I'd written a mildly scathing post about Blackfinn American Saloon, where my colleagues and I lunched today. I decided to start over, though, and give you something a bit more positive. It's not that the food or service was terrible, it was just bewildering. I don't feel the need to harp; I'm not unhappy. It was just weird, watery split pea soup (which is, if I'm not crazy, normally luxuriously thick and velvety) and an odd and ultimately unfulfilling skewer experience (my fellow staff had mixed bags, themselves).
But these two lunch fails were bookended with decisive lunch victories. The boss ordered some mix'n'match slider apps, and although the beef patty sliders were mundane, the pulled pork alternatives were EXCELLENT. Tender and juicy, neither too sweet nor too fatty, and well stuffed for the minute vehicle of their little buns. Hungry Sam stamp of approval.
On the flip side, the end of the meal brought sliders of another variety. Ice cream on warm cookies!!! Now, being a Portland Sea Dogs fan (wooo AA baseball!), I know these to be knockoffs of our own Sea Dog Biscuits. But these were pretty legit -- the warm cookie got the ice cream melting just enough and the cup you see in the center is filled with hot fudge.
All in all? Blackfinn, I'm worried at your inconsistency and perplexed at some odd choices. If you don't do it well, keep it off the menu. But definitely continue making sliders of all varieties.
Please.