Flex Mussels, sounds like a gym..right?

Fortunately, it is not a place where you need to go around flexing those biceps.  Flex Mussels is a great restaurant in NYC, specializing in no other, but mussels.  A fellow foodie friend discovered Flex Mussels in 2010 while we were living in NYC for a month.  We had an amazing experience and left stuffed to the brim.  I have been back a few times since. most recently just a few weeks ago with one of my best friends while I was in town for work.

Moody:
Flex Mussels has two locations in Manhattan and this was my first time checking out their 13^th Street spot.  The décor is much like their other outpost.  Very cool vibe, comfortable, and always crowded.  Ninja star awarded.

Boo Factor:
Candle light, white wine, seafood, and Gotye playing in the background make for a perfect date spot.  The restaurant is calming and not too loud despite always being packed.  You are also seated safely away from your neighbors and it feels more intimate than it really is.  Ninja star awarded.

Service:
Our waiter was attentive and nice enough.  Ninja star awarded.

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DD:
Two glasses of white wine..please!  I’m not sure what we ordered but it was refreshing and complimented the meal perfectly.  I’ve never touched their cocktails but I’m sure they won’t disappoint.  Ninja star awarded.

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Pretty yummy:
I love that the mussels come in these heaping black pots.  Everything looks fresh and delicious.  Ninja star awarded.

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Smell meter:
That pot mentioned above keeps the steam of your broth concentrated and you can’t help but take in the smell of the herbs and whatever deliciousness they have added to your broth.  Flex Mussels is truly a restaurant where your nose gets some action.  Ninja star awarded.

Harmony:
Well we were starved and the mussels were going to take a bit so we started things off with the Flex Truffle Fries.  I’m a sucker for fries with truffle and these guys did not disappoint.  They were crisp and the subtle truffle flavor wasn’t overpowering, just enough to compliment a deliciously fried potato.  Our waiter also brought us some bread and butter but I resisted because I knew I’d rather dip the bread into my mussel broth.

Truffle Fries

I picked Maine Mussels with lobster, smoked bacon, chowder, and parsley.  My friend picked the Bruchetta with San Marzano tomatoes, lobster, marinated tomato, and croutons.  I have to admit that he had the winner in this case.  The tomatoes had a delicious acidic sweetness that complimented the meaty bits of mussel and lobster so well.

Bruschetta Mussels

Mine was good but not as flavorful as the other items I have had on the menu.  A hesitant ninja star awarded.

Overall yummy in my tummy:
Overall, it seems that this time around (this is the first time at the 13^th street location) was just not as memorable.  This is a difficult decision but compared to the other times I have dined, this meal left us disappointed so no star.

Banoffee factor:
DONUTS! DONUTS! DONUTS!!!!

Donuts

I love that they make their own donuts.  This time around I tried the Meyer Lemon, Salted Caramel, Praline, and Raspberry.  They come with a side of vanilla dipping sauce and lucky for me because my friend isn’t into sweets so I basically ate them all myself.  I don’t even care how much of a fat kid I am  My favorite is the salted caramel, perfectly sweet and (kind of) savory.  Ninja star awarded.

Flex Mussels left us a bit disappointed  but I’m sure I’ll be back again… if for nothing else but the donuts.

Flex comes in at 8/9 ninja stars.

Till next time, peace out food ninjas!