cbs2528's Profile
Corpus Christi Recommendations Please
Local- Yardarm
Steak- Republic of Texas (great view & good food/wine)
Water street much lower key, bu t decent and fresh fish.
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Republic of Texas Restaurant
429 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
New Orleans (Boucherie, Commander's, Herbsaint & Eat)- Chowhound Thanks and a warning (long report)
Just wanted to thank the many CH posters that helped us shape our picks for a lovely weekend in NO.
First off the good (actually great) from this past weekend:
Boucherie-
Based on some recommendations here, we chose Boucherie for our opening night dining. Of course, our plane was late, so we took the cab straight there. This place is small, a tiny old house, which is great for atmosphere, but problematic for luggage! With out batting an eye, James (the host) welcomed us in and led me to the kitchen where we literally put our stuff near where all the action was (kitchen was tiny too). Kudos for creative service here.
Prior to being sat, James got us a glass of wine. I was impressed with the by the glass selection (as with everything else here, it is a little eclectic and very reasonably priced).
Now to the food...amazing.
I ordered all small plates, shrimp & grits, collard greens, and boudin balls. All were excellent, but the show stopper for me was the collard greens dish. Simply unbelievable. perfectly cooked, with hints of maple syrup and a strong garlic punch. The shrimp and grits were the best of the trip (ordered at every meal), good quality shrimp and silky smooth yet chewy grits. The Boudin balls were good. They are very hush puppy like in appearance, but the filling is very tasty.
My wife had the brisket. She usually lets me share, but after she started, her silence spoke volumes of her regard for the dish. We are from Texas, but she feels this was the best brisket she has ever had. I did steal a taste, and I will tell you for my taste it was more Carolina BBQ versus Texas, which is not my flavor, but it was still excellent.
Dessert- Krispy kreme bread pudding - excellent but very sweet.
Overall- I cannot tell you how pleased we were with this very unassuming spot. Service was excellent and actually interested in serving the customer needs...sadly a rarity anymore.
Commander’s (Jazz Brunch)
OK, this is an oldie but still a goodie. Top to bottom, it was a good meal. Service, as always impeccable (including my 100 ice tea refills after having just ran before brunch)
I ordered the Oyster Absinthe Dome- HUGE oysters and delicious creamy base- excellent dish; shrimp and grits- excellent quality shrimp and decent flavoring (a little bland); dessert was bread pudding soufflé- as always it was good (but I would have preferred the bananas foster as I think others have better BP). Wife had pancakes and a side egg (pancakes were average and she regretted her order), especially since she ordered strawberry shortcake, which was basically the equivalent of her main entrée (both had strawberries and whipped cream). Service was attentive and jazz trio was great. As always CP was a solid performer for an enjoyable brunch.
Herbsaint (warning, I do not like bad reviews, and will always give spots the “off night” excuse once)-
One word…horrible. From beginning to end, this James Beard award winner just simply missed. We arrived at 6:00 (early dinner which may also be an issue). We were sat and then relatively ignored. We flagged down our sever, who helped us order some wine. The wine was actually good. I chose the red flight for the evening (even though it would not necessarily pair with my meal). It was an interesting grouping of Burgundies although our server knew absolutely nothing about them, including what varietal it was (again, this is a James Beard restaurant).
Then to the ordering. Nothing was recommended, so I went with Gumbo, small plates- shrimp & grits and short ribs. My wife went with the ribeye.
Gumbo, decent roux, but it had very minimal protein. It was supposedly chicken and sausage (seems to be the season), but there were very little traces of either in my cup. Not bad, but just seemed off. A little hot sauce made it decent.
Shrimp & Grits. Ok seriously, the shrimp with this dish were what I would expect in a fried shrimp po-boy from Johnnie’s. Tiny to medium shrimp and the creamy bed of grits. Aside from the miniature shrimp, this dish was average and actually the best of the meal.
Beef short ribs- usually a favorite, these were fatty and over cooked to the point of being mushy. On a small plate I took two bites (the second really to confirm the first was that bad). Had my wife try it, and she agreed. The remainder stayed on the plate. If I were the server, this is something I would have noticed or at least enquired about.
Ribeye. OK here is where I have a real issue. This was flat out inedible. Again, we are from Texas and know our steaks. What we were served would not pass for steak at a greasy spoon diner. It was smashed and soaked in olive oil. The texture was something of a mushy piece of fat. My wife took one bit and refused to eat anymore. I of course did not believe it was that bad and again too two bites (again to confirm the first was that bad—I am definitely the guy who tastes something after someone says does this taste bad!). I simply could not believe how bad the steak was. Again, the server, who clearly had to see the almost full ribeye on the plate said nothing (we did eat every French fry, as they were tasty and my wife was hungry).
At this point we debated dessert. Honestly nothing had been good at this point, so my wife (much smarter) was ready to fold and cut our losses. There was a sausage on a stick stand next door that looked promising. I instead pushed on and ordered the fried apple pie and ice cream. It was not bad. It was very McDonald’s like, but with smaller apples. Not a complete miss, but just not that good.
Overall- Obviously, we were extremely disappointed in Herbsaint, but honestly, I am not sure if I am more disappointed that the food was not good or that nobody really seemed to care.
Bottom line, there are far too many great spots in NO for me to waste time here again. To anyone reading this, please try Herbsaint, there are many wonderful reviews of it here, but please be aware that this experience could happen to you (basically lower your expectations so as not to be disappointed like we were).
Eat-
I have 2 favorite FQ breakfast spots, Stanly and Eat. Stanley’s was closed so off to Eat we went. Eat has never failed us and delivered excellence once again.
Top to bottom this place rocks. Eggs Dauphine were perfect, with tasty ham and perfectly poached eggs. Homemade biscuits were simply incredible. Making me hungry now.
Bottom line, check out Eat!
Upscale in Grapevine
no question- JR's steakhouse. It will sound odd but best calimari ever...steaks are great as well.
Dallas-Recommendations Please
So sorry I just saw this, but Al Biernat's (just down Oak Lawn) is as good a steakhouse as you will find anywhere (and yes I understand that may start a fight). Al's is my absolute default spot where I have never had bad service, food or experience. Also good at lunch.
I'll also throw Green Papaya (very close to the Warwick) out there as a decent spot. For Tex-Mex, head to MAple and take your pick. Avilia' s is great and I am still a fan of herrera's (please bring back hand made tortillas)
Hope the trip to Dallas was great, I was actually doing the exact opposite of your trip as I went to N.O. that weekend (Commander's new chef is flat out amazing)
San Diego/ La Jolla Trip Review
First, thanks to all on this board that provided such great detailed reviews. I scoured this board looking for good spots in San Diego/La Jolla, and for the most part all were dead on.
Here is my take:
The Good:
Whisknladle (La Jolla)- This is not to be missed level restaurant. Foodie haven, new menu daily, reasonable wine list and awesome locally sourced food. Awesome appetizers, entrees and a peanut butter ice cream that should be illegal! Service was top notch (our server was darn near giddy about the food). Almost everything we ordered was perfect (Caesar salads, chorizo/leek/squash soup, tuna tartare (really tuna ceviche), and butternut squash ravioli). One steak came out very undercooked (close to raw), but this was taken care of immediately and only slightly tarnished our thrilled feelings for this place.
El Pescador (La Jolla)- obvious warning is that this is a fish market first and very small restaurant (seafood only) second. But, without a doubt my favorite fish taco that I had in CA. Try it, you will not be disappointed.
George’s Terrace (La Jolla)- Ok, my expectations were very low. Scenic places generally have average food (at best). George’s was not great, but it was definitely better than average. Combine that with an incredible view and you have a nice treat. My recommendations- try their fish tacos and the tuna appetizer. These were by far the best dishes of the evening and if my group was dining again, many would order these as entrees. The only entrée that rated an above average review was the sesame encrusted Tombo (Tuna family- I think). Wine list was fairly pedestrian and inflated, but honestly, the view alone was worth the price of dinner.
As an aside, if you are looking for a place to stay in La Jolla, I cannot recommend Hotel Parisi highly enough. Simple, quiet and elegant. Plus (to make it relevant to chowhounders) they provide a free continental breakfast with some unbelievably fresh breads, pastries and cheeses.
The Bad:
Café Pacifica- This was recommended to us and this board had a couple solid reviews BUT (and I cannot stress that enough) this place was apparently sold to new owners and should not even be considered as a dining option. Food was average to far below average (and in several cases wholly inedible). Bar drinks were flat out disgusting (all mojitos and margaritas were sent back). Service was possibly the worst I have ever experienced. It was not rude (our server was actually very pleasant) but it was just totally absent! He simply left our large group alone for some seriously extended periods (including one 30 minute period…yes we timed it, it was that bad). The worst part is we were the only table in the place!! Please heed this advice and dine elsewhere. San Diego has too many outstanding options to waste an evening here.
Trip to Corpus Christi & Port A - Will I Starve?
go to la playa on Beach in Port A (not the one's in Corpus...completely different). Also venetian hotplate in Port A is excellent as well.
Keller's Drive In (DAL)
I just don't get this. Nothing against Keller's (I live less than a mile away and I am a fan of Jake's), but neither is particularly good. Fine for what they are fast and greasey food, but nothing else.
Sorry to disagree with all the reviews, but I have heard this since we moved to Lake Highlands and have never understood.
That said, I would certainly choose over Sonic!!
Dallas: Boston Hound comin to town
Al Biernat's- best steak in town (Bob's does have better atmosphere)
Abacus
Stephan Pyles
Hibiscus
The Porch-( looking for a little more casual with phenomenal food)
Best Burger In Dallas/Fort Worth
No doubt Twisted Root and Angry Dog (both on Commerce)
Try the buffalo burger at the Root
Absolute best burger in Texas?
Dallas folks have dissappointed (although I am going to check out the Grape this week-- thanks for the tip).
My 2 Favs (eat there at least twice a week):
1. Twisted Root- best burger and even better Buffalo burger
2. Angry dog
Private Group Dinner for ~30
Looking to host a private dinner in the city for approximately 30 folks and need some chowhound suggestions.
Parameters:
- would prefer a private room
- fairly sophisticated group, all likely in suits and after 5
- trying not to completely break the bank (Per Se and Daniel likely too $$$)
- location fairly open as we will have multiple limo service
- would love to have a true NY experience as guests will be from out of town.
As always any thoughts are much appreciated.
Also give me your thoughts on the complete reversal with a group dinner at John's (time square), which would substantially open the wine budget.
Ottawa- Domus Cafe- Thanks Chowhounds [Moved from Canada board]
Long time reader/user, first time poster- in Ottawa for business and wanted a decent meal with local flair. Some quick chowhound research and came down to Beckta, Domus, 18, Metropolitan, or Sweetgrass. Needed something close to the hotel, so Wellington and Manx were eliminated.
Read up on Domus and it seemed to fit the bill perfectly. It promised Canadian cuisine with seasonal, regional ingredients. Bottom line, it delivered.
Walked to Domus, which is in a touristy area close to the Parliament.
The restaurant is a quaint little bistro with a small contemporary feel.
To drink, I chose a Canadian Merlot at the recommendation of my waiter. I enjoyed the Canadian wine, but enjoyed the opportunity to try it more. Too often we get stuck with French, Italian or Napa wine selections. Obviously nothing bad with those, but I love trying local cuisine. The merlot I had was robust, but clearly very young and would be much better in another 5+ years.
Menu has a decent variety of local choices, but as usual, I am more interested in what the chef's specials were for the evening. My choices included a stuffed chicken dish and a local fish (pickerel/pike) served atop potatoes and a medley of fresh vegetables (including blanched radishes). Since I can get chicken anywhere, I chose the fish.
I opened with a roasted eggplant and tomato soup. The soup, which clearly had a small amount of cream, was phenomenal. It is the beginning of fall here, leaves are changing but the temps are still moderate. This soup fit perfectly to the season. The eggplant was rich with a hint of nutty flavor (almost pumpkin like), and was balanced with the more summery tomato which perfectly balanced the soup.
Then the fish arrived. All dishes were presented in very simplistic but attractive manners. The fish was very well prepared and balanced in flavors with radishes, cauliflower, green beans, corn and a few other veggies. The veggies were all sourced locally and tasted very fresh.
In sum, Domus delivered. It is not inexpensive, but if you are looking for a true taste of fresh, straight forward regional cuisine, I am not sure you can do better (although sweetgrass was a very close 2nd in my decision).
As an aside, had breakfast at Cora's, and while not bad, it certainly is not something I would heartily recommend.
Thanks again to all the chowhounds who post and make this such a wonderful resource.
I will also not the www.ottawfoodies.com was also very helpful.
