The Proof restaurant concept was developed by John Delucie
from The Waverly Inn, Bedford & Co, Bill’s Food & Drink, The Lion, and
Crown (all located in Manhattan). The oasis version of Proof offers both bar
and table seating. We intended to sit at the bar, but although the bar stools
are attractive (black metal with tan-colored strappy leather seats and backs), the
chairs are oddly attached to the bottom bar rail and are thus immovable, so we
sat at a contoured table instead; however, the space around the tables is a bit
tight, and the overstuffed chairs are a bit difficult to maneuver. Interesting
hanging “lampshades” hover over the tables. Each table has several plugs so
that you can recharge your electronic devices. The bar back contains a few TVs so
that you can catch up on the latest news (the TVs are barely visible from the
tables).
We used the iPad to order drinks (non-alcoholic, because it was
not yet 9:00 am when Terminals B and C begin selling alcohol; interestingly,
Terminal A is physically located in a different county than Terminals B and C,
so it can serve alcohol earlier). Next, we ordered a bagel with lox (and the
appropriate accompaniments such as cream cheese, crumbled egg, and onion, and
served with a small green salad) and a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast
sandwich (also served with a small salad). You can substitute breakfast
potatoes for the salads if you desire. We felt the prices, quality, and
portions of food were good for airport dining. One strange thing that we
discovered: we ordered one Diet Coke, which included free refills, and one
unsweetened iced tea, for which we had to pay for refills. Drinks are delivered
from the bar part of the “restaurant”, but the food comes from somewhere
behind-the-scenes. You can also order food to go to take with you on your
flight or to your gate.
The service, while performed with a smile, was a bit slow.
It would be nice if the iPads provided an approximate time when your food will
arrive. Currently, you receive a message only as your food is being delivered.
You swipe your credit card after you order, so you can leave without having to
flag down a server to pay your bill. (This also means that you provide a
gratuity early in the process, with no apparent way to add or delete for the
quality of service/attention that you receive.) If you are a United frequent
flyer, you are able to remit frequent flyer miles to pay for your food and
drink, if you wish.
We had a good experience at Proof, and we will certainly
consider visiting again the next time that we depart from the Newark Airport.
