Toast Wine Bar & Café is fairly new restaurant (opened 12/06) in the revitalized warehouse district near the Mississippi River. Toast is a cozy, friendly neighborhood café nestled among high-end lofts, condos and apartments. The space has an artsy loft feel with its black walls and the vibrant pieces of hanging art.
My friend, Joel, recently returned to live in Minneapolis; we often look for the “neighborhood gems”. We both agree that Toast is definitely a hidden gem. The focus of Toast’s short menu is the crostinis and pizzas. Their wine list is far more extensive – something for most palates. I began with a delicious Malbec from Argentina. This wonderful medium bodied red paired perfectly with both my starters and dinner.
I needed a quick nibble before I ordered. I started with a small bowl olives; they were nothing extraordinary. Wanting something else, I chose a crostini topped with mound of white beans, sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of garlic. Scrumptious! Just what I needed until my dinner and second glass of Malbec arrived. My recommendation would be to skip the olives and order another of the 8 crostinis on the menu.
This evening I ordered the pizza with wild mushrooms, provolone, leeks and white truffle oil. A bit too much truffle oil, but definitely not enough to keep me from ordering it again. Next time, I will request less oil. The cracker thin crust & the decadently simple toppings were sensational!
Erin, the owner, and the friendly staff made all their dinner guests feel very welcomed.
I can honestly say I do not know the last time I ate more than one small slice of pizza or for that matter - an entire personal sized pizza by myself. Toast has changed my mind. Fantastico!
Mmm, Mmm…
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Saturday, December 08, 2007
PIROGUE GRILLE – Bismarck
The Pirogue Grille is a very comfortable space finished with exposed brick, woods, and metalwork. Artwork adds a splash of color to the neutral, welcoming color palate.
My evening was off to a good start when I found 20 creative choices on the martini list. I chose one of my favorites - the Grey Goose dirty martini. I sipped my libation as I perused the eclectic menu featuring duck, bison, homemade venison sausage, rabbit & walleye. I was disappointed to find inexpensive olives in, my otherwise, perfect martini. For my second, I requested olive juice only. The rest of the evening was flawless.
My start to this incredible meal was the homemade venison sausage with grainy mustard and a sweet potato relish/salad. The course ground sausage was delicious. The side of diced sweet potato relish was an unexpected, interesting treat.
Throughout the meal our fantastic server, Kristina, ensured our bread basket was filled with warm, wheat rolls with flax seeds. Soft butter is served with the homemade rolls at Pirogue. This, alone, is a huge satisfier for me! There is nothing more disappointing than attempting to spread cold butter across a warm roll.
For my entrée, I selected the North Dakota raised NY strip steak. The strip was grilled to perfection – slightly charred with a pink center… so tender you could use your butter knife. On the menu, the steak was offered with a sauce. I prefer my steak without a sauce. A side of creamy, buttermilk mashed potatoes with a hint of dill arrived with the steak. Yumm!
The Chocolate Pate with fresh raspberry sauce was my choice for dessert. The smooth, rich slices of deep dark chocolate drizzled with a slightly tart raspberry sauce was decadence at its best.
A treat arrives with your dinner check... a small bowl of homemade caramel popcorn. There are seconds for those who ask; I did. Sweet, crunchy and delicious!
Pirogue has been around for 2 short years, but it has made its mark. Gourmet Magazine (October 2007) named Pirogue Grille as one of “The 100 Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants in America.” Pirogue is probably the best fine dining experience in Bismarck. I never expected to find such a wonderful surprise hiding in the middle of North Dakota!
Link to additional Priogue Grill post
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
PirogueGrille.com
$$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
My evening was off to a good start when I found 20 creative choices on the martini list. I chose one of my favorites - the Grey Goose dirty martini. I sipped my libation as I perused the eclectic menu featuring duck, bison, homemade venison sausage, rabbit & walleye. I was disappointed to find inexpensive olives in, my otherwise, perfect martini. For my second, I requested olive juice only. The rest of the evening was flawless.
My start to this incredible meal was the homemade venison sausage with grainy mustard and a sweet potato relish/salad. The course ground sausage was delicious. The side of diced sweet potato relish was an unexpected, interesting treat.
Throughout the meal our fantastic server, Kristina, ensured our bread basket was filled with warm, wheat rolls with flax seeds. Soft butter is served with the homemade rolls at Pirogue. This, alone, is a huge satisfier for me! There is nothing more disappointing than attempting to spread cold butter across a warm roll.
For my entrée, I selected the North Dakota raised NY strip steak. The strip was grilled to perfection – slightly charred with a pink center… so tender you could use your butter knife. On the menu, the steak was offered with a sauce. I prefer my steak without a sauce. A side of creamy, buttermilk mashed potatoes with a hint of dill arrived with the steak. Yumm!
The Chocolate Pate with fresh raspberry sauce was my choice for dessert. The smooth, rich slices of deep dark chocolate drizzled with a slightly tart raspberry sauce was decadence at its best.
A treat arrives with your dinner check... a small bowl of homemade caramel popcorn. There are seconds for those who ask; I did. Sweet, crunchy and delicious!
Pirogue has been around for 2 short years, but it has made its mark. Gourmet Magazine (October 2007) named Pirogue Grille as one of “The 100 Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants in America.” Pirogue is probably the best fine dining experience in Bismarck. I never expected to find such a wonderful surprise hiding in the middle of North Dakota!
Link to additional Priogue Grill post
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
PirogueGrille.com
$$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Sunday, November 18, 2007
PICNIC Restaurant & Bar - Puerto Vallarta
Picnic is owned by Luis. His comfortable indoor/outdoor restaurant is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. On this trip, I ate lunch at Picnic on 8 of the 12 days I was in Puerto Vallarta. As I have mentioned in a previous "Picnic posts" to my blog, I almost always order my favorite – the 1⁄2 roasted chicken, red rice & roasted potatoes.
Not today. I tired something new – the yellow curry chicken salad. This fantastic combo of chunked roasted chicken, egg, celery, and onion blended with a light yellow curry mayo dressing was delicious! A generous mound of chicken salad is served on a fresh roll (delivered daily) with lettuce and tomato. Of course, I felt the need to order a small serving of Picnic’s infamous roasted potatoes. Heavenly!
Since my last trip in August, Luis has opened a large patio with umbrella covered tables – perfect for chatting with your friends, enjoying the ocean breezes, or people watching. All this while sipping your favorite libation. Picnic has begun offering a short “bar menu”, available from 5-8p. I highly recommend the chicken wings & a margarita… or two.
Hint: when ordering a margarita anywhere, order one with the better tequila. You will thank yourself in the morning, particularly if you enjoy more than 3!
Picnic is now open 11a - 8p, Monday thru Saturday. As with many of the bars and smaller restaurants in Vallarta, cash only. Picnic is half way up the stairway on the corner of Olas Altas & Pulpito.
Aah, this little jewel on the hill feels like home!
Mmm, Mmm…
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Not today. I tired something new – the yellow curry chicken salad. This fantastic combo of chunked roasted chicken, egg, celery, and onion blended with a light yellow curry mayo dressing was delicious! A generous mound of chicken salad is served on a fresh roll (delivered daily) with lettuce and tomato. Of course, I felt the need to order a small serving of Picnic’s infamous roasted potatoes. Heavenly!
Since my last trip in August, Luis has opened a large patio with umbrella covered tables – perfect for chatting with your friends, enjoying the ocean breezes, or people watching. All this while sipping your favorite libation. Picnic has begun offering a short “bar menu”, available from 5-8p. I highly recommend the chicken wings & a margarita… or two.
Hint: when ordering a margarita anywhere, order one with the better tequila. You will thank yourself in the morning, particularly if you enjoy more than 3!
Picnic is now open 11a - 8p, Monday thru Saturday. As with many of the bars and smaller restaurants in Vallarta, cash only. Picnic is half way up the stairway on the corner of Olas Altas & Pulpito.
Aah, this little jewel on the hill feels like home!
Mmm, Mmm…
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Friday, November 16, 2007
Z TAI - Puerto Vallarta
Z Tai is located in the center of the Vallarta (at Morelos 737) across from the malecon. Z Tai is one of the newer fine dining options in Vallarta, offering 3 different spaces to enjoy Pacific Rim fusion cuisine. You can choose from the beautiful, intimate indoor space, the casual, modern garden, or the elevated sophisticated lounge overlooking both the garden and the Pacific Ocean. You can enter this very interesting space from the malecon or off of Morelos.
Leo and I sat in the garden complete with a reflection pool, floating candles, elevated conversation spaces, a sunken dining area, and a 25’ x 20’ video wall! I am told the garden contains the oldest tree in Vallarta. We enjoyed a couple rounds of their signature Cucumber martini. Delicious…
The only details I can remember of our appetizer was that it was several very large shrimp wrapped in phyllo dough – quickly fried and virtually greaseless. They were served with a selection of dipping sauce.
For dinner, I had the unforgettable tuna fillet crusted with blackened sesame seeds. The perfectly cooked fillet was served resting on a pillow of buttery mashed potatoes and shredded vegetable. Simply divine.
The staff was very friendly and attentive. They were accommodating & very interested in ensuring we had a good time. The one complaint we had was that there needs to be some sort of agreement between Z Tai and their next door neighbor. Around 10:30p, the neighbor’s house music invades Z Tai’s zen-like ambiance in the garden. This very unwelcomed intrusion is so loud that Z Tai turns their music down. This is unfortunate. Unless you are a huge fan of house music, I recommend that you finish your meal and conversation by 10:30.
Z Tai is a gorgeous space; upon entering, you will feel transported to another locale. It is a wonderful, unexpected surprise!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Leo and I sat in the garden complete with a reflection pool, floating candles, elevated conversation spaces, a sunken dining area, and a 25’ x 20’ video wall! I am told the garden contains the oldest tree in Vallarta. We enjoyed a couple rounds of their signature Cucumber martini. Delicious…
The only details I can remember of our appetizer was that it was several very large shrimp wrapped in phyllo dough – quickly fried and virtually greaseless. They were served with a selection of dipping sauce.
For dinner, I had the unforgettable tuna fillet crusted with blackened sesame seeds. The perfectly cooked fillet was served resting on a pillow of buttery mashed potatoes and shredded vegetable. Simply divine.
The staff was very friendly and attentive. They were accommodating & very interested in ensuring we had a good time. The one complaint we had was that there needs to be some sort of agreement between Z Tai and their next door neighbor. Around 10:30p, the neighbor’s house music invades Z Tai’s zen-like ambiance in the garden. This very unwelcomed intrusion is so loud that Z Tai turns their music down. This is unfortunate. Unless you are a huge fan of house music, I recommend that you finish your meal and conversation by 10:30.
Z Tai is a gorgeous space; upon entering, you will feel transported to another locale. It is a wonderful, unexpected surprise!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Thursday, November 15, 2007
BOCA BENTO - Puerto Vallarta
Luis & I returned to my favorite dining space for libations and some late-evening nibbles. We sat in Boca Bento's very comfortable chairs in the lounge area, opening out to the very busy sidewalk along Basillo Badillo. The “sidewalk entertainment” is always colorful!
We chose the not too sweet pomegranate martinis - perfectly mixed in each of the three rounds we very much enjoyed!
We had not one, but two plates of the Chicken Satay. The generous pieces of grilled chicken breast were marinated in light ginger/soy sauce. They were served with a slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce. The Szechwan Shrimp Won Tons were incredible. The spicy chunks of shrimp were wrapped won ton skins so light you would think it was phyllo dough. The pablano cream dipping sauce was fantastic, offering a great compliment to the shrimp.
This was my second visit to Boca Bento on this trip; I can not find my notes from the first visit. What I do remember is that our service was exceptional and very friendly. Monika, the owner, and Juan, the executive chef, stopped by on both of my visits. They genuinely want to ensure that all their guests’ expectations are being met. Also recall from my first visit 5 days earlier, that my friends - Mandy & Carol - described it as euphoria. They were still talking about it.
Once again, Boca Bento solidified itself as my favorite evening in Puerto Vallarta!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://bocabento.com/
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
We chose the not too sweet pomegranate martinis - perfectly mixed in each of the three rounds we very much enjoyed!
We had not one, but two plates of the Chicken Satay. The generous pieces of grilled chicken breast were marinated in light ginger/soy sauce. They were served with a slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce. The Szechwan Shrimp Won Tons were incredible. The spicy chunks of shrimp were wrapped won ton skins so light you would think it was phyllo dough. The pablano cream dipping sauce was fantastic, offering a great compliment to the shrimp.
This was my second visit to Boca Bento on this trip; I can not find my notes from the first visit. What I do remember is that our service was exceptional and very friendly. Monika, the owner, and Juan, the executive chef, stopped by on both of my visits. They genuinely want to ensure that all their guests’ expectations are being met. Also recall from my first visit 5 days earlier, that my friends - Mandy & Carol - described it as euphoria. They were still talking about it.
Once again, Boca Bento solidified itself as my favorite evening in Puerto Vallarta!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://bocabento.com/
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Monday, November 12, 2007
BAI SRI - Puerto Vallarta
Bai Sri is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Bai Sri is one of a handful of fine dining selections in Puerto Vallarta. Bai Sri is a higher end Thai & Vietnamese restaurant at the intersection of Rudolfo Gomez & Pulpito. Any cabbie can easily get you there.
The numerous gardens, fountains, ponds and the open dining room (no windows here) create a relaxing, seductive, dining experience.
The authentic Thai and Vietnamese cuisine is superb. Bai Sri proudly serves homegrown organic herbs and vegetables. The ambiance, the high quality & freshness of their food, and the very attentive, professional service (2 waiters per table) all make the extra pesos you pay so worth it.
My friends – Mandy, Carol, & Rene – and I had a glorious evening at Bai Sri. We started with a round of their signature Thai Basil Martinis. This incredible libation is Absolut Citron shaken with a few pieces of Thai basil & garnished with whole basil leaves. Simply divine! OK, I'll admit that we did not stop at just one round…
For a starter, I selected the Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken soup). This delectable combination of coconut milk, lemongrass, a hint of lime juice, fish sauce, and thin slices of chicken breast left you wanting more.
I could not decide on an entrée so I chose two. I had the Shaking Beef – a mouthwatering dish of tidbits of filet mignon, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, watercress, and scallions. Perfectly stir-fried and served with white rice. My friends & I agreed that this dish was our favorite of the evening.
The second must have entrée for me was the Green Curry Chicken with mushrooms. This soup-like entrée was made with chunks of chicken breast, coconut milk, green curry, lemongrass, mushrooms, and lime juice; I believe I detected a hint of fish sauce. For me, this dish was a very close second. Yumm! This Green Curry Chicken was a first for me. I look forward to “2nds” when I return to Vallarta in the coming months.
Order several entrées & share with your dinner companions. This is a feast you won’t soon forget!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.baisri.com
$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
The numerous gardens, fountains, ponds and the open dining room (no windows here) create a relaxing, seductive, dining experience.
The authentic Thai and Vietnamese cuisine is superb. Bai Sri proudly serves homegrown organic herbs and vegetables. The ambiance, the high quality & freshness of their food, and the very attentive, professional service (2 waiters per table) all make the extra pesos you pay so worth it.
My friends – Mandy, Carol, & Rene – and I had a glorious evening at Bai Sri. We started with a round of their signature Thai Basil Martinis. This incredible libation is Absolut Citron shaken with a few pieces of Thai basil & garnished with whole basil leaves. Simply divine! OK, I'll admit that we did not stop at just one round…
For a starter, I selected the Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken soup). This delectable combination of coconut milk, lemongrass, a hint of lime juice, fish sauce, and thin slices of chicken breast left you wanting more.
I could not decide on an entrée so I chose two. I had the Shaking Beef – a mouthwatering dish of tidbits of filet mignon, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, watercress, and scallions. Perfectly stir-fried and served with white rice. My friends & I agreed that this dish was our favorite of the evening.
The second must have entrée for me was the Green Curry Chicken with mushrooms. This soup-like entrée was made with chunks of chicken breast, coconut milk, green curry, lemongrass, mushrooms, and lime juice; I believe I detected a hint of fish sauce. For me, this dish was a very close second. Yumm! This Green Curry Chicken was a first for me. I look forward to “2nds” when I return to Vallarta in the coming months.
Order several entrées & share with your dinner companions. This is a feast you won’t soon forget!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.baisri.com
$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Saturday, November 10, 2007
JOE JACK'S FISH SHACK - Puerto Vallarta
This is my second visit to Joe Jack’s Fish Shack on this trip to Puerto Vallarta. Joe Jack’s is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the most energized area of PV with the southside’s beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes.
Mandy & Carol joined me for dinner and several rounds of Joe Jack's infamous Mermaid Martinis (an addictive libation of Alize, Absolut Citron & limon). This evening we were seated on the second level of the restaurant; the second level space is more relaxing and much easier for conversation.
On this visit, I selected the Luna Park ceviche for my starter. The ceviche is a combination of sushi grade tuna, a touch of light sesame oil, fresh lime juice, tidbits of tomato, diced white onion, cucumber and cilantro. Fantastic – extremely fresh & bursting with flavor.
For dinner, I chose the red snapper soft tacos. The trio of tacos arrived each with a generous piece of grilled red snapper, crispy shredded cabbage, cilantro, tomato and their secret white sauce. Hidden among the shreds of cabbage was a dollop of zesty chipotle sauce. Yumm! If it was possible for me to eat a second platter of these scrumptious tacos, I would have.
Jonas was our server. His attentive service and great smile added to our great, relaxing dining experience.
Link to a prior Joe Jack's visit
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.joejacks-fishshack.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Mandy & Carol joined me for dinner and several rounds of Joe Jack's infamous Mermaid Martinis (an addictive libation of Alize, Absolut Citron & limon). This evening we were seated on the second level of the restaurant; the second level space is more relaxing and much easier for conversation.
On this visit, I selected the Luna Park ceviche for my starter. The ceviche is a combination of sushi grade tuna, a touch of light sesame oil, fresh lime juice, tidbits of tomato, diced white onion, cucumber and cilantro. Fantastic – extremely fresh & bursting with flavor.
For dinner, I chose the red snapper soft tacos. The trio of tacos arrived each with a generous piece of grilled red snapper, crispy shredded cabbage, cilantro, tomato and their secret white sauce. Hidden among the shreds of cabbage was a dollop of zesty chipotle sauce. Yumm! If it was possible for me to eat a second platter of these scrumptious tacos, I would have.
Jonas was our server. His attentive service and great smile added to our great, relaxing dining experience.
Link to a prior Joe Jack's visit
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.joejacks-fishshack.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Friday, November 09, 2007
BANANA CANTINA - Puerto Vallarta
Banana Cantina is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta, the older, charming Puerto Vallarta, on the corner of Pulpito and Amapas. Zona Romantica (aka Los Muertos) is Vallarta's most energized area with the southside’s beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes.
Debbi has created a comfortable restaurant with colorful splashes on the walls and international flavors on their menu, focusing on fresh seafood. Banana Cantina is located on the 2nd level of the building (above her snack shop - Coco Banana) between the Pacific Ocean and Picnic Restaurant. Banana Cantina was recently named “Best Moderately Priced” restaurant in Puerto Vallarta by Virtual Vallarta. Way to go!
We were greeted with a basket of warm cheese and sesame bread nuggets. We had seconds. Each basket arrived with a wonderful herb infused soft butter. Absolutely incredible.
Carol and Mandy joined me for dinner. We started with the Shrimp Spring Rolls. These flaky delicacies were served with a soy sauce reduction, powerful wasabi and fresh pickled ginger. For my dinner I selected the sea bass. This large fillet was grilled and then drizzled with an incredible mango/chipotle sauce. The sea bass rested on a bed of grilled zucchini and carrots – fresh from the garden.
Debbi greets everyone with her huge smile and periodically stops at your table ensuring all is well and you are having a good time. Great staff. Tropical ambiance. The Banana is quickly becoming one my favorites in Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://bananacantina.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Debbi has created a comfortable restaurant with colorful splashes on the walls and international flavors on their menu, focusing on fresh seafood. Banana Cantina is located on the 2nd level of the building (above her snack shop - Coco Banana) between the Pacific Ocean and Picnic Restaurant. Banana Cantina was recently named “Best Moderately Priced” restaurant in Puerto Vallarta by Virtual Vallarta. Way to go!
We were greeted with a basket of warm cheese and sesame bread nuggets. We had seconds. Each basket arrived with a wonderful herb infused soft butter. Absolutely incredible.
Carol and Mandy joined me for dinner. We started with the Shrimp Spring Rolls. These flaky delicacies were served with a soy sauce reduction, powerful wasabi and fresh pickled ginger. For my dinner I selected the sea bass. This large fillet was grilled and then drizzled with an incredible mango/chipotle sauce. The sea bass rested on a bed of grilled zucchini and carrots – fresh from the garden.
Debbi greets everyone with her huge smile and periodically stops at your table ensuring all is well and you are having a good time. Great staff. Tropical ambiance. The Banana is quickly becoming one my favorites in Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://bananacantina.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
PICOSA - Minneapolis
Picosa is located along the Mississippi River in a historic building within the St Anthony Main area of Minneapolis. The restaurant wraps you in warm comfortable colors. The tables in the dining area actually have space between them! The floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views of downtown Minneapolis and the river. The large patio will be very popular in the summer. The menu is a tantalizing blend of Caribbean, Central American & Latin American flavors.
Our busy schedules did not allow my friends, Joel & Michelle, and I to connect for dinner. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to chat, we went for Happy Hour. Picosa has fantastic Happy Hour specials: 2-4-1 cocktails, beer or wine by the glass and delectable $1 tacos with your choice of beef, chicken or pork. Two or 3 soft tacos and a libation or 2 and you have an excellent early evening meal. The taco meats are each flavored differently; I had all 3; I thought the beef was a bit dry. The chicken and the pork were fantastic.
The restaurant did not offer the standard “chips ‘n salsa”. Instead, you can order a basket of made-to-order plantain strips and a side of the incredible smoky/spicy salsa. We went through 2 baskets. Yumm.
David’s very friendly and attentive service made for a relaxing time with good friends.
Reading their dinner menu made my mouth water. I will most certainly return for a full meal.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://picosarestaurant.com/home.asp
$$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Our busy schedules did not allow my friends, Joel & Michelle, and I to connect for dinner. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to chat, we went for Happy Hour. Picosa has fantastic Happy Hour specials: 2-4-1 cocktails, beer or wine by the glass and delectable $1 tacos with your choice of beef, chicken or pork. Two or 3 soft tacos and a libation or 2 and you have an excellent early evening meal. The taco meats are each flavored differently; I had all 3; I thought the beef was a bit dry. The chicken and the pork were fantastic.
The restaurant did not offer the standard “chips ‘n salsa”. Instead, you can order a basket of made-to-order plantain strips and a side of the incredible smoky/spicy salsa. We went through 2 baskets. Yumm.
David’s very friendly and attentive service made for a relaxing time with good friends.
Reading their dinner menu made my mouth water. I will most certainly return for a full meal.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://picosarestaurant.com/home.asp
$$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Saturday, September 22, 2007
MEXICALI COCINA CANTINA - Studio City
My friends, Sean & Shawn, and I ventured through the canyon for lunch on this sunny September Saturday. We chose the Mexicali Cocina Cantina. This casual cocina is extremely popular on the weekend evenings so we decided to try it for a late lunch. This eatery has bar seating, table setting around the outside of the space and large wooden booths down the center. The center booths are the best for people watching!
We enjoyed, not one, but 2 pitchers of original margaritas with double the tequila! Very refreshing – went perfectly with the warm, fresh chips drizzled with a bit of lime juice.
I selected the rotisserie citrus chicken - marinated in a delicious blend of various citrus juices, garlic and cilantro. The chicken was served with a drizzle of the citrus marinate. This was the most succulent rotisserie chicken I have found in the US. Of the 7 sides offered on the lunch menu, I chose the mexicali rice and the warm, creamy roasted corn relish. The zesty red rice with tidbits of carrots and tomato was delicious. The creamy roasted corn relish was a scrumptious blend of whole kernel yellow corn, diced white onion, diced red/green/yellow peppers in a very thin cream sauce. This relish is addictive!
I only had a sample of Shawn’s chicken tortilla soup. Delicious. I must return for my own bowl. A single spoon just teased my taste buds!
The friendly staff is somewhat attentive, which was surprising considering the fact it was around 2pm on Saturday and was only 25% occupied.
Mmm, Mmm...
$$
+++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
We enjoyed, not one, but 2 pitchers of original margaritas with double the tequila! Very refreshing – went perfectly with the warm, fresh chips drizzled with a bit of lime juice.
I selected the rotisserie citrus chicken - marinated in a delicious blend of various citrus juices, garlic and cilantro. The chicken was served with a drizzle of the citrus marinate. This was the most succulent rotisserie chicken I have found in the US. Of the 7 sides offered on the lunch menu, I chose the mexicali rice and the warm, creamy roasted corn relish. The zesty red rice with tidbits of carrots and tomato was delicious. The creamy roasted corn relish was a scrumptious blend of whole kernel yellow corn, diced white onion, diced red/green/yellow peppers in a very thin cream sauce. This relish is addictive!
I only had a sample of Shawn’s chicken tortilla soup. Delicious. I must return for my own bowl. A single spoon just teased my taste buds!
The friendly staff is somewhat attentive, which was surprising considering the fact it was around 2pm on Saturday and was only 25% occupied.
Mmm, Mmm...
$$
+++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Friday, September 21, 2007
BENVENUTO - West Hollywood
Benvenuto is a charming Italian restaurant in West Hollywood. This eatery has 3 dining spaces – al fresco, canopied and indoors. We chose the canopied area with some heaters because it was raining in Los Angeles. Yes, it is true; Los Angeles received almost ½ “ of rain in one day! It is a beautiful space with dark woods, interesting lighting, eclectic artwork and a beautiful staff.
As we waited for our libations, & I mean waited, we nibbled on bite-sized pieces of warm, charred flat bread with an incredible garlic infused olive oil. I was surprised when our server mentioned the bar offered only lower end flavored vodkas. None the less, once the cocktails arrived, they were perfect. However, drink slowly; it can be along time between rounds.
For dinner, I had the Petti di Pollo Paillard. This is a skinless, boneless full chicken breast that has been pounded and grilled. Near the end of the grilling, a fantastic Dijon mustard glaze is spread on one side. This was a chicken breast done right – quickly grilled to sear in the juices. Superb! The chicken was served with a generous side of fresh carrots, pea pods and beans. The veggies were flash steamed keeping their snap and color.
The service is slow and somewhat inattentive. If you do not have a schedule or you would like a relaxing, unhurried dining experience, I would recommend Benvenuto.
Mmm, Mmm...
$$
+++
✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
As we waited for our libations, & I mean waited, we nibbled on bite-sized pieces of warm, charred flat bread with an incredible garlic infused olive oil. I was surprised when our server mentioned the bar offered only lower end flavored vodkas. None the less, once the cocktails arrived, they were perfect. However, drink slowly; it can be along time between rounds.
For dinner, I had the Petti di Pollo Paillard. This is a skinless, boneless full chicken breast that has been pounded and grilled. Near the end of the grilling, a fantastic Dijon mustard glaze is spread on one side. This was a chicken breast done right – quickly grilled to sear in the juices. Superb! The chicken was served with a generous side of fresh carrots, pea pods and beans. The veggies were flash steamed keeping their snap and color.
The service is slow and somewhat inattentive. If you do not have a schedule or you would like a relaxing, unhurried dining experience, I would recommend Benvenuto.
Mmm, Mmm...
$$
+++
✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Saturday, August 18, 2007
TALENTO - Puerto Vallarta
Talento is located on the malecon in downtown zone. Talento is a beautiful contemporary space. You enter this colorful eatery by walking up a couple flights of stairs off the sidewalk entrance. This interesting restaurant is a wonderful surprise. From the outside, you have no clue that it has 30+ foot ceilings, a glass-walled private event space, an elevated bar on the “third level” looking into the main dining area, a glass-walled wine tasting room and market, huge Thai lanterns and numerous aquariums of miniature jelly fish!
Be amazed with the house magician’s slight of hand. Giovanni comes to your table and performs 4 “how did he do that” illusions. All heads turn in the bar and up from the dining room to watch the very sexy, sensual belly dancer perform on the bar level of the room. Both artists were very entertaining.
My friend, Leo, and I began with the Shrimp Rolls. These crispy, delicate nibbles were stuffed with whole savory shrimp. The shrimp rolls were served on a banana leaf sprinkled with colorful bits of peppers. The tamarind dipping sauce was divine.
Our second starter was the Sea Scallop Carpaccio. The thinly sliced, very fresh scallops were served in a mildly spicy citrus sauce with paper-thin slices of cucumbers. Superb!
Leo had the grilled salmon. The salmon served with an herb infused butter sauce came plated with garlic mashed potatoes and crispy shredded beets. He devoured his dinner; I was only able to sneak a taste of the crispy beets. I was surprised at how sweet they were, reminding me of sweet potato fries.
I ordered the Tiger Shrimp entrée. The 4 large shrimp were exquisitely wrapped with spirals of phyllo dough and then deep fried. The shrimp were sweet – absolutely delicious. The beautiful, but excessive, spirals of phyllo held too much oil for my taste. I would prefer one thin piece of dough to hold the seasonings with the shrimp while cooking. The phyllo was easily removed and I continued to enjoy my meal. The shrimp was served with a fantastic tangerine, soy and ginger sauce. A generous side of sticky rice and crispy spinach leaves accompanied the shrimp. The crispy spinach leaves were sprinkled with spicy soy. Unusual and very good.
Our libation of choice for the evening was the Mango Martini. Our server indicated the bar was known for their special martinis – so true! Tropically refreshing.
The service was somewhat lax but the ambiance, dining entertainment and a good friend made for a wonderful evening.
Mmm, Mmm...
http://talentorest.com/
$$
+++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Be amazed with the house magician’s slight of hand. Giovanni comes to your table and performs 4 “how did he do that” illusions. All heads turn in the bar and up from the dining room to watch the very sexy, sensual belly dancer perform on the bar level of the room. Both artists were very entertaining.
My friend, Leo, and I began with the Shrimp Rolls. These crispy, delicate nibbles were stuffed with whole savory shrimp. The shrimp rolls were served on a banana leaf sprinkled with colorful bits of peppers. The tamarind dipping sauce was divine.
Our second starter was the Sea Scallop Carpaccio. The thinly sliced, very fresh scallops were served in a mildly spicy citrus sauce with paper-thin slices of cucumbers. Superb!
Leo had the grilled salmon. The salmon served with an herb infused butter sauce came plated with garlic mashed potatoes and crispy shredded beets. He devoured his dinner; I was only able to sneak a taste of the crispy beets. I was surprised at how sweet they were, reminding me of sweet potato fries.
I ordered the Tiger Shrimp entrée. The 4 large shrimp were exquisitely wrapped with spirals of phyllo dough and then deep fried. The shrimp were sweet – absolutely delicious. The beautiful, but excessive, spirals of phyllo held too much oil for my taste. I would prefer one thin piece of dough to hold the seasonings with the shrimp while cooking. The phyllo was easily removed and I continued to enjoy my meal. The shrimp was served with a fantastic tangerine, soy and ginger sauce. A generous side of sticky rice and crispy spinach leaves accompanied the shrimp. The crispy spinach leaves were sprinkled with spicy soy. Unusual and very good.
Our libation of choice for the evening was the Mango Martini. Our server indicated the bar was known for their special martinis – so true! Tropically refreshing.
The service was somewhat lax but the ambiance, dining entertainment and a good friend made for a wonderful evening.
Mmm, Mmm...
http://talentorest.com/
$$
+++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Friday, August 17, 2007
TAKOS PANCHO - Puerto Vallarta
TAKOS PANCHO [sic] is located on Basilo Badillo in the Zona Romantica area of Puerto Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is Vallarta's most energized area with the south side's bars, restaurants, lounges and beach side cafes. The neighborhood continues to experience revitalization. Vallarta is ever changing & growing.
The short menu - tacos, quesadillas, & fajitas is fantastic. Juan Carlos & I stopped on our way to find some of our favorite libations. We enjoyed 2 pork tacos (tacos al pastor) with a silver of pineapple & 4 diced chicken tacos. You have your choice of either corn or flour tortillas (approx 4" in diameter). These incredible, cooked to order tacos are served with lime, cilantro and 3 sauces of varying degrees of heat. Yumm!
Our 6 tacos plus a soda came to a surprising USD$7.
Pancho's opens around 3 in the afternoon & remains open well beyond the time most go to sleep. It is the perfect stop for a quick snack or meal at very reasonable prices. Carlos, the server, quietly & quickly takes care of all his diners with his sly, sexy smile and subtle menu suggestions! This little cafe has 7 tables inside and 1 long table for six on the sidewalk. I can not recall how many visits I have made to Pancho's - numerous on my several trips to Vallarta each year. The eclectic mix of diners at all times of the day makes this one of my all time favorite taco stops!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
The short menu - tacos, quesadillas, & fajitas is fantastic. Juan Carlos & I stopped on our way to find some of our favorite libations. We enjoyed 2 pork tacos (tacos al pastor) with a silver of pineapple & 4 diced chicken tacos. You have your choice of either corn or flour tortillas (approx 4" in diameter). These incredible, cooked to order tacos are served with lime, cilantro and 3 sauces of varying degrees of heat. Yumm!
Our 6 tacos plus a soda came to a surprising USD$7.
Pancho's opens around 3 in the afternoon & remains open well beyond the time most go to sleep. It is the perfect stop for a quick snack or meal at very reasonable prices. Carlos, the server, quietly & quickly takes care of all his diners with his sly, sexy smile and subtle menu suggestions! This little cafe has 7 tables inside and 1 long table for six on the sidewalk. I can not recall how many visits I have made to Pancho's - numerous on my several trips to Vallarta each year. The eclectic mix of diners at all times of the day makes this one of my all time favorite taco stops!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
PICNIC Restaurant & Bar - Puerto Vallarta
Picnic is owned by the very charming Luis. His indoor/outdoor restaurant is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. I've eaten lunch at Picnic on 3 of the last 6 days I have been in Vallarta. As I have mentioned in a previous post to my blog, I always order my favorite – the ½ roasted chicken, roasted potatoes and red rice.
Not today. Instead, I chose the hamburger, recently voted “Best Hamburger in PV-2007”. I agree! The large beef burger was slight charred, with a hot juicy center. The burger comes with the usual – lettuce, 2 types of cheese, thick slices of tomato, and onion. I went with the manchego cheese and tomato; I finished with my favorite toppings – mustard & mayo. The toasted sesame bun was the perfect size to keep this giant burger together. The burger is served with ripple chips; I passed on the chips and added a side of Luis’ incredible red rice. The rice is seasoned with tomato, tomato sauce, carrots, peas, onion and a tidbit of cilantro. Simply delicious!
The bright yellow, orange, and red walls are accented with hanging plants and artwork offered by local artists. Luis has put his heart and soul into his little “jewel on the hill” in Zona Romantica. He welcomes you with his incredible smile and open arms – like greeting an old friend. Picnic is open from 11am – 6pm (closed Sunday) and accepts only cash. Picnic is half way up the stairway on the corner of Olas Altas & Pulpito.
I have spent hours sitting and reading on Picnic’s balcony sipping 1 or 2 very refreshing margaritas... a perfect way to spend a relaxing late afternoon in this paradise called Puerto Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$ 20
$$ 30
$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Not today. Instead, I chose the hamburger, recently voted “Best Hamburger in PV-2007”. I agree! The large beef burger was slight charred, with a hot juicy center. The burger comes with the usual – lettuce, 2 types of cheese, thick slices of tomato, and onion. I went with the manchego cheese and tomato; I finished with my favorite toppings – mustard & mayo. The toasted sesame bun was the perfect size to keep this giant burger together. The burger is served with ripple chips; I passed on the chips and added a side of Luis’ incredible red rice. The rice is seasoned with tomato, tomato sauce, carrots, peas, onion and a tidbit of cilantro. Simply delicious!
The bright yellow, orange, and red walls are accented with hanging plants and artwork offered by local artists. Luis has put his heart and soul into his little “jewel on the hill” in Zona Romantica. He welcomes you with his incredible smile and open arms – like greeting an old friend. Picnic is open from 11am – 6pm (closed Sunday) and accepts only cash. Picnic is half way up the stairway on the corner of Olas Altas & Pulpito.
I have spent hours sitting and reading on Picnic’s balcony sipping 1 or 2 very refreshing margaritas... a perfect way to spend a relaxing late afternoon in this paradise called Puerto Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$ 20
$$ 30
$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Monday, August 13, 2007
STEAK HOUSE BRASIL – Puerto Vallarta
Steak House Brasil is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica (aka Los Muertos) is Vallarta's most energized area with the southside’s beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes. The neighborhood continues to experience revitalization. The main street, Olas Altas, is lined with a variety of dining options, sidewalk cafes, great bars and nightclubs. Vallarta is ever changing & growing.
Brasil is a casual restaurant with a tropical feel, offering an open dining area and an air conditioned room (smoke free). I have eaten here several times and have yet to see a menu. It may exist but I always order the Brazilian buffet dinner. For those not familiar with a Brazilian restaurant, the large selection of meats are roasted/grilled and the sides are served family style. You can choose as much or as little of each.
Dinner begins with crispy chicken wings and a delicious garlic & parsley mayo-like dipping sauce. The wings are followed by deep fried rice balls and fried bananas rolled in cinnamon and sugar. I would prefer to have the bananas at the end of the meal – not the beginning. The rice balls are fantastic. The trio of sides – pasta and vegetable salad, carrot and raisin salad and thick slices of tomato and quick steamed broccoli are delicious and quickly replenished.
The roasted meats for this evening included chorizo, pork loin, beef filet wrapped in bacon, top sirloin, rib eye, NY strip, and turkey breast wrapped in bacon. My favorites were the rib eye (sliced at my plate), the beef filet and the turkey breast. Superb!
A chimichurri sauce and a smoked pepper tomato sauce are served with the meats. Both are excellent; pair with your meats, you will find your favorite combination.
Pace yourself. The meat comes quickly. I recommend asking what meats will be served when you arrive. Feel free to pass on a meat if you are still enjoying a prior selection. You can ask for a particular meat when you are ready or wait until it again comes to your table.
I highly recommend the Brazilian cocktail – the Caipirinha (lime with cachca – a liquor similar to vodka). Very refreshing in this tropical heat!
Good value, comfortable space, very accommodating and friendly staff, and an attentive manager make for an enjoyable evening.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://brasilpirey.com/
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Brasil is a casual restaurant with a tropical feel, offering an open dining area and an air conditioned room (smoke free). I have eaten here several times and have yet to see a menu. It may exist but I always order the Brazilian buffet dinner. For those not familiar with a Brazilian restaurant, the large selection of meats are roasted/grilled and the sides are served family style. You can choose as much or as little of each.
Dinner begins with crispy chicken wings and a delicious garlic & parsley mayo-like dipping sauce. The wings are followed by deep fried rice balls and fried bananas rolled in cinnamon and sugar. I would prefer to have the bananas at the end of the meal – not the beginning. The rice balls are fantastic. The trio of sides – pasta and vegetable salad, carrot and raisin salad and thick slices of tomato and quick steamed broccoli are delicious and quickly replenished.
The roasted meats for this evening included chorizo, pork loin, beef filet wrapped in bacon, top sirloin, rib eye, NY strip, and turkey breast wrapped in bacon. My favorites were the rib eye (sliced at my plate), the beef filet and the turkey breast. Superb!
A chimichurri sauce and a smoked pepper tomato sauce are served with the meats. Both are excellent; pair with your meats, you will find your favorite combination.
Pace yourself. The meat comes quickly. I recommend asking what meats will be served when you arrive. Feel free to pass on a meat if you are still enjoying a prior selection. You can ask for a particular meat when you are ready or wait until it again comes to your table.
I highly recommend the Brazilian cocktail – the Caipirinha (lime with cachca – a liquor similar to vodka). Very refreshing in this tropical heat!
Good value, comfortable space, very accommodating and friendly staff, and an attentive manager make for an enjoyable evening.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://brasilpirey.com/
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
THE LOOP BAR & RESTAURANT - Minneapolis
The Loop Bar & Restaurant is in the revitalized warehouse district – an area of trendy lofts, interesting restaurants and entertainment. Three college buddies own the Loop. As you enter this casual comfortable space with 20+ foot ceilings with wooden beams, you get a sense that you have been here before.
Tim & I decided to do a bit of “Happy Hour grazing” before we went to dinner. He had been to the Loop and recommended that we stop. I am glad we did. We ordered the Pomegranate Martini, made with 3 Olives Pomegranate, Absolut Citron and a splash of cranberry juice. Each round (we had 3) were identical – mixed to perfection by our bartender, John Buck.
Our first grazing selection was the Cream Cheese Wontons. These large crispy starters were filled with minced red peppers, spinach and mushrooms. These delicious tidbits were resting in a duet of sauces – a light jalapeno tomato sauce & a cool basil yogurt sauce. The 2 excellent sauces compliment each other. I would recommend a different plating – arrange the crispy wontons around the raised edge of the plate. Doing so would prevent them from absorbing the sauce. We did this to keep them crispy.
For round 2, we chose the Garlic & Herb Meatballs. The pan roasted, delicately seasoned meatballs were served on a pillow of smashed potatoes and drizzled with a smooth peppercorn brown beef gravy. The trio of meatballs, each slightly smaller than a golf ball, was fantastic!
We had a second plate of the Cream Cheese Wontons to go with our 3rd round of martinis. Yumm.
Tatum, our server, was a delight. Her energy and personality made our visit even more enjoyable.
Reasonable prices. Great quality. My next visit will be for dinner; the grilled yellow fin tuna caught my eye.
Link to more recent Loop visit
Mmm, Mmm...
www.TheLoopMpls.com
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Tim & I decided to do a bit of “Happy Hour grazing” before we went to dinner. He had been to the Loop and recommended that we stop. I am glad we did. We ordered the Pomegranate Martini, made with 3 Olives Pomegranate, Absolut Citron and a splash of cranberry juice. Each round (we had 3) were identical – mixed to perfection by our bartender, John Buck.
Our first grazing selection was the Cream Cheese Wontons. These large crispy starters were filled with minced red peppers, spinach and mushrooms. These delicious tidbits were resting in a duet of sauces – a light jalapeno tomato sauce & a cool basil yogurt sauce. The 2 excellent sauces compliment each other. I would recommend a different plating – arrange the crispy wontons around the raised edge of the plate. Doing so would prevent them from absorbing the sauce. We did this to keep them crispy.
For round 2, we chose the Garlic & Herb Meatballs. The pan roasted, delicately seasoned meatballs were served on a pillow of smashed potatoes and drizzled with a smooth peppercorn brown beef gravy. The trio of meatballs, each slightly smaller than a golf ball, was fantastic!
We had a second plate of the Cream Cheese Wontons to go with our 3rd round of martinis. Yumm.
Tatum, our server, was a delight. Her energy and personality made our visit even more enjoyable.
Reasonable prices. Great quality. My next visit will be for dinner; the grilled yellow fin tuna caught my eye.
Link to more recent Loop visit
Mmm, Mmm...
www.TheLoopMpls.com
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
NEW YORK DELI STATION - Minneapolis
New York Deli Station is located in the Loring Park neighborhood. Nancy, the very friendly owner, has created a casual, comfortable restaurant – with a limited full bar. Free pool, a large flat screen TV and a relaxing sitting area furnished with leather furniture near a fireplace make NY Deli all the more inviting.
I began with the house salad – a mound of crispy mixed greens, purple onion, sliced cucumber and tomato. I chose the tangy Greek dressing accented with lemon, vinegar and herbs. The dressing was fantastic.
For dinner, I ordered the Red Pasta. Their Red Pasta is a very generous serving of angel hair pasta topped with Tim's fantastic marinara sauce. This zesty sauce is loaded with chopped roasted vegetables including carrots, squash, zucchini and garlic. Hard to believe this thick sauce is meatless. Yumm. Two wedges of garlic bread rested on the pasta. The garlic mixture contains fresh minced garlic. I would have preferred a roasted garlic generously spread over the fresh bread. As is, it was too intense for me.
If you are looking for a new casual restaurant where they quickly come to know you name, you will find it at the NY Deli.
Ryan, the waiter, and Linda, the bartender, are “full of smiles” and willing to assist any way they are able!
NY Deli is located at 1301 Harmon Place (ph 612-216-4196).
Website is under construction.
Mmm, Mmm…
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
I began with the house salad – a mound of crispy mixed greens, purple onion, sliced cucumber and tomato. I chose the tangy Greek dressing accented with lemon, vinegar and herbs. The dressing was fantastic.
For dinner, I ordered the Red Pasta. Their Red Pasta is a very generous serving of angel hair pasta topped with Tim's fantastic marinara sauce. This zesty sauce is loaded with chopped roasted vegetables including carrots, squash, zucchini and garlic. Hard to believe this thick sauce is meatless. Yumm. Two wedges of garlic bread rested on the pasta. The garlic mixture contains fresh minced garlic. I would have preferred a roasted garlic generously spread over the fresh bread. As is, it was too intense for me.
If you are looking for a new casual restaurant where they quickly come to know you name, you will find it at the NY Deli.
Ryan, the waiter, and Linda, the bartender, are “full of smiles” and willing to assist any way they are able!
NY Deli is located at 1301 Harmon Place (ph 612-216-4196).
Website is under construction.
Mmm, Mmm…
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Sunday, July 22, 2007
SPILL THE WINE - Minneapolis
Spill the Wine is a somewhat recent addition to the neighborhood near the new Guthrie Theater. This eatery is located in a building from the late 1800’s. The extremely large windows invite their diners into a wonderfully restored space with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, an open kitchen, and an interesting bar supported by several large wooden wine barrels.
Spill the Wine also has a separate side bar that has all the makings of a great space, but it misses with one unnecessary detail – the TVs. Lose them. It should not be another video or sports bar. Consider adding some fantastic background/conversation music your guests can enjoy. I can think of 2 or 3 series of music that would be perfect for this much needed dining addition to Washington Avenue. Spill the Wine has a wine boutique for your bottle purchases to go; diners receive a same day 10% discount on wines enjoyed during your dinner.
Tim & I stopped for a late night dinner. I ordered the Free Range Pan Roasted Chicken breast with a rice pilaf. The chicken had a fantastic orange juice reduction with white wine and shallots. The chicken was perfectly cooked which is not easy when cooking small, off-the-bone pieces of meat. The pilaf was too sweet; I would have preferred a nice brown rice with tidbits of roasted vegetables. As much as I would have liked a dessert, it was too late. I hope the lemon cake is an option on my next visit; it looked scrumptious!
Our waiter, Benjamin, had a charming personality and an infectious smile. He was always available when needed.
Request a table near the windows. Spill the Wine is a few short blocks to the Metrodome – home to the Twins & the Vikings. You may find the 1,000s of pedestrian/fans walking outside the windows on game day to be entertaining.
Mmm, Mmm...
http://www.spillthewinerestaurant.com
$$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Spill the Wine also has a separate side bar that has all the makings of a great space, but it misses with one unnecessary detail – the TVs. Lose them. It should not be another video or sports bar. Consider adding some fantastic background/conversation music your guests can enjoy. I can think of 2 or 3 series of music that would be perfect for this much needed dining addition to Washington Avenue. Spill the Wine has a wine boutique for your bottle purchases to go; diners receive a same day 10% discount on wines enjoyed during your dinner.
Tim & I stopped for a late night dinner. I ordered the Free Range Pan Roasted Chicken breast with a rice pilaf. The chicken had a fantastic orange juice reduction with white wine and shallots. The chicken was perfectly cooked which is not easy when cooking small, off-the-bone pieces of meat. The pilaf was too sweet; I would have preferred a nice brown rice with tidbits of roasted vegetables. As much as I would have liked a dessert, it was too late. I hope the lemon cake is an option on my next visit; it looked scrumptious!
Our waiter, Benjamin, had a charming personality and an infectious smile. He was always available when needed.
Request a table near the windows. Spill the Wine is a few short blocks to the Metrodome – home to the Twins & the Vikings. You may find the 1,000s of pedestrian/fans walking outside the windows on game day to be entertaining.
Mmm, Mmm...
http://www.spillthewinerestaurant.com
$$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Monday, July 16, 2007
MARIPOSA ICE CREAM – San Diego
Mariposa Ice Cream is not your fancy corporate ice cream shop; it’s better. Mariposa is your friendly neighborhood ice cream shop decorated with thank you’s and accolades from school children, the “famous”, and not-so-famous.
Owners, Anna & Dick, make each batch of their incredible ice cream at 7am each day, ensuring it is ready at opening – sometime around 1pm.
I sampled 5 or 6 flavors before choosing a scoop of the Mexican Chocolate and a scoop of Butter Pecan. I had heard kudos for their Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream. I made this visit especially for a scoop. The Mexican Chocolate ice cream has a very vanilla base loaded with Mexican Chocolate bits. My taste buds led me to believe the ice cream had flecks of vanilla bean. The Butter Pecan was very French vanilla-like, a velvety-smooth sweet base with an abundance of toasted pecan tidbits.
I was told that no eggs are used in their ice creams. Hard to believe; both scoops were extremely rich and smooth. The tubs of ice cream are at the perfect temperature for serving – each scoop had a slight exterior melt. The flavors were well balanced and jumped off my spoon. Luscious!
If you are unable to decide on the which scoops to order, ask one of the other customers in the shop. Everyone is very willing tell you why a particular flavor is their favorite.
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://mariposaicecream.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Saturday, July 14, 2007
RED PEARL KITCHEN - San Diego
Red Pearl Kitchen is one of my favorite Pan-Asian eateries. The Red Pearl is located in the Gas Lamp District, a revitalized downtown area of San Diego. Exotic, hip, and contemporary can describe this entertaining restaurant. Each of my visits have been as good as the last.
My good friend, Marty, & I arrived early and had martinis in the bar. I had a Lychee martini. It was tasty but more pureed lychee than I remembered & not enough vodka. I moved on to Effen vodka dirty martinis. Now, this was a martini!
Ok, I have to confess. I remember all of the dishes we devoured, but I had 1 too many martinis to put all the details to paper. This is a summary of the dishes we chose to share.
For starters, we had the Chicken Ginger Pot stickers with blackened sesame seeds and a fantastic dipping sauce of passion fruit juice, ginger & soy sauce. So good, we had a 2nd plate. Green Curry Chicken Satay followed. The green curry sauce was a wonderful blend of flavors including coconut milk, coriander, and chilies. Perfect for smothering the grilled chicken.
Odon noodles with mushrooms and Asian greens arrived. This must be the Thai version of comfort food. The combination of mushrooms, garlic, ginger and sesame oil & stock created an earthy, satisfying noodle broth. The Kobe beef with chucks of the sweetest papaya and mint leaves was an excellent recommendation. This Kobe beef stir fried delicacy was superb, leaving me speechless! This does not happen to often.
Yes, after hearing the dessert list, we felt the need to indulge. We had the very refreshing Watermelon Sorbet. The sorbet was served with chunky cherry compote and slivers of toasted almonds. A perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Friendly, helpful and sexy staff adds to the evening! Reservations highly recommended.
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.redpearlkitchen.com/sandiego
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
My good friend, Marty, & I arrived early and had martinis in the bar. I had a Lychee martini. It was tasty but more pureed lychee than I remembered & not enough vodka. I moved on to Effen vodka dirty martinis. Now, this was a martini!
Ok, I have to confess. I remember all of the dishes we devoured, but I had 1 too many martinis to put all the details to paper. This is a summary of the dishes we chose to share.
For starters, we had the Chicken Ginger Pot stickers with blackened sesame seeds and a fantastic dipping sauce of passion fruit juice, ginger & soy sauce. So good, we had a 2nd plate. Green Curry Chicken Satay followed. The green curry sauce was a wonderful blend of flavors including coconut milk, coriander, and chilies. Perfect for smothering the grilled chicken.
Odon noodles with mushrooms and Asian greens arrived. This must be the Thai version of comfort food. The combination of mushrooms, garlic, ginger and sesame oil & stock created an earthy, satisfying noodle broth. The Kobe beef with chucks of the sweetest papaya and mint leaves was an excellent recommendation. This Kobe beef stir fried delicacy was superb, leaving me speechless! This does not happen to often.
Yes, after hearing the dessert list, we felt the need to indulge. We had the very refreshing Watermelon Sorbet. The sorbet was served with chunky cherry compote and slivers of toasted almonds. A perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Friendly, helpful and sexy staff adds to the evening! Reservations highly recommended.
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.redpearlkitchen.com/sandiego
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
KITIMA – San Diego
Kitima is located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. This intimate, friendly restaurant is the perfect spot along the very colorful University Avenue to see and be seen. The 2 tiny tables on the sidewalk provide a comfortable vantage point. An added bonus is the shade cast by the sidewalk canopy.
For lunch, I chose the daily special. Today it was the Spicy Shrimp and Basil Rice Bowl. 8 sweet, plump shrimp were sautéed with chili, garlic, juicy chunks of tomato and fragrant basil. This fantastic combination was served over perfectly cooked sticky white rice. On a “spicy” scale of 1-10, I settled for a 3 – leaving just the right amount of heat on my tongue. It was not so hot that I lost the subtle flavors of the basil and tomatoes. Simply delicious!
The cheerful, accommodating staff only added to a relaxing hour in the middle of my afternoon of shopping.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://kitimaextraordinarythai.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
For lunch, I chose the daily special. Today it was the Spicy Shrimp and Basil Rice Bowl. 8 sweet, plump shrimp were sautéed with chili, garlic, juicy chunks of tomato and fragrant basil. This fantastic combination was served over perfectly cooked sticky white rice. On a “spicy” scale of 1-10, I settled for a 3 – leaving just the right amount of heat on my tongue. It was not so hot that I lost the subtle flavors of the basil and tomatoes. Simply delicious!
The cheerful, accommodating staff only added to a relaxing hour in the middle of my afternoon of shopping.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://kitimaextraordinarythai.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Friday, July 13, 2007
BRAZIL BY THE HILL – San Diego
Brazil by the Hill is a casual, inviting restaurant serving delicious Brazilian food. The menu is short but filled with tempting plates from a country I long to visit. Maybe I will be landing in Rio one day soon…
A priced fixed promotion offered my entire meal for $10 excluding my libations, of course. This is the tastiest meal in Hillcrest for less than $10! Period.
It seemed appropriate on this warm summer evening to order a (OK, 2) Sakerinha; a substitute for the infamous Brazilian Caipirinha (lime with cachca – a liquor similar to vodka). Brazil by the Hill uses mild sake in lieu of vodka; they serve only beer and wine, no hard liquor. Very tropical & very refreshing.
I had a Coxinha as a starter. This pastry puff is stuffed with chicken, tomato, and onion; all finely minced and blended with cream cheese. The puff is rolled in corn meal and deep fried. The chipotle mayo dipping sauce adds a nice bit of heat to this starter. Very tasty but I would prefer the pastry dough to be thinner. My taste buds tell me it should be more about the filling and less about the pastry.
The house salad of chopped romaine lettuce, tomato and celery was topped with a traditional Brazilian dressing of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and salt. Delicious!
Prato Feito (PF) refers to the traditional Brazilian dinner combinations. I had the Prato Feito platter with an 8 ounce grilled chicken breast and the trio of sides found at most Brazilian meals – white rice with a bit of onion, red beans in a thin red sauce with bay leaves, and farofa. The beans and rice should be eaten together.
The key ingredient of all farofas is either yuca (mandioca) or corn flour. The consistency of farofa can range from large grains the size of couscous down to a table salt-sized powder. My farofa resembled the powder. Farofas generally have a very smoky and slightly salty taste – generally used to accentuate the taste of grilled meat and stews. Most Brazilian recipes for this dish require that the raw flour be blended with butter, salt, & bacon, and toasted until golden brown. Farofa is served alongside the main course as either a condiment or as a side dish, as rice is often consumed. I was told to blend it with my rice & sprinkle on my grilled chicken. Yumm!
A Bridagdeiro – a soft ball of Brazilian chocolate and caramel rolled in chocolate sprinkles – was dessert. This sweet sensation is nestled between mounds of whipped cream. A drizzle of tart raspberry puree provides a great contrast to the chocolate and caramel.
The friendly, sexy Brazilian staff adds to a tasty dining out experience. You won’t be disappointed.
Mmm, Mmm...
http://www.brazilbythebay.com/BBTH.html
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
A priced fixed promotion offered my entire meal for $10 excluding my libations, of course. This is the tastiest meal in Hillcrest for less than $10! Period.
It seemed appropriate on this warm summer evening to order a (OK, 2) Sakerinha; a substitute for the infamous Brazilian Caipirinha (lime with cachca – a liquor similar to vodka). Brazil by the Hill uses mild sake in lieu of vodka; they serve only beer and wine, no hard liquor. Very tropical & very refreshing.
I had a Coxinha as a starter. This pastry puff is stuffed with chicken, tomato, and onion; all finely minced and blended with cream cheese. The puff is rolled in corn meal and deep fried. The chipotle mayo dipping sauce adds a nice bit of heat to this starter. Very tasty but I would prefer the pastry dough to be thinner. My taste buds tell me it should be more about the filling and less about the pastry.
The house salad of chopped romaine lettuce, tomato and celery was topped with a traditional Brazilian dressing of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and salt. Delicious!
Prato Feito (PF) refers to the traditional Brazilian dinner combinations. I had the Prato Feito platter with an 8 ounce grilled chicken breast and the trio of sides found at most Brazilian meals – white rice with a bit of onion, red beans in a thin red sauce with bay leaves, and farofa. The beans and rice should be eaten together.
The key ingredient of all farofas is either yuca (mandioca) or corn flour. The consistency of farofa can range from large grains the size of couscous down to a table salt-sized powder. My farofa resembled the powder. Farofas generally have a very smoky and slightly salty taste – generally used to accentuate the taste of grilled meat and stews. Most Brazilian recipes for this dish require that the raw flour be blended with butter, salt, & bacon, and toasted until golden brown. Farofa is served alongside the main course as either a condiment or as a side dish, as rice is often consumed. I was told to blend it with my rice & sprinkle on my grilled chicken. Yumm!
A Bridagdeiro – a soft ball of Brazilian chocolate and caramel rolled in chocolate sprinkles – was dessert. This sweet sensation is nestled between mounds of whipped cream. A drizzle of tart raspberry puree provides a great contrast to the chocolate and caramel.
The friendly, sexy Brazilian staff adds to a tasty dining out experience. You won’t be disappointed.
Mmm, Mmm...
http://www.brazilbythebay.com/BBTH.html
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Thursday, July 12, 2007
CREST DINER – San Diego
Crest Diner has been serving delicious home cooking with a twist in the Hillcrest neighborhood since 1982.
My dear friend, Paul, and I stopped at this colorful diner for a late dinner. I had the Cubana Sandwich. My sandwich was served on a grilled Telera roll stuffed with thin slices of pork and ham, garlicy pickles, and jack cheese. Orange juice vinaigrette added a tropical burst of flavor to this fantastic sandwich. I wish I had a side of this vinaigrette as a dipping sauce; it was delicious, but definitely not needed.
Telera rolls or flat bread rolls are approximately 6” round, generally made from whole wheat flour. These rolls are soft inside and out. Telera rolls are perfect for those who do not want a lot of “bread bulk” in the middle of their sandwich, leaving all the more room to stuff with your favorite sandwich ingredients.
The Cubana was served with my choice of homemade potato chips, cottage cheese, fresh cut fries, green salad, jicama cole slaw or red potato salad. I had the green salad; the crispy side salad went perfectly with my sandwich.
On previous visits, I had their delicious breakfasts. Crest Diner is a wonderful option for either beginning or ending your day in San Diego!
Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.crestcafe.net
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
My dear friend, Paul, and I stopped at this colorful diner for a late dinner. I had the Cubana Sandwich. My sandwich was served on a grilled Telera roll stuffed with thin slices of pork and ham, garlicy pickles, and jack cheese. Orange juice vinaigrette added a tropical burst of flavor to this fantastic sandwich. I wish I had a side of this vinaigrette as a dipping sauce; it was delicious, but definitely not needed.
Telera rolls or flat bread rolls are approximately 6” round, generally made from whole wheat flour. These rolls are soft inside and out. Telera rolls are perfect for those who do not want a lot of “bread bulk” in the middle of their sandwich, leaving all the more room to stuff with your favorite sandwich ingredients.
The Cubana was served with my choice of homemade potato chips, cottage cheese, fresh cut fries, green salad, jicama cole slaw or red potato salad. I had the green salad; the crispy side salad went perfectly with my sandwich.
On previous visits, I had their delicious breakfasts. Crest Diner is a wonderful option for either beginning or ending your day in San Diego!
Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.crestcafe.net
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Saturday, July 07, 2007
JOE'S GARAGE - Minneapolis
Joe’s Garage is located across the street from Loring Park in downtown Minneapolis. Joe has created an interesting, energetic space. The rooftop has been transformed into a comfortable, relaxing get-away with incredible views of the downtown skyline. There are maybe a handful of outdoor dining areas away from the exhaust fumes, lookie-loos, noisy buses and crowded sidewalk dining. Joe's rooftop is a must!
My dear friend, Tim, and I decided that we needed to eat before we went out for a couple of cool libations. It was so hot outside that we chose to eat inside in the first floor.
We started with a delicious Spinach and Artichoke Ramekin. Many restaurants have this as a starter; Joe’s is very good – filled with chunks of artichoke, an abundance of spinach and a light cheese sauce. I am not a fan of cheese sauces, but this starter was great spread over bits of fresh French bread.
Our starter had been on our table for only 5 minutes. We had, at most, taken 2 bites when the burgers and fries were delivered. Poor timing in the kitchen – we sent our meals back. I assumed the kitchen would have realized their mistake and sent out fresh, hot meals. Not tonight – maybe Joe was not in the house this evening.
I had the teriyaki beef burger, with tomato, lettuce and a zippy wasabi-mayo spread. The burger was okay but too small for the large bun. The fries were warm at best. Had the fries been hot, I would have asked for more of the wasabi-mayo for dipping.
The menu has an eclectic selection of burgers and pastas which have won some accolades, but none from us tonight. Tim & I passed on dessert and left for our next stop, 3 blocks away.
Mmm…
http://www.joes-garage.com
$
++
✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
My dear friend, Tim, and I decided that we needed to eat before we went out for a couple of cool libations. It was so hot outside that we chose to eat inside in the first floor.
We started with a delicious Spinach and Artichoke Ramekin. Many restaurants have this as a starter; Joe’s is very good – filled with chunks of artichoke, an abundance of spinach and a light cheese sauce. I am not a fan of cheese sauces, but this starter was great spread over bits of fresh French bread.
Our starter had been on our table for only 5 minutes. We had, at most, taken 2 bites when the burgers and fries were delivered. Poor timing in the kitchen – we sent our meals back. I assumed the kitchen would have realized their mistake and sent out fresh, hot meals. Not tonight – maybe Joe was not in the house this evening.
I had the teriyaki beef burger, with tomato, lettuce and a zippy wasabi-mayo spread. The burger was okay but too small for the large bun. The fries were warm at best. Had the fries been hot, I would have asked for more of the wasabi-mayo for dipping.
The menu has an eclectic selection of burgers and pastas which have won some accolades, but none from us tonight. Tim & I passed on dessert and left for our next stop, 3 blocks away.
Mmm…
http://www.joes-garage.com
$
++
✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Monday, May 28, 2007
CREW BAR & GRILL – Chicago
Crew Bar & Grill is located in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. After a short time in this comfortable bar, you will feel as if you have been coming to the Crew for years.
Tony frequently talks about the fantastic chicken wings served at Crew. I’ve known him to drive to Crew at 11pm for an order to go! So wings it was for lunch.
We had an order of the “Buffalo Mild” wings and the “Sassy” wings. Each order of the meaty chicken wings had a unique, intense flavor. The chewy/crispy outside gave way to the moist, meaty center. The Buffalo wings were perfectly seasoned with a tomatoey, vinegary, spicy blend of flavors, accompanied by a generous side of chucky bleu cheese and celery sticks. The Sassy wings were my favorite, seasoned similar to the Buffalo wings with less vinegar but more hot & sweet. The side of ranch sauce was excellent with the Sassy wings. The Crew’s menu listing for the Sassy wings is the perfect descriptor… “Just like Friday night’s fling – tasty & HOT!” I agree.
We cooled our palates with a couple rounds of the very soothing, large raspberry lemonade martinis. I know, I know. Put a delicious combination of liquors in a martini goblet and waa-laa, it’s called a martini. No matter the vessel, the raspberry lemonades are a thirst quencher with a punch! Yumm.
The plethora of sports memorabilia, large flat screen TVs, cheerful & friendly staff, and colorful clientele all add up to a great time.
I agree with Tony. These are the best chicken wings I can remember eating!
Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.worldsgreatestbar.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Tony frequently talks about the fantastic chicken wings served at Crew. I’ve known him to drive to Crew at 11pm for an order to go! So wings it was for lunch.
We had an order of the “Buffalo Mild” wings and the “Sassy” wings. Each order of the meaty chicken wings had a unique, intense flavor. The chewy/crispy outside gave way to the moist, meaty center. The Buffalo wings were perfectly seasoned with a tomatoey, vinegary, spicy blend of flavors, accompanied by a generous side of chucky bleu cheese and celery sticks. The Sassy wings were my favorite, seasoned similar to the Buffalo wings with less vinegar but more hot & sweet. The side of ranch sauce was excellent with the Sassy wings. The Crew’s menu listing for the Sassy wings is the perfect descriptor… “Just like Friday night’s fling – tasty & HOT!” I agree.
We cooled our palates with a couple rounds of the very soothing, large raspberry lemonade martinis. I know, I know. Put a delicious combination of liquors in a martini goblet and waa-laa, it’s called a martini. No matter the vessel, the raspberry lemonades are a thirst quencher with a punch! Yumm.
The plethora of sports memorabilia, large flat screen TVs, cheerful & friendly staff, and colorful clientele all add up to a great time.
I agree with Tony. These are the best chicken wings I can remember eating!
Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.worldsgreatestbar.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
PRIMEHOUSE - Chicago
As we were driving through Chicago, I made a comment that I craved “a really great steak.” 2 days later, Tony and I are walking into The PRIMEHOUSE – located in downtown Chicago within the James Hotel. David Burke's Primehouse is a contemporary steakhouse with meats from the Creekstone Farms in Kentucky. The superb beef is dry-aged on premise in a salt-tiled aging room.
We began our dining event with martinis. Isn’t this the appropriate libation when reviewing an incredible menu? Unable to narrow our selection to 1 or 2 choices, we choose to share several selections.
Our first appetizer was the gazpacho. This soup of the day contained the freshest garden vegetables imaginable, including tomatoes, celery, scallions, peppers, cucumber and garlic. The surprise was a mound of succulent chopped crab placed in the center of the soup at the table just prior to serving – slightly chilled. Fantastic!
Our second appetizer was the Surf & Turf Dumplings. These golf-balled sized nuggets exploded with intense, unique flavors. The surf was Lobster Mousse dumplings with a delicately seasoned lemon chive butter. Our turf was Braised Short rib dumplings served with a smoky, slightly sweet barbeque dipping sauce. Both variations of dumplings were wrapped in very thin pasta, resembling a “lollipop.” Delicious.
Yes, we ordered a third appetizer. The indescribable Kobe Beef Sashimi was sprinkled with coarse ground Himalayan salt and mushroom chips. The very thin slices of beef were drizzled with a truffle mayo – unbelievable! This appetizer was the ultimate; it left us wanting more. I highly recommend this as an option for anyone who loves beef.
Before the steak arrived, Tony ordered an amazing bottle of red from California off their extensive wine list. Unfortunately, I can not remember the vineyard.
It was now time for our entrée. We ordered the Kansas City Sirloin; this 14 ounce steak (excluding the bone) was aged for 38 days. This terrific cut had the right amount of marble and was cooked to perfection. No knife necessary to cut the steak into bite size pieces. If that was not enough, we had an 8 ounce lobster tail added to the plate. The very fresh, sweet lobster tail was the ideal size for the 2 of us.
We selected the quick-grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon as our veggie. A fresh, light side for an amazing meal.
I don’t know how we could have had any room left for dessert, but we ordered the Reverse Root Beer Float. This refreshing choice for dessert offered surprises – the root beer flavor was in the ice cream and the vanilla in the soda. The float was served in a tall, chilled glass – 2 spoons required.
The staff was friendly; our server was outstanding. She offered great suggestions and maintained perfect timing of our evening. Flawless!
This was simply one of the finest dining experiences I have had. Period.
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm
http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/primehouse/index.php
$$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
We began our dining event with martinis. Isn’t this the appropriate libation when reviewing an incredible menu? Unable to narrow our selection to 1 or 2 choices, we choose to share several selections.
Our first appetizer was the gazpacho. This soup of the day contained the freshest garden vegetables imaginable, including tomatoes, celery, scallions, peppers, cucumber and garlic. The surprise was a mound of succulent chopped crab placed in the center of the soup at the table just prior to serving – slightly chilled. Fantastic!
Our second appetizer was the Surf & Turf Dumplings. These golf-balled sized nuggets exploded with intense, unique flavors. The surf was Lobster Mousse dumplings with a delicately seasoned lemon chive butter. Our turf was Braised Short rib dumplings served with a smoky, slightly sweet barbeque dipping sauce. Both variations of dumplings were wrapped in very thin pasta, resembling a “lollipop.” Delicious.
Yes, we ordered a third appetizer. The indescribable Kobe Beef Sashimi was sprinkled with coarse ground Himalayan salt and mushroom chips. The very thin slices of beef were drizzled with a truffle mayo – unbelievable! This appetizer was the ultimate; it left us wanting more. I highly recommend this as an option for anyone who loves beef.
Before the steak arrived, Tony ordered an amazing bottle of red from California off their extensive wine list. Unfortunately, I can not remember the vineyard.
It was now time for our entrée. We ordered the Kansas City Sirloin; this 14 ounce steak (excluding the bone) was aged for 38 days. This terrific cut had the right amount of marble and was cooked to perfection. No knife necessary to cut the steak into bite size pieces. If that was not enough, we had an 8 ounce lobster tail added to the plate. The very fresh, sweet lobster tail was the ideal size for the 2 of us.
We selected the quick-grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon as our veggie. A fresh, light side for an amazing meal.
I don’t know how we could have had any room left for dessert, but we ordered the Reverse Root Beer Float. This refreshing choice for dessert offered surprises – the root beer flavor was in the ice cream and the vanilla in the soda. The float was served in a tall, chilled glass – 2 spoons required.
The staff was friendly; our server was outstanding. She offered great suggestions and maintained perfect timing of our evening. Flawless!
This was simply one of the finest dining experiences I have had. Period.
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm
http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/primehouse/index.php
$$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
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