Deborah

A row of tables aligned in a space proportional to the perimeters of a hallway. The small dining space does not mean small prices. The décor can be compared to any boutique trendy restaurant. The kitchen is situated in the middle of the restaurant where you can pass by as you head to the restroom, and there are seating in the back with tight spacing. The prices are definitely above average, the portions are below average. The dishes are tasty but not satisfying to the pocket. I personally expected more from the dishes for the prices we were paying for. Aside from the excuse that the portions were not large enough (which many may argue to be very weak), the dishes did not show any innovative, avant-garde emphasis nor organic ingredients.

That said, lets dish it out:

Deborah's bbq Glazed Half Duck slow cooked and basted till crisp, served over sweet smashed potatoes $23: With the bone intact, surprisingly sweet plus extra boost of sweetness from the potatoes served in a soup bowl--(very awkward for a serving bowl).

Grilled New Zealand Lamb Kebobs skewered, served on salad of watercress, haricot vert, marinated tomatoes, parsley, red onion and hot house cucumbers tossed in a feta-yogurt dressing topped with crumbled feta $22: I asked for median rare but I got median well instead… part of the reason may be because the lamb were sliced thinner than average kebob sizes. It was practically close to being sliced lamb but in squares.

With these two petite entrees, a glass of red zinfandel that goes well with the duck and 15 percent tip, the bill came out to approx. $80. Oxymoron.

Deborah 43 Carmine St., New York, NY 10014 nr. Bleecker St. 212-242-2606