gems that could use more money and press than this Times Square joint. Anywhoosies, I wish everyone a truly amazing and magical holiday. Bon Appetit!
Guy's American Kitchen and Bar
220 W. 44th St. (bet. 7th and 8th)
New York, NY 10036
646-532-GUYS
www.guysamerican.com