Misha's Profile
Varalli--Any Recommendations?
Not sure what happened in January but we ended up cancelling. We're on for tomorrow evening so hoping between now and then, someone can give me a little advice. Yes?
Big Island Casual Dining
Five of us are heading to the Big Island in early March for the week. We will, of course, go to a couple of fine dining spots (Merriman's or Browns, unless there's another suggestion). However, we'd also like to eat at some mid-price range places that are more casual. Not necessarily hamburger casual; maybe a step or two higher than that. We have some sushi places in mind (Monstera, Sensei) but are looking for other cuisines as well.
Suggestions? We'll be staying at the Hilton Waikoloa.
lunch and / or dinner
Just as a change of pace, you might want to try Honey Sit N' Eat. It has great food and a funky vibe with a mixture of Southern Jewish food. Might play well with the museum---and not terribly far.
Stephen Starr's Route 6
The birthday is a multi-dinner affair so we're also planning on a night at "Farm and the Fisherman". He's already been to Fish and for bdays, we never go to the same place twice.
Let me know how you like it. Hope you have a great meal.
Stephen Starr's Route 6
Anyone been there yet? I was checking out the menu and considering it for a friend's bday next month. Want to make sure there's some substance behind the style since Starr's places used to be more about the setting than the food.
Advice?
Varalli--Any Recommendations?
Rec'd a gift card over the holidays from Varalli's and am planning on going this weekend. Haven't heard any buzz about this place, good or bad. Anyone been recently and if so, have any suggestions on what (or what not) to order? My one caveat is that I don't go much for eggplant.
Thanks!
Trader Joe's Yea/Nay Thread - 1st quarter 2012 [old]
I love their Curry Nan in the bakery section and their Tikki Masala sauce in a jar. I throw in some leftover cooked chicken and whatever veggies I have on hand and makes a wicked few meals.
Which two Jose Garces restaurants should I choose?
I love Amada. I wasn't wow'd by Chifa (maybe I went too soon after it opened?) and only went to Tinto during Restaurant week so that wasn't a fab experience. I do enjoy Distrito but since you're not a fan of Mexican, Garces Trading Company could be an option, especially on a Friday. Their paella was my favorite dish of the night and it had plenty of seafood. Personally, I loved the rabbit that was in it.
Mile Hile Steakhouse on New Year's Eve
You'd never know by its location, a strip mall near the intersection of Rt. 1 and 202, that Mile High is thisclose to being destination dining. I've been there a couple of times before but the test for me was last night. It rocked!
There were four of us and all agreed, the food was top-notch. First we ordered cocktails and gotta say--they did not skimp on the alcohol. Then it was off to apps. So much to choose from but we decided to go with the lobster ans short rib dumplings and the seared scallops on hoe cakes for the table. Both were terrific. Next course? Two of us had the Pressed Spinach Salad, one had a wedge and the other, the Lobster Bisque. No one had any complaints which was evident from our cleaned plates. The greens couldn't have been fresher and the portions just right. And unlike other places, neither salads were drowned in dressing. The person having the soup said it was spot on. And hot, also not something you can depend on, especially on such a busy night.
For entrees, I had the Prime Rib. It was beautiful and done just to my liking: medium rare. The au jus added another layer of flavor, so much so that I completely ignored the horseradish sauce. Other dining companions had the surf and turf, a strip steak and twin stuffed lobster tails. The latter were declared just a wee bit dry but still a great choice. We ended up skipping dessert, though the offerings were intriguing. Candy crunch ice-cream topped belguim waffles? Pineapple confit crepes? It was getting close to midnight and we wanted to be in gathered around a friend's ginormous TV to watch the ball drop, this despite huge monitors in the main room switched on for the celebration and hats/horns/champagne being freely distributed.
Oh, and there were a couple of singers strolling between the rooms singing classic pop. Enjoyable but not obtrusive.
If you've been to Mile High before I'm sure you won't be surprised to know what a fine job they did. And if you haven't, I suggest you give it a look-see. Service is great. Quality is terrific. And the prices are more than fair.
Suggestions for Christmas Dinner in Cherry Hill
Unfortunately, my dining companion doesn't like Japanese food. Any other ideas? Even a diner would work!
Suggestions for Christmas Dinner in Cherry Hill
Any ideas beyond Chinese and Indian? Would prefer something reasonable ($30/pp or so). All suggestions are welcome despite what I said above.
Dinner with Executive Boss and Clients [Wilmington, DE]
Another option is the Mile High Steak House. It's not in DE--but only about 5-10 north of Sullivan's in Glen Mills, right around the intersection of 202 and Rt. 1.
Modo Mio Closed?
My friend is very picky about menus. So since it's his bday, want to make sure we select a place he'll be happy with.
Modo Mio Closed?
Thanks. Just made a reservation for a friend's bday dinner. And was told that a menu could be emailed to me. Will let you know if/when I receive it. In the meantime, anything in particular I should look for (not wild about organ meats)? Also, how does Monsu compare? That could be a backup choice.
Modo Mio Closed?
Tried to go to their website and no luck! Does anyone know what's going on?
Bistro St. Tropez - Don't bother
I agree that it might be due to Restaurant Week. I've FINALLY learned to avoid that entirely since the food is rarely up to snuff. Plus, the menus generally do not play to the restaurant's strengths but instead are populated with lower-cost items and tiny portions.
I went to Tinto for the first time during RW and based on my experience, would never return. Figure it was atypical of the food that's normally served since so many people rave about it. Might take a bit of doing but eventually I'll give it another shot.
Lunch Spot around 6th and Market
Thanks for all the suggestions. It was such a beautiful day, I decided to grab a falafel sandwich off of a nearby truck and wander around Independence Mall. There was a line there so figured it might be good. Was just okay. Tomorrow, I'll head to one of these. Delicatessen sounds particularly good.
Lunch Spot around 6th and Market
Have to head to 6th and Market tomorrow and doubt I'll have much time for lunch. Still, figure maybe there's someplace I can have a quick fix of good grub, either sit-down or on the go. Suggestions? Any ethnic is always a plus!
Where are all the Jewish Deli's in Philly?
Having grown up in NE Philly, Jack's was definitely the deli. Now the place is kind of shabby but they still do an incredible job if you're in need of catering, especially shiva trays.
Now if I'm in the 'hood, I buy from Famous on Krewstown and bring home. It's a bit salty but the food is always fresh. It can be a zoo on the weekends but I kind of like that vibe. Reminds me of my childhood. In a good way.
Taluhia's Garden or Farm and Fisherman
My friend's bday is far enough out (and on a weeknight) that there's still openings. But who knows for how long.
Taluhia's Garden or Farm and Fisherman
Celebrating a birthday next month. We're going to be a party of four and am torn between making a reservation at Taluhia's Garden or Farm and Fisherman. We were fans of Django back in the day but are wondering whose place we should first frequent. (None of us are much into outdoor dining so that shouldn't be a factor.) Suggestions?
Enzo's in Kennett -- more than just pizza!
I like that Enzo's is so casual. If I want virtually the same food with a bit more atmosphere, I head to Pescatore's a bit further south on Rt. 202. Same owners as Enzo's!
And I'm partial to their sausage and broccoli rabe over pasta. It's not on the menu but they'll whip it up for you if you ask. Great and garlicky.
Restaurants Serving Passover-Style Dinner
Last year, I tried Zahav's special Passover dinner. I recall that Fork and London Grille also offered similar meals. Saw that London Grille is doing it again but don't know of others (and I wasn't crazy for Zahav's meal). Anyone hear of anything? Suggestions?
Gastro Pub Gift Card
Thanks, all. Picked up cards from Varga and SPTR as well as a few others. And tossed in one to Honey Sit & Eat for a hangover brunch. He loved them!
Gastro Pub Gift Card
Want to pick up some gift cards for my 23 year-old nephew and thought some gastro pubs might be the way to go. He's a big beer lover but isn't real adventurous when it comes to food. He lives in the Society Hill area but I'm not limited to that section of the city. Suggestions?
Looking for an place to eat in Media or near Swarthmore college
If you like Indian, I highly recommend Sheree Punjab.
Restaurants off I-95 in Delaware?
Off 495, heading South, at Phila Pike is a small, no atmosphere place called Aurea's. Right off the exit, hang a right at Darling and into the small strip mall. Prices are dirt cheap, and the food is straightforward and great. I love their Al Pastor burrito and the green sauce they have on the table is excellent.
The Olive Tree in Downingtown--Anyone Been?
Our experience ended up being a mixed bag. We (there were three of us) ordered the Mixed Grill appetizer. It says it's for four but we polished it all off. We found it tasty (I liked the cheese the best) but nothing extraordinary.
For entress, one had the Shrimp Santorini, one the assorted Homemade specialties which included Pasticcio, Mousakka, a cheese pie and spanakopita. I order the Pasticcio. All three of us were very disappointed. My friend picked out the shrimp (which he thought were a bit overdone) and left most of the rest on his plate, saying it was too salty. I tasted it and agreed. Mine was dry and tasteless--and ice cold in the center. The other guest also turned her nose up at the dry and uninviting food.
When the waitress came, she saw three large plates of food, nearly untouched. When we told her, no, we were not interested in doggie bags and why, she offered us free desserts. We declined but she seemed so crestfallen that we caved. They were fine--none of us are big fans of the stuff. Management also comped us one of our dinners. I was impressed by this since we already came, bearing a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate.
Will we be back? No--it's not nearby and like you said, there's other Greek food to be had. I've not been to Kanella but enjoyed my experience at Estia very much. Oh, well . . .
