oysterspearls's Profile
Roberta's -- February 2011 (tasting menu!) report
I take it that you enjoyed it? I am looking forward to going soon.
Schwa phones disconnected?
Try toward end of week. Guessing it will be back in service.
Schwa phones disconnected?
Only my assumption. But if I had to guess at the moment. Beard Awards!
What day of the week did Schwa cancel on you?
I am so envious! Wish I could have been there and would have if not a 1000 miles away. Great Chef and even better human being!
What day of the week did Schwa cancel on you?
Wednesday. I noticed recently those looking for a closing pattern. Take this for what it is worth but there is none! Schwa may close on Saturday as much as on Wednesday.
Toloache--Can I bring a well-behaved seven year old there?
If your daughter is well behaved that is all that matters. I would not be concerned if others raise their eyebrows and are annoyed by her presence. There always will be those who will complain about something and we have no control of issues others may have.
Enjoy Toloache with your family!
Alinea or Next?
You won't get no argument from me. I have no doubt Achatz is one that only comes along once in a generation. Though I believe when choosing the very number 1 in practically anything it's highly subjective and a very slippery slope. For example, picking the top half dozen that rise above the rest would be a much easier call if I had to pick.
Alinea or Next?
When discussing the "best" there will always be controversial views. Its far to subjective in my opinion. No doubt Alinea earned its place in any best of list. Though I know more then a few experience diners who would argue it being the best. Manresa for example is high on many peoples list. Not to mention the French Laundry and Per Se to some, Saison is getting much praise lately along with Town House and Roberta's tasting menu.
What I find more important then anything is consistency. I tend to value the opinion of those diners that have visited these restaurants more then once or numerous occasions. Visiting once offers only a snapshot in my book. Restaurants are run by people with all mankind's frailties. What may be considered the best one day may fall short the next. People make mistakes and errors occur.
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Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Schwa
I never assumed it was nothing more then turning the page of their reservation book.
Schwa
They did each time I made a reservation. Though yesterday they said my number is on record. Hoping that's a good sign. LOL
Schwa
Yesterday my wife called maybe half a dozen times before someone picked up. Got reservation for next month. Have yet to have much difficultly getting a reservation but maybe I'm just lucky.
Schwa Closed Without Notice
Each time they confirmed my reservation. Once even received confirmation twice.
Schwa Closed Without Notice
They are open and suspect they will call to confirm. Though if myself I would continue trying to be on the safe side.
Schwa Closed Without Notice
No doubt I can understand the frustration. Been there myself.
I refuse to speculate though. Plumbing problems and celebrities getting special treatment I can't verify one way or another. Air Conditioner on the other hand I can verify as legit.
Roberta's: No country for old men
David Kinch sugar coats nothing. I have no doubt he meant it if he said it. I really got to get to Roberta's, even more so now.
Roberta's: No country for old men
If you search Roberta's on twitter you'll notice most are not familiar with other menu items. Never has been a restaurant with such a broad customer base. Amazing concept!
Best BYOBs in the City
Yes, quite the disappointment after such a long drive. Seth called about three hours prior to our reservation stating the AC was not working properly. Went on to say food quality could not be maintained in such heat and Chef won't jeopardize standards in such case and decided to close.
I think there is an air of mystery surrounding these sudden closings. And no doubt when something is unknown speculation will run rampant. At least on a positive note I can say in my case there was no underlining deception or cover up. Before leaving Chicago I stopped by and spoke to Michael the next day. It was at least 10-12 degrees cooler that day then the one before. Even so it was extremely hot and it showed. I have no doubt the cancellation could not be avoided and was truthful. I gladly will return.
Best BYOBs in the City
I can't agree more! My meal at Schwa was the most memorable restaurant experience I've ever had. I also have no explanation for the sudden cancellations so many have experienced. But I can only judge from my own first hand experience with Michael Carlson and staff. I won't get into details due to the private personal nature of the situation. Though I will say my experience totally contradicts the theory that he is uncaring in regards to his customers. On the contrary, I found him to be one of the kindness and most generous people I've ever met.
And all jokes aside. If by chance my reservation happens to get canceled? My opinion won't change. All will not be lost as life is to short, I'll pick up a case or two of Three Floyds and start heading east back home.
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Three Floyds
Munster, Munster, IN
Best BYOBs in the City
I will be visiting Schwa next week for the second time. In each case I had no problem making a reservation as someone picked up after only a few attempts. Though I have no doubt it was surely luck on my part.
If this meal is half as good as my first I will be more then happy. But by chance if anyone hears a echoing scream piercing through the city next week you will know they canceled. After driving close to 1000 miles just for dinner I doubt there will be any other option other then screaming. LOL
Great Lake wait strategy - specific questions
I would politely simply ask and explain your situation. Contrary to some online complaints about rude service I've found them to be wonderful people. They care about their craft and run their business as they see fit. Sometimes I think the line gets a bit blurred because of that and their misinterpreted as rude. Make no mistake, they are the pizzerias version of Schwa and it's a take it or leave approach they have. Some are turned off by that, but speaking for myself that view is what I admire. As for the pizza? I've been to most of the best. And hands down my favorite is Great Lake. But then pizza preferences among people can't be more subjective. Enjoy!
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Great Lake
1477 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
uhockey reviews Chef Carlo Mirarchi's Tasting Menu at Roberta's
I was under the impression that as a chef/partner he was responsible for managing all aspects of the kitchen. Winning one of Food and Wines 10 best new chefs based solely on a couple tasting menus a week? Sounds like a pretty good gig that any chef would be envious of.
uhockey reviews Chef Carlo Mirarchi's Tasting Menu at Roberta's
Curious as to who was the other? From reading your blog I think I may know.
uhockey reviews Chef Carlo Mirarchi's Tasting Menu at Roberta's
Dana Cowin has been tweeting hints today regarding Food and Wine's Best New Chefs. One of the hints leaves little doubt Carlo Mirarchi is one of the 10.
unhockey, Another captivating review! Thoroughly enjoy your blog and I'm really looking forward to trying Roberta's.
uhockey reviews Chef Carlo Mirarchi's Tasting Menu at Roberta's
I strongly suspect Chef Carlo Mirarchi will be getting much more press attention by this time tomorrow.
I read the boards about Schwa and it happened to me...
It appears from your link that he was there on Thursday and not Friday.
Schwa
Can not agree more. David Chang is a master at marketing.
Hope you enjoy Schwa as much as I did!
Schwa
If I had the answer to this often discussed grievance I could likely sell it on ebay. I don't, and won't speculate. Though I do have my own opinion and theory for those interested.
I don't believe for a second that the reservation policy is in any way a gimmick or genius business plan. I can't imagine Michael Carlson's mind working that way. I won't say he doesnt care about the inconvenience but believe that area of the business may not be his strong point.
Could it be he sees little purpose in hiring someone only to return calls informing people there are no available tables? I would not be surprised at all.
I truly understand the frustration from those whose calls reach a dead end. But keep trying as I believe its a slight obstacle within the big picture. For a truly off the wall analogy but one I think seems to fit? Schwa is like having a wonderful good natured favorite Uncle. You know, the life of the party guy always bearing gifts at family reunions. The one family member that no one has a bad thing to say about. Well that is accept for one head scratching puzzlement everybody whispers. Why does he wear those awful gaudy neck ties?:) In the large scope of things its nothing.
Just my two cents.
