QTWO's Profile
Collage- St. Augustine
Wow... Collage was a TOTAL BUST and I was really surprised- and completedly dissappointed. We went there for the MLK weekend- we had reservations and it was supposed to be our "special meal" for the weekend. Low and behold, we should have arranged to make Opus 39 the "special meal" and left Collage in the dust!
No problems getting seated... the waitress was a little strange, but no big deal. We ordered escargot in a puff pastry and a crab-and-mushroom cheesecake that was spread on toast. The escargot was waaaay, waaaay too salty- and almost impossible to eat. The cheesecake was bland- especially compared to the escargot. When the puff pastry exploded onto my white cashmere sweater, I was slightly PISSED OFF that the freakin' waitress couldn't get us some club soda or something to help me not look like an idiot.
The sorbet, served to cleanse our palets, was nice. I wish I had something to cleanse my freakin' sweater, though. The fresh-baked bread, with a head of baked garlic and dish of pesto butter was yummy.
For dinner, I had lobster ravioli, a tail and two shrimp in a pesto sauce. My meal was okay overall. The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the tail was nice- the ravioli was good, but not spectacular. Truthfully, the sauce was a bit bland- but at least it was not offensive.
He was supposed to have linguini with scallops and shrimp- his meal was a disaster. The combination of flavors was simply odd- peach brandy and seafood. Moreover, there was not a scallop in the dish. We raised this concern with the waitress, who returned to the table and said, "The chef said that there ARE scallops in the dish." What were we supposed to say to that? When the chef calls you a liar, what do you say?!??! We continued to eat, in silence. The strange flavors, my stained sweater and his missing scallops. The waitress, apparently noting our growing displeasure as we were finishing the meal, said, "What do you want done? Do you want the chef to make you some scallops?" We sighed and explained that we did not want any scallops at this point, only some acknowledgement. The waitress continued on... saying that the scallops were small and that we probably didn't see them. We finally suggested that, if the customers cannot see or taste an ingredient, the chef might be better off leaving that ingredient out of the dish. Still- no acknowledgement or apology.
The waitress asked if we wanted dessert and we both looked at her in amazement- she apparently had brass bullocks the size of North America. We declined dessert and coffee and left.
So... total bust. And such a surprise, given the reviews. The food was odd and incomplete and varied from bland to way over-seasoned. The service was spotty and confrontational. I have never been so disregarded in a higher-end restaurant. We won't be going back...
Opus 39 - St. Augustine - Best Restaurant in Florida?
We went to Opus 39 this weekend... MAGIC MAGIC MAGIC!
We had our meal on a busy Saturday evening... the restaurant was booked. Walking in to see all the fresh veggies in the deli-display and smelling the freshly-baked bread was yummy! The decor is contemporary and chic. The service, despite having a full dining room, was truly outstanding. I mean The-Forge-kind-of-outstanding, as plates were removed and introduced by two servers simultaneously, so that all the plates left/arrived at the table at the same time. The wine selection was good and the prices seemed to be typical restaurant markup.
The food... ahhhh, the food. Delicious. The amuse-bouche started the evening with delicious-ness and it continued... My favorite was the steak that I could cut with my fork and his favorite were the clams. The desserts as well- to die for. Portions were perfect, given the number of courses we ordered.
This food was on-par with anything we have had in Miami or South Florida... As a matter of fact, we could only compare it to Michy's and Michael's Genuine- everything else was just not of the same caliber. I could see the chef as a true contender for the James Beard award... I would go back again- over and over, if I lived near the city. DEELISH.
2 Boca Questions
I'm looking forward to the posts here...
I don't have a favorite fish restaurant, but I need one. :)
I would recommend Saporissimo, Moquila or Chops as good restaurants in the area. Gary Woo's also has no-surprise chinese. We will dip out to any of the local diners, to Rotelli's, Chipotle's, Boneheads or The Grill for no-frills nights. Typically, if friends are visiting, I am cooking something at home. :)
Anatolia, Boca Raton - Mediterranean
No.... but I would love to hear about it, if you go. Good mediterranean is hard to find... :)
Sra. Martinez Chowdown Report
First things first: FROD YOU ARE THE MAN. The suggestion for a get-together was made and you took the ball and ran with it. Right down to the printed "first round", succinctly organized item list. You, for real, rock. These things wouldn't happen without your organization and pull-togetherness. So, one of my most favorite things about the event: Frod. :)
Also, we have a loverly time as usual. Thanks to everyone for the awessome company.
So... me and Q's take (thanks to Frod's elephant memory refresher):
The bar: as we ALL know, Q and I like the bar. We made friends with the bartender and tasted his lavender honey. Q is a standard scotch man, but I am a fu-fu girl. Started with the mojito and moved on to the gin-elderflower-cucumber-and lime thing that was magical. If anyone likes mojitos, the cucumber thing is better.
I would like to put in an ADA/disabled-person disclaimer. Q and I keep track of the disability -friendly places and we were very interested in seeing whether or not this place would have accommodations. There is no elevator in the rear, only the staircase up the front- that you have to climb, in order to get to the source of the good alcohol. There is a lovely full-man lift at the bottom of the stairs, that is supposed to work. We arrived and asked about disability accommodations and, after much panicked whispering, were told about the lift. We thought we would take a ride and said so... which prompted much, much more panicked whisperings. We were eventually told that A) no one knew how to operate the lift and B) there were strong suspicions that the lift did not even work, as someone vaguely recalled it did not work for the previous restaurant. All this, and not a SOUL walked within 10 feet of the lift to manipulate or examine it- maybe they knew it was unplugged. We were also told that, since the opening, we were the first people who wanted to ride the lift. We were also assured that they really wanted us to eat there... blah, blah, blah. So... a lil' food for thought for disabled folks- make sure you are settled downstairs and, unless they do a lil' updating, you can only dream of the upstairs bar and dining room action- regardless of how beautiful and shiny the lift looks.
Now the food:
The croquetas: as a gringa, I love these things. I didn't meet a croqueta until I was 20's-ish. Someone could put spam and kraft cheese in the middle and I would be impressed. So, I am biased and will make no comment. :)
I thought the sauce that went with the artichokes was good... (that was an artichoke, right? LOL) It was kinda zippy and it brought life to my drooping vegetable. You know... the long skinny one, with the branching head...
Clams- high, low, sideways... those clams were a hit. Generous portion, though they might consider a 5-gallon bucket for those feeling Super Clammy. I think it would sell. Deelish.
The dates... I am agreeing with BlindMind... I missed the blue cheese. Also, maybe this is just a date thing, but it was sooooo heavy and sweet. I don't know that you can "lighten" dates (LOL), so I dunno if big, fat, bacon-y dates are my thing.
The bravas made me very happy. We, the Irish, feel strongly about good bravas. The mustard and ketchup was va-va-voom exciting! Suprisingly, this was a favorite.
I heard the urchin was bland... not that I was jumpin' on the urchin. I think LAX2MIA mentioned previously bland urchin- so at least we have consistency.
The sweetbreads were nice... not astounding, but the texture was nice and the flavor was there...
Ditto for the foie gras... our neighbor suggested that the foie felt undercooked, but I thought it was melt-in-the mouth. Maybe I was crazy, but I didn't feel that the accompanying flavors showcased the foie... Supporting flavor roles can make the difference between a B-List foie and a Supuh-stah foie...
The jamon... ahhhhh, ham butter. Like Danielle said... you don't even need cheese. Or bread... or a fork... If I was feeling much more patient (which was related to those ever-flowing cucumber-elderflower drinks), I would have sucked a piece of that jamon like a werther's candy, just to see if it would eventually just melt. Kinda like the "how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?" Freakin' deelish.
The whole thing was a hit... though it was VERY different from the first chowdown. Q and I have decided that we need to move around more- we sat in the exact same positions during the last chowhound- and saw many of the same people. Of course, there are some who would say that beggars can't be choosers, if you linger at the bar. :) It seems I always walk away wishing I had more time, or was in closer proximity, to chat with another person... :) :) :)
Hollywood
I like La Barracas for the atomosphere and the flamenco... :) http://www.paellas.com/
ice cream/dessert in delray, boca, or boynton?
I love Foxy's Ice Cream on Atlantic in downtown Delray. Homemade ice cream and really friendly owners. :)
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1253218/foxys_ice_cream_another_fun_atlantic.html?cat=8
British food in Palm Beach county
LMFAO
I need to look at the dates on these posts
LMFAO
Recommendations - US1 from Brevard to Dade?
On U.S. 1 and Sterling Rd. (approx. 30 mins directly east of the Hard Rock) is Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor. http://www.jaxsonsicecream.com/ It is a really neat place and yummy too- definitely an experience. :)
Also, on Griffin (one street north of Sterling) a bit west of I-95 is The Field, an authentic Irish Pub. http://www.thefieldirishpubdania.com/ It is good food and I know the guys who play on the weekend... incredible. It's kinda like stepping into a leprechaun house and listening to good irish tunes. If you are into that kinda thing, The Field is the best I've seen in a while...
Have fun on your trip!
Where is everyone dining on New Years Eve
Canyon in Ft. Lauderdale- off Commercial. It's a staple for our group of friends...
Ristorante Saporissimo
I agree with all the comments... one of my favorite restaurants, shabby-chic and perfect for a romantic NYE dinner. :) Enjoy!
British food in Palm Beach county
If you want Indian, you have to go to the East-West Market in Boca Raton. It is on (I think) Boca Raton Blvd., just south of (maybe?) Palmetto Park. It is 100% Indian- and authentic indian- all the way. It is more of a grocery store, 7-11 kinda thing. Deeeelish.
Jfoods Visit Sundy House (Delray) - Beautiful
Sundy House has never been a favorite of ours for food... The food, ever since the new chef came along, has seriously waned. However, the place is GREAT for good alcohol and pretty scenery.
Exotic Meat for Foodie?
Thanks!
I was searching for reindeer for Christmas, but MAAAAN the shipping (from Alaska, of course) was three times the cost of the meat. I'd be better off raising my own reindeer here... LOL
The quest continues...
Magical Sausage
Just a bit of background... I needed curing salt to make a family sausage recipe for the holiday festivities. The only place, apparently, to get it is online. Until I found a sausage shop in Deerfield Beach. The owner was so kind and helpful with the curing salt, so we went back to get some sausages for a holiday gathering and...
THE SAUSAGES WERE AWESSOME!
The owner also has a variety of nifty german foodstuffs. He has boudin and twice-smoked bacon slabs. He has various pates and kraut... His sausages are beyond delish.
So, if anyone is in the area or just wants to pick up some great sausages, head over to the Eurpoean Sausage Kitchen http://european-sausage.com/default.aspx The owner, Walter, is the sausage man in the back and his wife works the front counter.
Thanksgiving Reports
I know that a lot of people were on this board, asking about good places for Thanksgiving dinner- across the cities and counties. I remember scrambling to think about places that are local to me.
Did anyone go out for Thanksgiving? If so, what were the experiences?
Thanks for the input!
1 night in Boca- need help
DaDa is in Delray- near 32 East-... Good and definitely eclectic...
Delray Beach Area
I'd add:
Dolce Amore for breakfast... in the pineapple grove area- slight north of the Atlantic strip.
Kyoto is a sushi place also in the pineapple grove area... the only place we can find a pear sake that is deeelicious. Very chic and trendy.
Also, Sonoma has been a favorite of mine... the owner is a friend. The place is traditional American (with a hint of german, maybe?) just east of the Atlantic strip. The food can be very rich though... :)
For quick and cheap eats we have loved the new Mellow Mushroom pizza place and Al's philly cheesesteaks- in the Atlantic strip area.
Also... please try Foxy's Ice Cream south of Atlantic strip. The owner has kept the shop for nearly 30+ years and you can't get better ice cream.
I also second the vote for 32 East if you can- IMO, the local, fresh ingredients give a rare look into the local cuisine.
You might try the Sundy House for a romantic brunch- Sunday brunch is best. It's costly, but if you and your partner can do it, it is worth the money. The locale is set in a garden and the fresh berries are to die for! :)
I can't think of any STAY AWAY! places... Maybe because I have stayed away... LOL
Good luck!
Isla Morada for Thanksgiving
You might have better luck in your search if the spelling was a bit more accurate... The Key is one word: Islamorada.
Lorelei is a nice place... they have an upscale inside dining room and a more casual dining on the beach and dock. Lorelei also often has live entertainment. Very, very keys-ish.
Island Grill is north of there... more north than you have to go, for island-ish eats.
I really love Lazy Days in Islamorada-beautiful view and great food. There is also the Islamorada Fish Company (a favorite of many Miami-based media personalities). I am also a HUGE fan of Morada Bay- it is truly the kind of island experience that people see in movies- very, very romantic. There is Cheeca Lodge for a very upscale evening... again, a big favorite for the movie stars.
You might be tempted to go to Whale Harbor for the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. It's very tempting, but be forewarned that they serve the masses- so, cleanliness is sometimes an issue. Right next door to Whale Harbor is an upscale steakhouse, Braza Lena- never sat there for a meal, but I have tried the steak and it was excellent. Bentley's is a favorite of many of the locals, though I thought the place was somewhat stuffy and the food was outdated, but good. Avoid Marker 88- it's been going downhill for months/years, despite phenomenal reviews earlier.
I love Zane Grey's (near Morada Bay) and some people swear by the Green Turtle (if it has been rebuilt by now). Manny and Isa's is supposed to be a great place for Key Lime Pie and cuban food.
Islamorada really has more dining options than most of the other keys, with the exception of Key West. It's all about what you want to eat. Most of the places are good and I can't think of a place that is not locally owned and operated. There was a long-time ban on allowing franchises into the keys (Outback broke through the ban a few years ago), so almost every place is home-grown.
There are also a bunch of keys-based folks on the board who should be able to weigh in with their opinions. My vote: Lazy Days or Morada Bay/Zane Grey. Good luck!
TOP TAPAS IN FLA
I love La Barraca and I am so glad to hear that you also had a good experience.
Sigh.
Spain...
Six Tables in Boca
Ooooh! No... never heard of it... but it looks like it could be lovely...
Please keep us posted if you go!
Staying at Westin Diplomat on Hollywood Beach. Any great restaurants in the area?
Nooooo... NOT Sugar Reef. People always get it mixed up...
This place is much more south of Sugar Reef. I want to say that it is the "Safari Cafe" or something that would allow exotic animal skin pelts... But maybe that was the guy next to them... These are the three shops (one, I believe has been a bar for a while) that are in the first building north of the Hollywood Resort. Customers have to climb a full set of steep stairs (not just two of three) to get up to the door-level.
I have to find the name of that place... since I tell everyone to go there. LOL
Key Largo weekend
I have had the same experiences as you all... so I need to clarify...
The servers and mngmnt at Ballyhoo have always been great... Oftentimes, the servers and bartndrs at Sundowner's and Senor Frijoles are also really great. I have never had a bad experience, with respect to the servers...
I'm just speaking of the owners themselves... they guys who do the hiring and firing and financial management... I know this only because I have met them on several occasions in social settings and/or at the restaurants. The guy who was most closely involved, in my opinion, was swimming in his own ego and he was often really short and harsh with the employees. A lot of yelling and a bunch of belittling and berating... truly insulting stuff. I know it is hard to find good people, but power-tripping is a turn-off... I felt bad for people who continued to work for him.
The reason I mention it is because I believe that the owners "set the tone" for a place and if they are super critical and demanding, they create a tense and uncomfortable work atmosphere... which, in turn, leads to dissatisfied servers/bartenders and less than the best service.
I dunno how the folks at Ballyhoo's have been unscathed- maybe the get yelled at less. Maybe they are long-timers- I think many have worked there for YEARS.
? good sushi and chinese food or vegetarian food in Boca?
OMG. Thank goodness you asked. I have one restaurant for you: FAH.
FAH FAH FAH. It is a small place near the Hidden Valley Publix- they also have opened two other places in the county. The decor is contemporary and the staff is beyond friendly... within a few visits, they treat their customers like VIPs. But the sushi... oh, the sushi... and the thai food... and the dim sum... Fresh, very well prepared, and deeeelicious. FAH is at least a once-a-week event in our home.
For Chinese, we do the Orient Palace (I like the cashew chicken and it is close) and we have sometimes gone to Gary Woo's. Though, Gary Woo's makes me think I am in that Indiana Jones movie with the little asian kid and the blonde with curly hair (I don't know why)... Gary Woo's is good though...
Boca Raton = Town Center
I, personally, am not a fan of Bova... it's too chic for me and I am always concerned that the hostess may pass out from starvation. But that's a personal thing.
Otherwise, I concur with the offered suggestions. I'd also like to add in Saporissimo for Tuscany Italian and (given the recent thread) I am throwing in Moquila for Mexican. The Grill can also be a nice place... Though, I don't know if these places are upscale enough for you...
Good luck!
Key Largo weekend
And you know... the guys who own Ballyhoo's, Sundowners and Senor Frijoles are jerks... I was really suprised... they treat locals no better than they treat tourists. So sad.
Restaurant Recommendations at/near Ritz Carlton, Palm Beach
Nope... but I will definitely check them out now!
