Review: Linger

Root down's owner/executive chef just opened Linger (no menu online yet) in the former Mortuary space right behind Little Man Ice Cream in the Lohi neighborhood.  According to our server, the concept is worldly street food using local ingredients.  We nibbled on popcorn dusted with garam masala as we perused the menu, which is divided into asian, mediterranean, middle eastern and african shared plates.

We decided on 3 veggie, 1 meat and 1 seafood dish.

We started with a cup of the cucumber gazpacho with sliced radishes, grapes and a cool tomato sorbet.  The cold soup was innovative and refreshing on the warm summer night and a great start to our meal.  I forgot to take a photo of the fava bean and pea hummus which was served with accompaniments of preserved lemon, feta, hardboiled egg, paprika and whole wheat naan.  Westword raved about this dish in its initial review however for me, it was forgettable and there wasn't even enough naan.

The masaala dosa which is curry spiced potatoes and chick peas wrapped in an indian style crepe was delightful

The kobe beef short rib tacos were lacking salt and flavor.  You can't tell by this picture but the tortillas (which were too thick and more like pita) were drenched in oil from the short ribs and the neither the kimchi nor the guacamole could improve this flat dish.  If i'm looking for asian fusion tacos, i'll head to NYC for Korilla Bbq's version.

The seared scallops were well cooked but did not blow me away and the dressing on the arugula was sweet and salty which caught me off guard, and not in a good way.  However the corn fritters were light and airy. e.  Just like the short ribs, the scallops were sitting atop of a collection of oily mushrooms.  We skipped dessert and opted for ice cream at Little Man next door

Given that Linger just opened last week, i'll probably give this place a second chance in the future


Plate Score:  6