Review: Pardess-Basil

I was in Brooklyn lately and ate at two known places, I'd like to share my experience:

1) Basil - 2nd time there, totally underwhelmed, real lousy coffee, even after a fresh pot, Had their basic Pizza, Eh! nothing special, would've rather had a good slice at some of the regular Pizza shops we all like.Ok ambiance.

2) Pardess- Probably one of my best dining experiences ever! Guys I were with know I love food and ordered me one of everything! then when I eyed the burger and sliced meat sandwich ( with fake bacon) at another table, They brought those over as well.

Tongue - out of this world, so soft and delicious
Ox hearts - ok
Steak- amazing
Burger and beef sandwich - amazing (wish thry would have baguette buns...)
Lamb, veal etc - delicious
meat pizza - ok

They had this squash coconut soup that was phenomenal

Desserts were so so, but loved the unique Cammomille ice cream

Beers were amazing, nice wine selection,

Prices were incredibly reasonable, Service was great (loved the head waiter) My only regret is I didnt ask to meet the owner. Next time!

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Pesach HOTELS 2012

Stayed Home this year. (was great!) Heard first hand;

KMR: Packed, Unorganized first night, but went fine from there, great food. Cold.

Lake Las Vegas (Dorothy S.) Nice Hotel, mediocre food, sometimes not enough, NO Shmurah Matza after first days (!!!) Lower cost, so "you got what you paid for" Some people very upset, seems this not the first time food was sub par

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Orlando update

I'm going to be in Orlando next week. Can I get an update on kosher food? Is there a resteraunt? Deli etc.??

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Jerusalem help

Thanks guys.

There was a post a long while ago with a Jerusalem rental website Thanks again

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Jerusalem help

Dear fellow Chowhounders;

You've all been helpful in the past, so here goes:

I am going with my family to Israel (Jerusalem mainly) for Sukkot. and i can use your assistance.

I recall some posts from a while back with some excellent resources to rent a nice apt.

I am looking to stay in the Rechavia, Mussara or ? area

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I am Mehadrin Glatt so I would need an Apt that accommodates that, also a Sukka.

I also would appreciate referrals for a caterer that would prepare holiday food and deliver

and finally any good dairy and meat rests with a sukka (mehadrin only please).

Thanking you all in advance!!

Fresser

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Shilo's (L.A.) major disappointment

An old favorite of mine,Shilo's on Pico Blvd, has, sorry to say, gone somewhat downhill lately, although still immensely popular, with the crowds (and crowded it surely is...).
for the second time, I've taken important business clients out to, what I billed as the premier kosher dining experience only to suffer major embarrassment

One guest ordered the mushroom egg rolls and they were dry, overcooked and practically tasteless. Contrast them to the scrumptious Avocado egg rolls at La gondola and there is no comparison, these were simply reheated and overcooked at that. In addition the sides were all wrong.

Another ordered a medium 28 oz steak and it came back well done and dry, he sent it back (the waiter was very gracious and apologetic) and instead brought back a rib eye a third the size, not wanting to make a fuss, he dug in only to find it- literally- raw inside, it had been seared on the outside and uncooked on the inside.
He sent it back and asked me to take him somewhere else, as he was taking a long flight and needed to eat, My Friend was so upset he refused a free entree he wanted out

Every establishment is entitled to make a mistake, I just sense a lowering of standards of what was once a great eating place.
On the other hand, due to some unfortunate illnesses in the Family, I began frequenting la Gondola at its new (relatively) location on Wilshire Blvd. and i must say the food is excellent from the aforementioned egg rolls, to the spring rolls, to the steaks and turkey burgers it was delicious
I guess its like a wheel they go up and down.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Best Kosher In Los Angeles

Thanks!!

I look forward, is that the guy who works out of Shalhevet?

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Israel - Family trip. Help!!

I cant tell you all, how much I appreciate all your advice. Thanks

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Reviews of Passover Hotel Programs?

While we decided not to go out this Pesach, I feel very close to this topic, as I started the original post about my experience at the Chevrah a few years ago, that engendered all these reviews.
Here is what I picked up form relatives and close friends who's opinion I respect.
KMR, was only OK, I'm a bit surprised because I know them to be a quality program.
The weather was cool, and the food was ok, getting better as it went. The caterer, Scharf, who works for Shick, is a whacko, and a kind of tyrannical "my way or the highway" type of guy, and he just didn't perform up to par this year.
The tea room and the wine list etc. were under par. although the guest list was stellar.The grounds were simply amazing though, pity they could'nt really put it together, it was the place to be.

The Chevrah was ok, no disasters there although they lost their shine. They are not the place to go anymore, especially now that they're in Arizona.

Bookie in Aruba was great, he runs a good program. but the crowd was mixed.

Any other resorts will just be hearsay, and i'd rather not do that.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Israel - Family trip. Help!!

My fellow Chowhounds.

I am finally taking my entire family on the big Israel trip. we will be there G-d willing around the Shavuot holiday for 3 weeks. I've been to Israel many many times and I know some of my favorite haunts, but this time I'm going with my kids (ages 9,8,6) and i need some better and current info.

We are planning on being for an extended period of time in Jerusalem (of course) and

Tzfas (Safed)

Tiberias,

and Tel Aviv area.

with side trips along the way (dead sea, masada)

and a 2 day trip to Eilat.

so...
I request accurate, up to date info on Glatt Mehadrin (only) places in the above cities. I think I'm covered for Jerusalem, or I'll look at previous posts, especially the ones about best breakfast places and Papagayo... i'm mainly concerned about Tzfas, Tveria, Tel Aviv and Eilat. but i'll take any thoughts you have to make the experience better.

Specifically re Eilat, are there any mehadrin hotels or restaurants?

We will be in Tzfas for Shabbat, besides Rimonim hotel, any other recommendations?

Is there a shabbat eatery (prepaid) in the old city if Jerusalem?

Also, if anyone can give me some ideas of something special to do with the kids, I'm looking for a unique Israeli Jewish experience (ie diaspora museum, camel rides etc.) I would greatly appreciate it.

I realize i'm asking a lot, but, who else can i turn to but all you hounds here, and hopefully I have earned your help.

In Addition, as we are coming into the Summer travel season, perhaps this can be of assistance to others that will be going.

My heartfelt thanks.

The Fresser

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Reviews of Passover Hotel Programs?

great let me know. Say hi to "Liel" he'll take care of u

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Good burger in L.A.

Sorry, Shilohs, is a great rest. MUCH better than Le Merais and Much Much better (on the similar stuff, cuz Shilohs doesnt have deli) than wolf, although wolf has gotten better lately.

You must've had a bad experience it happens. I eat there often and take many (often non Jewish) clients, they cant stop raving.

They have a cowboy steak and a steak with "cheese" thats amazing.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Reviews of Passover Hotel Programs?

Most of these guys could care less, and the crowd forgets year to year. Although in all honesty, I heard Smilow tried to place, or at least find locations for, his guests at other places. and it wasnt 2 weeks, this happened around a month ago so it was six weeks before Peasach, plenty of time to get screwed by the Chevrah and such, just imagine the desperation.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Socal revisits - Mocca and Tierra Del Sur

Although I had my reservations (due to simply under par food) I reluctantly went back to two Southern California eating places, and they were better, in one case much much better than my previous visit.

I wanted to share my impressions with my fellow hounds.

1) Mocca, in Tarzana California, On Ventura Blvd. right next to Bocca (the owners used to be partners) Bocca is meat (and declining in quality...) and Mocca is a upscale Coffee Bistro and although kosher and Dairy, The owner seems to go out of his way to underplay this.

I was there a month ago and not impressed, good La Brea Bakery bread but thats it, my friend had the Ahi Tuna sandwich and loved it. I had a Tuna sandwich and couldn't see any Tuna...

I returned with some friends. i had the Ceaser salad (delicious) with a scoop of Tuna (weird tasting, too much fruit) my friend had a beet salad, said it was good, and another had a small dish pizza which we all tasted and roundly agreed was horrible. the dough was just ridiculous.
Coffee was weak and pretty much tasteless.
So, on balance it was so so, some stuff delicious some lousy, due to calorie watching (saving that for cholent...) we didn't taste the mouth watering looking cakes.

2) Went back to Oxnard, Tierra del Sur Herzog Winery, I know, I know, everybody raves about it, but honestly I never had a decent meal there, until this time.

I had the Rib Eye steak, medium well and it was utterly delicious with an outdoor woodsy taste that was superb. I'm not happy about the lack of any real side dish to speak of but...
My partner had the pepper rubbed Angus steak, It was good, but nothing like mine, too dry, and pretty small, and that one came with nothing on the side.

we also shared the California bass, it was good.

I had a glass of Pinot (07) special reserve, it was delightful.

for desert we had the chocolate (warm0 cake with custard ice cream (good) with french press decaf coffee (very good)

A pricey ($200 plus) meal but delicious.

My only beef with Herzog is he nickel and dimes you throughout, I hate that.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Reviews of Passover Hotel Programs?

yep. Does anybody out there know of any other cancellations?

I know some programs that SHOULD cancel...

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Good burger in L.A.

Well. since you dont want to go to the valley...
Sorry, Arthur, Jeffs is a great place, but their butgers are nothing special (even the top secret, double ranch burger, or the double western burger)

The only place that would fit your bill is unfortunately (cuz they're sit down places) is Shilos and la Gondola.

Problem in LA is that they just dont have good bread either..beside PKD.

Pats used to make a good burger, but as everything elsr there, it has gone way way way down, i was there last week, it was just bad.

Sorry David...

Since i LOVE a good Burger, I'd like to hear some thoughts o where in the USA can one get a truly juicy burger?

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Kosher in Los Angeles - restaurant recommendations for upcoming trip

Re Tierra, Beg to differ, small portions, salty food, overpriced, far drive (75 mins minimum from bev hills area) i was there a few times, once at a catered B'day party all agreed food was subpar. Of course there are some good items but all in all wasnt great.

I think Shilos is superb, try the cowboy steak, and pats is always satisfying.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Best place for breakfast in Jerusalem

Dan Panorama is a lousy Hotel and worse Management. stay away. try Greens in Shaarei chesed. good expensive food.
thanks for the apt link!

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Reviews of Passover Hotel Programs?

Wow, Thanks. great, and reliable. How bout being just a little bit more specific??

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Tell Me About Your Pesach Hotel Experience

I went To the Chevrah 3 times, the first time was very good, everything they advertised. the next two times were very bad, see my reviews, they lost their touch, Chaim K. usec to have it, now he just cant handle it and his kids are simply not capable. Those in the know stay away.

Best place I went to is a famous resort in Argentina...

Went to KMR in Whistler, a fantastic hotel (four seasons...) and culinary experience, although the "religious" aspects left a lot to be desired. It was very nice, but you cant beat Four Seasons.

Went to Paradise in Arizona, a horrible, unhappy program - I would issue extreme caution. The guy running it, Chein, is not truthful, to say the least, lots of issues.

ask yourself ONE question, and one question only, and you'll get the answer. is the program in the same hotel every year? if they AREN"T that means something is wrong! Either the Hotel kicked him out, or he didnt pay his bills (why do u think Chevrah changes every SINGLE year?) so you're coming to a NEW place that has no idea...stick with the guys that do it at the same place, and search the forum, this forum has the right answers.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Reviews of Passover Hotel Programs?

Please tell me more about RAM catering, I'm seeing them a lot. are they Good? who gives the hechsher?

Thanks

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

A Cow Jumped Over the Moon in LA?

I have to agree with the first poster, The food is tasteless and expensive, they are riding on the coat tails of Prime Grill, (mixed reviews anyways) nothing was really good. the physical area especially the outside terrace is beautiful

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Delice Bistro in L.A.

was there recently. Nothing special, mediocre food, lousy service, u could still do a lot better.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Best cities for kosher eating

And BTW, I haven't found Israel to have many good places, there may be quantity, and variety which would make it a great place for the kosher eater to visit (of course...) but again, I havent seen much in the way of exceptional GLATT (repeat GLATT) eateries.

Unless you count a good fried Shnitzel as gourmet.....

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Best cities for kosher eating

I thought this post was about best cities ? not best restaurants??

I was just in Europe, ate at kosher rests in Frankfurt (Sohar -Terrible!!
Vienna (alef alef - decent ) and

Prague (the Chabad place, Shelanu, was really tasty!

But they dont make those cities great places for kosher eating!

I will agree on Paris, Cape town and LA - but not the others, although they may have a good restaraunts.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Village Steakhouse - Las Vegas

Ate there on two separate occasions,

imho, overpriced, but decent food, catering primarily to east coast business people who are in Vegas on business and need a place to take their clients to so they have no choice.

Service was poor, decor very nice, ordered the better steak overpriced but tasty.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Best cities for kosher eating

You obviously havent eaten t the better NYC rests. ie, Solo, Annabel's, Etc.
The last time Levanas was any good Jimmy Carter was President.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Kosher in Los Angeles - restaurant recommendations for upcoming trip

If You want something nice go to Pats or Shilos or La Gondola in the city.
Jeffs is very good sandwich-Sausage place.

Valley has great Sushi, and 2 nice restaraunts, Sassi and Bocca.
Smokin has tasty steak, not as good as the places in the city.
Theres also a bunch of Pizza and falafel joints along Pico.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher

Best cities for kosher eating

You're probably right. Although there were 2 issues. I didnt want to eat Bet Din as I heard too many kashrut horror stories, and more importantly, I found a huge problem with accuracy on those lists, many places that were on those internet lists closed up and were no longer there and with wrong addresses it was a mess. I did enjoy the indian place.

Cholent Fresser in Kosher