By: Daiyu Tang, 4th April 2024
As the Observer’s owning Chief-Editor, I, Stanley have agreed to publish this piece from the 4th of April as waiting for Daiyu to reappear from whatever idiotic endeavour she had found herself in is delaying our content. Zoey, whomever you are, send a free lunch to our offices. Thank you.
Readers with a good memory will recall we featured Zoey’s place, Prohibition when it seemed for a while to be the target of those practical jokers from the Pawn Shop. With those incidents now seemingly behind all those involved, the Observer was invited over to Prohibition to sample their new food menu. While bar food had always been available, the Observer was led to understand that Zoey had expanded the kitchens, hired professional kitchen staff and had worked extensively on a menu that she felt would suit Hathian’s needs.
Considering our other recent article about Z, I feel reader, that you should be proud that I attended with an open mind!
First Impressions
The place was upgraded, although not in a way that changed the overall ambience. New tables with fancy looking menus on them were part of the changes and while the bar and musical stage were still there, it definitely had a bit more of a ‘foodie’ vibe about it, probably helped by Zoey doing her best impression of a Fine Dining maître d’.
After some friendly banter about hoping her chef wouldn’t murder the food, which perhaps on purpose Zoey took to mean something darker than I did, I browsed the menus looking to place an order.
Menus
The menus below, covering starters, mains and desserts can be expanded by clicking on them.
The menus are well designed with a selection of vegetarian and meat based products. While Vegan options did seem to be a little lacking, this is hardly surprising in Hathian, where except for Zofia and Landon, meat often seems to be on the menu. Allergen information was available from staff, so this was a tick.
From browsing the menus, my first impressions were therefore summed up as: “A good place to bring a date”. Not too pricey, but not cheap either. A place to try someone out, while trying hopefully good food. I can see this being popular.
Interview with the Owner
After I ordered, I wanted to chat with Z about the decision to offer food and her thoughts about Prohibition in general, for example location, clientele and so forth. For my order I went with the Vegetable Platter to start, then the Ribeye with baby potatoes and bearnaise sauce and I finished my order with the warm apple pie. Now before you get all worried reader that I am going to get fat, for a good food review, we only try small portions of each course. So worry not!
“Quality is the most important ingredient”
Zoey, asked to explain the single most important thing for her food.
Observer: “What was missing in Hathian that meant you wanted to move to food? We’ve got a new Cajun restaurant, there’s some high end stuff as well… so how do you slot in, especially considering the location? Harlots to the left and Rejects to the right and all that…”
Zoey: “Not so much a move into food and more an extension of the services we already offer and while I know some higher end places have opened in recent months there’s nothing really in central Hathian. This is a perfect place to slot in if I’m honest. I’ve been honest about what I see the Prohibition as, a neutral ground for any and all, a place somewhere people from all walks of life can come for a drink or a meeting and sometimes the best way to break bread is to /literally/ break bread.”
With reported links to certain Hathian groups, can Zoey really offer a neutral space, it would be a good concept if it could be, especially with the formidable Nyx running security.
Observer: “How do you keep it neutral, are you neutral now? And ok, the location works for what you intend, so tell me a bit more about the food choices then, what makes this a brand, a style… how did the menu come together?”
Zoey: “I know Hathian isn’t a place for fine dining but there are people here who strive for something beyond junk food, and I say this as someone who does occasionally crave the cheaper things in life. As for neutrality? I try to be. Some people do try to push buttons as I’m sure you’re aware but if people come in here trying to cause trouble? There’s usually a seven foot tank of a woman ready to cast them out like the vermin they are.”
“I’m somewhat of a gourmand, cooking is a real passion of mine. I’ve had to simplify the menu down for practical reasons compared to what I usually like to cook at home but I’ve not skimped on the quality.”
Zoey
Observer: “So ok, maybe a bit about the jazz and music, how often can we expect that as part of dinner service?”
Zoey: “Originally live music was going to be just for live events but I feel I may have to get someone in for set nights during the week. The jukebox is somewhat limited at the moment and doesn’t quite have the same atmosphere.”
Vegetable Platter – $22
Vine Leaves, Onion Rings, Grilled Halloumi, Tomato Salsa, Guacamole, babaganoush and pita bread.
Observer’s Comments: Fresh, tasty and a good selection and size. Nothing life-changing, but very pleasant and in particular dipping the bread in the various sauces is always enjoyable. I do question whether at the same price as the meat dish (also $22), if this is priced maybe $2-4 high.
Praise Where Praise is Due
It was clear that Zoey, even after the passage of quite some considerable time was close and very appreciative of Nyx, her close friend and bar manager. As Observer readers will know this is clearly not all she gets up to, reportedly giving Landon Fyre a bit of a beat down a while back, among other feats of strength.
Zoey: “Outside of being my personal security Nyx is the manager here, she’s much more than just brute force and I felt she needed a chance to show that. She’s done wonderfully here, really coming into her own with it. I admit her resting emotion is ‘stoic’ but she has been known to crack a grin every so often!”
Observer: “Yes, her resting emotion is stoic, I’ve yet to see a cheesy grin from her, but maybe it exists. That would be a pap shot worth getting on camera… I guess though, that this gives you the best of both worlds and the location is probably advantageous for you as well as you said, good footfall and all that… So any music for events as well?“
Zoey: “Mr Carriére from the theatre often comes in to play here, I’m sure he’d be more than happy to perform during an event. I find Bourbon street to be the heart of Hathian. Despite what some people claim this town is one of sin, debauchery and vice, so naturally the red light district is the hub of all of that. Having a business here, even if it doesn’t exactly mesh with the local area is always good. I could easily move to a larger location on the outskirts of town but we’d get no business, I fear.”
Observer: “Oh he does? I like him, he’s come to the museum a few times, but I think he prefers the galleries, not the events… always have a soft spot for steampunk, his suit wearing… whatever his style is… And Bourbon kinda is… well, I guess a good business location, but with the Gein promoting sex for burgers, I fear that the crowds may head over there more!”
Zoey: “Many people compare me and him stylistically which I can understand, although I do tend to favour brighter colours in my suits.”
Ribeye Steak with Baby Potatoes and Bearnaise Sauce – $45
Served with sauteed mushrooms, tomatoes, fries mash or baby potatoes, bearnaise, red wine or bone marrow butter.
Observer’s Comment: Provided artistically, despite the plentiful ingredients showing a good understanding from the kitchen of how to plate food. Good steak, with well managed potatoes and a proper, even if perhaps pre-mixed Bearnaise. Reasonably priced for size and portion, combined with location.
The Food Here isn’t Screwing Around (Maybe the Owner is)
Observer: “So this has been really tasty, the food isn’t screwing around, and considering the price is a little on the higher end for Hathian, that’s a good thing.”
Zoey: “Well rest assured I’ve no interest in screwing my diners. I mean unless they ask for it and I find them attractive then who knows?”
Observer: “Piano, bar… I can make this appear to be an erotic hidden gem to rival the Gein if you want! Focus on the fucks, not the food?”
“Maybe not ‘erotic’ but a hidden gem definitely. There’s enough places on the street to get your dick wet, I’d like this to be an exception. Then again if a customer hits on me..? Well, who knows, I’m very open.”
Zoey
We were joined by Nyx, just as the dessert came and she provided insight into some of the other ancillary matters we had discussed earlier.
All too soon the time allotted for this visit was over and after three courses, I can safely say that I was totally full, even not finishing each portion. My overall view… Good. Very good food, a decent location itself, although the wider area was a bit… rough, (very close to the area the Harlot’s and Yuugen have been fighting), but with Nyx and other staff it should be as safe as Zoey promises, unless of course you’re on her bad side… Hopefully you (and now with this good review), the Observer isn’t.
Warm Apple and Cinnamon Pie – $12
Served with vanilla ice-cream
Observer’s Comment: Perfect end to the meal, felt home made. Good temperature which allowed the ice-cream to melt well. Would go well with a sweet dessert wine, like a tokaji, or a Canadian Ice-Wine.
Contact Details & Social Media
The Prohibition Menus reproduced above can also be found on Zoey’s Twitter: HERE
The Prohibition Bar itself is located near the Red Light District on Bourbon, just before Hangman’s Bridge. Taxis can be sent to here.
