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Lauren

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Elvin Hayes

Elvin Hayes (12/123)

  1. I typically feel bad writing a bad review, especially in this economy, but this place deserves it. We've lived near Ruffinos for 10 years and just visited for the first time. We're talking lasagna with no-boil noodles and a piece of kraft cheese slapped on top, prepackaged mystery meatballs, garlic bread with absolutely no hint of garlic. The food was insulting and I got the impression that the staff knows it.
  2. I frequently bring wine to [shhhhh...], where the corkage fee is $10. Seems like a bargain.
  3. We had dinner at Poste for the first time last night and the food, service, and atmosphere were all exceptional. Everyone in the party agreed it was one of the best meals in a while. The food was beautifully plated and the flavor matched the presentation. The crispy skin snapper with champ potatoes, red wine poached farm egg, caper beurre noisette had a lot going on but the flavors melded perfectly. My husband loved the halibut poached in olive oil. Our waiter was great, taking the time, for example, to describe the items on the charcuterie and cheese platters. The portions aren't gluttonous, which I appreciate; there seems to be more emphasis on quality than quantity.
  4. We usually start with the special antipasto platter samplings of meat, cheese, seafood salad, and vegetables, etc. The large platter is great for four people. The pastas I really like include the Amatriciana (thick spaghetti with tomato sauces, pancetta and pecorino cheese) and the seafood spaghetti, also in a light red sauce with mussels, clams, and calamari. The pasta has been perfectly al dente and the seafood very fresh. My husband gravitates toward the meat dishes and enjoys the braised short ribs (special, I think) and the pounded pork chop. For dessert, the almond cake is delicious; the chocolate tart no so much. The pizza can be good, but we've had some real soggy crust. We stopped going to Sette Bello for a while after experiencing snotty and/or incompetent service, but on the last few visits the service has been very professional, though a little slow.
  5. Sette Bello has really been "on" lately. After a bad experience (mainly service related) a few months ago, I avoided it for a while. But I've been back three or four times since and all has been good.
  6. We had dinner at Rasika for the first time a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. We walked in embarrassingly underdressed and without a reservation, but were treated very well. It’s clearly a hip place but lacks the often accompanying snootiness. I like that Rasika offer small plates, so you can get two to three dishes and not be stuck with a full order of any one thing. My husband and I shared the meat and vegetarian tasting menus, which was a great way to survey the menu. It was way too much food, but we have a good idea of what to order next time—definitely the crispy spinach appetizer and the dal. As a bonus, the wine list is MUCH better than most Indian restaurants.
  7. We went to A la Lucia last week for dinner after a long hiatus. We had boycotted the place a few months ago after the owner scolded us when we called to say we’d be late for a reservation and then told us to forget about coming. Granted, it was Saturday night for six people, but the circumstances were out of our control. Anyway, we broke down and went again and overall it was a good experience. The manicotti was excellent. The veal special was tender, if not a bit overwhelmed by too much butter. The wine service, as always, was a standout. I don’t know the wine steward’s name, but he’s especially helpful in pointing us toward good selections. The only real downside was the curt, crabby wait staff—an attitude that seems to trickle down from the top.
  8. We went to Black Market for the first time last night and had one of the best dining experiences in a long time. The Thai mussels and the shrimp with grits were incredible. My companions had the special ribeye, which they found perfectly marbled and prepared. The service was very professional and attentive. At $90 a couple, it felt like a bargain. I do want to digress and comment on the other posts criticizing Black for not making an exception to its no-reservation policy for a disabled woman who couldn’t stand for long periods. As someone with a disability who walks with difficulty (and often uses a wheelchair), I empathize. But I would never expect a restaurant to change its reservation policy for me, and I disagree wholeheartedly that such a policy change is required under the ADA. Also, look at the abuse of handicapped parking—a restaurant would be barraged with a flood of people faking disabilities to get priority seating. I would have asked Black for a sturdy chair for the woman to sit while she waited for a table, and I bet they would have been happy to provide it. I surveyed the space at Black Market last night and was impressed with the level of accessibility--from the front door ramp to the fully accessible restrooms. They should be commended, and as a result of their efforts, they will get my business again. And I eat out enough to pay for their ramp and toilet grab bars many times over.
  9. Delhi Club Tallula Bangkok 54 Sette Bello Taqueria Poblano La Piazza
  10. We just had dinner at Rustico for the first time and can only describe the experience as underwhelming—nothing stood out as particularly good or bad. We’re big fans of Tallula and wanted to like Rustico, but I don’t think we’ll be tempted to return. The pizza was so-so, a little too laden with cheese with rather bitter sauce and flavorless crust. The pasta with sausage and cream sauce (forgot the actual name) was better. The waitress was skilled and pleasant but the timing of the kitchen was off; we waited at least 30 minutes after the appetizers before the entrees arrived. The experience wasn’t anything to complain to the manager about, but we all left with that “whatever” feeling.
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