Eat Here. Or Not.

Madison, WI: Nostrano

2011-06-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

This quirky little space near the state capitol provided not only a cool ambiance, but really wonderful food as well. Quirky in the sense of the space's aesthetic [think almost Zuni Cafe in San Francisco], and the menu, but both in a very good way. The food was engaging without being fussy, and fresh and locally sourced as well.

I started with a spring radish salad, with both the greens and the radishes from the chef's garden. I will admit to a fondness for radishes, so it was a must have for me. The greens were a varied mixture, the sliced radishes crunchy, and the chive vinaigrette flavorful without being overpowering. There was a crouton made from sunflower bread, topped with a local goat cheese to complete the plate. The flavors worked well together and the dish was a success, with my only complaint being that the greens were tepid and somewhat limp. But the flavors were there, and that was a minor misstep.

For the main course I had a roasted squab, served with braised cabbage, buckwheat spatzle, and trumpet mushrooms, and foie gras. The squab was perfection, crisp on the outside and rosy red in the middle. The base of the dish, the spatzle,cabbage, mushroom concoction [almost a ragout, really] was excellent ... I could have eaten it as a main course. The foie gras, for me, was a gratuitous addition to the plate, not really melding with anything, just a cold chunk placed on top of the rest of the things on the plate. And, you now how much I like my foie [I'll risk a gout attack for some], but it really made no sense with the rest of the ingredients.

For dessert, a chocolate crema,served with buckwheat pizzelle, poached cherries [dried and fresh, poached in a cherry beer that was AMAZING], and a cherry gelato. AS much as I liked everything else, this was the best thing that I ate hands down. The combination of flavors and textures and temperature really played well off of each other, and I wanted more.

This is a stylish little restaurant in the capitol district and I highly recommend it. The servers were engaging, the space interesting, and the food held up its end of the equation as well. If you're in Madison, check it out.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Philadelphia: Amada

2011-06-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

What a find . . . a perfectly beautiful and delicous tapas bar in the Society Hill area of Philadelphia, within walking distance of my hotel. I discovered it by accident as I was taking an afternoon walk around the historic areas near the hotel [remember Paul and the ride and . . . oh wait, what was he saying or doing Ms Palin?], and it was a perfect stop. Dark wood, a friendly bar, engaging staff, and beautiful food. So, here are the details:

Sangria Blanca to start, crisp white wine with pears, apples, and pineapple . . . refreshing, juicy and a great accompaniment to both the warm sunshine outside and the beautful food inside. And the food was beautful, true tapas on small plates, artfully arranged and perfectly spiced.

I started with a white asparagus gaspacho, served with a small, crisp, hot crab cake in the center of the bowl as the server spashed the pale green nectar around. Perfectly seasoned, smooth and delicous. And, close to the best gaspacho I've ever had. I almost ordered a second serving.

Then a tortilla with red pepper aoli, spicy and just right. The tortilla itself was a little bland, but the sauce made up for it.

A close second to the gaspacho was an amazing diver scallop [huge], butter poached, then seared. It was served with an orange aoli, finely sliced fennel and a minute lobster croquette. Amazing to look at, and an amazing combination on the palate.

I highly recommend Amada for a snack, drink, or a full meal. Everything about it was good, and its a real find in and around the tourist area of historic Philadelphia. If you're on the American heritage tour checking out Independence Hall, take a detour to Spain and enjoy this great spot.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Minneapolie: Restaurant Alma

2011-05-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I ate at Restaurant Alma, a nondiscript neighborhood place that is easy to miss when driving by ... watch carefully. The space is sleek, yet warm and the staff an equal mix of urban hipster and welcoming charm. I was, in fact, blown away by the entire evening and can highly recommend a visit to this gem of a spot. The menu changes regularly, so what I'm describing here may not be available when you visit, but I have confidence that what you order will be equally wonderful. The tasting menu is a reasonable $48 and includes three selections, one from each section of the menu. The choices were varied and would, to my mind, accommodate a variety of preferences. For my dinner I had:

First Course: salmon tartar with avocado, baby basil and cavier creme fraiche. The dish was beautifully presented and went well with the cava that the bartender recommended. The salmon was clean tasting and the creme and basil offered nice counterpoints to its texture and flavor. The only down side to this dish was a not mentioned on the menu parmesean tuile, crushed and added as a layer on top of the tartar. I found it to be overpowering in flavor and distracting in texture, an addition that subtracted rather than enhanced the whole. Scrap it off and enjoy everything else.

Second Course: white corn polenta with mushroom stew and spring vegetables can only be described as PERFECT. The polenta was puffy and creamy, the mushrooms deeply flavored and the shower of al dente spring vegetables a perfect compliment. I could have eaten two or three portions of this dish, it was truly amazing and maybe the best polenta I've ever eaten. I want more!

Third Course: gently cooked trout with crispy artichokes, orange, and rosemay butter was also close to perfection. The fileted trout was beautifully cooked and the crispy artichokes were amazing, deep fried and crisp without being battered. The citrus balanced the plate well and cut the richness of the rosemary butter nicely. Wonderful.

Dessert: I wasn't going to, but there was a lemon souffle cake that sounded to good to miss, and I made the right choice. The chilled souffle was light and etheral, with some excellent lemon curd too boot. It was a perfect ending to an unexpectedly wonderful meal.

Now, about the staff, they were as good as the food. Charming, engaging and clearly proud of the food and the restaurant. Ready to offer suggestions, pair wine and generally make things happen. On this particular evening there was a big storm that droppend marble sized hail stones on the street and a funnel cloud threatened to form on the horizon ... the bartender poured me more wine and told me not to worry. And I didn't.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Portland: Driftwood Room at the Hotel deLuxe

2011-03-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of the coolest bars in Portland . . . dark, intimate, and feeling like you've just entered the set of Mad Men. Or, maybe Bewitched . . . seems like you could run into Larry, Louise, Samantha and Darrin having a cocktail here on any night. There is a great happy hour menu, with interesting choices that are beyond the usual burger/fries/olives at some other places. My personal favorite is the savory gorgonzola cheesecake, served warm with roasted garlic and bread. It is close to perfect.

The down side of this place is the service, which can only be described as disorganized. There dosen's seem to be a particular server assigned to any given table, it all feels pretty random. And, maybe because of that, nobody takes responsiblity for checking in, taking orders, delivering drinks and food. On our evening one of the bartenders came over and took our drink order, then disappeared. Eventually the drinks arrived, but we had to flag someone down to order the above mentioned cheesecake. Someone else brought the cheesecake, and we asked her for another drink. Ten minutes went by and no drink, so when the original bartender walked by we asked about it and he was like 'oh, yeah' and walked over to the bar and brought the drink to the table . . . it had been sitting there all along and nobody bothered to deliver it. Disorganized and less than concerned about service, that's the take here.

Oh, and one more thing . . . my companion ordered this way: "I'd like a Bombay martini with three olives" and the bartender responded "What kind of vodka do you want?". Really? The BARTENDER? My personal soapbox is that a martini IS gin with a whisper of vermouth . . . and olives! You want onions with that? Then order a Gibson. And if I had wanted vodka, I would have ordered a VODKA MARTINI. Oh, and just because it is served in a martini shell doesn't make it a martini . . . so take your chocolate, pomegranate, coffee and cheese flavored drink and enjoy it . . . but don't call it a martini. OK, getting down off the soapbox now.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Good bye ten01

2011-01-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

So last night I was walking with friends to one of my favorite Portland restaurants, ten01. We got there and found it closed, but peering through the glass it wasn't just closed, it was gone. Fixtures dismantled, boxes on the floor, glassware packed away. This elegant space, with its well prepared and forward thinking food, was one of my favoirtes, and a real gem in the Pearl District. Apparently they planned to be closed January 1 & 2 and just never came back. This is a blow to the neighborhood and the Portland dining scene, and I only wish the best to wonderful staff who always took such good care of me. I'll remember the food and experiences for a long time ... especially the spectacular mini ice cream sandwiches made with maple cookies and candied bacon ice cream from one New Year's Eve. Cheers!

Colorado Springs: The Broadmoor Hotel

2010-11-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

This was my first time staying at the Broadmoor and for years I have been hearing about how wonderful it was and I figured it was so much hype. But, from the moment I checked in I was blown away. Everything was perfect, from the grounds to public areas and finally to the spectacular room. Beautifully decorated in a classic style that is at once understated and opulent. The whole resort was amazing . . . everything was well thought out, with a nod to the history of this fabled place. The variety of restaurants was also very cool, from casual to four star, and everything in between. All in all I wanted to just have my clothes shipped in and stay forever.

And one more thing, the staff was the best I have ever encountered . . . friendly, professional, and engaging. Complimenting the hotel ambience of the hotel and extending the experience. Start to finish a perfect experience.

San Pedro, CA: Think! Bistro

2010-10-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is a promising looking establishment in a strip mall, warmly decorated and inviting from the outside. An older couple, seemingly the owners, greated us at the door and we were immediately seated. The menu was eclectic and interesting, with some classics that were right up my alley. Then the food came. It was a disaster for everyone at my table.

I started with a beet salad served with hearts of palm and goat cheese. The beets were large, flat slices with the texture of wet paper towels, either canned or boilded to death. The hearts of palm were OK, but nothing done to them except opening the can. For my entree I had beef stroganoff . . . it was served over spaghetti noodles and seemed to have been made using a hamburger helper mix. It was truly awful. Another member of my party had the boullibase, a favorite of her's, and she left most if it describing it as overcooked shellfish with jared marinara sauce dumped over it. Nothing even close to the real dish. And finally a potato crusted halibut, a very thin filet of some kind of white fish. Overcooked with a soggy potato crust.

This dining experience was a complete waste of calories and time, nasty food and inattentive service. I would have rather had fast food. Stay away, stay away this is not worth the investment of either your time or money.

EatHereOrNot: NOT

Bedford, MA: Flatbread Company

2010-04-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

So here I am in Bedford on a Monday night, craving pizza after checking in to the hotel in an area where there is nothing visible around in terms of food [or anything, for that matter]. The front desk person vaguely pointed in a direction that there were restaurants and off I drove into the night. Random, really, that I found Flatbread, its in an office park kind of place with two other restaurants and barely visible from the road, but find it I did and went inside. They had actually closed for the evening, the ovens weren't hot enough to bake a pie, but the manager set me up with a great salad and I went back to the hotel happy. The next evening I went back for pizza [you can see that I was focused] and it was a great decision.

The restaurant is large, sleek in a funky kind of way, with an open kitchen and wood fired ovens. The ingredients are organic and locally sourced when possible, and the beers on tap from the area as well. Casual, but not without thought to both food and service, this was a very cool local place and popular with the community. The pizza was great, thin and crispy crusts on the pizzas [my favorite] and well balanced, housemade topping. I had a sausage pie with caramelized onions and it was close to perfect. The sausage was excellent and the portion not stingy. There is a nice selection of salads as well, organic greens with with goat cheese and vegetables, and a very nice berry vinaigrette to top things off. And some not-to-bad brownies as well, a great casual dinner on a midweek evening.

The focus here is on not only the food, but the community, and its very cool. The night I was there they were doing a benefit for a local high school, and the place was packed with happy pizza munchers. Good energy for a Tuesday night. Of course, regardless of how good the food may be, it is the staff who can make or break an establishment and on this count it is definitely a 'make'. The manager, Sean, was personable and welcoming, even in the heat of a very busy evening, making sure that everyone was taken care of an included. He has an infectious energy that kept the staff smiling and the pizzas flying out of the kitchen. The only negative thing that I can say is that the place isn't well marked, if you don't know what you're looking for you could easily drive right by .. . a sign please? Great place for a casual evening, go in and tell Sean that I sent you.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Painter [Eastern Shore]: VA: Big's Place

2010-03-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

What a great find! Way out on the Eastern Shore ... you'd drive right by if you weren't paying attention ... and by all means, PAY ATTENTION. Open for lunch and dinner, the very casual menu features wonderfully fresh seafood, just pulled from the bay, and a great selection of sides to round out the meal. The room is not large, so you may have to wait, and some of the larger tables are used for communal dining, a good way to meet the locals people and make new friends. Just enjoy!

I had the best fried scallops that I have ever eaten, crisp and brown on the outside and wonderfully sweet and tender on the inside. I could have eaten a pound of them, but the side dishes called my name and I couldn't decide ... so I had several. Deviled eggs, Cole slaw [not flavored enough for my taste], macaroni salad, and excellent fried potatoes and onions. With sweet tea, of course. It was a perfect lunch and had me smiling all the way back to the Norfolk airport for my flight. This is a classic country/shore place that deserves a trip out of the way for a visit. And don't forget the orange blossom cake!

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Portland: Hotel50: H50 bistro and bar

2010-03-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

What a great spot! Sometimes a place is a real find, the kind of surprise that puts a long lasting smile on your face, and that is what H50 did on three visits. The sleek restaurant and bar are in the Hotel50 on the Portland waterfront, the new incarnation of a dismal Sheraton 5 Points and its even worse predecessor the Riverfront Hotel. Someone with real imagination and flair took the place from dismal to spectacular in a recent renovation, all glass and wood and sparkle that vanquishes the image of everything that went before in this building. Not just a remodel, but a reinvention of the highest order. The bar is beautiful and the staff is welcoming, and the food hits all the right notes without being overwrought. So, here are the highlights:

Braised pork belly served with French toast, seared figs and a savory maple glaze was amazing. Way too rich, just as it should have been, and I could have eaten more but thought better of it. A great combination of flavors and textures that looked wonderful on the plate. An intriguing wild mushroom rice pudding was a very interesting take on the classic sweet version, and though I'm not a rice pudding fan, this was good stuff. Tuna tartar cones, crisp cones filled with tuna, lemon zest, chives, capers and mustard were perfect, reminiscent of those at the French Laundry without the year-long wait for a reservation. And finally, smoked salmon fritters. You know how much I like smoked salmon, and here it was in a fritter deep fried . . . and fried anything is my friend. The parsley cream on the plate was a good counterpoint to the richness of the fritters, and made the plate look great as well. Last but not least, a venison burger on a house made bud with an apple and endive slaw . . . a friend ordered this and I stole most of it. Venison burger? Yes! I ventured beyond my usual wine here and had drink called Pamelo, pepper infused vodka with grapefruit juice. Bring me another, please!

You know its hard for me, but I really don't have anything bad to say about this place except that its location makes parking tough. But its worth the effort and a long walk if necessary to visit this new gem in downtown Portland. Go, more than once, and enjoy this inventive food in a beautiful location. And send your kudos back to the shy but charming Chef Nicholas Yanes, he's doing a great job and needs to hear it. Maybe he'll even make an appearance in the front of the house.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Greenville, SC: High Cotton

2010-02-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

This is a beautiful new restaurant in the downtown area of Greenville that offers some twists on Southern cooking with excellent results. The space is huge, three levels, and well appointed. It reminded me in a vague way of the original Palomino in Seattle; polished, interesting light fixtures, glass. The service on both visits was excellent, with particular kudos the the bartender for an excellent martini and good conversation. I tried several menu items and enjoyed them all, with the exception of what I thought was going to be wonderful: smoked bacon hollandaise, which turned out to be heavy and rather bland. Maybe it was a bad day for the sauce chef. Some of the good things inclued a black-eyed pea hummus [a nice changes from the usual], pork belly tacos with a green tomato pico de gallo [what a concept], and a tuna tartar stuffed avacado with a tasty ginger and shallot dressing. An iceberg wedge was tricked out with fried green tomatoes and an excellent buttermilk blue cheese dressing and was pretty perfect. Good things all around.

The entree standouts included wild American shrimp and grits that included smoked chicken andouille, leeks, and charred tomatoes. I put in Tabasco, but that's just me as I think grits should have some heat. Also an excellent grilled pork chop that was served with a black-eyed pea ‘cassoulet’ that was a flavorful intrepertation of the original dish. Both plates were well balanced in terms of flavors and textures and fit in nicely with the concept.

Desserts were less successful, pretty pedestrian actually and a disappointing end to the meals. Seems like most of the inventive thought went into the other food on the menu. Oh well.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Greenville, SC: Sticky Fingers BBQ

2010-02-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

Greenville is a nice town with a very cool restored downtown area that is charming and has a number of nice restaurants [and a surprising number of people asking for handouts . . . what's up with that?]. So today was a Sunday and I was disappointed in the number of what looked like great spots that were closed, but you know I like me some BBQ so I settled on Sticky Fingers. What a disappointment!!! The only thing that was good was the beer, everything else was average at best. The ribs looked promising, but the sauce was bland and boring. The mac'n'cheese tasted as if it came from a box and used that nacho cheese stuff rather than real cheese, and the baked beans were tepid. How can this happen in the heartland of BBQ? Then there was the service [or lack there of] . . . I sat at the bar, which is usually a good thing. Not here. The bartender was distracted by everything, including the TV. I had to ask for water, and after the food arrived had to ask for silverware. When I asked for the check and put out my card I actually had to ask him to process the card as he was leaving the area on some other distraction. This place has a prime location in the main street in downtown Greenville and is a prime disappointment. Don't waste your time or the calories, you'd be better off with room service at the hotel.

EatHereOrNot: NOT

Ilios: Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort: Fortlauderdale, Florida

2010-01-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

So here I am in Fort Lauderdale on a Thursday night . . . what else is new. Been in Florida for a week, and didn't want to go out of the hotel for dinner, so I got on the elevator and rode down to Ilios. The menu looked interesting in a fusion-ish kind of way, so it seemed worth a try. Its an "interesting" environment . . . these weird faux bamboo things as a kind of room divider . . . some beautiful glass . . . bad fabric on the cushions . . . strange bar seating . . . BUT some friendly people behind the bar. But on to the food, which sounded like a good thing, but . . .

First up was the BBQ shrimp with avacado salad . . . this was just weird. There were three large shrimp, but two of them were shelled and the third had shell and head intact, was that a choice or mistake. Either was it was strange. The avacado salad was really just chunky guacamole, not particularly well seasoned. Some chips would have been a nice addition. Next up a 'tomato bisque' . . . now when I think of bisque I think that there will be some dairy products involved. This was like eating marinara sauce, perhaps just out of a jar from the supermarket. It was billed to be served with a 'proscuito profiterole' . . . which was a tiny cold-cheese-filled cream puff thing, with no trace of ham . . . and tepid at best. Not interesting, and again it was was like pasta sauce in a bowl. Finally, the best of the evening, was a blood orange and pistachio salad. Interesting flavors, fresh and clean, and a nice composition. A fairly strange meal at the bar, but nice guys behind the bar to chat with, so it wasn't a total loss.

All in all, this place was a South Beach wanna be . . . Fort Lauderdale as the step sister to glamerous Miami. A strange duo spining boring tunes, looking like small fish in an even smaller pond, bad lighting and all. This place should just admit that its not South Beach and go with it . . . trying way to hard to be hip and not making it. All in all an OK evening, weird but OK. Would I go again? Perhaps for the entertainment value?

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

Ashland, OR: Oregon Shakespeare Festival

2009-10-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

OK, so I know this is supposed to be about food and all . . . but the occasional detour can be a good thing. I have been attending the OSF for a bunch of years [more than I'd like to admit] and its always a good time, with some occasionally brilliant theater, and always something to talk about. This year was no exception, but it felt that overall the level of theater was elevated and there was more to think about, even where it wasn't expected, which is a good thing. I was able to see all of the productions that were running during my visit, so here are my snapshot reviews of each of them:

The Music Man: well, I was not looking forward to this old chestnut, but went more out of curiosity than anything else . . . too many community theater productions had numbed me to the real possibilities of this work. In a word, this production was wonderful. Nuanced, playful and rollickingly entertaining. The focus was more on the transformation of the town than on the developing love story, and the wonderful set and costumes, that moved from drab grey tones to brilliant color as the play progressed, fully supported that view. Michael Elich, as Professor Harold Hill, was outstanding in every way, a real star turn [and a surprise for me, I didn't think he had it in him]. The disappointment for me in an otherwise strong cast was Gwendolyn Mulamba as Marian Paroo . . . for me, she just didn't click with the other cast members, stiff and arch when saying her lines and her singing voice lacked warmth. Other than that, this was a wonderful evening in the theater, and would be a great introduction to the American musical to the younger audience member.

Equivocation: this was the jewel of the season, a truly spectacular event that had me fully engaged from start to finish. The small cast, each playing multiple roles, was at the top of their game and this world premier should be around for a long time. Challenging and yet fun, taunt and at times playful this is what good theater should be and often is not. Special kudos to the exceptionally talented [and HOT] John Tufts, who really came into his own at OSF with this performance. RUN to see this production. HURRY.

Macbeth: without giving anything away, the Scottish play is referenced in the above mentioned Equivocation and the potential here for an equally stunning production of this companion piece are mind blowing. Unfortunately, this production of MacB was AWFUL. Its one of my favorites in the canon, and I was excited to see it again and almost, really almost, walked out at the intermission. The cast never seemed to talk TO one another, they just spouted lines in any direction and MacB himself bellowed and thrashed without ever engaging. What an amazing waste of talent, and since there were so many talented actors on the stage it must be the fault of the director or vision, because something here was really wrong. The set was interesting, the costumes serviceable [and sometimes beautiful] but nothing ever clicked. And this far into the season things should have been perfect if they were ever going to be. A big disappointment.

The Servant of Two Masters: a screwball comedy played in various Venetian locales at a fever pitch, this was just plain fun. Wonderful costumes, broad performances, fast paced and with perfect timing to tie everything together this little play had me laughing out loud more than once. A big dose of the giggles all around, well done.

All's Well That Ends Well: in this interesting production a new character, The Clown, was introduced by the director to help the story unfold and act as a kind of ground between the present and the fable on stage. The play was well acted, with some truly touching moments and represents what OSF does exceedingly well. And, we got to see more of Mr Tufts, [but not as much as when he wore some great tights as Romeo, but I digress] which is always a good thing.

Don Quixote: every few years something on the Elizabethan stage catches the imagination . . . of cast, crew and audience . . . and takes on a joyful life of its own. That is the case here, a truly inventive production with strong performances all around, and at its core a revelatory performance by Armando Duran as Quixote. Fully believable, as he completely inhabited the character, Duran seemed to be having as much fun as the audience in discovering each new adventure. This has to be one of my very favorite OSF productions of all time, and I've seen a bunch of them, and I'm smiling now at the memory. By turns touching, beautiful, rousing and funny, this production had it all. BRAVO!

This production had only one flaw, that being the actor Terri McMahon . . . even in a very small role she brought the proceedings to a screaching halt wtih her wooden delivery and pasted on smile. The only upside here is that she had a very small role . . . why is she even on stage at OSF at all? Ever?

Paradise Lost: is, after all, Clifford Odets, so we know from the start that there will be no tap dancing or happy talk going on. What must be accomplished is keeping the focus on the story and not letting the whole enterprise sink under its own weight. That this production was engrossing throughout is testament to the fine work of the ensemble, keeping the pace brisk and the characters believable. Linda Alper was, as always, amazing. Particularly so in this difficult role in a tough play. Richard Elmore, another OSF veteran, brought a quiet dignity to a truly sad role that under girds the action of the play. While I won't say that I enjoyed this outing, its not fun, I did come away moved and challenged and that is in the end all we can ask. Well done.

Much Ado About Nothing: this charming and well known story, in the hands of the marvelous OSF company, is nothing short of a romp. As giddy and head spinning as first love in this WWII setting, with the dark undercurrent never far away. As Beatrice and Benedick, Robynn Rodriguez and David Kelly were perfectly matched and sizzled every time they were on stage together. I would have gladly watched it again if I could have stayed in Ashland another night. The whole production felt like a gift from OSF to its gleeful audience, tied with a sparkling bow of laughter that will not soon be forgotten.

Henry VIII: there is a reason that this play is not often produced, its not very good. But for all its shortcomings it allowed OSF to do what it does best . . . pageantry. Beautiful set pieces framing the action, spectacular costumes and strong performances make this a full evening, if wanting in content. The luminous Vilma Silva as Queen Katherine was amazing, but more than anything its the 'show' that drives here . . . consider it a postcard from another time and enjoy the view.

The bottom line is GET OUT AND SUPPORT LIVE THEATER . . . whether in your home town, at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, or on Broadway. Its our cultural treasure and we need to support and encourage its growth.

Nebraska State Fair

2009-08-29T15:48:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just need to say YES to all kinds of bad food . . . bad in a good way, of course. I spent today eating my way through the Nebraska State Fair in Lincoln on a beautiful late summer day. The focus here is fried things and things on sticks . . . sometimes fried things on sticks . . . and everything I ate was wonderful in a way only fair food can be. So, here are the highlights:

Hot Beef Sundae [yes, you read correctly]: garlic mashed potatoes, sliced roast beef, more mashed potatoes, brown gravy, cheddar cheese and a cherry tomato on top. Its like a roast beef dinner in a sundae bowl and it was GOOD! I could have eaten two, but wanted to save room for other treats. I had never seen anything like this before and hope that it makes its way to the Oregon State Fair in the future.

Deep Fried Peach on a Stick: oh yeah baby! A fresh peach, impaled on a stick, dipped in funnel cake batter and plopped in the hot fat. Crispy and hot, the peach warm and sweet, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for good measure. Who thinks of this stuff!

Pineapple Whip: I'm not actually sure what this stuff is ... frozen pineapple stuff, kind of like ice cream, but not. Lighter in texture and full of pineapple flavor. Because its cold and light and tastes like fruit, it seems that it should be on the healthy side of the spectrum. But remember, this is the fair, so I'm sure its as full of empty calories and fat as everything else. And, its good!

Deep Fried Oreos: another fried revelation, oreo cookies dipped in batter, fried, then covered with some whipped cream when served. Crunchy, chocolaty, gooey and perfect.

Corn Dogs: who doesn't love a corn dog! They have gotten a bad rap because of the Costco/supermarket premade abominations. But a well made corn dog, dipped in the batter and lowered into the hot fat right in front of you, well, this is another story. Hot and crisp, flavorful corn bread batter and a good hot dog . . . dinner on a stick just in need of a slather of mustard and we're set. More fair goodness.

Deep Fried Twinkies: well, why not . . . frying makes everything better and a twinkie is no exception. Crispy, the outer layer of cake almost caramelized, and the filling [what is that stuff, anyway] warm and gooey. Again I ask, who thinks of this stuff!!

Lemonade: gotta have something to drink, and freshly squeezed is a fair staple and very good. Tart and cold, its the perfect thing to wash down the other tasty treats and refresh the palate in preparation for more fatty fun.

Don't tell the cardiologists about all of this, just enjoy. What fun!!

Omaha: The French Cafe

2009-08-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

So, here I am in Omaha and have discovered that its a beautiful city with some great green spaces downtown and wonderful sculpture [I am particularly fond of the herd of bison and flock of geese: http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/52978517.html]and interesting architechure. Who knew! And, an area called Old Market that is about three blocks of restaurants and clubs in the old market area that was alive with people on a beautiful summer evening. Among all of the this is The French Cafe, a real find of a French bistro in an old brick warehouse. Nice bar space, large dining room and a cool patio as well.

And on to the food. I started with Coquilles St Jacques which was described as seared scallops in a tarragon cream sauce with crimimi mushrooms and creme fraiche. Well, maybe. The sauce was flavorful and had a nice consistency, but the 'seared' scallops showed no signs of being near a saute pan, and there weren't many in the dish. The dish was served in the traditional puff pastry case, which was the main problem. The pasty was flaccid [yes, I said flaccid] at best and I discovered the reason: they covered the plate on its way from the kitchen to the table . . . so what probably started out as crisp, got steamed on its journey from the kitchen and the dish was ruined. For the entree I had a really good roast chicken, served on a bed of lentils with a roasted garlic and green peppercorn sauce. The chicken was perfectly cooked, moist and flavorful and I love lentils . . . so it was a good match. The lentils were well cooked as well, not to soft, and the garlic mustard sauce brought everything together. After the entree I had a small salad with a perfect vinaigrette.

This place is know for its mussels and has an entire section of the menu devoted to "les moules" with ten different preparations. I wasn't in the mood for mussels this evening, but saw several orders come out of the kitchen and they looked and smelled very good.

One thing that can elevate the experience is the staff, and in this case Kyle the bartender and Michael the manager were good company and kept the evening enjoyable. Even in the face of a completely drunk and abusive regular . . . arguing over a tab that he walked out on . . . they maintained both their composure and sense of humor. In spite of the misstep with the appetizer puff pastry, this was an enjoyable evening and I will return the next time I'm in Omaha.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Jonesborough, TN: Earth and Sky Confections

2009-08-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

So, Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee, a picturesque place filled with restaurants, stores [always called a shoppe] and stuff. Its also the home of the National Storytelling Festival and International Storytelling Center [with a degree program at ETSU], which is very cool. In a town of this type, folks in tee-shirts with 'sayings' on them, sipping from over sized cups and generally not at their best, it was with trepidation that I was lead to Earth and Sky Confections [described as a chocolate shop]. I was expecting something like Rocky Mountain Chocolates . . . Rocky Road and caramel apples and all . . . but what I saw blew me out of the water. This place is a gem, the chocolates jewels of color and bursting with flavor. I was immediately reminded of Vosges Chocolates in Chicago and Joseph Schmidt of San Francisco. And I'm in a tiny town in the Tennessee mountains. Amazing!

So many interesting flavor combinations: chili, herbs, honey, citrus and all perfectly beautiful. I could not decide, so had as many different pieces as could fit into a box without looking the complete pig. Or, maybe not. Anyway, this place is a spectacular surprise, tucked behind a nondescript storefront, and you should NOT MISS IT.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Asheville, NC: Corner Kitchen

2009-06-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

I eat at this place every time I'm lucky enough to be in Asheville, North Carolina and am always rewarded with delicious, well prepared food from a menu that changes frequently and is always engaging. The place is a fairly casual space, in a old house in the historic Biltmore Village area and is crowded at prime time for dinner. I've been here in all seasons, this is actually my first summer visit, and have always seen many other happy diners, on the terrace if the weather is good.

Tonight the amuse was a potobello mushroom and smoked mozzarella relish on a small cracker. It was full of flavor and a great little bite . . . and because of the smoked cheese, it actually tasted like bacon was involved. How can you not like that! My starter was a spicy gazpacho with a cilantro cream that tasted like summer and had some nice heat going on. My only complaint was that the soup was tepid, I prefer my gazpacho chilled . . . really cold . . . and this did not deliver. If it was colder, I think it would have been near perfect. The entree was meatloaf . . . yes, meatloaf . . . made with three kinds of meat and served with three sauces. It was very tasty and there were some pistachios in the mix as well. Accompaniments included wonderful cheese grits and vapid greens . . . the weakest thing on the menu. For dessert a passable key lime tart, the highlight of which was the ginger snap crust, otherwise not remarkable.

I enjoy this restaurant, the service is friendly, the guys working in the kitchen are gregarious and seem to enjoy what they are doing, and the food is good . . . sometimes rising to wonderful. The changing menu will always have something surprising and in tune with the season. Give this place a go and let me know what you think.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Atlanta: The Varsity

2009-06-03T16:08:00.001-07:00

OK . . . so you know I like just about everything . . . so here's on one the downside of fine dining. A drive in! With car service. In downtown Atlanta. Its an institution, a weird one, but an institution none the less. First of all, its HUGE. Car service for a bunch of cars, then a parking deck and large inside space to eat as well. The food is exactly what you'd expect . . . hot dogs and hamburgers [emphasis on the dogs here], and if you're eating inside, a serving of attitude from the women behind the cash registers waiting to take your order. The car service guys are friendly and great, inside . . . its all business. At lunch the place is hopping with business people, students from GATech and everyone else in the neighborhood. Its casual, fast and . . . well . . . interesting.

My advice would be to stick with the hot dogs, and get them served with stuff. I like the chili and slaw dog the best, but there are a number of variations. The thing to keep in mind here is that the dogs are small, you'll need two at least, its not foot longs at the ball park. The fries are good, and you can get them smothered with chili and cheese too to continue the bacchanal. Then its time for beverages, which of course is all Coke products. But then there is the curious case of the "frosty orange" or "orange frosty", both listed on the menu but when I asked no one could give me an answer as to the difference. I should probably order one of each sometime and do a taste test myself . . . its orange and cold and refreshing and kind of slushy like . . . go figure.

This is a cool place for a quick stop, take the kids and enjoy. Don't expect fine anything, its a drive in for goodness sakes, but its fun. Its been featured in magazines, on the radio and probably TV as well, and is an Atlanta institution worth a visit. Have fun, and if you can figure out the frost conundrum, let me know.

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

Atlanta [Decatur]: Watershed

2009-06-03T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have heard about Watershed, and particularly their fried chicken, for some time and finally got the chance to check it out. My first piece of advice is to watch carefully as you are driving in the neighborhood . . . we drove right by even when we were looking at the addresses and paying attention. The second piece of advice is that this is not a place to take clients or expect to have quiet conversation . . . the room is very loud. Not that that's a bad thing, but just be aware in advance. The third piece of advice is go! The food was wonderful, southern traditional cooking well executed and plentiful.

So . . . for starters there was a saute of wild mushrooms over toast spread with goat cheese. What's southern about that I don't know, but it was really good, the mushrooms well seasoned and tasting of just a splash of sherry. Then a real southern starter, pimento cheese spread . . . that neon-orange salve so good on crackers, but served here with celery so that it counts as a vegetable. Way to go! [as an aside, I will say that my pimento cheese is better . . . especially now that I'll serve it with celery] Then on to the vaunted fried chicken. And it lived up to the reputation. . . crispy on the outside, moist on the inside and well flavored. Its no surprise that on the days it is available they tend to run out. Also on the plate were perfect mashed potatoes and field peas. And finally biscuits that were some of the best I've ever had. My only complaint was that there was no gravy involved . . . what are mashed potatoes without gravy? And I'm sure, with everything else being so good, the folks in the kitchen would make some amazing gravy. Bring it on! Double chocolate cake for dessert, good but not great. Just get more chicken if you're still hungry.

Overall, this was a great place for a casual meal with friends. Good food, fun atmosphere and, oh yes, cute waitstaff. Its all good. So head to Watershed and have a fun evening . . . and let me know what you think.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Atlanta: FAB [French American Brassierie]

2009-06-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

This place was recommended to me by a woman I was sitting next to at Buckhead Diner and she was spot on. I was skeptical when we walked to the place and saw that its in a new building, and upon entering you can see that they have worked hard to make it look "old" and "French" . . . whatever that means. FAB is downtown and within walking distance of the major hotels, so that is a plus for everyone, and they have a rooftop deck for drinks that is perfect. Inside its white table clothes and a more formal service, though not stuffy. The menu is classic bistro fare and the wine list is small but good for a casual evening. And, the food was well prepared and thoughtful, a kind of French version of Buckhead Diner, in the sense that its comfort food and classics.

For starters I had a really well done foie gras terrine, presented with a rhubarb/strawberry compote, savory shortbread cookie and pistachios. It was a small portion and a perfect starter. My entree was a perfect roast chicken [always a good gage of the kitchen] served with duck fat roasted potatoes that were crunchy and melting all at the same time. I needed more of them. Finally, profiteroles for dessert . . . servicable more than good, with a chocolate sauce that I could improve on at home. So, don't go for dessert.

This was a good place for a fun, casual evening with clients. The food straight forward and well executed and the atmosphere pleasing. The one bump in the evening was the service, which seemed to be confined to our waiter [of course] and was completely saved by the waiter from an adjacent table who saw what was going on, stepped in and make everything go well. Congratulations to him for that move and a note to the management: either train the staff you have or get more folks like the guy who used to work for the BD Group. He knew what he was doing and was a great representative of the restaurant.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Atlanta: Buckhead Diner

2009-06-01T08:38:00.002-07:00

This is a great spot in the Buckhead neighborhood, just off of one of the many streets that bear the name "Peachtree something" . . . how did that happen? The place is silver and seems to glow at night in a welcoming way. Drive up to the valet and head through the doors into a wood lined, clubby feeling space with a great bar, mostly cool waiters and great food. All of the diner standards are here in updated versions, they are justly famous for the meatloaf, with some interesting variations as well.

On a recent visit there was a new twist, a 3-course prix fix menu for $29 that has some excellent options and sounded great. So I went for it and was very impressed with its New Orleans themed offerings. The first course was an excellent sausage and chicken gumbo, flavorful with the right amount of heat and well rounded spicy notes. The second course, corn and lobster fritters, was less successful. They had a somewhat gummy texture, but the flavor was good and the accompanying sauce was well prepared. The highlight was the entree, a roasted chicken breast with an amazing vegetable sauce that had, again, great spices and good heat. I ate it all happily.

This is a quintessential American diner experience, in an upscale kind of way, with familiar food prepared well. It is reminiscent of Fog City Diner in San Francisco, but without the staff attitude. My only real complaint here is that sometimes the service is a little lax . . . long waits to take orders, no water, time between courses . . . but that is not the usual and seems to be more related to individuals than to the restaurant as a whole. I try to make it to BD at least once each time I'm in Atlanta; the bar is a good place to eat if you're alone and for lunch or dinner this is a perfect place to take clients or colleagues.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Air France: San Francisco to Paris to Milan

2009-05-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

So, I had never been in the pointy end of an Air France 747 and had heard "good luck with service" from a couple of people. I found everything to be very well done, the staff was pleasant and professional and the trip went by quickly. And, most importantly, the champagne was cold when we stepped on board and continued to flow throughout the trip. So, here's the menu:

Hors d'Oeuvre: Tomato and cured ham, a very nice lemon scented sauce and some asparagus. Light but well flavored, and good bread to go along with it.

Main Course: Pan-seared tournedos of beef with a wild mushroom sauce, risotto and sugar snap peas. Everything was tasty, if the beef somewhat over cooked [but I can understand that due to the logistics]. The risotto was formed as a cake and had a very light texture that was pleasant with the mushroom sauce. The peas even snapped, which was nice as they had been sitting around for a long time I'm sure.

Cheese course: three very good cheeses, all of which the flight attendant could name [in contrast to the waiter at a certain Chicago restaurant]. I think that they did a modification of the service, in that the served the cheese along with the main, it made the table crowded and was probably not standard. But the cheese was good!

Dessert: a selection, including a very nice peach tart and mango sorbet.

For breakfast there was scrambled eggs with herbs in a crepe, along with grilled sausage and potatoes. The eggs were tasty but overcooked, again a function of the logistics of holding them for so long while in the air. The fresh fruit salad and pastries were both good additions.

We transferred onto a smaller plane for the trip from Paris to Milan, and in about an hour the flight attendants served a boxed cold lunch and beverages to the entire plane. Smoked salmon, salad, bread . . . nice touch and when was the last time you had anything on a flight of that length on a US carrier?

I was very pleased with the Air France product and will use it again. Solid all around, not really great, but more than what I was expecting.

FlyHereOrNot: FLY HERE

Charleston: Peninsula Grill

2009-04-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

I have eaten at the Peninsula Grill before, and its wonderful . . . but when I'm in Charleston I always head to the Peninsula for their Coconut Cake. Its absolutely the best ever, a fairly dense cake [that seems light], with multiple layers filled with a fluffy white icing and toasted coconut. The outside is dusted with more coconut and a piece regally fills an entire dinner plate. I am a big fan of coconut cake and this and the one at the Halekulani in Honolulu are my two favorites [and are very different from each other]. When you're in Charleston don't hesitate . . . head to the Peninsula Grill and get you some cake . . . and to be really decedant get it to go and take it back to your hotel room where you can enjoy it privately, even perhaps licking the plate.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Chicago: Frontera Grill

2009-04-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

I am always wary of restaurants helmed by big name TV celebrity chefs, so I approached dinner at this Rick Bayless establishment with some trepidation. I had heard it described as “uppity Mexican food” so went with more curiosity than anything else and was pleasantly surprised. I sat at the kitchen bar and ordered small plates and heady apricot infused margaritas with a spicy rim, and nothing disappointed. The ambiance is casual in a kitchy southwest kind of way, and the service efficient and smiling. The one thing to know is that they room is LOUD, so don’t plan on intimate conversation over dinner. The vibe is fun and exuberant, go have a good time and enjoy the experience.

The flavors here are robust and combined with different textures for maximum impact; everything I tasted was vibrant and delicious. The taquitos de pollo, stuffed with smoked chicken and salsa verde were crispy and flavorful and the accompanying guacamole velvety perfection. The sopes rancheros were little cornmeal boats filled with a hearty beef stew and roasted tomatoes that I could have eaten all night and the quesadillas were a revelation. Not tortillas filled with cheese and griddled, but croquette-like pockets of cornmeal dough filled with jack cheese that were absolutely amazing. Again, I was hooked.

The one thing that you just have to ignore are the pouty faced faux-models at the front desk, who seemed annoyed that they had to interact with clients. Ladies, neither you nor the restaurant are that big a deal, so get over yourselves and remember that without diners you’d be back under a streetlamp in the cold Chicago night. Check this place out and have a good time, you’ll come away with a happy stomach and a new appreciation for celebrity chefs [or at least Mr. Bayless].

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Chicago: BIN36

2009-04-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Wine bar? Restaurant? Movie theater? Cheese bar? Wine shop? All of the above? Yes, that’s it. BIN36 is a wide open, sleek space with light wood floors and high ceilings that perfectly set the stage for the dining experience that is offered. And, there are choices there as well. You can sit at the bar and enjoy a flight of wine or perhaps relax in the café area with a snack. Or head into the dining room, really all parts of the same large space, for a more formal meal. You can even head up to the loft area and catch a movie on certain nights. Then, just to the right of the front door, is my favorite spot, the CHEESE BAR. Yes fellow fromage-whores, there is a bar with a massive selection of cheeses all waiting to be discovered. For my cheesy friends, and you know who you are, this is nirvana. Flights of cheese in the same style or perhaps a selection of cheese from one country? It is all possible, and beautifully presented, at the Cheese Bar.

In the dining room the food is simply prepared and beautifully presented with some inventive combinations that are always interesting. On my last visit I had a beautiful asparagus salad [short lengths stacked Lincoln-log style] topped by a light and yet sumptuous crab salad. The combination was perfection, a culinary herald of spring. Also on offer is a wonderful beet salad with blood oranges and goat cheese that is rollicking in its flavor and color composition. Red and gold beets made the plate sparkle and the flavors were intense without being overpowering. A winner for sure. As an entrée I selected the roast chicken [always a good test for the kitchen, something so primal is often poorly executed] which arrived moist, crisp, and flavorful, really perfect. The only misstep were the accompanying “lemon and black pepper dumplings”, which seemed like a nice idea but were overly salted and remained on my plate when it went back to the kitchen [and, interestingly, were not commented on by the waiter . . . but we’ll get to that later]. Desserts can only be described as fun, a chocolate and peanut Nepoelian layered with a coffee caramel that was a small delight on the plate. Crunchy, salty, chocolaty and gooey all at once, what a dessert should be.

The only real drawback to a dinner date at BIN36 is the service, which I would characterize as casual at best: long waits to get the affable waiter’s attention followed by equally long pauses between the courses during which nothing was cleared. While this is not fine dining in the formal sense, its not Red Robin either, and with more attention to the mechanics of good service [and maybe more care by the staff] things would really be elevated. The kitchen obviously cares, as evidenced by the food, its time for the front of the house to either step up or step out of the way.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Chicago: Marshall Field [well, Macy's]: Walnut Room

2009-04-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

OK, I know you’re going to think I’m crazy for talking about a restaurant in a department store, and an old one at that, but this place is a classic and I love it. This is what shopping downtown and having lunch during the excursion was all about in the heyday of American cities. I remember it from my smaller city experience with my mother at Buffum’s in Long Beach, and we are the poorer for its decline, both as a reprieve from the frenetic pace of shopping and the civilized stop for a fine lunch and conversation that it offered. Happily the Walnut Room remains a beacon in downtown Chicago, a reminder of a time gone by and yet still here. The room is elegant and formal; at my last visit the spring flower show was on and the room’s center was dominated by a huge fountain overflowing with flowers and flamingos . . . who could ask for more. Come for lunch or tea and don’t hurry. And, let the Macy’s goons know that this kind of place should be celebrated and cared for, rather than removed as has happened at Meier and Frank [Portland] and Wannamaker’s [Philadelphia] and I’m sure other of the old downtown landmarks no longer know by their “real” names.

The food at the Walnut Room is actually very good, updated luncheon fare from some of the chefs featured in the food hall of the store. The chicken pot pie arrives fragrant and steaming under its chapeau of puff pastry, just like it has for ages I’d imagine. Swedish meatballs with chive mashed potatoes, accompanied by the obligatory ligonberry sauce, updated by Marcus Samuelson, are heartier fare perfect for a chilly day [which was the case on my visit].

The wait staff seems to have been around for ages and is a perfect fit for the ambience of the room. Mostly women of a certain age and size, they graciously welcome guests into this sanctuary on the seventh floor and time slips away. Wonderful. When you’re in Chicago and on State Street, don’t miss the opportunity for a visit to the Walnut Room. My only complaint was the disappearance of the foil wrapped walnut candies that used to be presented with the check. They were a nice touch and I would celebrate their return.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Chicago: Cite

2009-04-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

This restaurant reminded me of the hot guy you see across the room . . . great looking, well dressed, sparkling eyes . . . you say hello and he responds and he's, well, vapid. Nothing to say, not exciting, banal and disappointing. From service to food to presentation, Cite was vapid and banal. The only thing is has going for it is the view . . . so go up and enjoy the view for a cocktail and then find a good restaurant for dinner. Otherwise you're going to be disappointed.

The menu on line looked promising, and the reviews were good, so I figured I'd give it a chance [against my better judgement]. For the entire evening it felt like somebody wasn't paying attention, neither the dining room nor the kitchen were anywhere close to adequate for a restaurant of this price range and calling itself fine dining. First the service: I don't need the waiter to tell me what's on the menu by reciting the names of the dishes and their preparations just as they are printed . . . I can read. I shouldn't have to ask for a napkin or water or bread . . . that's supposed to happen automatically. When the food arrives the waiter should check back quickly to see if everything is alright [it was not]. When presenting the cheese course, the waiter should know what kind of cheese is on the plate, duh! And, there shouldn't be a squirt bottle of cleaning solution left on the adjacent table through the meal . . . this is, after all, supposed to be fine dining. And lastly, the waiter shouldn't be glib about everything that went wrong during the evening, that doesn't make it better and only cements the impression of amateurism on every front.

Now for the food. The best thing we ate was the amuse, a tiny cup of a chilled mango and pepper soup that was divine. And, unfortunately, set our expectations for wonderful things to follow when we were actually at the top of the peak and it was all down hill from there. The jumbo lump crab souffle was OK, really just a couple of crab cakes, and why it was "jumbo" I'll never know. Was it from a large crab? Then came the entree, a New York strip served with "chef's wild mushrooms" and Pomme Puree . . . the steak was over cooked to leather [well done rather than the medium rare that was ordered] and the Pomme Puree was a blob of mashed potatoes placed on the plate as if by a cafeteria worker at a grammar school. The cognac sauce on the plate was cloyingly sweet and more appropriate for dessert. Also on the plate was a blue cheese ravioli which was undercooked [tough pasta] and obviously from the freezer section at Costco. My companion had the rack of lamb, which she said was good but not remarkable. Finally, a cheese plate with four cheeses . . . only three of which the waiter could identify and he didn't know what the other things on the plate were either. What??

The overall dinning experience was disappointing to say the least . . . for a restaurant this expensive at least the service should be competent. I have always been wary of restaurants with views [this place is 70 stories up] and should have trusted my gut on this one [rather then filling it with mediocre food in this town full of good restaurant options]. With a view like this the place is compensating for something, and like a guy with a big truck, something is going to come up short. And in this case the short was service, food, experience. Don't bother with this place, its a disappointment from start to finish.

EatHereOrNot: NOT

Charleston, SC: Charleston Place: Charleston Grill

2009-04-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

The Charleston Place hotel is one of the Orient-Express properties and that are justly known for their elegance and luxury and the Charleston Grill is the fine dining room on the property. While it is a beautiful and finely appointed room, it is not stuffy and the atmosphere is almost jovial [perhaps its just the southern way]. The room was comfortable and the staff friendly, but the food was a disappointment. The menu is divided into categories: "cosmopolitan", "southern", "pure", "lush". WTF? It made no sense to me and the dishes in each category were neither consistent nor related. I found it all kind of weird.

From the "lush" category I choose Truffled Mushroom Soup . . . you already know how I feel about truffles, so this was a no brainer. It was, sadly, a waste of truffles . . . inedible. It was so heavily salted that it was like drinking sea water. I sent it back after two bites and hoped for better things. Next from the "pure" section was Sauteed Pheasant Breast with winter root vegetables and lemon roesmary jus. The pheasant was a little overcooked but flavorful, and the vegetables tasty. The overall effect was of an "almost but not quite". I skipped dessert.

Highly recommended, beautiful and ultimately unsatisfying . . . have you had dates like that?

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

Columbia, SC: Mr. Friendly's

2009-03-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

This place is GREAT! Its a fairly small, casual restaurant with food that belies its simple surroundings. The space is an old bakery: brick walls, high ceiling, wood floors and filled with light. The food is 'new southern', which for me translated to delicious. I had lunch here and would have returned for dinner had I still been in town.

So, on to the food: buttermilk fried cube steak . . . the best 'chicken fried steak' I've ever had. Couple that with garlic mashed potatoes with black pepper cream gravy that was perfect and I'm in heaven. The plate also had a wonderful roasted corn salsa [this must be the new part of new southern] and a beautiful succotash. I was stuffed and still could have eaten the whole thing over again. For desert we ordered the key lime pie, and it was the only disappointment. The texture was rubbery and was more like something from a jello mix. I should have just had more mashed potatoes and gravy!

This was a wonderful discovery [thanks Bob!] and I will happily return. My only reservation is the name . . . does anyone else think that Mr. Friendly is a euphemism for a certain part of the male anatomy?

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Sarasota [Siesta Key]: The Lobster Pot

2009-02-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

This place was fun, a beachy restaurant full of "lobster stuff" that is family owned and run and had a cool, laid back vibe. Its a world away from downtown Sarasota out on Siesta Key, which is really just a short drive. There is a kitchy dining room and patio for dining, and a small bar where you can eat as well. So take your pick and enjoy.

The menu is just what you would expect from a New England seafood shack: clams, lobster [of course], fish of all sorts and great sides [the cole slaw was exceptional]. I had the lobster newburg, becuase I'm lazy and didn't want to work at getting my lobster out of the shell. The sauce was flavorful and filled with lobster, all filling a crips puff pastry shell. Good stuff. And as I said, the cole slaw was great, as were the baked beans.

If you're looking for a fine dining experience, don't go here. If you are looking for good seafood in a casual, fun environment this is your spot. Check it out. And note that there is a city parking lot behind the restaurant, its hard to see at night, but with street parking tight you'll celebrate when you find it.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

http://www.sarasota-lobsterpot.com/

Miami Beach: Joe's Stone Crab

2009-02-08T15:16:00.000-08:00

OK OK OK . . . I know its been a long time since my last posting; I'm not sure where the time went or what happened, but now I'm back. And in Florida enjoying the sun, one of my favorite things to do in the early part of a new year. So last night on South Beach we ate at Joe's Stone Crab, and institution that has grown to massive size over its long life and still delivers what its famous for: STONE CRAB. You order the crab by the size of the claws and it arrives on a bed of ice with a great mustard sauce . . . everyone's crab on one giant plate. For those of you not familiar with stone crab its a local delicacy and only the claws are served [they are ripped [removed sounds nicer] from the crab one at a time, then the crab is thrown back and happily regrows a new claw for later consumption . . . its an ongoing cycle apparently], and always chilled. The sides here are great, including a creamed spinach with garlic and sweet potato crisps.

This is a tourist and locals spot, large and loud filled with familes and couples and business diners. There is a sign at the door that "appropriate" attire is required . . . what that means I don't know since there were people dressed in shorts and bad shirts as one would find in any beach destination. I also saw a guy with a shirt that I'm sure had been embelished with a bedazzler . . . and it was not a pretty sight. So, try this place out, eat the crab claws and smie and the dress code. And, even though its on SoBe the vibe is anything but what has come to be the norm here, so enjoy and don't feel like you need lipo or implants or a fake tan to go.

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

http://www.joesstonecrab.com/index.html

Reno: Harrah's: The Steakhouse

2008-04-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

This is one of those old classics, in the best sense of that word, that’s been around forever and continues to impress with each visit. When I’m in Reno and go here for dinner I always feel like I might run into Darren, Samantha, Larry and Louise out for a big night on the town. The ambiance is subdued, quiet and sleek; happily a long way from the noise and bright lights of the casino upstairs, and the staff is the epitome of gracious professional service. Michael, the Maitre 'd, has been at the helm forever [well, as long as I’ve been dining there, which is more than 25 years]. And even though my visits are not frequent, he remembers me and is always welcoming.

The food here is as classy as the surroundings, everything one would expect from the best restaurant in Reno. The Steakhouse is justly famous for its creamy five onion soup, served in a giant onion with a crust of bubbling cheese, it’s the perfect way to begin the meal. I could actually eat more than one serving, but have resisted because the steaks are so good here that I don’t want to miss out. I’ve never had anything but a perfect steak here, and I’ve had many over the years. New York, fillet, prime rib . . . it’s all good. And, if you ask nicely they’ll prepare any of the steaks Oscar style . . . crab and Bearnaise, what could be better. The cool thing about the food here is that the presentation is a step that of most other steakhouses, beautifully prepared vegetables and starch, not just a slab of meat and a baked potato. Its fine dining that happens to be steak, and they know exactly what they’re doing. I have usually eaten too much to even think about ordering dessert, but at the end of the meal a very cool dish, steaming with dry ice, arrives at the table with house made truffles and chocolates and I cannot resist. It’s a perfect ending.

As an aside, this place is also for lunch on weekdays where that onion soup is available and there is a nice selection of salads and smaller entrees. Not listed on the menu is the Snoopy Salad . . . I don’t know where that name came from . . . but it’s a great combination of what seems like random things from the kitchen, and it along with the onion soup is a perfect lunch. So by having both lunch and dinner here I get to have the onion soup twice and that makes everything OK, even if my luck at the tables hasn’t been that good.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

http://www.harrahsreno.com/casinos/harrahs-reno/restaurants-dining/harrahs-steak-house-detail.html

Orlando: Disneyworld: Grand Floridian: Boat Dock

2008-03-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

One of the things that people sometimes don’t realize about the Disney experience is that it’s not just about the theme parks [as cool as they are]. The Disney World complex is huge, encompassing many square miles, and provides such varied activities as horseback riding in the woods, fishing on the lake, hikes, water parks, weddings, pirate cruises for kids, and even cooking classes. The thing to remember is that this is Disney, and the folks here are trained to make things happen for guests, and they do. Which is how I ended up in a pontoon boat on the lake one recent March evening. It all started when I began wondering about a unique way to entertain clients while in Orlando and thought of fireworks. As much as I love going to dinner, sometimes change is good and what better place to try an adventure than in the world of Disney.

So I picked up the phone and had a chat with my new friends at resort guest services, and here’s the result: a truly magical evening on the lake in a pontoon boat to view the fireworks above the Magic Kingdom. The event started when we went to the marina at the Grand Floridian Hotel to meet our boat and captain [yes, captain . . . you didn’t think they’d let me drive a boat in the dark with ten unsuspecting passengers]. We headed out for a tour of the lake in the gathering darkness, in time to see the floating parade of lighted barges that tours in front of the lakeside resorts each evening. We then sailed over to a perfect spot off shore from the Magic Kingdom, the train station and Cinderella’s Castle in clear view, and waited for the show to begin. Lights in the park dimmed, the music started [heard over a sound system in our boat] and then the blast of the first fireworks. The view was amazing, distant enough from the fireworks to see everything in the frame of the castle with reflections off of the water and the lights of the resorts all around. We were even positioned well enough to see Tinker Bell make her flight from the top of the castle, which was truly amazing. And what a great way to enjoy the fireworks, no crowds!

And if all of that weren’t enough there was the food! The Grand Floridian private dining staff happily provided just the right touches to make the event even more memorable: chocolate dipped strawberries, miniature pastries and, of course, champagne. Then there was coffee for the trip back to the dock.

This event was a great success: the fireworks were fantastic, the desserts wonderful and everyone reclaimed a little of their inner child with smiles all around. While I planned this evening with clients in mind, this would be a great adventure for a group of friends or family visiting Disney World.

DoThisOrNot: DO THIS

Orlando: Disneyworld: Disney's Boardwalk: Flying Fish

2008-03-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

Back to Florida for another conference and the Disney craziness that I love, and more chances to eat well and find the unexpected in this over the top world. This time its off to the Boardwalk area, a complex on a lake designed to simulate a classic beach-front boardwalk of an earlier time. The star restaurant at this locale is Flying Fish, a bustling seafood house with a whimsical interior design and thoughtfully prepared food. As with any Disney place, look around you for the details that will make you smile, particularly the golden fish parasailing from the rafters. Then look at your plate, it will make you smile too.

The menu has a nice selection of seafood entrees and includes some beef for the non-fish-friendly. This evening I had a dish of seared sea scallops presented over a risotto with parmesan, fresh peas and pea tendrils. It was an excellent combination, not too heavy but filling and the combination of flavors and textures worked well. The scallops were a tad overcooked to my taste, not ruined, but just beyond that point of perfection. The risotto was on the mark and the real star of the presentation. Others at my table had the “signature” dish which is a snapper crusted in potatoes and sautéed. It’s a nice preparation, looks good on the fish-shaped plate and was very popular. I was less convinced as I found the whole thing kind of bland, but that’s probably just me. There are a number of desserts on the menu, but none of them were enticing enough to call us away from finishing the meal with the cheese plate. The five cheeses arrived beautifully plated and with interesting condiments, including a kumquat marmalade that was a perfect foil to the blue cheese on the plate.

This is not my favorite restaurant in the area, but it can provide a fun evening of nice food in interesting surroundings. Drawbacks include the usual troops of children with Mcdonald’s level restaurant skills [even later in the evening, this being spring break], their associated and equally challenged parental units, and a generally high decibel level. This is not a place to expect quiet conversation or seclusion, but without those expectations give it a go.

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

New Orelans: Cafe du Monde

2008-03-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

If you’re going to the Big Easy, Café du Monde is one of those “must go” places in spite of the fact that it can be crawling with tourists. Go early in the morning or late at night, when the coffee is steaming in the crisp cool air and you’ll encounter more of a local crowd. An interesting thing happens as you walk from Canal Street toward the Café, pay close attention and you’ll be able to find the place even if you’ve never been there before . . . the sidewalk begins to change color. At first it’s just a hint of white, but as you get closer to the café your path becomes increasingly easy to follow, dusted with powdered sugar that has fallen from the beignets that people have picked up from the take away window to eat while walking. Like crumbs dropped in the forest to provide a trail home, powdered sugar dusts the sidewalk in increasing density until you are on the doorstep of the famous Café.

It’s easy to order here, the choice is really only how many of the beignets to have and more is usually better. These hot and crispy pillows of fried dough arrive right from the fryer adrift in powdered sugar and ready to provide that guilty pleasure that only deep fat can offer. An order of beignets and a café au lait and you have either begun or ended your day in fine style. Maybe add some orange juice, but probably not, its all about the coffee and dough here. And a perfect combination they are each and every time.

As I said earlier, this was my first visit to New Orleans since Katrina and I was regularly reminded of the changed demographic that the storm left in its wake. Here at Café du Monde the native New Orleanians were gone, replaced by a newly arrived crew of immigrants with very limited English proficiency and none of the tradition of gracious hospitality and fun that always marked previous visits. I may as well have been in a Dunkin Donuts in New York City. As New Orleans continues to evolve and reinvent itself during its tragically protracted recovery, it will be interesting to see what new traditions may emerge, and sadly, what will be lost.

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

http://www.cafedumonde.com/

New Orleans: Camellia Grill

2008-03-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

A lovely streetcar ride uptown [or a cab if you’re in a hurry] takes you to this local favorite, and nationally known, diner. Camellia Grill reopened after a too-long closure due to Katrina, its back in full swing offering the best of real diner food with all of the trimmings. There are no tables here, just a serpentine counter that is usually full of folks happily munching omelets, burgers, chili and fountain concoctions prepared right behind the counter. The staff is friendly and calls the regulars by name, but everyone is made to feel welcome when they get a stool. When the stools are full, those waiting for a spot sit on a long bench along the wall [in strict order of arrival] and sometimes that bench is full up too, so a line forms out the door. All of that means that everyone knows this is the place to be, and it is worth the wait.

This is authentic diner food, the kind that you crave after too much fancy stuff, and nothing like the food at those upscale faux diners like Buckhead Diner in Atlanta or its twin Fog City Diner in San Francisco. The burgers are great, and I love the buns . . . which are soft and squishy in just the right way and absorb the juices and condiments. The fries too, hot out of the grease, are just what the doctor ordered. But to take them to a higher level, have them doused with chili and cheese and you’ll be in diner heaven. Get a chocolate shake to wash things down and you’re all set. Until its time for dessert, where the apple pie shines, warmed up on the grill and paired with vanilla ice cream. Who could ask for anything more? Breakfast is available all the time, so if you’re in the mood for an omelet at after a night of partying in the Quarter this is the place to be.

So when in the Big Easy, head uptown to the Camellia and support this local institution, and have some fun as well. If you take a cab, be sure to have the address with you . . . and make sure that the cabbie knows to turn left off of Canal . . . I have discovered that there is a whole new cadre of cabbies that arrived after Katrina and they are not from New Orleans and don’t really know where things are outside of the major hotels and the French Quarter. It’s another shame that the post-Katrina migration took with it the collective knowledge of the city and its colorful history that was a topic of conversation and point of pride for cabbies as they drove you to your destination. I took several cab rides while I was in town and none of the drivers had been in town very long, had any real feel for the city or its history and for the most part did not speak English well enough to carry on a conversation. It was sad.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

http://www.camelliagrill.net/

New Orleans: Arnaud's

2008-03-18T17:30:00.001-07:00

Here I am in NoLa where the music makes your feet wanna dance and the food makes you lose control. Well, maybe the alcohol helps with that too. Either way its a great place to visit, but the ravages of Katrina are still starkly visible. Come and enjoy, support the city and her people, but be a little careful too. Last night I ate at Arnaud's, one of the classic French infused places in the Quarter and it was exactly what you would expect. Old building, beautiful space, wonderful food . . . and too many tourists. So, here's the secret. . . walk past the front door, go two doors down and enter the French 75 Bar, which is a part of Arnaud's [don't go to the first bar, which is kind of a holding area for the restaurant] and serves the same wonderful menu. Its quiet, elegant, the bartenders [Chris is great] know how to make that French 75 for you and you'll have a great time. Tell Chef Tommy that I sent you.

I started the meal off with a hot dish of crab and cream cheese and spices served with toast. It was rich and tasted of crab in just the right way. The portion was small, just enough to get things going without filling up, and its a perfect companion for a crisp white wine. For the main course Chris recommended the trout amandine and he was right . . . perfectly fried trout with a butter sauce fragrant with sliced almonds. The almonds were crunchy and plentiful, unlike what I have had elsewhere, and the dish was classic cooking at its best. Along with the trout I ordered the pommes souffle . . . a somewhat tricky preparation of sliced potatoes that are fried twice . . . where the second dip in the hot fat causes the potatoes to puff. This is a preparation that I first learned about from Julia Child, but had never seen in person, and these little crisp pillows were wonderful. Try them for sure. Maybe two orders just to make sure they are as good as you think they are. For dessert a crepe stuffed with praline, topped with just enough whipped cream. The balance of flavors and textures in the meal was perfect, the progression leisurely ,and the experience a memorable slice of New Orleans. Check this place out for sure.

A reminder, this is in the French Quarter and it is rowdy, to say the least. During my quiet diversion a fight broke out just outside the door . . . involving pushing, punches, yelling and a baseball bat . . . that had to be broken up and was not pretty. The bartender adeptly bolted the door as things heated up so we were a protected audience, but its not an unusual happening in the alcohol fueled haze that is Bourbon street after dark. Just pay attention.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

http://www.arnauds.com/

Portland: 1001

2008-03-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I had dinner the other night at 1001 and all I can say is FAAAABULOUS. Wait . . . that was too gay . . . dinner was wonderful? Fantastic? Excellent? No, it really was fabulous! The best meal I’ve had in Portland, or anywhere, for some time. From the amuse all the way through to the dessert the food and service were perfect and I was ready to go back as soon as we left the restaurant. More than anything, I was surprised. I had eaten a couple of times at 1001 last year and found the room beautiful and the staff pleasant, but the food was fussy and trying way too hard to be “cutting edge” [maybe?]. So I was interested to see how things had evolved since the arrival of a new chef and an overhaul of the menu . . . to say that Chef Jack has hit a homerun is an understatement . . . now, everything works and this is suddenly in the top tier of my Portland restaurants. And now, on to the food.

After ordering, which took some time because everything on the menu was tempting, an amuse arrived and it was the perfect foreshadow of things to come in one small dish: savory, balanced and surprising with just a touch of whimsy for good measure. Horseradish panna cota, with a topping of steak tartare, served in a shot glass started the meal on a high note and things only got better. Who would have thought of that combination?

Next came a salad with duck prosciutto, dark and rich and an effective foil to the greens on the plate. The star of this course, however, was a foie gras torchon. Its unctuous texture set off perfectly by a blood orange moutard and pistachio puree. This is another one of those dishes that made me want to lick the plate and then ask for more, but as always I resisted for fear of not being invited back. We then had a potion of seared ahi served with a piquant celery and apple relish that was excellent. All of these dishes proved what we had suspected after the amuse, that the chef is adept at putting surprising combinations on the plate that set each other off in texture, flavor and color, taking full advantage of each.

For my entrée I selected the bacon wrapped quail [well, I would select bacon wrapped anything, no surprise here] served with a mushroom stuffing and a ragout of small beans. I know I am repeating myself, but this too was amazing. The usual problem with the quail that I have encountered is that they tend to get overcooked; not the case here where these little flyers were moist and tender with crisp skin. I had to protect my plate from the marauding forks of my dining companions it was so good.

And just when I thought I could eat no more the dessert menu arrived and we agreed to take a look. Well its hard to resist when the choices were so enticing and so we waded in for more. The star of the table at dessert was a wonderful peanut butter crème brulee . . . . I know, hold on . . . which revealed a layer of berry jam underneath. And, to make things even better, a small glass of chocolate milk came along on the plate. PBJ with chocolate milk, a kid’s delight all dressed up for adults and just as appealing. With some bubbles it was the perfect ending to a really FABAAAABULOUS meal.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE!!!

http://www.ten-01.com/

Portland: The Rhinelander

2008-03-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Rhinelander is one of those kitchy places that fascinates and repels at the same time . . . like a train wreck or a public fight between spouses, the question is to look or not and if you choose to look should you enjoy it. It’s the only place in Portland that I know of with a strolling accordionist and a band of singing waiters belting out German drinking songs in between serving pots of fondue and steins of beer. I have wondered what a German tourist would think if some well meaning Portlander brought him to the Rhinelander for a “taste of home”. Probably a combination of amusement, at the realization that much of Oregon [and the US] thinks that this cartoonish piece of Bavaria is what Germany is really like, and horror for the same reason. My reaction would be similar if I thought that the world viewed Hee Haw as an accurate depiction of the “real” America.

But, we’re here to talk about the food and there is plenty of it, starting with the fondue that arrives on the table to kick off the meal. Bluehour does not need to worry here, the fondue is overly salty and tastes of processed cheese, but it is the perfect way to start things off here with chunks of bread and a beer. I wonder if the salty fondue is a way to stimulate the thirst and thus the beer sales, like the peanuts and popcorn that are paraded through the stands at the circus before the soft drinks vendor makes an appearance. After the fondue comes soup or salad and I recommend the lentil soup, a simple and hearty bowl that’s perfect on a winter night. It is savory and tastes of the earth in a peasant kind of way. The plentiful selection of “classic” German entrees is pleasant in a kind of stereotypical way and includes sauerbraten, schnitzel, a variety of sausages and other treats. The portions are large and many include my favorites spatzle [remember, I like the carbohydrates] and sauerkraut. The desserts were for me a disappointment, nothing looked worth the calories and the chocolate mousse that I sampled could have come from a boxed mix . . . the best part about it was its serving dish, a cookie shaped like a cup.

Don’t go head to the Rhinelander for fine dining or a quiet evening, but do go and enjoy this Portland institution for a casual evening with a group of friends who would get the joke and enjoy the experience. The Rhinelander is a guilty pleasure, one of those things that more people really enjoy than actually admit to, and that’s just fine. So go, order a beer and a sausage, and polka if you get the chance, its all in good fun and you’ll smile at the memory.

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

Portland: Carafe

2008-03-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

Carafe's setting, across from the downtown Keller Auditorium, is strip mall nondescript; but blink your eyes as you cross the threshold and you are transported to Paris. This wonderful Parisian bistro in the heart of Portland is the closest thing to the French capital on the west coast, and from my experience, some of the bistros in Paris should take note [and a lesson] from the well prepared and thoughtful food and service here. Although a little out of the way, Carafe is well worth the effort and always pleases with its food and atmosphere. Its the perfect place on a cold rainy evening for a fortifying onion soup and red wine or in the summer for a long evening on the patio watching the world go by sipping something cold and nibbling on cheese fries [I know, but they're really good and not like the diner things you're thinking of . . .pommes frites with melted gouda are a whole different plate of deep fried goodness].

In typical bistro fashion there is a wonderful salad frisse aux lardons topped with a poached egg and the perfect vinaigrette. The assiette de cochon is a collection of housemade pork "goodies" that is a great plate for the table to share. Moving on to the main events, the cassoulet is exactly as it should be and an antidote to that winter chill . . . don't have this at lunch or you'll be asleep at your desk in the early afternoon. The bifsteak frites is another dish that is so evocative of a Paris bistro that it can become trite, but here its perfectly prepared and lends credence to what you already know is a well versed kitchen. My favorite thing on the menu, if I had to choose, is the gnocchi gratineed with ham and Gruyere . . . one of those things that I want to roll in but control myself as I want to be invited back.

The pastry chef does equally good work here with an excellent bittersweet chocolate cake, crisp profiteroles with chocolate sauce and a very nice apple napoleon. All well prepared and presented in an unfussy style that is refreshing considering the excesses of spun sugar, sauce designs and other affectations that sometimes overpower the actual dessert on the plate.

I like this place, recommend it and want to eat here often. The staff is great, the food wonderful and the service good, if occasionally slower than I would expect . . . ah, Paris. One other note, if you are attending an event at the Keller make a reservation for dinner and use Carafe's valet service for parking . . . your vehicle will be waiting for you after the performance and a nite cap. And if you're not attending a performance, have dinner at 8:00 just after the theater crowd has departed, the restaurant has sighed a bit in relief, and is ready for more relaxed entertaining. Its worth it on all counts.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Orlando: Disneyworld: Grand Floridian: Victoria and Albert's

2008-02-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

OK, all I can say is amazing. This is the jewel of dining at Disney for many reasons, not the least of which is the serene setting and the dress code. An adult oasis of calm and charm, in the spectacular Grand Floridian Hotel, which is a Disney knock-off of the Hotel Del Mar in the San Diego area. The hotel is typical Disney over-the-top, but tucked away on the second floor is this reservations only, jacket required treat. Come prepared to spend the evening, the seven course meal is extravagant in all the right ways and just what the surroundings demand. Sit back and let it wash over you as a tonic from the frenetic activity just outside the doors, and be sure to indulge in the wine pairing, which makes a good thing that much better. So, here's a look at some of the choices you may have during the evening:

After contemplating the beautiful menu an amuse arrived with some sparkling wine and the festivities began. Seared tuna and tartar . . . beautiful and tasting of the sea, with pickled papaya and jicama. Braised Kobe short ribs with roasted mushrooms. Seared Foie Gras on brioche toast with a sauce of cherries that was absolutely perfect. A gamebird consomme as an interlude and on to guinea fowl with asparagus, morels and porcinis that was perfect . . . but what is a guinea fowl anyway . . . are they those cute grey birds one sees at the zoo sometimes? Best not to think about it I suppose. Herb crusted lamb with gnocchi [I love gnocchi] and roasted garlic. And then a cheese course! A dress code and a cheese course, its almost too much to bear, but I held up to the challenge. Dessert offered a kona chocolate souffle, tropical fruit mousse [guests from hawaii, perhaps?], tanzani chocolate mousse. As with the entire menu, so many choices and all wonderful. My favorites were the foie gras and the guinea fowl, but everything at our table was beautifully presented and well prepared.

For a celebratory dinner while visiting the Mouse [happily there are no character appearances here . . . although for special occasions those Disney folks can do anything], a quiet time away from the children [I understand Disney has a sitter service] or just some good old fashioned indulgence this is the place. Make a reservation, leave the flip flops behind and enjoy an evening that you'll not soon forget. Oh, and remember, no matter how well your team is doing a baseball cap is not a sign of anything but bad taste in a fine dining establishment. And the folks here will tell you so!

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Orlando: Disneyworld: Animal Kingdom Lodge: Jiko

2008-02-14T13:23:00.001-08:00

OK, so I know that now you’re all rolling your eyes because I’m going to talk about a restaurant in a “real” Disney property in a Disney hotel. One of the things that people don’t sometimes know is that the higher end Disney hotels each have a fine dining room, and they are usually quite good. Most of the restaurants are themed to the hotel, and the hotels themselves are the usual Disney over the top everything. And amazingly, the food in most instances holds up to the theme and everything else that is going on in the place. The dividend is that if you dine later in the evening at these fine dining spots there are usually fewer children around . . . they’ve been at the parks all day and are already in bed. The stereotype of Disney being all fast food burgers and cotton candy no longer holds true at both the hotels and in the theme parks. What a great idea. Now, on to the first of these restaurants that we’ll be talking about, Jiko.

Jiko is located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Hotel, a huge fantasy safari lodge with some really beautiful decorative touches [check out the chandeliers made from Zulu shields in the grand hall] and a rear terrace that overlooks the animal park where giraffes and other animals are visible at close range. Jiko is on the lower level of the hotel and features African fusion cuisine and a wine list from South Africa. The food is flavorful, inventive, and beautifully presented and the staff, many from Africa, are a lovely accompaniment to the experience.

So now, on to the food. My favorite entrée is the short rib, which is prepared in a coffee based sauce and is slow cooked so that it falls off the bone. The short rib is accompanied by a potato dish that is a mixture of white potatoes and sweet potatoes. I actually prefer as a side dish the macaroni and cheese . . . I am convinced that the mettle of a restaurant can be judged by its macaroni and cheese and this stuff is flying high . . . its baked and cheesy and creamy and I want to roll in it. The starters here are equally fine including an asparagus soup with a curry crème and pistachios and a salad with a very cool watermelon vinegarette. Desserts are equally successful, tasty and beautifully plated. I like the chocolate cake especially. But the stars here are the ice creams, prepared in house and excellent. Ask for a sampler of the ice creams including the sour cream [rich and voluptuous] and lavender [light and floral]. Its all good here, go an enjoy a rich and unique experience. And oh, the wines . . . the list is all South African and is deep in all categories. The staff is knowledgeable and will happily explain and recommend some of these unique labels.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Orlando: Downtown Disney: Wolfgang Puck Cafe

2008-02-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I know that some of you out there may not be Orlando or Disney fans when it comes to dining [or anything, for that matter], but I have to tell you that I travel there frequently on business and always have a good time and eat very well. And, one of my favorites is the Wolfgang Puck place at Downtown Disney [I know, amazing place to find fine dining]. But, don't be fooled into thinking that the large and loud downstairs space is the place to be, make a reservation for the beautiful and much sleeker Dining Room upstairs. Its only open for dinner and you'll have less of a chance of being surrounded by a clump of ill mannered children and their badly dressed parents. And there's something to be said for that at the "Happiest Place On Earth" [wouldn't you pay triple the admission price for the Magic Kingdom if it was a special day for those over 25 only?]. But we're here to talk about the food . . .

I am addicted to the Gnocchi with Braised Boar Bolognese. Its actually listed as an appetizer, but I am proud to report that I have on more than one occasion eaten two portions. Happily. Rumor has it that it will soon be removed from the menu because its not something that our little Austrian friend came up with; a really bad idea Mr. Puck. The Caesar salad is always well spiced and fresh, exactly the right combination. If I can move away from the gnocchi and get an entree, I like the shrimp with lemon risotto. Or the roast chicken, which is crisp and juicy and perfectly cooked. I'm less enamored with the "Original Veal 'Wienerschnitzel'", which has arrived overcooked and kind of tough. And, I'd rather have it with spatzle. But that's just me.

The dessert menu is nonremarkable, which is surprising considering how 'serious' this restaurant and its namesake take themselves. Carrot cake? The Baked Alaska is OK, but nothing to write home about. Last time I just had some of the ice cream with caramel sauce and it was perfect. Perhaps just a glass of bubbles and a piece or four of chocolate will do the trick.

As always there are things that take a place to a higher level and in the case of The Dining Room those 'things’ come in the form of Ani and Larry, the two wonderful bartenders. Even though I get to dine there infrequently, they always remember me and make me feel welcome. Good conversation between making drinks, tasteful evaluation of the clientele [Ani] and laughs all around make for an excellent evening. They are the icing on the cake of this restaurant.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

Detroit: Coach Insignia

2008-02-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well, the only time I've ever eaten at a higher altitude was in a airplane . . . this steakhouse soars 70+ floors above Detroit with stunning views of the city [which I think looks better after dark] and across the river to Canada. Prices for restaurants of this type usually mirror the height of the building or the expanse of the view, and Coach Insignia is no exception . . . stratospheric. As with all restaurants with spectacular views there is usually a conundrum regarding which is better . . . the food or the view. The food shouldn't distract from the view, but neither should the view be an excuse for mediocre food and service. The view won out here, with poorly prepared food and sporadic service marking our dining experience.

After a vertigo-inducing rocket of an elevator ride, we began the evening at the bar for drinks and a first look at the amazing view. We settled in for a cocktail and decided to have their signature appetizer as well, "lobster corn dogs". Yes, deep fried lobster on a stick! It arrived hot and crisp and very tasty, proving again that you can [and maybe should] try frying anything at least once. It was also at the bar that we encountered the first service misstep of the evening in the form of a very pleasant, but overly chatty, bartender who kept inserting herself into our conversation. Some chat is good, but we had had a long day and needed to do some reflection and were regularly interrupted by our friendly bearer of libations.

Then it was on to the dining room for the main event, at a beautiful table with that perfect view across the river. We started with salads, the Chop-Chop [pretty boring, mostly lettuce with sparse dressing] and the Autumn Salad [poached pear, bleu cheese, baby spinach and caramelized shallot] which was beautifully presented and offered a sophisticated blend of flavors that turned out to be the star of the evening. Then there were the steaks . . . which I'm sorry to report reminded me of a Sizzler. These were not the steaks that one would expect from a restaurant of this pretense, and to compound things there were not cooked as ordered. The worst example was a steak that was ordered medium-well that arrived from the kitchen barely warm inside and much less cooked than the other steaks at the table which were ordered medium-rare. When the undercooked steak was sent back for more fire it returned barely changed, as if the kitchen wasn't paying attention or was trying to make a statement about how they thought steak should be ordered. Bad form for sure. The side dishes of sautéed mushrooms and scalloped potatoes were serviceable, but not memorable. This is basic food folks, nothing fancy or difficult to prepare, and with attention to detail should be wonderful in the best sense of comfort food. Somewhere along the way that lesson was missed by the Coach Insigna.

The service, unfortunately, matched the food. Our waiter was pleasant but not always around when needed. Water glasses weren't filled or plates cleared with any care. Then an overly solicitous wine steward made the proceedings almost like a SNL skit. Maybe it’s me, but I have not had much luck eating at steakhouses recently and my karma continued here. The view is wonderful, the restaurant beautiful [but why doesn't it rotate?] but nothing else about the place comes up to that level. If I am in Detroit again I'll go up for a drink, sitting at a table and not the bar, have an appetizer and enjoy the sunset view. Then I'll take the elevator back to earth and find a good restaurant for dinner.

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

Detroit: Mosaic

2008-01-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

This place, interestingly enough, was recommended by another restaurant that was booked for a private party on the night we wanted to go. The competition said Mosaic was great . . . maybe they were trying to look good in comparison, but this was disappointing to the point of yuck. The esthetic of the place was reminiscent of a disco, lots of bright metal and colored glass, with just a touch of sleaze . . . this is upscale dining?

Now on to the food, which turned out to be similar to the decor. How convenient. We started with the salmon carpaccio which was tasty but did not match the menu description. I hate that! When did "traditional accompaniments" become chunky avocado semi-salsa? I liked the dish, but like to have what shows up on my plate to be what I ordered from the menu . . . unless the dish is called "Smoked Salmon Surprise" or something. Then came lamb chops served on a potato gallette with an artichoke ragu-something. The lamb was OK, just lamb chops, no real detectable seasonings, but OK. The potato thing that was served under the lamb was tepid at best, and kind of pastey. The best part of the preparation was the artichoke ragu, well seasoned and HOT. For dessert we ordered the chocolate fondue . . . what can be better than your own personal bucket of chocolate? The fondue was good, and hot, served with fruit, cake and brownies for dippinng. The fruit was fine, the pound cake dry and sandy and the brownies stale. But there's nothing wrong with eating chocolate fondue with a spoon . . . a nice dessert all by itself.

This is one of those dining experiences that when we talked about it after leaving the restaurant said "was that weird or what?" and "did you like the food?". And the answers would be "yes" and "not really". So, I'm sure there must be better places to eat in Detroit and I look forward to checking them out on my next trip. I guess the take home lesson here is . . . don't eat in a disco.

EatHereOrNot: NOT

Portland: El Gaucho

2008-01-25T18:22:00.000-08:00

El Gaucho is one of two local steakhouses [the other being Ringside] that fit into that upper tier of beef purveyors that has been having a renaissance: simple food that is well prepared, no surprises and excellent service. Think Ruth's Chris without the chain feel or Morton's without the pretentious presentation of raw beef and wriggling lobsters. And don't think about Shula's, its not worth mentioning. I have had many a wonderful evening at El Gaucho with perfectly prepared steaks, excellent service and the best Caesar salad around. Not this time. I went on a Sunday evening and the "A" team was definitely NOT in the house. Everything had slipped since my last visit . . . from the hostesses [usually impeccably dressed and attentive, not so tonight] . . . to the waiter [chatty and not even close to unobtrusive or professional] . . . to the Caesar salad [where is Sherwood when you need him?]. Disappointing. Actually, for the price of dinner, REALLY disappointing.

Let's start with the Caesar, prepared table side, which is always fun. This time the balance in the ingredients was off . . . not creamy, too salty and just not that great. It didn't even look right. Sherwood, a stalwart of the Portland restaurant scene for many years and the best captain in the El Gaucho dining room, would have been appalled. Like I said, the "A" team was not on duty so things just weren't the same.

Then there were the steaks, which came flying out of the kitchen before we were finished with the salads. I hate being rushed like that. They were properly cooked, but too salty. The beef was good, but I like to taste the beef and not the salt. Was someone on the line new to using the salt shaker? With the steaks we had baked potatoes with the "full Gaucho" treatment: a quarter pound of butter and beer-cheese sauce . . . nothing wrong here, and we're supporting the Oregon dairy industry too! The menu says that the potato is "fluffed table side" which makes me kind of nervous, but it was good, and I didn't need to smoke when it was over. We also had a side dish of roasted corn with chipotle honey butter that was good, but again, overly salted. The word of the day for all of the food we had: SALTY.

And, since I know that you all appreciate a certain sense of decorum, you'll be pleased to know that the folks here ask gentlemen to remove their baseball caps in the dining room . . . unique for Portland. But alas, a true gentleman would already know to remove his hat indoors and would never have thought to wear a baseball cap to anything but a fast food joint in the first place! And I won't even begin to talk about raggedy jeans and tee shirts in a fine dining establishment. Its just too much.

This is a beautiful room with a retro feel that is comfortable and inviting and filled with promise. I will give it another try down the line, but not on a Sunday, and let you know what happens. For a place that is referred to as "El Gouge-O" for its stratospheric prices, there should never be an off night. Hopefully next time it will be back to its more respectable self.

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

Portland: 23Hoyt

2008-01-21T11:20:00.001-08:00

I was looking forward to a visit to 23Hoyt as its a cool space and a part of a group of good restaurants here in Portland. The space is sleek and feels comfortable, interesting stag candle holders on the bar and nice people. Dinner was good, not spectacular, but generally good.

We started with the "naked ravioli" which were spinach dumplings with butter and cheese. It was a nice preparation and very tasty, everyone enjoyed them. Then a salad that wasn't particularly interesting, but was just OK. The star of the show was the entree, a wonderful chicken paprikash . . . perfectly cooked chicken in an amazing paprika sauce. It was earthy and spicy and a great dish for a cold evening. Dessert was a strudel with a cherry ice cream . . . really boring and a disappointment. The strudel was no better than something from the freezer section at the local grocery store and the ice cream was more "interesting" than good. The chicken was worth a return trip, otherwise the dinner was non remarkable.

Two other comments about the experience. First, the music . . . a guy playing the piano and singing . . . he was awful; loud and off key in a way that set your teeth on edge. The staff was even looking askance at him, so I'm not sure what was up but he shouldn't be invited back. Second was the service . . . it started out somewhat leisurely and degenerated into downright slow and disorganized. There were long waits between courses, the server seemed less than engaged, and dishes weren't cleared in a timely manner. When it was time for dessert and coffee the dessert was delivered but the coffee didn't arrive until after everyone had finished eating. I don't know if this was a problem with the server or bar or kitchen, but it was not well coordinated and the lapse not even acknowledged. I expected a much better overall service experience here and was disappointed, really lackadaisical. I'll give 23Hoyt another try, but I'm not in a hurry to do so.

EatHereOrNot: MAYBE

Portland: Jake's Famous Crawfish

2008-01-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

OK, I know I wrote about Jake's as my first blog entry, but I don't think I did them justice and want to tell you about this place again. This is Portland's oldest restaurant, a classic seafood house and the mothership for all of the McCormick and Schmick's places around the country. While the clones are not that successful, real Jake's is a winner every time. This is the place for a real Portland experience with fresh seafood, wait staff in white jackets and always a hub of activity in the bar. If you live here you know, if you're visiting go and if you are in town for business, take clients. Successful and not pretentious, straight forward food and good service.

So, about that bar . . . fresh squeezed juices for the drinks, a large selection of liquors, good beer on tap and in the bottle. The bartenders are great, efficient and friendly, and always make you feel welcome. The best of the best are Bobby and Bert who will remember you and your drink after a visit and make you feel like a regular even if you're only in the bar twice a year. They will make your drink and give you advice about the menu while dealing with a bizillion other things and you'll still feel like the only one in the bar. Excellent service and great people.

While you can get the entire menu in the bar, go to the dining room for the full experience. The menu is printed twice daily depending on what seafood is fresh and available . . . all of that is listed at the top and can be prepared any way you like . . . with wonderful classic preparations of your favorites. There are usually at least six different kinds of oysters to choose from to start things off and many other appetizers for those not inclined to slurp down raw bivalves. Try the crab claws [ask for drawn butter {what exactly is drawn butter, anyway . . . is it a picture of butter? an imitation? is lead involved?} for dipping] or one of the chowders. Entrees can be grilled fish with interesting sauces [swordfish with dill beurre blanc], wonderful salmon [horseradish crusted or stuffed with crab and shrimp and brie] or a steak for our non-seafood friends. The etouffe is wonderful, filled with crayfish tails and chicken [I once took a friend from NoLa there and he ordered the etouffe . . . took one bite and said "there must be on old black woman back there in the kitchen, this is better than home" . . . an excellent testimony].

And then there's always dessert. Purists will opt for the three-berry cobbler, served warm and tasting like a summer day in the Pacific northwest. I am drawn to the banana cream pie drizzled with caramel sauce or the key lime pie, personally. Their chocolate truffle cake used to be wonderful, but a couple of years ago they tinkered with the recipe and its not as good . . . not as moist or dense, less intense chocolate flavor. So its not on my list of favorites, there are better choices.

The staff at Jake's is great, professional and personable with good knowledge of the food and wine that serve you well for dinner. Most of the servers have been here a long time, many for more than twenty years, so they know what they're doing and take pride in a job well done. Ask for Carla or Tony and you're all set for a real Jake's evening.

Be sure to make reservations, it fills up quickly and can have a very long wait. Especially on weekends, or during the summer when there are conventions in town. The bar has a late night menu that offers a number of choices on the cheap, but its usually packed so get there early if you want a table. This is a casual option for upscale dining, but almost everything in Portland is casual [that's not necessarily a good thing . . . jeans at the opera and all]. You'll see prom kids in formal wear, dressed up folks out for a celebration, business people in after work and then the family more at home at an "all you can eat" buffet in for a big night out. Its an interesting mix that adds to the authenticity of the place, so enjoy.

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE

California: In-N-Out Burger

2008-01-12T18:29:00.000-08:00

This is the quintessential California burger drive through and its always great. And, you are welcome to wear your baseball cap and shorts here, there is definitely no dress code. And, usually, no dining room either. Just drive through and enjoy. Order a "double double animal style" . . . 2 burger patties, 2 slices of cheese . . . I'm not sure what the "animal style" means, but I like saying it and it tastes good. The fries are hot out of the oil, freshly made and great. When I fly back home to SoCal I often drive through In-N-Out on my way from the airport to my family's house. They can always tell, there's usu sally sauce on my shirt. This is the best fast food burger in the southwest, go check it out.

EatHereOrNot? EAT HERE

Honolulu: Halekulani Hotel: Le Mer

2008-01-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

This is it, the best restaurant on the islands and one of my favorites anywhere. A sleek and elegant setting, beautiful presentation and excellent service all rolled into one perfect dining experience. Le Mer pleases every time, with consistently high standards and gracious hospitality. This is what Bali by the Sea [see previous post] thinks it is, but doesn't come anywhere close in any category . . . right down to the badly outfitted wait staff with Denny's like skills.

An evening at Le Mer always starts off with a glass of champagne and a treat from the kitchen, this time tiny popovers . . . one with lobster and the other salmon. After ordering, an amuse arrived, a seafood aspic with lobster that was the only bobble by the kitchen . . . the texture was a rubber/jello cross that was not pleasing . . . but the flavor was nice. Then on to the amazing dinner:

Seared foie gras with fresh asparagus that was perfectly prepared and had an amazing combination of flavors and textures. Beautiful on the plate and even better to taste.

Fresh truffle on a potato galette with an amazing sauce that had some bacon going on. And with it? Truffle Madeleines! Can you believe it? These were the best and I wanted more . . . the whole dish was absolutely perfect.

Veal medallions on a confit of beans with a Roquefort sauce that was dazzling. Just when I thought I couldn't like anything better than the truffle-surprise, along comes this veal dish with its perfectly balanced flavors and satiny beans and I am again inspired to lick my plate [even though the dining room is dark, I refrained for fear of being asked not to return].

An assortment of sweets followed, with just a touch more champagne, and the evening's indulgence was finished. Not too full. Not too buzzed. Not anything but very happy.

Each course was paired with a wonderful wine thanks to the wine steward and the pace of the meal leisurely but not slow. The service was attentive and well done with one exception . . . my waiter. He may have been new or just not "on" that night, but he was the weak link in the service chain . . . but the slack was evenly picked up by everyone else so it was not a problem and barely evident.

And one more great thing about Le Mer . . . they have a dress code! Yes, a dress code! Meaning that they understand that baseball caps are appropriate only if one is attending a sporting event and that tee shirts and shorts are for the beach. How fortunate that there is still someplace in a resort area that will stand up and say no to the ever encroaching lack of decorum that is justified in the name of casual. Manners shouldn't be left at home when one is on vacation, and neither should appropriate clothing. I guess my assumption there may be incorrect, some of these vacationers probably don't have manners at home, so why would them have them on vacation . . . but that's a commentary for another time. Where is Miss Manners when you need her?

EatHereOrNot? EAT HERE

Honolulu: Rainbows

2008-01-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

This is it . . . the best Hawaiian fast food on the island. What looks like an old hamburger stand is actually the home to the best plate lunch in Honolulu [I know, everyone has their favorites]. The place has walk up windows with a few outdoor tables, that's it. Its a local place that you'll have to ask directions to find, and is packed at the lunch hour with all sorts of people: from giant Samoan men working construction, to suit-types, to school teachers. It looks dirty, but the food is great. My best advice, go a little later and arrive hungry!

What is plate lunch? Its a ton of nasty-good food on a plate, covered with gravy, that makes you want to roll over and sleep on the beach when you're finished. Start with a take-out box . . . add 2 scoops of white rice, one scoop of macaroni salad [2 if you're lucky], some kind of meat [katsu chicken is my favorite, although spam is very popular] then cover the whole thing with brown gravy. Sprinkle on the chili sauce and you're ready to go. Add a cherry slushy float with chocolate ice cream and you can be in bad-food heaven. Give it a shot, really.

For the tourist looking for local color and flavor, a plate lunch joint is the place to visit. And for my money Rainbows is the best . . . just find it and see. Aloha!

EatHereOrNot? EAT HERE

Honolulu: Royal Hawaiian: Mai Tai Bar

2008-01-07T15:04:00.001-08:00

This is place where the drink was created, on a beautiful terrace overlooking the Pacific in the classic Royal Hawaiian Hotel. I went for lunch and have this to say: BAD SERVICE, BAD ATTITUDE, and BAD FOOD. It was a disaster on every front and I tried to give them some slack.

The bar wasn't crowded, there were open tables when I sat down for a late lunch. After waiting 10 minutes to be acknowledged by the waiter [snippy] I ordered a drink and their Lobster Cobb Salad. The food arrived 40 minutes later . . . with no contact from the waiter in the interim . . . and it was NASTY. The lobster was like rubber and tasteless. The entire salad and plate were tepid, no where close to chilled and dressing nonexistent. Oh, and there was no bacon [listed on the menu description] . . . what's a Cobb Salad without bacon I ask you??? The waiter returned after I was more than half way through the salad and when I asked about the bacon he said "So, do you want me to get some?". My, my. He eventually brought bacon, after I had completed the meal and was waiting for a check and said something like "you already ate your lettuce . . . ". And then said that they'd buy my lunch, basically admitting that it had been a bad experience.

I don't know if they were understaffed, if the kitchen was in chaos or if something was broken. All I know is that the experience was bad and, to compound things, the attitude of the staff was indifferent at best. Thank you, but I'll have my salad in the sun elsewhere next time. And you should too!

EatHereOrNot: NOT!

Honolulu: Halekulani Hotel: Orchids

2008-01-05T11:15:00.001-08:00

Orchids is the main restaurant in the Halekulani Hotel on the beach in Honolulu. The hotel is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of the area and Orchids is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant is beautiful and opens to a lawn and views of the pacific. The food is wonderful, seafood with an island sensibility that is beautifully presented, and the service gracious and professional. Lunch is a great time to check this place out, take a break from the beach and relax for a fine meal. The lobster and crab salad is great, the soups always inventive and the coconut cake . . . reason enough to fly to Honolulu. Coconut cake at Orchids and all is right with the world, trust me.

This whole property has a sleek quiet elegance about it that is a welcome tonic to the cacophony that is Waikiki. And happily, all of the guest rooms seem to have full length mirrors installed as people are appropriately dressed and seem to know the difference between "resort casual" and "vacation slob", which is what one usually sees just outside the door. I'm all for casual, but please leave your tattered shorts, "I'm With Stupid" tee-shirts and clear plastic heels back home at the trailer park. Or, visit Las Vegas and stay at Circus Circus.

EatHereOrNot? EAT HERE

Hawaiian Airlines

2008-01-05T11:04:00.001-08:00

OK, so I had to escape Portland and jumped on a Hawaiian Airlines flight to Honolulu for some sun and a break. As usual, I was impressed by Hawaiian Airlines . . . they are the best domestic carrier in the sky as far as I'm concerned. The planes are pleasant and comfortable [for transpacific flights its all 767 with 2 classes of service], the staff is welcoming and efficient, and the food is actually very good. Now I will admit that i was flying first class, which does taint the experience, but the service in first is much better than I've had on Delta or United and the food is hands down the best. I think what really makes this operation shine is the staff . . . consistently gracious, helpful, and always ready with a smile. What a concept! If you are travelling to Hawaii, give them a try and see what I mean. Even in coach!

FlyHereOrNot? FLY HERE

Honolulu: Hilton Hawaiian Village: Bali by the Sea

2008-01-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am in beautiful Hawaii for a few days relaxation and contemplation at the start of the new year. And eating, of course. Bali by the Sea is the upscale dining room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort and it is a complete disappointment. Service, atmosphere and food were all disappointments . . . and I had high expectations. The service was disinterested at best [and the servers looked sloppy in ill fitting uniforms, one guy had his tie unhooked like a soda jerk] and the whole experience sub par. Especially for the price.

Sugar cane crusted scallops as a starter were over cooked and rubbery, but the concept was good. Seared sea bass was also over cooked, but the presentation was nice and the risotto side dish was interesting. I passed on dessert, nothing looked interesting. The server was pleasant, but just not into it and it showed. I'd rather eat plate lunch than here again.

There is some good competition here in Honolulu for fine dining and Hilton should step up and do a better job. The resort has a lot of great features, but dining is not one of them.

EatHereOrNot? NOT

Ashland, OR: Chateaulin Restaurant

2008-01-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

This small French restaurant in Ashland, evocative of the best of neighborhood places in Paris or New York, always pleases. I have been eating here for almost 30 years and it is one of the most consistent and lovely places to dine on the west coast; small, elegant and charming without pretense. The limited menu is classic French with some Northwest touches, fresh and well prepared. Over the years the menu has evolved, but not left behind its classical core and technique, which is why this place has been a winner for all of these years.

There was a change of ownership several years ago with the front of house partner, Michael Donovan, leaving. Since then the level of service has declined somewhat and the dining room has never recovered its graceful and efficient hum. That's a shame, because everything else has remained consistently good and this is still a wonderful place to spend an evening.

If you are visiting during the theater season reservations are a must. If you're not attending a play, try to arrive just after the theater crowd leaves, when the restaurant sighs and assumes a more relaxed pace for dining. The after theater crowd can be lively with those just having seen one of the productions mingling with actors and others from the company. The bar is fully stocked, appetizers ready and a nice selection of desserts. Try the giant "Ho Ho" chocolate roll for a hit of chocolate with some champagne.

This is one of my favorites, enjoy!

EatHereOrNot? EAT HERE

Minneapolis: Oceanaire Seafood Room

2007-12-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

I have heard much about Oceanaire and when I was in Minneapolis wanted to give it a try; and I'm sorry that I did. With so many other interesting choices in that city I ended up with a loser. The restaurant tries hard for a 40's cool vibe, which seemed pretty sterile to me and uninviting. When I arrived there were two young ladies at the hostess stand chatting and it took them about 5 minutes to acknowledge that I was there [along with several others who had walked in before me]. I sat at the bar and was basically ignored until I asked for a menu and from then on the service was perfunctory at best. After reading the menu, which I found unimaginative and overpriced, I ordered the scampi. What arrived were 5 medium shrimp, overcooked with the texture of erasers, in a bland sauce [how can something with garlic be bland?]. Nothing else. Not even bread. If they have desserts I wouldn't know as none were offered.

This was one of the worst dining experiences in an "upscale" restaurant that I can remember. The place is all hype and no follow through. When you're in one of the cities where this chain has a location, look for an interesting local establishment to try out rather than one of these. You'll be better off.

EatHereOrNot? NOT

Portland: Jake's Famous Crawfish

2007-12-29T10:02:00.000-08:00

Well, to start things off in Portland one has to talk about Jake's. Its the quintessential seafood house in the old-school style. The food is classic seafood with some new twists, always fresh and well prepared. No surprises here, just good food. The service is excellent [ask for Carla or Tony in the dining room] and the place works like a well oiled machine most of the time. The grilled steel head is amazing and there is always a good selection of oysters. On a cold night the etouffee is perfect. The bar is just what you'd expect: loud, good drinks and usually very active with the full menu from the dining room or bar food available. Bobby and Bert and two of the best bartenders in Portland [or anywhere] and are quick to make you feel welcome and at home. The is the place to send visitors to the city for a real "Portland experience". I highly recommend it!

Jake's is the mothership of the McCormick and Schmick's chain around the country, trying to clone the success and ambiance of the original Jake's. I've eaten at several of these clones with varying success, mostly the food is only adequate and the service fair. Seems like the corporate mentality got in the way during the cloning process; too bad, it was a good idea.

EatHereOrNot? EAT HERE

Almost 2008

2007-12-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Eat Here. Or Not. Its almost 2008 and I've been thinking about blogging for some time, particularly about travel and food. I travel a bunch for my work and eat out often, sometimes with good results and other times less so. I've decided to chronicle my eating adventures here, both at home and as I travel, maybe to turn you on to a new place to try out or to warn you about a place to avoid. Either way, you can Eat Here. Or Not.