Palomino

Menu
***
₪₪

If Studio 54 served brunch!

On King George Street, just at the corner of Keren Kayemet is a funky, circular white building. Long ago it housed Cup O Joe, of blessed memory. Chakra (not kosher) is found underneath this place. Today, this architectural interest houses Palomino, which calls itself an Italian Lounge. Besides its name and some pasta, I am not sure how “Italian” it actually is?!

It is well-known for its Friday brunch. This price-fixe place (98 shekels for 2 drinks, one entree and unlimited buffet options) offers five entree choices and a poor-person’s-hotel buffet, that is all you can eat. The options strewn upon the bar included salads, pastas, smoked fish (even smoked tuna carpaccio) and delicious tapenades. 

I got the distinct idea that Palomino strives to be a different place in the evening, where the focus is on the bar and less on the kitchen. Which frankly, is good since the food was mediocre at best. The vibe was soft and swanky and delightful but that is as positive as Palomino was for me. The artwork was cute and the neon cannoli sign from the Godfather, earned points for me, like the toilet at Grand Cafe. 

My Croque Madam was ehh, and the Eggs Benedict had a creamier, whiter sauce that was most decidedly not hollandaise and not as yummy. The thick, Texas toast that the eggs were served on were soft but not so delicious. It just did not hit the spot for me and my guests. The omelette was very plain. 

Dessert was bread pudding with drizzled caramel and fresh cherries and nuts that was ok. Too many carbs for me. 

I owe it to this place to try it for a meal that is not Friday morning brunch since that does not seem to be their sweet-spot. Most pictures on the web highlight the cocktails and festive dairy and fish fare. I will but with low expectations.

Overall, I am glad I tried it and desperately hope that the night life is better than the brunch offerings!