Let me start with a caveat. I've been to the Warehouse about four times now...and every time my meal is served the thought of taking pictures before diving into my meal leaves me so I apologize for the halfhearted images seen here. However once you try it you'll see what I mean. Photography IS NOT on your mind.
If you're looking for easy and delicious dining then you MUST check out The Warehouse on Main Street. Manager Ryan Premdas said it right "It's just easy good and affordable food - what we need right now". I couldn't have said it better myself. Since their 22 days in business I have been for a birthday party going-away dinner and friends night out and we've tried something new each time EXCEPT the roasted pumpkim soup with spicy pecans and applewood bacon which is just as yummy as that sounds and I can't help but make that a staple.
I think my favorite part of The Warehouse is the staff. Don't want to get all Cheers-ey but everybody sure knows my name...and I know most of theirs. Owner Richard Yoh makes sure to greet every guest at every table...twice; and boy does this staff appreciate feedback. Tell them the truth - it might just score you some free dessert like my order of my apricot beignets (which by the way they have mastered). Let me talk on this more once we get back from the National Apartment Association Conference in New Orleans - I'll have the legit stuff to compare it to.
Storefront on Gerrard Street London
I love duck meat. Love might be an understatement. The smell and texture of Peking duck with crispy skin fills me wonderment and magic. In fact on my latest travels I stood mesmerized at the ducks roasting in London's Chinatown. If you've ever been through Shaftesbury Avenue or Gerrard Street you know the feeling. The Warehouse has two duck options - so far I've only tasted one my friend had the other. Their duck mofongo gives an interesting range of flavor and texture if you're a mofongo person. That's basically cassaca or yuca boiled then mashed with garlic ( and traditionally some bits of pork) into a mound then "toasted" so there is a crispy crust on the outside with soft yuca underneath. Their take on mofongo is about texture. The Warehouse layers maduros or sweet plantains under a mofongo with seasoned duck on top. It's salty crispy and firm...yet sweet and a little mushy once you get down to the plantains - give it a shot. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Seared Ahi Tuna cured with Myers rum with an avocado aioli.
I think between my guests and I we've been through most of the menu and I don't want to spoil things for you. I tried the Seared tuna appetizer paired with another app: steak fries with goat cheese fondue which worked out pretty well for me as a meal. I would recommend the Porterhouse Pork Chop which is an enormous cut of meat seared with apples apricots and pecans and served with a sweet potato hoecake that was to die for! The staff and I have an on-going joke with the Pound Cake with fruits and cream. Let me know what it reminds you of...here's a hint "Nobody does it like...". But I think the beignets have moved to my number one dessert spot. I think my next dish to tackle would be the Gnocchi or Duck Pepper-Pot Stew (I'll let you know how it goes).
You can see their menu here or go see them in person at 502 South Main Street Gainesville.