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During the day,
Sherlock's specialty is tea; 30 varieties plus scones and jam and petit
fours. As the sun sets and we all thirst for something stronger than Earl Grey,
folks switch over to the gourmet beers and wine. Sherlock Holmes preferred
cocaine and opium. I'll take a cedary red.
Sherlock's icon is the
red phone booth out front on the street. I picked up the blower and there's a
dial tone, but I've got my own phone in my pocket. There are a few tables
inside near the dessert counter, but for May, that room was damn warm. I joined
everyone else on the gated patio. It's got fans for the summer and heaters for
the winter.
Scoping: Celebration is an
upscale neighborhood and, let's be honest, rednecks don't generally go for
frou-frou pastries and
Drinking: No liquor license at
Sherlock's, but as I say, it's not really a “round of tequila shooters” place.
I've been a fan of the Belgian white beer called Wittekirke since I
found it in cans at the liquor store. Here, it’s served in tall thin glasses
($5.95).
My friend and I wanted
a glass of red and a glass of white ($7), so we asked the waiter
what was available. The varieties you'd expect are all available, but it looks
like the house wine depends on what they've already got open. The Merlot
was a little bland and not as juicy as I'd hoped. It also came with lipstick on
the glass, which was quickly replaced once I pointed it out. The Sauvignon
Blanc was more rewarding, bright but not cloyingly sweet.
Chewing: We started off with the
mozzarella and roma tomato salad ($8.95) served on a bed of spring
greens. Big enough for two to share, the fresh cheese had good texture and
dairy flavor, though the tomatoes were a tad pale. I was worried that the
dressing served over the greens would overpower, but the bits of roasted onion
complemented the other flavors without drowning them.
The soup of the day ($6)
was “Mexican chicken” according to my server, but I'd call it a corn chowder
with chicken shreds and a little jalapeño; creamy and chunky with just the
right kick. It's served in a individual tureen with two hunks of baguette and
butter. You could easily make a lunch or light supper of it.
The jumbo ravioli ($9)
were adequate but bland. Filled with ricotta and provolone, the red sauce is
sweet and lacking in spice. My dinner partner asked for pepper twice and,
finally, got up to get it herself.
Sherlock's also does a
few sandwiches ($8) with a side of chips (or “crisps” if you're veddy
British). I tried the roast beef with lettuce and tomato. The meat looks
pre-sliced but the baguette was good and I alternated between the thimbles of
brown mustard and mayo. Small for the price, but better than the chains.
Going: For a place that
aspires to fanciness, it's odd that the path to the bathroom takes you past the
employee wash sink and a cooler. Inside, the W.C. is decorated with prints of
Sherlock Holmes and cupboards holding the Halloween decorations. Yeah, I
looked.
Departing: I don't know how often I'll be stopping
by Sherlock's just to eat, but that
patio is a nice spot for an after-work drink, and since I'm already there, I
wouldn't mind some more of that soup.
