restaurant name certainly leaves something to desired, as did the crazy man singing crappy songs across the restaurant. not a lot of ambiance, but the food was very fresh and the apple strudel was so yummy.
gina: yum
3/21/2008
gasparito
not worth the money. food was interesting, but not a go again type of place. service was very good though.
gina: YUCK
gina: YUCK
madame janette
in aruba
tastiest food in aruba that we had
but pricey (but not by nyc standards)
service was not so hot (the "au gratin incident")
almond grouper with spinach sauce was AMAZING
rack of lamb very good as well
lobster ravioli appetizer was meh
we had some sort of pumpkin seed ice cream and souffle that was overwhelmingly tasty
gina: yum+ (definitely a YUM if service wasn't so crappy)
tastiest food in aruba that we had
but pricey (but not by nyc standards)
service was not so hot (the "au gratin incident")
almond grouper with spinach sauce was AMAZING
rack of lamb very good as well
lobster ravioli appetizer was meh
we had some sort of pumpkin seed ice cream and souffle that was overwhelmingly tasty
gina: yum+ (definitely a YUM if service wasn't so crappy)
negril chelsea
the free bean soup was tasty
codfish fritters were really good
side of mashed green bananas were really good
for some reason, don't remember the main dishes we had, but they were good.
gina: yum
codfish fritters were really good
side of mashed green bananas were really good
for some reason, don't remember the main dishes we had, but they were good.
gina: yum
tia pol
food was ok, but pretty expensive for what it is. service was somewhat bad. would not come here again. not gross, but not worth it.
gina: yum/YUCK
gina: yum/YUCK
cookshop
brunch. everything was yummo. huevos rancheros were really really good. super indulgent. cookshop scramble was incredible, which is strange because scrambled eggs are hard to make so tasty. beef brisket hash was a bit disappointing.
expensive, and definitely should get a reservation unless you want a super long wait.
the space is beautiful, and gets good light.
gina: YUM
expensive, and definitely should get a reservation unless you want a super long wait.
the space is beautiful, and gets good light.
gina: YUM
Righteous Urban Barbeque
pulled pork sandwich very good, and the pulled chicken sandwich was good as well.
brisket is delicious, and the serving is huge.
had a few bites of the bbq chicken which was surprisingly moist and delicious.
sides, however, are somewhat lacking. greens were not good. coleslaw and potato salad were ok.
gina: YUM
brisket is delicious, and the serving is huge.
had a few bites of the bbq chicken which was surprisingly moist and delicious.
sides, however, are somewhat lacking. greens were not good. coleslaw and potato salad were ok.
gina: YUM
Bouley
fixed price lunch
was pretty good, but not phenomenal
the phyllo crusted shrimp, squid, sea scallop and crabmeat was amazing.
the baby skate was also very tasty.
gina: yum+
was pretty good, but not phenomenal
the phyllo crusted shrimp, squid, sea scallop and crabmeat was amazing.
the baby skate was also very tasty.
gina: yum+
10/03/2007
Telepan
Brunch at Telepan - supposedly one of the only "good places" in the Upper West Side.
Meh. Was only ok. Definitely understand that people don't put their all into brunches, but it was just ok.
Muffin/pastry basket was hit or miss. Coffee cake was delicious.
Kris had the lemon verbena creme crepes with strawberries. Was probably the best dish. He then had the fallen pancake souffle with brown sugar bacon & huckleberry syrup. Was just ok.
I had the house smoked brook trout on a corn blini & green onion sour cream. The sour cream was great, as was the blini, but the trout was overwhelming. I then had the coddled eggs with
scrapple, collards & sweet pork sauce. The scrapple and sauce were very good - but the overall dish was just so-so.
Gina: yum
Kris: yum
Meh. Was only ok. Definitely understand that people don't put their all into brunches, but it was just ok.
Muffin/pastry basket was hit or miss. Coffee cake was delicious.
Kris had the lemon verbena creme crepes with strawberries. Was probably the best dish. He then had the fallen pancake souffle with brown sugar bacon & huckleberry syrup. Was just ok.
I had the house smoked brook trout on a corn blini & green onion sour cream. The sour cream was great, as was the blini, but the trout was overwhelming. I then had the coddled eggs with
scrapple, collards & sweet pork sauce. The scrapple and sauce were very good - but the overall dish was just so-so.
Gina: yum
Kris: yum
Pisticci
Some items here are delicious, some are entirely mediocre.
The mussels with white wine sauce (appetizer) are freaking amazing.
The maltagliati with lamb and ricotta is RIDICULOUS. As in, the eggs benedict of pastas. I only want to eat this dish every time I come or order out from here.
I had the polenta and meatballs. Meh. Nothing special. I didn't like the polenta.
The vegetable ceci was not very good.
Eggplant appetizer was only ok.
The mushroom fettuccine with truffle oil was also only ok. I wanted to like it more, but it wasn't fabulous.
For Morningside Heights, this place is good. And it's cute inside. But it's just so so overall.
Gina: yum
The mussels with white wine sauce (appetizer) are freaking amazing.
The maltagliati with lamb and ricotta is RIDICULOUS. As in, the eggs benedict of pastas. I only want to eat this dish every time I come or order out from here.
I had the polenta and meatballs. Meh. Nothing special. I didn't like the polenta.
The vegetable ceci was not very good.
Eggplant appetizer was only ok.
The mushroom fettuccine with truffle oil was also only ok. I wanted to like it more, but it wasn't fabulous.
For Morningside Heights, this place is good. And it's cute inside. But it's just so so overall.
Gina: yum
Bob Chinn's
Touristy crab shack type place run by this crazy asian republican man. But INCREDIBLY popular with tourists AND locals. Was delicious. The NY strip steak is ridiculously, surprisingly good. Very flavorful.
Crab was good too. The Alaskan King Crab was ok. The Kona crab was shitty. The sweet snow crab was fucking ridiculously delicious.
Garlic knots were doused in butter but good. Would repeat a visit IF was in the immediate area - but not worth a hour drive.
Technically, this place is not in Chicago, it's in a suburb.
Kris: yum
Gina: yum
Crab was good too. The Alaskan King Crab was ok. The Kona crab was shitty. The sweet snow crab was fucking ridiculously delicious.
Garlic knots were doused in butter but good. Would repeat a visit IF was in the immediate area - but not worth a hour drive.
Technically, this place is not in Chicago, it's in a suburb.
Kris: yum
Gina: yum
TAC Quick Thai
pretty consistent Thai food. cheap, so a good deal. nothing spectacular, but if you're in the mood for Thai, this is the place to go.
gina: yum
kris: yum
gina: yum
kris: yum
Frontera Grill
Touristy place with a celebrity chef. But it was still pretty good. We went for brunch. I had a tex mex version of eggs benedict. of course, loved it. kris had three types of meat or something. very good. small portions, so not a steal, but was good.
Gina: yum
Kris: yum+
Gina: yum
Kris: yum+
Lou Malnati
Delicious. FREAKING DELICIOUS.
Deep dish pizza. "Butter crisp" crust.
Normally I don't like deep dish pizza - but their tomatoes are delicious. As is the butter crisp crust. As is everything. OMG. So good. I liked it more than Zachary's in the East Bay.
The Malnati Salad it also so good.
Sausage is better than pepperoni here. Even Kris admits it.
Technically, not in Chicago - it's in Schaumburg.
Kris: yum+
Gina: yum+
Deep dish pizza. "Butter crisp" crust.
Normally I don't like deep dish pizza - but their tomatoes are delicious. As is the butter crisp crust. As is everything. OMG. So good. I liked it more than Zachary's in the East Bay.
The Malnati Salad it also so good.
Sausage is better than pepperoni here. Even Kris admits it.
Technically, not in Chicago - it's in Schaumburg.
Kris: yum+
Gina: yum+
Green Zebra
A great upscale vegetarian place. Small plates - asian fusion inspiration. Don't remember every detail... but it was a great experience. Some of the highlights are below. Service was fantastic.
Blue Cheese Beignets, roasted mission fig, bearnaise, port wine
Gina: yum +
Blue Cheese Beignets, roasted mission fig, bearnaise, port wine
Semolina Gnocchi, heirloom tomato, favas, sage
Prospera Farms Chicken Egg, smoked potato puree, parsley and country sourdough
Gina: yum +
Schwa
With the exception of the dessert (which was close to atrocious), the dinner was fantastic. Our favorites were the quail egg ravioli and the cauliflower soup. Kris liked the prosciutto consomme salad a lot.
This was an incredible dinner - very interesting, but tasty. Definitely will return every time we're back in Chicago (if we can get reservations).
Gina: YUM
Kris: YUM
Amuse (Thyme ice cream and thyme and strawberry fruit roll-up)
Prosciutto Consomme Salad (arugula sauce, prosciutto, melon, prosciutto gelee)
Cauliflower Soup (curried cauliflower cream soup with white chocolate and dark chocolate on the side)
Phad Thai (instead of noodles - jelly fish)
Pine-Cone (uni icecream, sugar cone, and pine cone gel)
Quail Egg Ravioli (quail egg yolk inside ravioli with butter sauce and cheese)
Tripe (panzanella, bread salad, tomatoes)
BBQ (short rib, creamed caramel popcorn, watermelon soup)
Olive oil cake
This was an incredible dinner - very interesting, but tasty. Definitely will return every time we're back in Chicago (if we can get reservations).
Gina: YUM
Kris: YUM
Amuse (Thyme ice cream and thyme and strawberry fruit roll-up)
Prosciutto Consomme Salad (arugula sauce, prosciutto, melon, prosciutto gelee)
Cauliflower Soup (curried cauliflower cream soup with white chocolate and dark chocolate on the side)
Phad Thai (instead of noodles - jelly fish)
Pine-Cone (uni icecream, sugar cone, and pine cone gel)
Quail Egg Ravioli (quail egg yolk inside ravioli with butter sauce and cheese)
Tripe (panzanella, bread salad, tomatoes)
BBQ (short rib, creamed caramel popcorn, watermelon soup)
Olive oil cake
8/21/2007
michael mina
dinner: 6 courses with wine pairings
1a. started with foamy oyster (very good) and decent tomato soup
1b. some crazy mexican vegetable that is supposed to be a delicacy but instead is fairly bitter. the one good part about it is that it had cured ham as well on it
2. wahu fish: super good cooked perfectly, definitely the best dish of the night. cooked with asparagus and light mole sauce
3. sonoma duck: duck breasts with a healthy portion of foie gras. duck was very good and had a nice savory sauce with mushrooms. foie gras was very good, i don't think i could have done a trio of three, so one was nice.
4. veal: good. a nice touch with little pieces of friend fat and potato. this dish was a bit too salty especially as everything else to this point carried similar flavor
5. forgetting what this was, so it must have not been that great.
6. cheese. not sure what i got, but it was a very nice cheese
- in addition half the wines were extremely good choices, the other were fairly good.
overall i thought i should be blown away by a six course and wine pairing from michael mina. while many dishes were amazing (wahu and duck), other were so-so (soup, mexican vegetable, veal) and overall no tastes were all that unique nor creative as i would have hoped. still, the meal was great. but so were the expectations.
rating: yum+ (wish it could have been YUM)
1a. started with foamy oyster (very good) and decent tomato soup
1b. some crazy mexican vegetable that is supposed to be a delicacy but instead is fairly bitter. the one good part about it is that it had cured ham as well on it
2. wahu fish: super good cooked perfectly, definitely the best dish of the night. cooked with asparagus and light mole sauce
3. sonoma duck: duck breasts with a healthy portion of foie gras. duck was very good and had a nice savory sauce with mushrooms. foie gras was very good, i don't think i could have done a trio of three, so one was nice.
4. veal: good. a nice touch with little pieces of friend fat and potato. this dish was a bit too salty especially as everything else to this point carried similar flavor
5. forgetting what this was, so it must have not been that great.
6. cheese. not sure what i got, but it was a very nice cheese
- in addition half the wines were extremely good choices, the other were fairly good.
overall i thought i should be blown away by a six course and wine pairing from michael mina. while many dishes were amazing (wahu and duck), other were so-so (soup, mexican vegetable, veal) and overall no tastes were all that unique nor creative as i would have hoped. still, the meal was great. but so were the expectations.
rating: yum+ (wish it could have been YUM)
8/09/2007
Myth
Went to dinner on a work expense account. I had:
Seared Marscapone and Potato Gnocchi with Peas, Pancetta, and Parmesan Butter Sauce
Braised Short Ribs with Baby Vegetables and Horseradish Potato Puree
Toasted Coconut Panna Cotta with Pineapple, Kiwi and a Lime Caramel Sauce
The Gnocchi was very good. It has previously been described as pillowy, and I have to say that is an accurate description. The sauce was delicious and the texture was amazing.
The Short Ribs were meh. Maybe I have a predisposition to be underwhelmed by short ribs - but I felt that they really weren't that spectacular. I feel like the short ribs I had at Universal Cafe were better seasoned.
The Panna Cotta was a great combo of flavors - interesting.
I tasted the Risotto appetizer - and that was very very tasty.
While there were some good moments - I didn't feel that Myth lived up to the hype (or price).
Verdict: yum
Seared Marscapone and Potato Gnocchi with Peas, Pancetta, and Parmesan Butter Sauce
Braised Short Ribs with Baby Vegetables and Horseradish Potato Puree
Toasted Coconut Panna Cotta with Pineapple, Kiwi and a Lime Caramel Sauce
The Gnocchi was very good. It has previously been described as pillowy, and I have to say that is an accurate description. The sauce was delicious and the texture was amazing.
The Short Ribs were meh. Maybe I have a predisposition to be underwhelmed by short ribs - but I felt that they really weren't that spectacular. I feel like the short ribs I had at Universal Cafe were better seasoned.
The Panna Cotta was a great combo of flavors - interesting.
I tasted the Risotto appetizer - and that was very very tasty.
While there were some good moments - I didn't feel that Myth lived up to the hype (or price).
Verdict: yum
Boulevard
went to lunch on firm's expense account. had the following:
LOCAL SAND DAB stuffed with Rock Shrimp & Herbs, Sweet White Corn Grits, Spicy Louisiana Seafood Barbecue Sauce
WOOD OVEN ROASTED SNAKERIVER FARMS KOBE BAVETTE, Baked Fingerling Potatoes with Crèeme Fraiche, Smoked Bacon & ChivesSauteed Erbette Chard, Beef Sauce
WARM CHOCOLATE BUDINO CAKE with fresh cherries, cherry swirl ice cream, chocolate sauce.
the sand dab appetizer was AMAZING. definitely worth getting again. the kobe bavette was ok, but wasn't as flavorful as i expected it to be. the budino cake was very, very good - but then again, it's hard to mess up a warm cake doused in chocolate sauce.
i had the mint mojito presse (non-alcoholic) - which was ok. a friend had the elderflower presse - which was fantastic - it tasted like lychee juice.
i definitely would go back to boulevard.
verdict: yum+ but almost a YUM
LOCAL SAND DAB stuffed with Rock Shrimp & Herbs, Sweet White Corn Grits, Spicy Louisiana Seafood Barbecue Sauce
WOOD OVEN ROASTED SNAKERIVER FARMS KOBE BAVETTE, Baked Fingerling Potatoes with Crèeme Fraiche, Smoked Bacon & ChivesSauteed Erbette Chard, Beef Sauce
WARM CHOCOLATE BUDINO CAKE with fresh cherries, cherry swirl ice cream, chocolate sauce.
the sand dab appetizer was AMAZING. definitely worth getting again. the kobe bavette was ok, but wasn't as flavorful as i expected it to be. the budino cake was very, very good - but then again, it's hard to mess up a warm cake doused in chocolate sauce.
i had the mint mojito presse (non-alcoholic) - which was ok. a friend had the elderflower presse - which was fantastic - it tasted like lychee juice.
i definitely would go back to boulevard.
verdict: yum+ but almost a YUM
7/27/2007
farmer browns
ale:
meal:
1. little gem salad, kind of an arugala in a light ceasar dressing with great parmesean (7.50)
2. Crispy Cornmeal Catfish w/southern greens and candied yams (16)
everything at this restuarant is organic and a lot of if slow food. pretty cool environment with neat art and a neat-o drink menu. as for the food everything was very tasty. the salad was surprisingly good despite being a bit plain, i have no problem with simplicity when traded for creativity. teh catfish was bountiful cooked well and came along side some savory corn and beans. candied yams added the sweet and there was definitely a party on my plate. go back here if you don't mind the surround porn shops.
verdict: yum+
gina:
I've been here three times now. Not necessarily by choice, but twice with work, and once for a birthday.
The drinks are pretty tasty. They used to have a grapefruit drink, but they no longer serve it - which is too bad because it was my favorite.
The first time I went I had the little gem salad (same as alejandro's). I also had the Fulton Valley Fried Chicken with macaroni and cheese and southern greens. The salad was very good and a good balance of flavors. The chicken was disappointing to say the least. It wasn't very well seasoned and the meat was dry. Also the macaroni was underwhelming - it tasted good - but nothing special. I was also drunk, so the food probably tasted better to me than it would have had I been sober.
The second time I went I had the creole poppers appetizer and the Pan Fried Meatloaf with sauteed collard greens and mashed potatoes. The poppers were ok. The Meatloaf was excellent. The mushroom gravy it came with was a great compliment and the loaf was not too bready. Flavorful, seared on the outside, DELICIOUS.
The third time I went I had the crisp wedge salad with blue cheese, tomatoes, radishes and bacon. It was good - but again, something that is hard to mess up. I gave the fried chicken another try - and found it to be much better this time. The meat was not as dry (the breast meat was still a little bit dry though) and it seemed to be a little more crispy and better seasoned. The macaroni was better than I remembered. However, I wouldn't really go out of my way for the fried chicken here. It still wasn't flavorful enough to warrant a trip to try just the fried chicken. Maybe I'm picky (I am, after all, a fried chicken fanatic), but it was "just good." I also had a bite of the dark chocolate cake - which wasn't fantastic.
the barbeque sauce, however, is out of this world.
verdict: yum
meal:
1. little gem salad, kind of an arugala in a light ceasar dressing with great parmesean (7.50)
2. Crispy Cornmeal Catfish w/southern greens and candied yams (16)
everything at this restuarant is organic and a lot of if slow food. pretty cool environment with neat art and a neat-o drink menu. as for the food everything was very tasty. the salad was surprisingly good despite being a bit plain, i have no problem with simplicity when traded for creativity. teh catfish was bountiful cooked well and came along side some savory corn and beans. candied yams added the sweet and there was definitely a party on my plate. go back here if you don't mind the surround porn shops.
verdict: yum+
gina:
I've been here three times now. Not necessarily by choice, but twice with work, and once for a birthday.
The drinks are pretty tasty. They used to have a grapefruit drink, but they no longer serve it - which is too bad because it was my favorite.
The first time I went I had the little gem salad (same as alejandro's). I also had the Fulton Valley Fried Chicken with macaroni and cheese and southern greens. The salad was very good and a good balance of flavors. The chicken was disappointing to say the least. It wasn't very well seasoned and the meat was dry. Also the macaroni was underwhelming - it tasted good - but nothing special. I was also drunk, so the food probably tasted better to me than it would have had I been sober.
The second time I went I had the creole poppers appetizer and the Pan Fried Meatloaf with sauteed collard greens and mashed potatoes. The poppers were ok. The Meatloaf was excellent. The mushroom gravy it came with was a great compliment and the loaf was not too bready. Flavorful, seared on the outside, DELICIOUS.
The third time I went I had the crisp wedge salad with blue cheese, tomatoes, radishes and bacon. It was good - but again, something that is hard to mess up. I gave the fried chicken another try - and found it to be much better this time. The meat was not as dry (the breast meat was still a little bit dry though) and it seemed to be a little more crispy and better seasoned. The macaroni was better than I remembered. However, I wouldn't really go out of my way for the fried chicken here. It still wasn't flavorful enough to warrant a trip to try just the fried chicken. Maybe I'm picky (I am, after all, a fried chicken fanatic), but it was "just good." I also had a bite of the dark chocolate cake - which wasn't fantastic.
the barbeque sauce, however, is out of this world.
verdict: yum
range
meal:
1. albacore confit with cucumber, avocado and friarelli peppers (11)
2. local king salmon with baby artichokes, marinated beets, braised fennel and horseradish sauce (21)
also had some very nice wine. the albacore confit was okay, not super tasty although putting everything on butter toasted crostini was nice. entree was good and cooked well, but given the description, the meal was good (just not great). range generally is a good restuarant. all of their dishes live up to 80% of what they are priced and described. you won't leave dissapointed but you will leave wondering when you'll come back and how excited you'll be.
verdict: yum (and 80% of a plus)
1. albacore confit with cucumber, avocado and friarelli peppers (11)
2. local king salmon with baby artichokes, marinated beets, braised fennel and horseradish sauce (21)
also had some very nice wine. the albacore confit was okay, not super tasty although putting everything on butter toasted crostini was nice. entree was good and cooked well, but given the description, the meal was good (just not great). range generally is a good restuarant. all of their dishes live up to 80% of what they are priced and described. you won't leave dissapointed but you will leave wondering when you'll come back and how excited you'll be.
verdict: yum (and 80% of a plus)
7/13/2007
mission beach cafe
...ale...
came a bit late for dinner and did not partake in the wine nor appetizers, but my oh my what a bland pasta. morel mushrooms and brocolli, but overall everything was pretty tasteless. also had sample of not so good french fries.
given the dinner was $12, that is not so bad, but given the quality i'd be much happier with a burrito.
verdict: yuck
came a bit late for dinner and did not partake in the wine nor appetizers, but my oh my what a bland pasta. morel mushrooms and brocolli, but overall everything was pretty tasteless. also had sample of not so good french fries.
given the dinner was $12, that is not so bad, but given the quality i'd be much happier with a burrito.
verdict: yuck
7/02/2007
salt house
... gina & kris ...
appetizers: we had a few raw oysters from the oyster bar, poutine (fries with short rib gravy and vermont cheddar cheese... pretty fantastic) and the baked oysters. poutine was amazing, but then again, pretty hard to mess it up. the baked oysters were so-so.
mains: kris had the tai snapper (snapper with braised red wine calamari and fennel). very interesting flavors - delicious. gina had the petrale sole with english peas, carrots and bacon-brown butter jus. usually the sole is served with fava beans, but it was english peas :( regardless, shit was delicious.
dessert: poppyseed raspberry cake with mint/lime something or other sorbet sauce. kris liked it, but gina thought it was a little dry. we also had corn crust custard tart with blackberries - which was really interesting b/c of the cornmeal crust.
twinsies verdict: yum+ but close to YUM
appetizers: we had a few raw oysters from the oyster bar, poutine (fries with short rib gravy and vermont cheddar cheese... pretty fantastic) and the baked oysters. poutine was amazing, but then again, pretty hard to mess it up. the baked oysters were so-so.
mains: kris had the tai snapper (snapper with braised red wine calamari and fennel). very interesting flavors - delicious. gina had the petrale sole with english peas, carrots and bacon-brown butter jus. usually the sole is served with fava beans, but it was english peas :( regardless, shit was delicious.
dessert: poppyseed raspberry cake with mint/lime something or other sorbet sauce. kris liked it, but gina thought it was a little dry. we also had corn crust custard tart with blackberries - which was really interesting b/c of the cornmeal crust.
twinsies verdict: yum+ but close to YUM
6/26/2007
Universal Cafe
... gina ...
i think that this is my new favorite place. i had the porcini mushroom appetizer (grilled porcini mushrooms, greens, chopped egg, an abundance of oil). DELICIOUS. amit had the flatbread with salami, apricots and some sort of cheese. it was basically a pizza, and was an excellent appetizer. a definite re-do. EXTRA DELICIOUS. i had the short rib entree, which alone would have been very good - but not phenomenal. however, paired with the creamed corn and coleslaw - it was fantastic. plus, it was HUGE. we had the crumble for dessert - which was very good as well.
the service was great, and the restaurant has a great feel to it.
while i do not normally like chicken at restaurants, the chicken here is very good. should definitely give it a try next time around.
verdict: YUM
i think that this is my new favorite place. i had the porcini mushroom appetizer (grilled porcini mushrooms, greens, chopped egg, an abundance of oil). DELICIOUS. amit had the flatbread with salami, apricots and some sort of cheese. it was basically a pizza, and was an excellent appetizer. a definite re-do. EXTRA DELICIOUS. i had the short rib entree, which alone would have been very good - but not phenomenal. however, paired with the creamed corn and coleslaw - it was fantastic. plus, it was HUGE. we had the crumble for dessert - which was very good as well.
the service was great, and the restaurant has a great feel to it.
while i do not normally like chicken at restaurants, the chicken here is very good. should definitely give it a try next time around.
verdict: YUM
Town Hall
... gina ...
Went for lunch on someone else's dime.
Had tuna tartare with fried green tomatoes, pork loin with oyster hash and pot du creme (butterscotch and chocolate creamy stuff).
The tuna tartare was so-so - the fried green tomatoes pairing was a good idea, but wasn't a great match. The pork loin was really juicy and the oyster hash was a great compliment. The pot du creme was rich, and everyone raved about it, but it doesn't really take a lot of talent to make a little pot full of chocolate and butterscotch taste good.
The meal was solid, and nothing was bad - but nothing blew my mind.
verdict: yum
...ale...
i went there awhile ago and had a bunch of appetizers and a main halibut. overall for being so hyped and booked i thought that the meal was a little disappointing. there was a substantial wait to be seated, however while waiting they did give us complimentary soup. pretty classy.
overall good food, but not worth it unless you are looking for someplace decent in the area.
verdict: yum
Went for lunch on someone else's dime.
Had tuna tartare with fried green tomatoes, pork loin with oyster hash and pot du creme (butterscotch and chocolate creamy stuff).
The tuna tartare was so-so - the fried green tomatoes pairing was a good idea, but wasn't a great match. The pork loin was really juicy and the oyster hash was a great compliment. The pot du creme was rich, and everyone raved about it, but it doesn't really take a lot of talent to make a little pot full of chocolate and butterscotch taste good.
The meal was solid, and nothing was bad - but nothing blew my mind.
verdict: yum
...ale...
i went there awhile ago and had a bunch of appetizers and a main halibut. overall for being so hyped and booked i thought that the meal was a little disappointing. there was a substantial wait to be seated, however while waiting they did give us complimentary soup. pretty classy.
overall good food, but not worth it unless you are looking for someplace decent in the area.
verdict: yum
6/25/2007
Farina
... ale ...
ugh, with so much anticipation and cool decor i should have known. this place is a waste of time and is extremely week. strikes: priced higher then delfina, portions are mini mini, for is not tasty in the least. effectively tasteless food for a huge amount and not much of it.
i had some forgettable cheese bread and cured ham. ordered a first plate of ravioli (end of getting 6 tasteless raviolis) of which i could not even tell what that were filled with.
verdict: big time yuck-o
... gina ...
even though i didn't pay a cent for this dinner (per usual, ale lost credit card roulette), this was one of the most disappointing meals i've had in san francisco. we shared a focaccia appetizer, which i liked - but i suspect this was because of the melted cheese. looking at the appetizer objectively, however, it was not fantastic. pretty much paper thin grilled cheese.
i had the halibut entree - which i think was by far the best entree at our table. however, it was entirely mediocre.
frankly, even if they slashed their prices in half... i would not go back. the food was THAT underwhelming.
our server was really nice. i hope she finds a better place to work.
verdict: yuck
ugh, with so much anticipation and cool decor i should have known. this place is a waste of time and is extremely week. strikes: priced higher then delfina, portions are mini mini, for is not tasty in the least. effectively tasteless food for a huge amount and not much of it.
i had some forgettable cheese bread and cured ham. ordered a first plate of ravioli (end of getting 6 tasteless raviolis) of which i could not even tell what that were filled with.
verdict: big time yuck-o
... gina ...
even though i didn't pay a cent for this dinner (per usual, ale lost credit card roulette), this was one of the most disappointing meals i've had in san francisco. we shared a focaccia appetizer, which i liked - but i suspect this was because of the melted cheese. looking at the appetizer objectively, however, it was not fantastic. pretty much paper thin grilled cheese.
i had the halibut entree - which i think was by far the best entree at our table. however, it was entirely mediocre.
frankly, even if they slashed their prices in half... i would not go back. the food was THAT underwhelming.
our server was really nice. i hope she finds a better place to work.
verdict: yuck
6/21/2007
Delfina
...ale...
food - roasted turnips, side of lemon garlic spinach. additionally had some delicious procioutto with nectarine. pretty neat variation of the melon...for main had quail over polenta and house made fennel sausage with some mildly sweet suace. excellent.
total bill was $109, witch a $33 bottle of cabernet franc. really the best deal for such a yum yum meal.
verdict: YUM
... gina ...
i have been here a few times, and have always walked away feeling very pleased.
i've had the salt cod mantecato (cod spread) appetizer twice, and although the first time i LOVED it, the second time i really did not enjoy it. maybe it was the sesame crisps they paired it with.
the pasta is really good.
i don't recall what else i've ordered in the past, but i have to say that this is one of my favorite places in the mission. i will be more diligent in the future in remembering what i ordered.
verdict: yum +
6/18/2007
Maverick
... ale ...
breaded venison, whole onion stuffed with cheese and corn, pea sauce. terribly good. friend chicken also excellent.
class A part of maverick is the wine service. they clean each glass at the table with a tiny bit of your own wine clearing it of lint and any leftover soap taste. fancy clancy.
ale: YUM (big time) plus good deals
... gina & mei ...
some sort of ravioli. some sort of sardines of toast. some sort of pork. maybe.
don't really remember, but it was tasty.
maybe next time would do a bottle instead of flights of wines.
gina: yum+
mei: yum+
breaded venison, whole onion stuffed with cheese and corn, pea sauce. terribly good. friend chicken also excellent.
class A part of maverick is the wine service. they clean each glass at the table with a tiny bit of your own wine clearing it of lint and any leftover soap taste. fancy clancy.
ale: YUM (big time) plus good deals
... gina & mei ...
some sort of ravioli. some sort of sardines of toast. some sort of pork. maybe.
don't really remember, but it was tasty.
maybe next time would do a bottle instead of flights of wines.
gina: yum+
mei: yum+
walzwerk
... gina ...
potato pancake appetizer also very good.
verdict: YUM
... ale ...
overall: good hearty food, big portions, and good prices. $75 for three. two german sisters run this joint. one is hot and nice, the other not hot and not nice.
dada!
4/26/2007
zebu grill
... gina & kris ...
oh my jesus, this place was so good.
picadinho - diced beef w/ poached eggs and rice and beans was very tasty. if gina was a country, this would be the national dish.
kris ordered the musqueca de camarao - shrimps with coconut milk and some veggies. sounds like a pretty girly dish (he generally eats like a girl) but it was delicious. but not as good as gina's national dish.
we had the empanada appetizer (the menu calls it something else) which was very good as well.
definitely one of the better places we've been to in NYC.
gina: YUM
gina speaking for kris: YUM
oh my jesus, this place was so good.
picadinho - diced beef w/ poached eggs and rice and beans was very tasty. if gina was a country, this would be the national dish.
kris ordered the musqueca de camarao - shrimps with coconut milk and some veggies. sounds like a pretty girly dish (he generally eats like a girl) but it was delicious. but not as good as gina's national dish.
we had the empanada appetizer (the menu calls it something else) which was very good as well.
definitely one of the better places we've been to in NYC.
gina: YUM
gina speaking for kris: YUM
babbo
... gina & kris ...
the korean word for stupid idiot is "babbo"
interesting.
we went to babbo last night and were very underwhelmed.
black spaghetti with rock shrimp and sausage was good, but not any better than a regular pasta place. maybe we liked it so much simply because it wasn't lamb's tongue.
speaking of lamb's tongue. it was a lamb's tongue. scarred for life.
i liked the grilled octopus with lemon vinagrette, it was my favorite dish. i don't know if kris had a favorite dish. maybe the water?
the beef cheek ravioli might have tasted better had it just been filled with cheese and truffles. save the beef cheeks and liver for someone who cares.
mint love letters were regular raviolis with mint in them. couldn't taste the sausage, but maybe that's because we still had PTLTS (post traumatic lambs tongue syndrome). totally overrated.
we had the saffron panna cotta for dessert which was good, but again, what is all the fuss about?
let this be a lesson to stick with what we know and like. we're too old to try new things.
although it's pretty much sacrilege, our verdict is:
gina: YUCK
kris: YUCK
the korean word for stupid idiot is "babbo"
interesting.
we went to babbo last night and were very underwhelmed.
black spaghetti with rock shrimp and sausage was good, but not any better than a regular pasta place. maybe we liked it so much simply because it wasn't lamb's tongue.
speaking of lamb's tongue. it was a lamb's tongue. scarred for life.
i liked the grilled octopus with lemon vinagrette, it was my favorite dish. i don't know if kris had a favorite dish. maybe the water?
the beef cheek ravioli might have tasted better had it just been filled with cheese and truffles. save the beef cheeks and liver for someone who cares.
mint love letters were regular raviolis with mint in them. couldn't taste the sausage, but maybe that's because we still had PTLTS (post traumatic lambs tongue syndrome). totally overrated.
we had the saffron panna cotta for dessert which was good, but again, what is all the fuss about?
let this be a lesson to stick with what we know and like. we're too old to try new things.
although it's pretty much sacrilege, our verdict is:
gina: YUCK
kris: YUCK
2/18/2007
Jean Georges
... gina & kris ...
Crapentine's day lunch
prix fixe: $28 for two courses ($12 for additional courses)
desserts: $8
Kris: yum+
Gina: yum+ (some parts were YUM, but some were just yum+)
hamachi appetizer made kris angry. peekytoe crab was delicious. gulf shrimp with frothy butternut something was delicious. venison was very good. fish with lemon spaetzle and portobello crips was interesting. scallops with roasted cauliflower was good but not amazing.
desserts were great - themed certain flavors and wonderful.
wine is really expensive here.
Crapentine's day lunch
prix fixe: $28 for two courses ($12 for additional courses)
desserts: $8
Kris: yum+
Gina: yum+ (some parts were YUM, but some were just yum+)
hamachi appetizer made kris angry. peekytoe crab was delicious. gulf shrimp with frothy butternut something was delicious. venison was very good. fish with lemon spaetzle and portobello crips was interesting. scallops with roasted cauliflower was good but not amazing.
desserts were great - themed certain flavors and wonderful.
wine is really expensive here.
2/13/2007
Mae's Phinney Ridge Cafe
... gina & kris ...
Kris: YUM
Gina: YUM
Vegetarian scramble (broccoli, garlic, scrambled eggs) is AWESOME. Eggs benedict is very good. Greek omelette is very good (Paul ordered it when Gina was not there). Biscuits and gravy is pretty good. Pancakes are so so.
march 07 update: for some reason, the vegetarian scramble was not nearly as good. not much egg - not enough garlic. the eggs benedict was much better than ususal. interesting.
Kris: YUM
Gina: YUM
Vegetarian scramble (broccoli, garlic, scrambled eggs) is AWESOME. Eggs benedict is very good. Greek omelette is very good (Paul ordered it when Gina was not there). Biscuits and gravy is pretty good. Pancakes are so so.
march 07 update: for some reason, the vegetarian scramble was not nearly as good. not much egg - not enough garlic. the eggs benedict was much better than ususal. interesting.
Carmelita
... gina & kris ...
Krissy Poo: YUM
Geenie Poo: YUM
Roasted cauliflower soup, some sort of blue cheese appetizer, Risotto cakes main, Leek and gruyere tart main, chocolate muck muck dessert.
Tart was very underwhelming. Risotto cakes very good. Muck muck was yum yum.
Krissy Poo: YUM
Geenie Poo: YUM
Roasted cauliflower soup, some sort of blue cheese appetizer, Risotto cakes main, Leek and gruyere tart main, chocolate muck muck dessert.
Tart was very underwhelming. Risotto cakes very good. Muck muck was yum yum.
Herbfarm
... gina & kris ...
Have almost no recollection of what we ate, except it was "Truffle Treasure" themed.
Absolutely the best meal either of us have ever had.
Clearly, triple YUM
Have almost no recollection of what we ate, except it was "Truffle Treasure" themed.
Absolutely the best meal either of us have ever had.
Clearly, triple YUM
Stumbling Goat
... gina & kris ...
Kris: yum+
Gina: yum+
Kris' birthday dinner. Creamy parsnip and leek with truffle oil soup, duck breast and fleur de maquis (cheese) appetizer, oyster pan roast main and berkshire pork chop main.
stuffed berkshire pork was disappointing. oyster pan roast was AWESOME. soup and duck breast appetizer were both also very tasty.
Kris: yum+
Gina: yum+
Kris' birthday dinner. Creamy parsnip and leek with truffle oil soup, duck breast and fleur de maquis (cheese) appetizer, oyster pan roast main and berkshire pork chop main.
stuffed berkshire pork was disappointing. oyster pan roast was AWESOME. soup and duck breast appetizer were both also very tasty.
Metisse
105 and Broadway
... gina & kris ...
Captain: yum+
FM: yum+
Brunch: Oeufs Cocottes (roasted eggs in clay dish with cream and swiss cheese), Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is very good - eggs poached just right and hollaindaise very tasty. Potato side for eggs benedict was weak (in gina's opinion) and good (in kris' opinion... but what does he know).
Oeufs Cocottes is a guaranteed tummy ache but yummy. Mashed potato side kind of ill suited for the dish, so ask for something different.
Service was SLOW. Like VERY SLOW.
Orange juice was yuck.
... gina & kris ...
Captain: yum+
FM: yum+
Brunch: Oeufs Cocottes (roasted eggs in clay dish with cream and swiss cheese), Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is very good - eggs poached just right and hollaindaise very tasty. Potato side for eggs benedict was weak (in gina's opinion) and good (in kris' opinion... but what does he know).
Oeufs Cocottes is a guaranteed tummy ache but yummy. Mashed potato side kind of ill suited for the dish, so ask for something different.
Service was SLOW. Like VERY SLOW.
Orange juice was yuck.
Ipanema
Near Times Square
... gina & kris ...
DDH: YUM
Smarter than DDH: YUM
Gina's birthday dinner.
Pork chops main, three steaks (don't remember name) main, crab with cheese appetizer, fried somethings appetizer, passionfruit mousse. bunch of random sides.
very yum. the steak main course was amazing. the passionfruit mousse was very strong. the pork chops sauce was garlicky and good. kris liked the fried somethings.
... gina & kris ...
DDH: YUM
Smarter than DDH: YUM
Gina's birthday dinner.
Pork chops main, three steaks (don't remember name) main, crab with cheese appetizer, fried somethings appetizer, passionfruit mousse. bunch of random sides.
very yum. the steak main course was amazing. the passionfruit mousse was very strong. the pork chops sauce was garlicky and good. kris liked the fried somethings.
Barmarche
14 spring street
... gina & kris ...
DDH: yum
SmartHead: yum+
Tilefish main, Baby Lamb main, side of fries, chocolate cake dessert.
french fries were very good (came with chipotle mayo)
... gina & kris ...
DDH: yum
SmartHead: yum+
Tilefish main, Baby Lamb main, side of fries, chocolate cake dessert.
french fries were very good (came with chipotle mayo)
V&T
... gina & kris ...
Captain: yum+
FM: yum+
pepperoni pizza (always) and anything with pink sauce are awesome.
chicken dishes a little expensive for what they are.
bread is also awesome (but you don't have to order it, duh, so fm's suggestion that this review of bread be included is dumb)
Captain: yum+
FM: yum+
pepperoni pizza (always) and anything with pink sauce are awesome.
chicken dishes a little expensive for what they are.
bread is also awesome (but you don't have to order it, duh, so fm's suggestion that this review of bread be included is dumb)
Columbia Cottage
Captain: yum
FM: yum
Had pork buns, sweet and sour soup and sesame chicken.
FM thinks it was just right spicy (you have to ask for it) and just right deep fried.
right price.
FM: yum
Had pork buns, sweet and sour soup and sesame chicken.
FM thinks it was just right spicy (you have to ask for it) and just right deep fried.
right price.
A
107 & Columbus
... gina & kris ...
2h: yum+
Smartie: yum+
shared white truffle terrine appetizer, jerk chicken main course & duck confit main course, apple tart dessert & mango mousse dessert)
the terrine was particularly good. the mousse was very good as well.
the service was great and the price is right.
---
visit on 10/5
A has moved locations (one block away) and has expanded. still the same vibe, but they will be getting a liquor license soon.
i had the baked pear with roquefort cheese and honey. it was ok, but not mind blowing. one of my friends had the grilled avocado appetizer - which was actually not good at all.
i had the duck confit with marmalade and orange peppercorn reduction - and it was REALLY good. by far the best duck confit i've ever had. not too rich, and the peppercorns added a great kick. the duck itself was cooked incredibly well - crispy skin, but not dry at all.
i also tried the squab pate - which was good as well.
the chicken was so-so.
... gina & kris ...
2h: yum+
Smartie: yum+
shared white truffle terrine appetizer, jerk chicken main course & duck confit main course, apple tart dessert & mango mousse dessert)
the terrine was particularly good. the mousse was very good as well.
the service was great and the price is right.
---
visit on 10/5
A has moved locations (one block away) and has expanded. still the same vibe, but they will be getting a liquor license soon.
i had the baked pear with roquefort cheese and honey. it was ok, but not mind blowing. one of my friends had the grilled avocado appetizer - which was actually not good at all.
i had the duck confit with marmalade and orange peppercorn reduction - and it was REALLY good. by far the best duck confit i've ever had. not too rich, and the peppercorns added a great kick. the duck itself was cooked incredibly well - crispy skin, but not dry at all.
i also tried the squab pate - which was good as well.
the chicken was so-so.
2/11/2007
Absolute Bagels
108 & Broadway
... gina & kris ...
Captain: YUM
FM: yum+
whole wheat bagel with bacon and cheddar cream cheese, plain bagel with garlic & chive cream cheese, egg bagel.
bacon and cheddar cream cheese was strange. egg bagel was not crispy on outside (don't know if that is because it was the actual bagel or the cooking).
everything else was DELICIOUS. DELICIOUS.
... gina & kris ...
Captain: YUM
FM: yum+
whole wheat bagel with bacon and cheddar cream cheese, plain bagel with garlic & chive cream cheese, egg bagel.
bacon and cheddar cream cheese was strange. egg bagel was not crispy on outside (don't know if that is because it was the actual bagel or the cooking).
everything else was DELICIOUS. DELICIOUS.
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