Woodbury: Graffiti hard to read

All I could say was "Huh?"  the recent evening I stopped into Graffiti An American Grill in Woodbury for a light dinner.

In December, when the restaurant reopened after a move next door into the renovated space that used to house Baang, it seemed ideal for just about anything – from an informal bite to a big deal meal. But now... 

Chicken fajitas were dismal – overcooked poultry, onions and peppers, everything covered with a russet glaze. Accompanying salsa tasted commercial. Worst, though, was the mushy flavorless rice heaped next to a pile of shredded cheese. The waiter apologized and returned, minutes later, with a bowlful he said the chef had just whipped up. It  was properly cooked and virtually sang with flavor. So, why had the kitchen sent out something it knew was substandard?

Then, there was my grilled shrimp BLT. Icy cold tomatoes. Soft toast. Very little bacon. Yes, the shrimp were plentiful and nicely cooked, but at $15, the sandwich should have been perfection.

Could last month's opening of the three star-rated Asian Bistro Next Door (under the same ownership) have drained all Graffiti's energy? Was it simply an off night, a fluke? I’m hoping that's the case and that the restaurant will soon get its mojo back.

Graffiti An American Grill is at 8285 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury, 516-367-1340, graffitiamericangrill.com.