After reading the reviews of Trax on Yelp It was hard to get a good feel for what to expect. Most of the reviews both good and bad were from people who haven't really reviewed too many restaurants. Before I go into my experience here are a few quick points that most people mentioned in their reviews:
The inside of the restaurant is cramped - I agree because it's located inside of a very small train station. I don't know how anyone would be surprised or not expect this after looking at the building. Did you expect there to be a large basement?
The prices are high - I agree on this point but it's not so overpriced that I wouldn't go back.
It's very loud - When I was just at Trax the place was packed and I didn't think the noise level was overly loud. I'm comparing the noise level to other restaurants of the same size.
Chef Waxman is rude - I only saw him come out once and didn't get a chance to speak with him. I came for the food so his attitude really doesn't matter much to me.
On Valentine's Day my girlfriend and I had the chance to sample the Prix Fixe menu around 7:30pm. We arrived two minutes early and were seated around 7:40pm. Our server came over quickly and gave us an overview of the special menu and (2) specials. A Rack of Lamb and Ahi Tuna special were added to the menu on this night.
After opening our wine our server gave us a few minutes to peruse the menu. It was (4) courses and that included dessert. There were several great choices but we finally chose the following:
1st Course
Butternut Squash & Lobster Bisque - Fantastic flavor
Caesar Salad - The dressing was more thin that a traditional creamy Caesar and had a pronounced vinegar taste. I'm a fan of creamy dressing but my girlfriend really enjoyed it.
2nd Course
Shrimp & Crab Mornay - This dish consisted of shrimp and crab mixed in a cheese sauce that was baked in a small crock. It was tasty but a very heavy on the stomach.
Lobster Ravioli with Pesto Cream - I believe there were (4) ravioli's placed in a generous amount of a very well done pesto sauce.
3rd Course
Crab Risotto with Jumbo Diver Scallops, Chimichurri Sauce - The risotto was filled with crab and the scallops were cooked perfectly.
Pan Seared Veal T-Bone with Sherry Cream Sauce - This generous portion of veal was cooked medium rare and came with just a small amount of the Sherry Cream Sauce. The sauce was very unique and was a bit sweeter than I had imagined.
4th Course
Poached Pear, Candied Red Wine Sauce - The pear was served cold and was plated on top of generous portion of the Red Wine Sauce with a dab of whipped cream. The sauce was sweet and I haven't had anything quite like it before. Chef Waxman did great job on this dessert.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries - The strawberries were very sweet.
After trying Trax for myself I will return and I think it deserves a full 4 stars. If you go to Trax expecting a creative meal in a small restaurant you won't be disappointed.
