HoosierFoodie's Profile
Indianapolis - Birthday Dinner Recommendations
Pretty much agree with nsxtasy.
R Bistro is outstanding. If you are looking for a gastopub type of thing Black Market or Libertine (downtown). Oakley's gets a ton of love but I found it over-rated. Recess is also fabulous but the menu is fixed so check with them to see what they are serving.
H2O Sushi is very good if you are looking for that. Fat Dan's is a great lunch spot hole in the wall for Chicago styled Italian Beefs, dogs and sausages. They also make a great burger.
Healdsburg
Funny, I was just at Scopa and Dry Creek Kitchen. Scopa was just outstanding and I was pretty impressed with Dry Creek Kitchen, too. I'd recommend both!
Ice machine refills
I can't believe that anyone would even question whether its right or wrong. If you have to ask the question the answer probably won't change anything.
Seperate Checks?
I don't necessarily think its a breach of etiquette but it does create a pain in the hind end for the restaurant. More cards to run (this could be costly, too), more orders to take, etc.... Its just sometimes unavoidable. Particularly if you have a group where someone is just going to order a small salad or app and water and another person who is ordering an app, main and a couple of glasses of wine.
I have seen several restaurants where they limit the number of different checks which I think is fine.
Best view for dinner or cocktails in Chicago?
Agree with Chicgail.... re: food and service at Everest.
recent reports from spiaggia?
Haven't been in a while. The prices piss me off particularly on wine. That said, I've been to Spiaggia Cafe for lunch a couple of times in the last 6 months or so and its been great. I don't know that the 3-4 times I've been to Spiaggia that I have been disappointed in the food.
Had a fantastic dinner at Ria in February if that helps.
Best view for dinner or cocktails in Chicago?
Hancock for a drink don't recommend dinner. Everest if you want a high end dinner.
Is Tru worth one meal of my precious few?
yes, in my opinion I'd just keep the Tru ressie...
Dinner for Two with a Vegetarian (BYOB?)
I have taken wine to Naha, Bistronomic, Les Nomades, Pane Caldo, MK, David Burke's Primehouse, Custom House, Boka and probably a few more I am forgetting. They aren't BYOB, they sell alcoholic beverages, but do allow corkage. As always, call first.
I have heard great things, though I have not been, about Goosefoot and Bonsoiree.
Cheese stores from Bay area south to Big Sur, north to Menocino (but ex-San francisco)
In Carmel I highly recommend The Cheese Shop. They know what they're doing and are very nice people!
Feedback on Dining Agenda
There's not a dog in the bunch! Trotter's from my recent experience is the weakest of the group. But as mentioned before it is closing so hopefully that mean re-focusing on what they used to do as well as anyone. Tru, IMHO, is better now that the last few years of Tramonto's tenure. Maybe as good as ever.
Alinea is in a league by itself so that choice is a no brainer. I also would not hesitate to go to L2O or Ria where my experience in January was fabulous.
Wine in Vegas [moved from Wine board]
A lot of places allow corkage, too. Although always, always call or e-mail first for confirmation. The list at Lotus is great and reasonably priced; no real reason to take your own wine in there. Asking for Bank is very good advice. He knows the list and is great at pairing.
Healdsburg WHITE (Winery) and Olive Oil Suggestions
Copain makes great wines across the board. Preston is a good choice. Dry Creek Vineyard makes a great dry Chenin Blanc and a good Fume Blank, too.
Could your/ IS your significant other a picky eater?
My wife was somewhat picky when we got married. Now, 20 years later she eats just about everything.
Prime Steakhouse
Our yearly "guy's trip" went to Prime several years in a row. Nothing really bad but nothing special, either. Seemed to us to be more of a place to been seen rather than a place to eat. We switched to Stripsteak for a year or two but their corkage policy (2 btl. max regardless of table size) drove us to Delmonico's where we have been very happy.
mandatory tipping for larger groups [moved from Phoenix board]
Agree with purple bot
Caught skimming the tip pool
"Wine research" should really tell everyone all they need to know!
guests not offering to do dishes, is it rude?
No it is not rude. As guests they shouldn't be expected to clean up. If they are frequent guests and very close friends I might have a slight expectation of their offering. But if they don't they are most certainly not being rude, IMHO.
Favorite NV Champagne?
I agree about VC. Rather drink some grower or "farmer fizz". Pierre Peters, Aubry (our current favorite), Billiot, Morlet, P. Gimonnet, Gaston Chiquet.....
Lotus of Siam Help
Start with the Nam Kai Tod....or at least that is probably my favorite. Order what sounds good to you and ask the wait staff. They are very good as mentioned above. Their wine list is outstanding and especially strong in Rielsings and very reasonably priced. If you aren't sure ask for help. I believe Bank is their sommelier.
I generally go with a group of guys and we just start ordering food and keep ordering it until we're full...then we order a couple of more things! Great place
menu for west coast wine tasting party
Sauvignon blancs, Cabs, Chardonnays, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, syrahs, etc...? Might be easier if what wines you were thinking of serving before recs?
Canceling a Reservation
I think its pretty common. I also think your friend is stuck. If it was indeed stated on OT then its your friend's fault they weren't aware.
Blackbird v Sepia
Blackbird, IMHO. Though Blackbird can get very loud. A big, big fan of Naha, too. Not a thing wrong with Sepia but I prefer the other two. But you are splitting hairs in the comparisons. Again, in my opinion.
