JFarah's Profile
Looking for some happy hour / dinner recs --- First San Francisco / Wine Country trip coming right up.
Hello all,
My husband and I will be heading over to SF from Miami in May for our 2 year anniversary. Looking for some help with the planning of our trip...I'm so overwhelmed with the options available!
We will spend our first 2 days in Wine country... Staying at the Ivy Hotel in Napa. Right now, I have reservations for the wine tour & tasting @ Schramsberg upon our arrival on Wednesday. Looking for another couple of wineries to visit in the Napa & Sonoma area. Would love some suggestions on wineries that are worth a visit and not too expensive, but definitely offer something special. We enjoy both red and white wines, so any and all suggestions are welcome. To be more specific, I prefer cabernets & pinot noirs to merlots.... I also prefer sauvignon blancs to chardonnays, but am willing to try anything while there.
On Thursday night, we have reservations for Bottega - Michael Chiarello's restaurant. Looking for a place to dine at on Wednesday night in Wine Country- something more casual and in the $$ range rather than the $$$-$$$$.
On our way into SF on Fri, we're going to stop at Pt. Reyes for a hike and thought it would be fun to go to the Hog Island Oyster Farm for a lunch/ picnic. Will continue on into the city & check into our hotel in Union Square. Looking for a fun happy hour spot for that night. I read about Barrique in F&W magazine & it sounded interesting. Is that a good Fri happy hour spot? Any other suggestions? Thinking about doing sushi for dinner after happy hour and have seen several recommendations on this board that are quite pricey. Any options out there that are good and not quite at the $$$-$$$$ range? Looking for fresh fish - authentic sushi is great, but it would also be great if they offered some fusion / interesting rolls.
We'll probably head into Chinatown on Saturday for lunch -- Thinking about Golden Star Vietnamese for some pho. Is there a better place in the area for Pho or noodle soup?
Will do Sunday lunch @ Yank Sing on Spear St. as it's been mentioned repeatedly on the board and appears to be a well liked option for dim sum.
One last thing... Looking for a cute, quaint, romantic restaurant for dinner on Saturday night, since it will be our final dinner in SF before we head back home. Open to any and all suggestions here.... up to the $$$ ok.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions! As you can see, I am all over the place.
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Yank Sing
49 Stevenson St Ste Stlv, San Francisco, CA 94105
Bottega
6525 Washington Street Suite A9, Yountville, CA 94599
Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant
11 Walter U Lum Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
Barrique
461 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
Happy Miami Spice 2010 (2 U) !!!
I went to Smith & Wollensky for the Miami Spice on Saturday. We were seated upstairs, which was a first for us. All in all it was an unpleasant experience. One of the first things that left a bad taste in my mouth was the fact that we were left at our table unattended for 15 minutes before being approached by our server. When he finally made his way over to us for the first time, he literally dropped the menus at our table, asked if we knew what we wanted to drink (mind you, we didn't even have the wine list for 2 seconds to review), and walked away. I tried to stop him because he didn't even bother to give me his name and responded with a hand raise, as if saying "wait", and continued to run off. When he came back, he didn't bother to introduce himself, took our order and dashed off again. We didn't see our server again until it came time to drop off the check. Even then, we had to have another server contact him because he was no where to be seen. Not what you would expect from this caliber a restaurant.
My husband ordered the watermelon salad and I the ceasar. Both were served on the warm to hot side, which was a bit of a turn off. It appeared as though they were sitting around for a while before they got to our table. Both of us also ordered the filet which was overcooked and appeared to also have been sitting under a heat lamp for some time. The steak was dry and while mine was under seasoned, my husbands was a bit on the salty side. My desert, the peach cobbler, was served cold... So much so, that the ice-cream did not melt. The only thing that we really enjoyed was the truffled mac n cheese (which we paid full price for), along with our split bottle of wine and cocktail.
Our overall experience was a HUGE let down. However, I did write an email to the general manager expressing my discontent and he did invite my party back to dinner free of charge, so I guess that does make up for it a little.
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Smith & Wollensky
1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
TOP WINGS IN FLA
I think the wings at Titanic Brewery in Coral Gables (by UM Campus) are pretty fantastic. They are fried, crispy, tender, and spicy!!
Trip coming up.... Some rec's needed
Thursday's meals are just for me and the hubby... Our friends get in late Thursday evening, so they will probably just meet up with us for drinks. We will be with them all of Friday and Saturday, and they leave first thing Sunday, while the husband and I leave Sunday night. We'll be brunching alone.
I will make a point of checking out Bar Uncommon - it's on my list! Thanks.
Trip coming up.... Some rec's needed
Thanks!! I wasn't planning on a full on meal at Napoleon House - More like a snack and a drink.
I've heard great things about Bon Ton. Gonna see if I can make my way over to the restaurant. Thank you.
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Napoleon House Bar & Cafe
500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Bon Ton Cafe
401 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Trip coming up.... Some rec's needed
Thanks to all for the great rec's. I decided on Patois for Sunday Brunch. We also decided on Clancy's for Thursday's dinner.
I am very tempted to change up Emeril from Friday's lunch to Dinner, but the group has cast their vote, so I don't want to rock the boat too much.
Thank you also for the great bar recommendations... If there are any other little hidden gems around, please feel free to share.
Looking forward to a great weekend in New Orleans!!
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Emeril's Restaurant
800 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, LA 70130
Trip coming up.... Some rec's needed
As far as breakfast and lunches go, I'm looking to keep it casual. Good food is a must though. Don't want to waste a meal on something that's just ok. I had Parkway Bakery on my list of possibles, for example. Napoleon House as another.
For dinner, we are seeking food that is typical of New Orleans - french, creole, southern. Not interested in Latin, Japanese, Mexican, or any of the sorts. We're flexible as far as price range goes, however I can guarantee you that my husband will not be into wearing a jacket in this heat.
As far as Sunday's brunch goes - I really wanted to do a jazz brunch, but that is not a must. I just thought it would be a nice way to end our weekend trip.
Hope this helps.
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Napoleon House Bar & Cafe
500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Trip coming up.... Some rec's needed
Good morning, CH'ers!
In less than 2 weeks I'll be in New Orleans, sipping on pimms cups and eating fantastic food... Can't wait!! I have most of my trip already planned, but wanted to get some recommendations on a few blanks that I have to fill. I'll be traveling with my husband and another couple - we're all flexible and will eat just about anything. No picky eaters here! I was in NO last year and ate at the following places: Commander's Palace, Mr. B's, MiLa, Luke, Cafe du Monde, Old Coffee Pot, Lil Dizzy's. Would like to check out new places this time around.
We arrive on Thursday at around 11:00 am and have the following scheduled:
--Lunch @ Coquette
--Dinner - BLANK - Need Rec
Friday:
--Lunch @ Emeril's
--Dinner @ Jacques-IMO (mainly because we want to go to the Maple Leaf Bar for some music after dinner and figured we would kill 2 birds with 1 stone)
Saturday:
--Lunch - BLANK
--Dinner @ Cochon
Sunday:
--Brunch - BLANK - Need Rec
I'm really torn about what else to squeeze in... Please help me make a decision with your great recommendations.
We've been to several of the bars: Carousel, Swizzle Stick, Sazerac, D.B.A., Hermes, Lafitte's and several others (drawing a blank right now). If there are any other bars / spots you feel are a must see, please let me know.
Thanks in advance!!
--JF
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Lil Dizzy's Cafe
1500 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
Cochon
930 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Coffee Pot Restaurant
714 Saint Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Commander's Palace Restaurant
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Emeril's Restaurant
800 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, LA 70130
Fun Friday Lunch Options Needed - HELP!!
Have you done the 3 courses for $20 at Emerli's? Is it worth it to go that route? Just noticed that on their website. Hopefully it's still around in June.
Also, I've read that Galatoire's is hit or miss... However, I've heard their lunches are fun if you sit downstairs. What's that all about?
Fun Friday Lunch Options Needed - HELP!!
Hello again!!! I'll be traveling to New Orleans at the end of June, but this time my husband and I will be traveling with a group of 10. The majority of us are foodies, but there are a few picky eaters in the group, so the restaurant should have a variety of items to choose from. Good food is a must, but a fun ambiance is definitely important for Friday's lunch since it is our first meal together on this trip.
Last July, my husband and I ate at the following places:
--Commander's Palace
--Lil Dizzy's
--Mr. B's
--Mila
--Old Coffee Pot
Although we might repeat some of these in June, I would like to try new places. Any and every suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
Good place to pick up stone crabs in Miami?
A friend of mine swears by this place, but I've never been...
http://www.goldenruleseafood.com/
Dinner in french quarter attire
Luke is casual with good food and you can definitely party in the same outfit. My husband wore Jeans and a button down shirt. I wore jeans and a cute satin top with heels, but there were people that were definitely more dressed down than us.
If you decide on Luke, and like oysters, I recommend the oyster salad for an appetizer. Their shrimp and gritz is pretty fantastic as a main course.
Have fun!!
First Timers to NOLA rate my plans so far.
I second the recommendation for DBAs - was there in July and absolutely loved it. They have a great beer and whiskey selection.
Official Miami Spice 2009 Thread
Went to Baleen last night for Miami Spice and enjoyed it very much.
We got to sample all of the first course options because there were 4 of us at the table. All were good, but the ceviche was the best by far. Not a traditional peruvian ceviche, but still great. The melon added a nice contrast to the acidity and the malanga chips were great for the crunch factor. The clams were very tasty, but I thought that the dish would have worked better with larger clams. Finally, the oysters tasted extremely fresh, but it could have used a little more of the habanero granita (if i'm going to be picky). We also ordered an heirloom tomato salad with mozzarella burrata to split (not part of the Miami Spice options), which was the star of our meal. Our waiter mentioned that they overnight the cheese from Italy and the tomatoes from Canada, so we figured that we should give it a shot and I'm glad that we did. It was AMAZING, for lack of better words.
For the main course, 3 of us had the filet and 1 of us had the swordfish. I didn't get to taste the swordfish, but my filet had great flavor. The sweet potato mash was a great accompaniment - the smokiness of the chipotle offset the sweetness of the sweet potato, which I appreciated very much (sometimes sweet potato mash can be a bit too sweet for my taste).
For dessert half of the table ordered the pana cotta, and the other half ordered the cheese cake. I was happy with my pana cotta, but can't say that it's the best I've had. I personally didn't care for the cheese cake, but then again I'm not a huge fan of cheese cake to begin with.
All in all it was a great dining experience and would do it all over again if I could.
First Timers to NOLA rate my plans so far.
I recommend the Old Coffe Pot for breakfast. It's in the French Quarter, so an easy walk from where you are staying. Don't get put off by the line if there is one. It tends to move fast and it's well worth the wait. The restaurant is cozy and cute, but most importantly the food is FANTASTIC!!
Have a great trip!!
TOP WINGS IN FLA
Jersey's Wings & Raw Bar in Pembroke Pines - Simply the best!!!
http://www.jerseyswings.com/
Underrated in Miami
Fox's had the best slider's at one point... Haven't been there in years though. After a certain hour you used to be able to get them for $1. Is that deal still around? You used to also get 2 for 1 drinks after 11:00 pm on Saturday nights. Been dying to take my husband there for quite some time and it always slips my mind.
Underrated in Miami
I really liked La Locanda too... but the last time I went it was so hot inside that I have never returned. It killed the experience for me.
Nice place, good food, walking distance (or short cab) from the Hilton Riverside in Sept?
Luke is great! Was just there in early July and loved everything about it. It is casual but you do get quality food. The fried oyster salad there is absolutely delicious and large enough to feed 2 with about 4 oysters each.
We had an excellent waiter by the name of Chris, who mentioned to us that he typically does work Friday and Saturday nights. If you can, ask for him!! You won't be disappointed.
MIA: Current Favorite Dish/Item for Less than $10?
Kafta Kabob Sandwich @ The Daily Bread off of US1- $6 and change.
Hakkasan Spice Sobe
Thanks for the head's up! Was dying to try some of the restaurants at the fountain blue - now I'm starting to think that they might all be the same way.
Ah, come on, Frod? Netmover? AG Girl--I'm counting on you!
The Spice menu at Michy's looks great! Haven't been there yet, so I will definitely be giving it a shot while the Spice is at play.
Already made reservations for my mom's birthday to go to Baleen's in Grove Isle later this month. Menu looks interesting as well.
SoFla Weekend Specials - Mofongo! Pozole!
La Camaronera is fantastic. I've you've never been, it's a definite must try. All of their fish is fresh and very in-expensive. Bring cash though cause they don't take credit cards.
TOP SUSHI IN FLA
1. Sakura in Coral Gables
2. Akashi by Sunset Place in S. Miami
3. Doraku on Lincoln Road
TOP SUSHI IN FLA
I've been to Ambrosia--Great ambiance, service, and most importantly sushi!!
How is Chef Allen's? (Aventura)
I was just there on 7/18 and had several of the same appetizers - kyoto clams & the saffron arronici. They were both pretty great! Didn't realy care for the lobster mac-n-cheese... not at all what I expected. Served with penne pasta and an unusual sauce, a little too salty as well.
I ordered the mahi-mahi for my entree which was good, but not spectacular. It was served with a coconut milk sauce over some veggies. The one entree that I did taste that I thought was outstanding was my husband's pasta dish with florida shrimp and chorizo. The flavors were spot on delicious. I couldn't stop myself from leaning over and stealing a few bites.
Anything new or coming to Dade late '09?
Has anyone tried the Chicago Steakhouse & Tavern in the Grove? I think it opened up just a few weeks ago, but they don't have a website and I can't find anything about its menu items online.
Best place to buy wine in Miami?
I happen to love Chevalier Wine Cellar on 57th ave, just south of Bird Road - Located in the same little strip mall as Delicias de Espana. I wouldn't say that they have the best or widest selection, but the service is unbeatable. They give great recommendations and never try to upsell you.
MIA: Current Favorite Dish/Item for Less than $10?
I'm amazed that I've never heard of this place. So close to the house and I've never been there. Thanks for the post!
MIA: Current Favorite Dish/Item for Less than $10?
Can't wait to check this place out! As a little kid my grandfather used to make us chicken heart skewers. My brother and I would fight over them. Haven't had them in years.
