|
Had the nacho's and the chicken tenders at Von's and both were excellent. The nacho's had some slow-cooked pulled pork in them and tasted great when washed down with a Maker's Manhattan.
The...
Had the nacho's and the chicken tenders at Von's and both were excellent. The nacho's had some slow-cooked pulled pork in them and tasted great when washed down with a Maker's Manhattan.
The decor is kitchy but it works. Overall, a comfortable place to relax and have some good BBQ.
Vegetarians may want to give this place a pass.
Hide
|
|
Went to dinner at El Gaucho last night with two friends and had one of the top 5 steak dining experiences of my life.
The meal opens with garlic bread fresh out of the oven and I had the French...
Went to dinner at El Gaucho last night with two friends and had one of the top 5 steak dining experiences of my life.
The meal opens with garlic bread fresh out of the oven and I had the French Onion Soup to start. It's rich and decadent and delicious. I followed that up with the frenched rib steak - which is essentially a rib eye on the bone. Again, an absolutely delicious hunk of medium-rare perfection.
If you go there, and I urge you to do, be sure that one member of your table gets the 'flaming sword of lamb.' This involves a sideboard being pulled up to your table which is then graced by a waiter with a three foot long skewer which he sets ablaze. He spoons burning fat from the base of the skewer over the lamb medallions and 'spills' it expertly onto the baked potato waiting below. After your meat is perfectly charred, he then pours the burning liquid into a tiny cup from about three feet in the air. It is spectacular. I guarantee it will be the best lamb you've ever had.
Dinner at El Gaucho is not cheap, but it is worth every penny (especially if you can get someone else to pay.) The service is impeccable if a little formal and the room is dark, dimly lit with piano music wafting gently in the background.
Highly Recommended
Hide
|
|
Andalu
Category:
Restaurants
3198 16th St
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 658-9319
Andalu's a great small plates restaurant in the heart of the Mission District. I've been there on dates and with groups and in both cases the ambiance and the dining format works very well. Try the...
Andalu's a great small plates restaurant in the heart of the Mission District. I've been there on dates and with groups and in both cases the ambiance and the dining format works very well. Try the coca-cola braised short ribs and the ahi tuna tacos. Also, the donut holes and hot chocolate for dessert is not to be missed.
Andalu also has an extensive wine list and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable and will be happy to walk you through it.
As an interesting side note, ladies seem to regularly develop crushes on chef/owner Calvin Schneiter. (It could also be that I'm a boring date.)
Make a reservation on weekends.
Hide
|
|
Public
Category:
Restaurants
210 Elizabeth Street
New York, New York 10012
(212) 343-7011
Took a friend to Public for brunch a couple of weeks ago and had grilled jumbo prawns served over a spicy egg scramble, decadent french toast and eggs benedict. The food was unexpectedly good and...
Took a friend to Public for brunch a couple of weeks ago and had grilled jumbo prawns served over a spicy egg scramble, decadent french toast and eggs benedict. The food was unexpectedly good and the bartender, Tomas, was outstanding. An earl grey tea mimosa and a much needed bloody mary were the highlights on that front. It's busy on Sundays, but bar seating is comfortable if you can't get there early enough. They stop serving at 3.30pm. The crowd is 25-35, and attractive so the people-watching is fun. Probably not the best place to take kids. It's not a cheap brunch so take someone special. Enjoy.
Hide
|
|
Max
Category:
Restaurants
51 Avenue B (Between 3rd & 4th St.)
New York, New York 10009
(212) 539-0111
Max is a classic East Village Italian restaurant. Cosy, buzzing, but not crowded and very unpretentious. You can eat in the dining room indoors and when the weather's good they open up the back...
Max is a classic East Village Italian restaurant. Cosy, buzzing, but not crowded and very unpretentious. You can eat in the dining room indoors and when the weather's good they open up the back patio. It's typically full of New York hipsters, but the place is laid back and easy-going so families work fine too.
The food is delicious, portions are hearty and the price is right. My favorite dish is the Lamb Chitara. This is slow-cooked lamb ragu served with home-made spaghetti. The price of this hearty goodness? Less than 10 dollars.
They don't take reservations and they're cash only. It's a great place to go if you're trying to impress a date with your knowledge of out-of-the-way eateries in the city. I've never had to wait more than 15 minutes and there are worse things to do than soak up the atmosphere over a glass of Sangiovese at the bar while you wait.
If you go, let me know what you think. If you know a better Italian joint in the area, I'd love to hear about it.
Hide
|