grimaldi's Profile
Lobster/Crab/Shrimp Rolls- low-key...
As nsxtasy said, the closest thing to Luke's Lobster in Chicago is Fish Bar regarding size and look. It's definitely a bus/train/cab ride from downtown so maybe not worth the hike. Their lobster roll is good and the seafood decent, but rather overpriced. I've been to GT as well, and while nice, it is even more overpriced for the portion sizes. The best lobster roll in Chicago is at Shaw's Oyster Bar. I've had every major roll in the city and Shaw's wins hands-down. Plus their menu has every conceivable seafood item and relatively good prices. It's also located downtown so easy to get to. Damn, you got me dreaming about Luke's right now.
Best Sunday Brunch for seafood
Haven't been to Reel Club, but Shaw's is pretty good. It doesn't have quantity like most buffets -- it's actually fairly limited. But what it does have is fresh and very nice quality, and frankly for the price a downright steal. Sixteen would be my favorite brunch in Chicago. You can't beat the dining room/view and the seafood (full, cut, king crab legs) were worth the price of admission alone.
Le Cirque Dress Code?
No matter what you wear, the elegant glamour of the ambiance and the evening will inevitably be brought to an embarrassing standstill when Mr. X walks in with a pair of Eastern European working girls in outfits so chintzy and gaudy that you won't be able to stomach your food. If I had a dime for every time I saw this at Le Cirque, I'd be a wealthy man... and I am a wealthy man.
Gene & Georgetti's v. Chi Chop House for Business Dinner
People who think Luger's has the best steak rank right up there with those who believe In 'n Out has the best burger. Some people really need to travel and dine before they make such an embarrassing comment. David Burke's is a "ladies" steakhouse, along the lines of N9NE. If you're serious about beef in Chicago, it's Gibson's, and to be honest Mastro's (despite it being an outside chain) is pretty good as well.
Loved the new Four Seasons restaurant
If you're going to Alinea and Trotter's, then no, skip Allium. No matter what it is, it's not on their level.
I haven't tried Allium, but I have been to Deca at the Ritz. I'm really disappointed that two of the best hotel/restaurants in the city have completely dumbed down their dining venues to "approachable" standard fare you can get anywhere. What makes it doubly bad is that both are owned and operated by the Four Seasons, so this is clearly a unanimous strategy moving forward. That said, my dinner at Deca was very nice but not nearly as nice as the private dining room resto they used to have. And with Allium, gone is the great Seasons' Sunday Brunch and lounge overlooking Le Boule Mich. The best brunch in the city now belongs to Sixteen. Okay, sorry, end rant.
P.S. Even the Four Seasons new website looks like a Kimpton or W website.
Fish and chips
B&L really need to relax on their price-gauging. I like their menu as much as anyone, and I've had nearly everything on it. But just having Guy Fieri et al. mention you on TV doesn't give you the right to jack up the front end by 40-60% in a 12-month period. If the numbers get any higher, I may have to start feigning illnesses and getting my money back.
Solo L.A. Hound has 36 hours in Tokyo for food tour, early November... Please help with my itinerary!
Thanks for the prompt reply. I'll be at the Park Hyatt and the concierge there is fantastic, so I'm sure they'll be able to arrange everything. And thanks for letting me know it's a 3-4 hour affair. That makes a huge difference.
Solo L.A. Hound has 36 hours in Tokyo for food tour, early November... Please help with my itinerary!
I noticed J.L. stated they would be doing Ryugin - solo. I was considering doing the same and was wondering if there's any concern for doing it alone? I've done many places solo, including Alinea and El Bulli, but never did anything on that level in Tokyo. Is it a two-hour experience, or should I plan on 3-4 hours?
Also, though I travel to Asia quite a bit, I speak very little Japanese. With regards to making the reservation, their website talks about confirming within 24 hours. Am I correct in assuming this is something I can have my concierge do? Silly, simple questions, I know, but I have two weeks to kill in Japan and would like to try Ryugin if at all possible.
uhockey reviews a quick trip to Chicago: 6/16-6/18: Including Next, Avenues, Naha, Longman & Eagle, M.Henrietta, Doughnut Vault, and more.
One last note on Next... the funny thing / or sad note (however you look at it) is that 7000+ people jammed the server when the tickets went on sale, and the resto only needed to sell several hundred tickets to sell out the Thailand tour. That means there were thousands of potential customers, and therefore hundreds of thousands of dollars that they will never take in. I realize Next is haute-cuisine and not a Cheesecake Factory, but lost revenue is lost revenue, and if I were a partner with Achatz I'd be pulling my hair out knowing all that money was lost to a competitor.
uhockey reviews a quick trip to Chicago: 6/16-6/18: Including Next, Avenues, Naha, Longman & Eagle, M.Henrietta, Doughnut Vault, and more.
Honestly, Michael, I'm a little surprised by your review for Next. We ate there and had a similar experience, perhaps with some of the extras that you didn't receive. However, while service was adequate it was never symbiotic with the moment or the mood, and although the food was excellent it was by no means extraordinary. I'm surprised that you would actually want to go back. Kudos for wanting to give Achatz and his team a second chance to make things right, and I've no doubt the kitchen table would be a far superior experience. But I firmly believe Next is a two-thirds version of Alinea, floating on hype and privilege more so than any genuine originality or competence. Furthermore, Achatz can't be in two places at once, and it would break my heart to go back to Alinea now and not have him make my dessert for me. The best Next could ever be is what Bouchon is to French Laundry. Bouchon is great, but it ain't no Laundry. Anyway, my point is, I won't be doing Next again. Apart from getting the tickets, it wasn't that special. One would be better off dedicating a couple hours to Aviary, getting bites to go with your drinks, and kindly asking the server if there's space available in Next towards the end of the night. If so, great. If not, nothing has been lost.
I know how much you cherish Alinea -- it's the main picture on your blog. So give Next another try. But you know as well as I that it won't blow your mind even if you get all the extras and the servers treat you like Christ. It will never be Alinea Deux.
Birrierias, Soul Food, Jewish Delis, and more?
Once again, people, there is no such thing as a "Jewish" deli. When you went inside, did they offer to Bar Mitzvah you? I doubt it. There is nothing religious about it. It's a kosher deli which has to do with the preparation of the food. Yes, it is blessed by a rabbi but that has nothing to do with the restaurant or you.
For example, I went to Memphis last month and wanted some local chow. I found a great hole-in-the-wall and had some of the best burnt ends, roast chicken and ribs of my life. When I told my friend about it, I referred to it as a barbecue joint -- not a Christian Barbecue. Jesus wasn't there. Crosses were not on the wall.
Repeat after me... kosher deli. Kosher.
Tried Five Guys--What's the big deal?? [moved from Las Vegas]
People who say In 'N Out has the best burgers are just as bad as people who think Peter Luger has the best steaks. I feel sorry for them. Some people really need to prove they've traveled around this great land of ours and tried everywhere before they claim a West Coast chain or East Coast dive produce ambrosia from the Gods.
On my list of all-time best burgers, In 'N Out doesn't even make the top ten. Five Guys does, and so do its fries. Open your minds before you open your mouths.
Burger Trip
BLT Burger, Burger Bar, Bradley Ogden & Le Burger Brasserie (Paris) are the places to check out. All the other ones you've listed may have a decent burger on their menu, but I wouldn't go out of my way to dine there just for that reason. Todd English PUB does many things well. I wouldn't say burgers are their specialty, rather the carver meats are their go-to signatures.
Burger Bar had the best burger I've ever eaten. The others come in the top ten but not the top five. For example, I'm a bigger fan of Five Guys than In-N-Out. Incidentally, whether or not you like it or roll your eyes when I say this, but Bartley's in Cambridge had one of the best burgers I've ever had. Just remember, the only way to truly judge and compare the meat is to not load the sandwiches with too many toppings. Also, to compare the burgers between places, you'd have to order the exact same toppings on all. But I'm sure you already knew that.
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Bradley Ogden
3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Vegas (mini) Report: Bradley Ogden
Nice review. Out of curiosity, did you eat in the restaurant portion or in the lounge, off the lounge prix fixe menu? Either way, how was the service and the atmosphere?
MoZen Brunch - Anyone been?
Sorry, Uhockey, I've never been.
But since when do you need recommendations from others? You are one of the most adventurous diners out there. We look to you for reviews on the places most of us never think or get a chance to go to. I'll be in Vegas in December as well, and was looking at MOzen for brunch/lunch. The menu looks fantastic, but there are so many other places I haven't been to yet that this one has to get pushed back on the list.
Good luck on wherever you decide.
weekend brunch
I still laugh at anyone who tries to glorify breakfast. We eat the same things today that the settlers did on the Oregon Trail. If Keller is making magic with bacon and eggs, then he must've been born in a manger.
The Country Club Jazz Brunch is an excellently refined way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Skip Bouchon -- it's Morels on PEDS and Mon Ami Gabi on 'roids. Bouchon is "something." The Jazz Brunch is "something else."
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Mon Ami Gabi
3655 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Restaurant.com Certificates
But Restaurant.com refunding the purchase price of the GC does not compensate you for spending $35-50 at that specific restaurant only to find out they won't accept your $10-25 GC. Restaurant.com should give you the difference back. Otherwise, I would report both organizations to the BBB. You should not have to call the restaurant to find out if they "still" accept the GC. It's a bait and switch.
Bakery -- snacks -- dessert??
" I also recall that if you go in the evening they sell of their baked goods for 1/2 price."
For Breezey or anyone else... When exactly does this begin each night? I think Bouchon Bakery closes at 9:00 pm. Not that it's expensive to begin with, but I'd like to sample as much as possible.
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Bouchon
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
New Prix-Fixe at Alinea Starting 8/1
Thanks for the replies, and for that link to chicagomag. Actually, it sounds better than the 24-course Tour. Perform 15-17 lines but maybe three or four have two or more dishes each. It would give you an equal value for less money, and still speed along the experience. I'm in.
New Prix-Fixe at Alinea Starting 8/1
So I made a rez at Alinea a few days ago and they informed me that beginning 8/1 they will no longer have the Tour and Tasting menus, but instead a 15-16 course menu at $185. I suppose this is to cut down on average dining times and turn over the tables more.
Now, I'm wondering if we should try for a table before then to get the 24-course Tour. Anybody think it doesn't matter and that new and greater things are in store, or would you go for the "more is better" philosophy and hit it sooner rather than later?
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Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
High-End Restaurants -- No-Show/CXL Fees?
Thank you both for your replies. That's pretty much what I figured.
High-End Restaurants -- No-Show/CXL Fees?
For anyone who knows, when it comes to Alinea, Avenues, Trotter's, Spiaggia, Tru, etc. -- I know most require a CC# and if you cancel within 72-48 hours or do not show completely, they will charge you $50-100 per person on the reservation.
My question is, if you have a rez for four people and only three show up, or two and only one, will they still charge the missing person fee or let it slide? I realize with some establishments it's case-by-case, and the dining room manager can override things, and that I should be calling each individual spot for their policy. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with this in the past or knows for certain how it works?
We are planning a trip in September. Alinea is a must. But our companions are a variable, so I'm just thinking ahead. Thanks.
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Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Searching for the best Paella on the strip
Actually, Seablue @ MGM Grand has a paella on its menu that is pretty good. It's not the top restaurant in Michael Mina's stable, but I'm getting sick of seeing his lobster pot pie on every single menu he crafts. Seablue is a decent dining experience.
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Michael Mina Restaurant
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Seablue Restaurant
3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Uhockey reviews The Country Club at the Wynn, Las Vegas NV.
What made Sensi so disappointing? I had a decent experience there, nothing extraordinary, but I can't imagine it making the bottom of anyone's list.
Uhockey reviews Enoteca San Marco at The Venetian
Fantastic. I appreciate it. If I get the duck, I'll let you know how it was.
Uhockey reviews Enoteca San Marco at The Venetian
Great review. I take it you dined alone? I may find myself in a similar situation in a month, and also bought the $25 GC @ $4. Did they give you any problems with regards to the GC since / if you were alone? Anything you saw on the other tables, entrees and such, that maybe you would have liked to have ordered? I'd be going for lunch as well. The blossoms are a definite, pasta is a must, then maybe an entree. It's a lot of food, I know, but I'm a lot of man.
Best deli and pastrami in Vegas
I was going to mention that. Most LV delis do have non-Kosher items so it's a moot issue. My point is it's a misuse of terms witnessed all too often, kind of like when people say "ATM machine" (the 'M' stands for machine). The deli may not be Kosher, but it's definitely not Jewish. So just call it a deli.
Best deli and pastrami in Vegas
Not trying to be a stickler or anything, just thought I'd mention there's no such thing as a Jewish Deli. It's a Kosher Deli. Religion has everything to do with keeping and preparing kashrut, yes, but nothing to do with the delis themselves. It would be like calling a joint in Memphis a Christian BBQ because they serve pork and happen to be located in the bible belt. Anyway, the Carnegie Deli at the Mirage serves non-kosher items so it's a moot point.
Sorry. Continue... :-)
If one HAD to pick a buffet in Vegas...
I'm somewhat shocked no one on this thread has even mentioned Zefferino's.
I have been to every resort buffet in LV, and like many I, too, thought the Sterling Brunch was the end-all, be-all. When I went to Zefferino's, however, all of that changed. SB has king crab, crab claws, caviar, sushi, etc. Yes, it's all very nice. What it doesn't have is a great setting (Bally's Steakhouse?) and what I thought was a lousy dessert selection. Now, Z may not have the aforementioned offerings (that's why I listed them) but it had a far superior dessert selection, much better carved meats including the best lamb chops I have ever had, and an infinitely better atmosphere, on the second floor overlooking the Grand Canal at the Venetian. That may seem tacky to some but it was everything the SB was not. Service was better, the dining room wasn't cluttered, and the price was $55, significantly less than SB, and they pour unlimited French champagne as well. Also, unlike SB, Z had cracked lobster claws (which we all know has the best tasting meat of a lobster) and I must have eaten 20 of those alone. I cannot say enough about Z -- there is no better buffet in LV in my opinion. I guess it goes unnoticed due to its location. So be it. That just makes it easier to get a great table every time I go.
