aimeekm's Profile
Discontinued at Trader Joe's (started 6/19/2011) [old]
Thanks! I will keep checking TJ's. Nice to know Costco is an option as well!
Discontinued at Trader Joe's (started 6/19/2011) [old]
Chicken Chorizo in the fresh meat section has been gone for years. I still look for it every time! Soyrizo, although decent, just doesn't stack up.
Has anyone one seen the Mini Chicken Cilantro Wontons in the frozen section lately? They've been MIA with no tage my last couple of trips.
Trader Joe's Yea/Nay Thread - 4th quarter 2011 [OLD]
YAY - Kettle Corn cookies in a tub. I got these for a coworker for Xmas that is a huge Kettle Corn fan. They were an absolute hit in the office. Very unusual addicting flavor combo, sweet, little savory, little salty.
YAY - Crunchy Green Beans in the snack section, next to the Wasabi Peas. I know these have been around for a while, but they're new to me. The first couple of bites I couldn't decide if I liked them or not, I thought they needed a tad bit more salt. But as I kept eating them they got better and better, my friend and I polished off the bag, and I've put them on my list for the next trip.
MEH - Cocoa Drizzled Kettle Corn, got these also for my coworker kettle corn fan, they were just alright. They definitely fell on the sweet side of kettle corn and to me didn't have enough salt to balance. She buys Popcorn Indiana: Drizzled Black & White Kettlecorn, from Costco that is much better according to the office consensus.
YAY - Creamy Polenta with Spinach and Carrots, (not sure how new this is) so good, a great easy side dish or a simple main course for nights I eat alone. More spinach-y than I thought, but for me that's a good thing. It has become a staple in the freezer.
I haven't looked for the Tart D' Alsace for a while, but it wasn't in stock my last trip. Please someone tell me it's a fluke, and it hasn't been dc'd?!
Your disappointing purchases from Costco
lcool - thanks, good to know if I ever want to make a return again.
cstr - I would understand if they had no purchase history, but they would be able to see I had been 1-2 bags a month for 5 years (2 - 100 lb dogs), and this was the first one I was returning. With that history I would expect them to refund my money without blinking an eye honestly.
Your disappointing purchases from Costco
I'm surprised to hear about the easy returns. I used to buy all my dog food there, the Kirkland brand. One bag out probably 80 or so I had bought there was bad. I brought a ziplock as an example, but obviously didn't want to load a 40 lb bag of moldy dog food into my car. The customer service desk practically cross examined me about it. How had I stored it, etc.. They spent forever on the computer, presumably looking at my purchase history. I eventually got my $25 back, but they made me feel like a scam artist. Definitely discourages me from making a future return!
Has anyone had a problem with the 10 lb bags of brown/yellow onions? I hadn't bought them in years, I usually get them cheaper at the ethnic market I shop at. I was in too much of a rush to go to multiple stores, so I picked up a bag a few weeks ago. A few were slimy striaght off, and the rest rotten within a week, so gross. That made me remember I had had that issue before, which is why I stopped bying them there. It just makes me wonder, do I just have luck with onions there? If this is a common problem, who makes a repeat purchase?
La Habra, CA
Restaurants Rec's needed, little different, I promise!
Garret Popcorn
I picked this up as an in room snack. I must admit I was skeptical of it at first, everyone telling me I had to try it. I got the Chicago Mix (Cheese & Caramel). First couple of bites was like, "eh, it's popcorn", but then I realized I could not stop eating it. Highly addictive! Definitely seem this becoming craveable. The only downside is it's really messy to eat, not practical to eat while walking down the street.
Total Large Mix: $8.36
Uno
Went to the original location on Ohio. Attempted to call ahead to order in advance and avoid the long wait, but was told they don't accept phone orders. Before you are seated you order your pizza. We got a small spinach w mushrooms on half. SO was famished, so even though I knew we would end up w too much food, we ordered the calamari. It was decent, nothing I would write home about, but perfectly edible. Our pizza arrived w generous amounts of spinach & mushrooms, not to mention cheese. I had the opportunity to compare it to Lou Malnati's which I have had a few times (I come to the Chicago burbs a few time a year for work). I think I would give a slight edge to Malnati's, w a little better balance of flavors. SO really enjoyed it. He revealed that he was skeptical as he really dislikes deep dish in LA. But said this was nothing like that. I was like "don't you know me better than that!"
Total w 2 beers and a soft drink: $46.22
Signature Lounge @ John Hancock
Went here for cocktails at sunset. I really like their Clementine Passion Martini I had had in the past, it was good again, but the sweetness got to me this time. SO had a dirty Blue Olive Martini, he raved about the olives used. In 4 years SO has never order this out w me, or asked for one at home (probably because of a lack of olives!), this became his drink of the weekend, go figure!
Total 4 drinks: $59.11
Sunda
After much debate between Arami and Sunda I settled on Sunda, because it is what SO would enjoy most (I leaned towards Arami). We had 10 PM reservations for the sushi bar, the place was packed when we arrived! We waited about 15 minutes, not able to even get close to the bar to place a drink order. We were seated at the bar, which we instantly regretted. Sunda definitely has a night club type atmosphere, and we had our back to it, not able to people watch at all. We were also a little confused about how service worked there. At sushi bars we frequnet, we place sushi orders w the sushi chef, and everything else, hot dishes, drinks etc. w the server. A waiter took our drink order, and then we were a little frustreated by the sushi chef's lack of eye contact. We were thinking, "Hello, like to order here". When our waiter came back we asked, and he explained he took all our orders. We ordered Tail of Two Tunas, Rainbow Roll, Tuna Nigiri, The Ultimate Handroll & Wamachi roll. The Tail of Two Tunas & the Nigiri were the standouts. One interesting this, they seem to only use real crab, as opposed to krab. It was all tasty, but nothing wowed me. The really large, nice pieces of Maguro were the best thing I ate. SO really enjoyed the energy and the scenery here, so I was glad I chose it over Arami.
Total w 2 cocktails & a sake: $118.77
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Arami
1829 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Restaurants Rec's needed, little different, I promise!
Thank you for everyone's advice. I'll post reviews of everywhere I went, as time permits!
Bongo Room
Went in for breakfast before my SO arrived, and the hotel room was not yet available. I had the Pretzel Panckaes w Caramel and White Chocolate. I was given the option of 2 or 3, got 2, but wish I had been given a 1 option, huge and filling. They were unque and tasty. In the future I would ask for the caramel and white chocolate on ths side. They were generous with the "syrups" and made it a little too sweet for my taste. There was no wait at all at 9 am on Friday morning. Total w coffee $13.76
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Bongo Room
1152 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
New Orleans Chowhound coming to Chicago June 8th - 11th and needs help with itinerary
>> * Uno - call them first with pizza order to avoid 45 mins for pizza - only eat at original location
I was there this weekend, and when I called ahead they would not take the order over the phone. Maybe you'll have better luck, but be prepared to wait if not.
Restaurants Rec's needed, little different, I promise!
Quick update. Made it to downtown this morning .... had breakfast at the Bongo room, and picked up some Garrets.
SO is on his way from the airport, then assuming he is agreeable, off to Uno's.
Decided on Sunda for dinner tonight. I know the food isn't the best in the city, but I think it fits the celebratory and youthful mood my SO is wanting.
Keep you updated!
Restaurants Rec's needed, little different, I promise!
Wow .... Thanks for so much feedback. This is great!
So, my SO has specifically requested sushi, so that is a definite. I have a reservation at Sunda, but Arami looks really good as well, and has reservations available. I'll have to decide on the mood I want for that meal, high energy & "hip" or a more relaxed, leisurely meal. I'm leaning towards Arami, as the reviews of the food seem better (plus gelato!). But my SO will have had a long day, so maybe Sunda's vibe would be better at keeping him awake. Decisions, decisions.
For Saturday night .... now I have even more options to ponder.
- I actually really like the look of the menu at Publican, but despite the seafood dishes on the menu, I just can't see my SO being happy there. I probably should have clarified that I'm more of the foodie in the relationship. My SO loves good food, but isn't naturally very adventurous. He thinks I'm crazy for the amount of time I put into researching restaurants and such, but is always grateful in the end.
- As far as jackets go, I'm afraid that is a definite no go. Putting on a jacket to go to dinner is not my SO's idea of a good time. Since it's his bday, I should probably respect that. Now if it were my bday ....
- I'm on the waiting list at North Pond. I think this location is potentially the best mix of view and food. (Yes, views on the food a split). So my chances are pretty slim.
- Have reservations at Cafe Spiaggia, the menu looks good, but I'm not excited by it. Maybe because I cook a lot of Italian at home, it's never my choice when I go out. I know this would be on an entirely different level, but I have a bit of a mental block.
- I REALLY like the Riva suggestions. Ironically I had a late snack there last weekend, but it didn't even cross my mind even though it fits my criteria nearly perfectly. From reviews it seems the food rarely rises above average. But the seafood and views are pretty compelling. Also planning on Navy Pier fireworks, so it would be really convenient.
- I'm thinking lunch on the river on Saturday. Bridge House Tavern’s menu is too pork centric (6 of the 9 small plates excluding oysters include pork, even their pancakes are bacon pancakes). Fulton on the River looks like it might be my choice for lunch. Any other on the river lunch options worth recommending?
- I've decided against the Lobby at the Peninsula, L20 & Boka. I'm thinking SO will find them a little too formal.
Here's where I'm at:
Friday lunch - Uno
Friday dinner - Sunda or Arami
Sat lunch - Fultons on the River
Sat Dinner - Cafe Spiaggia or Riva
I appreciate everyone’s input!
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Boka
1729 North Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614
North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Cafe Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Arami
1829 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Restaurants Rec's needed, little different, I promise!
How about the Lobby at the Pennisula? The menu seems to fit my needs pretty closely, how about view or ambiance?
Any view at Boka (I think not by the address??), L20? I really like the seafood focused menu of these ... but are they "Chicago-y"?
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Boka
1729 North Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614
Restaurants Rec's needed, little different, I promise!
Thank you for your reply!
I searched Open Table after my post, and it looks like I'm out of luck w North Pond, w no availability. I will call tomorrow, just in case they hold anything back from OT. In my defense ... my SO just committed to this weekend, so I'm adding my flight change fees to his bday tab! We unfortunately are leaving Sunday am, so no time for brunch.
I checked out the menu for Fulton on the River .... right up our alley, and reservation availability! They have Chicago's Largest Tater Tots according to the menu, I'm in! But ... just checked out the yelp reviews, latest ones are less than stellar ...hmmm...
In my panic of checking Open Table, and seeing the lack of availabilty, snagged a couple of resevations, Sunda for a late dinner Sat (after late lunch at Uno's), and Cafe Spaiggia for Saturday, Does Cafe Spaiggia have any view? I think I remember Spaiggia on the second floor of a building, looking out towards the Chanel store? Does Cafe Spaiggia, have a similiar view?
So my plan is he arrives Fri afternoon. Late luch at Uno's, late dinner at Sunda. According to Yelp, Sunda appears to have a "scene", but we go to Vegas a lot so "scene"sushi we do often. Sat luch, where ever we stop while siteseeing, dinner at either Cafe Spaiggia or Fultons of the River. Fireworks at Navy Pier Sat night.. Fitting in sunset cocktails at John Hancock one of those nights (did I mention Clementine Martini, yum!?!)
Feedback is greatly appreciated!
PS. ... Your OES is adoreable!
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North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Restaurants Rec's needed, little different, I promise!
I know restaurant recs are requested every day on this forum, and here is another one! But I have a couple of special requests!
In downtown this weekend (Mag Mile), and looking for some advice. I've spent a little time downtown, but this is a bday weekend for my SO, so I want to make it special. We're in our 30's-40's, and from the LA area.
Here are the parameters:
- Most important - must be uniquely Chicago
- SO does not eat pork or beef, so menus need to have plenty of chicken, or especially seafood options.
- Not particularly price sensitive, under $50 for an entree is a general guideline (but no jacket requirements please)
- Prefer to stay in the downtown area
Here's where my head's at:
- I'd really like the restaurant to either have a killer view or very "Chicago-y" ambiance (not kitschy though).
- I've looked at Bayless's restaurants, while I'm sure they are amazing, where we live in LA, Mexican restaurants are rife.
- The gastropub style restaurants seem rough for a non pork eater, and not very "Chicago-y", like they could be in any cosmopolitan city (please correct me if I'm wrong!). I love small plates, but my SO is more like, "when's my meal coming?". (Sushi is the exception)
- SO loves sushi, would eat it at every meal if given the chance. Are there any sushi places that fit the "Chicago-y" criteria?
- Are there any restaurants on the river that are worth a rec?
Restaurants I'm considering (please comment and add more!)
- Sunda , How's the location, food?
- Cafe Spiaggia, Is there a view?
- John Hancock - Killer view, but how's the food? Should we just stick to cocktails here? Clementine Martini - yum!
- North Pond - Seafood heavy menu is a plus, but mixed feedback on here about the food.
TIA everyone!
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North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Cafe Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
what to go under cream cheese icing
Orange Cake w Cream Cheese Frosting is one of my favorites!
Best Sushi Value on the Strip
I'm going to be in Vegas on the budget at the end of this month, and would like Sushi one evening. Where is the best value on the strip? It can include happy hours, or coupons, or discounted gift certificates etc. I'd like to target food for two avg eater to be $50-$60.
TIA!
Guatemala cuisine revisited
Thanks for your quick reply rworange! Interesting that came up recently. I agree that it is similar to corn bread, and actually has the same sweet/savory profile and appearance. Thanks for the Antigua Daily link. I'll have to see if I can find Zacapa. I can easily get Cotija or even aged Cotija, so I'll give that a shot! I think though I will use the SF Gate recipe http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/15/FDQT15P4B5.DTL&hw=quesadilla&sn=001&sc=1000 instead of the one w rice flour. This recipe had the right texture, just the wrong cheese flavor.
Good memory Caitlin! I actually tried Aged Queso Fesco as well. The bread definitely has a rich cheese-y-ness that a very mild cheese wouldn't impart I don't think.
Guatemala cuisine revisited
I'm really enjoying your posts. Have you had Quesadilla yet? It is not the American/Mexican definition of Quesadilla. It is instead a sweet/savory breakfast bread (quick bread, not yeast bread). It is both sweet & cheese-y. I had it in the inland part of Honduras, close to the Guatamalan border. It is apparently common in both countries. I've tried to recreate it at home, but all the recipes I find call for Parmesan. It is defintely not the cheese used when I had it in Honduras, but have been unable to figure out what the right cheese is, and if it's even available in SoCal. If you come across this bread, I would be grateful if you could find out the cheese used!
Frustration Shopping at Albertsons
You're definitely not alone. I work in the grocery industry and Albertsons pricing has driven more customers away from just you!
Food Heresy - conventional wisdom says this, you say that.
In what part of Italy is it done in? In my travels to Rome and Florence I never saw it. I suspected it was an American thing.
Salt Lake City Recommendations?
I want to thank all you here for the great advice in this thread. I live in SoCal and spent this last weekend in SLC visiting a friend. Here are the places we hit
Red Iguana
We arrived at about 7:45 on a Friday night, there were about 30 people waiting outside. We gave our name and were told it was about a 35 minute wait. While we waited we killed time at the adult store next door (a side note, but if this is an example of what adult stores are like in SLC, good thing the internet was invented!). About 45 minutes later our table was ready. This restaurant was described on another thread as a dive. Although it looks that way from the outside, once inside I don’t agree it is, I think their nice website definitely excludes them from the dive category. We ordered drinks and an appetizer of Chile Con Queso ($5.95). The margarita was good, the Chile Con Queso was a spicier version of Velveeta and Rotel, though not gourmet, very tasty. We couldn’t decide which Mole so our waitress brought a taster plate out for us. She was very patient explaining the different types. We went with the Enmoladas ($7.95) (corn tortillas filled with refried beans and covered with Mole Negro) and the Mole Verde ($14.90) with chicken. They were both wonderful! The Mole Negro was rich and very complex, so we chose the lighter flavor of the Mole Verde as a balance. We left here very full and satisfied. The total bill was about $45 for the food mentioned and two Cadillac Margaritas and a beer. The only complaint I have is that service is a little too fast. Our entrees came out only a few minutes after our appetizer. I would have preferred a little time to enjoy our appetizer first, but understandable due to the need to turn over table to accommodate the waiting customers. My friend said she will definitely be going back!
Cotton Bottom
Now this place on the other hand can very accurately be described as a dive! Not a complaint, I loved this place. We arrived about noon on a Saturday, took the last available table outside. The friendly waitress asked what we wanted to drink and named the few beers on tap (Blue Moon…Yay!). When she brought out beers she asked if we were going to eat as well, we said yes, and I was a little confused when she asked what we wanted without handing us a menu. Since I had read this place was all about the Garlic Burger, that’s what we ordered. I never did see a menu and everyone appeared to be eating a burger, I am assuming there is no menu and the only thing there serve is burgers?! Our food came out quick and it lived up to they hype… tasty, moist and garlicky! Two burgers and three beers was $23.50
Takashi
After Cotton Bottom we explored downtown and ended up at Takashi at about 7:30. We gave our name to the hostess and had a seat at the bar. At the bar came my only disappointment of the night, no hard alcohol. We ordered a large Asahi ($7.50) and Vegetable Tempura ($7.95) while we waited. The vegetable tempura was tasty, not exciting or different, but it hit the spot. We spent our time waiting pouring over the menu and the very large specials board, wanting to order more than we could possible eat! Our bartender was very friendly and answered all our questions and made suggestions of what were his favorite menu items. Our spots at the sushi bar were ready in about 20 minutes. We took a seat and our helpful and friendly waitress introduced us to our outgoing and informative sushi chef, Tony. I ordered another large Asahi and my friend ordered the Sake Flight ($20). When the flight arrived our waitress took her time explaining all the different Sakes and she, Tony and our sushi bar neighbors all chimed in with their favorites. At the suggestion of our bartender I ordered one of the specials, Elk Carpaccio ($20). I had never had Elk before, and I figured why not. First off it was really dark, almost purple, it came with a red Peruvian sauce and was pretty tasty. I’m not sure if I’d order it again, but was glad I tried it. My friend was not really enamored (didn’t hate it but didn’t love it) and decided to save her stomach room for other dishes. She had a Tuna/Crab Gunkan Maki ($5.95) that she really liked. I didn’t try it because I didn’t care for the Tobiko on it (I’m anti-roe in general). While we were waiting we were chatting with Tony and asking him what just about every dish he was making was. He wasn’t annoyed at all and seemed happy to share what he was doing with us. At his suggestion we had Hamachi Belly Nigiri ($5.95)… fresh & yum! We then had a Black Magic Woman roll ($8.00), torched Sable Fish, roasted red pepper, lemon. Sounds a little odd, but soooo delicious, this was my favorite of the night, everything worked together so well. Next our sushi chef had a surprise for us. One of their specialty rolls had Escolar, strawberries and almonds (he nicknamed it the Special K roll). When he was making it I shared my fear of Escolar because I had read of potentially tummy issues. He assured me that in small quantities it was fine and made us nigiri from the roll ingredients. Now to my taste buds, it was kind of sweet and odd, not a repeat, but it was my friend’s fave of the night. (Happy to report no tummy issues!). I was full by this point, but my friend had had her eye on a Hamachi/Mango roll but was too full for a whole roll. Tony made her Gunkan Maki ($6.95) with the ingredients, and it was a hit. It was my friend’s birthday, I had conspired with our friendly waitress on dessert, a fruit crepe ($7.95). She was great and kept checking every couple minutes so she would know when we were ready for it. A crepe wouldn’t generally be my first dessert choice, but it was a bit of an inside joke between my friend and I, we had vacationed in Paris and seemingly ate out body weight in crepes while we were there.
I’m no sushi aficionado, I eat it regularly but just at neighborhood places, the top end LA area places are well out of my price range. With that said I was really impressed with this place, the friendliness and professionalism of the staff, the creativity and freshness of the dishes. I also thought this place was an absolute bargain for the creativeness & quality, our total was a little over $100, and $35 of that was alcohol and the Elk was $20. We could have easily gotten out of there for under $50 if it wasn’t a splurge birthday dinner. I wish I had a place like this close to me!
Keys on Main
Not a food review, but we hit this place after Takashi as it was walking distance. After our great time at Takashi this place was a big let down. It was about 10, we paid our cover ($5) lucked out and got a table, ordered drinks (Absolute Screwdriver in a small rocks glass $6, and a soft drink $2 from my driving friend who was feeling her Sake Flight). We felt this place had an uncomfortable snooty vibe. The crowd was young, early 20’s (my friend & I are late 20’s early 30’s), and many of the woman seemed quite over dressed (sequins??, sky high heels??), for the casualness of a dueling piano bar. The place was jammed, but most people seemed more into being seen than paying attention to the music. Who knows, may just be a difference between SoCal and SLC. We were out of there when my friend had sobered up to drive home.
Apollo Burger
On Sunday we were headed out to Tipanogos Caves, and stopped at Apollo burger for a quick bite. I ordered a Gyro and Onion Rings, and had my first encounter with fry sauce. My friend had a pastrami sandwich, she grew up with Apollo Burger, so this wasn’t a new place for her. My gyro and onion rings hit the spot, but fry sauce was the only thing different than I can get locally. What’s in fry sauce? Definitely a good onion ring dipping condiment! Our total was about $13
Snack Bar @ Tipanogos Caves
Ok…stretching a bit here, but wanted to include it for two reasons. First for a snack bar it was very reasonable considering it was a captive audience. After the hike up and back, I would have paid just about anything for a beverage! We also got Granny B’s Cookie “Home of the Original Pink Sugar Cookie”. I took mine on the plane with me and was pretty disappointed, the frosting is good, but the cookie not sweet enough for my taste. I prefer the Lofthouse brand in grocery stores (not sure if the brand is national or regional). So for two cookies and a large soft drink $4.80, I was shocked (maybe I’m jaded?)!
The Iceberg
We didn’t have time for a meal after the Caves, so we stopped here for a bite before the airport. I got a Hot Fudge Chocolate Malt ($4.25) and my friend got Caramel Pralines Shake and some Zucchini sticks to share. I’m not sure what went wrong, but my malt was not good, had an off taste and I dumped it after a few bites. Thankfully they are huge and the Carmel Pecan was yum and there was plenty to share. The zucchini surprised me because it was obviously made there and not a frozen Sysco product like I was expecting (a good thing!). Our snack was a good salty sweet combo that hit the spot.
Overall was very pleased with the SLC dining scene and thanks for everyone suggestions here!
Vegas Strip Values
Bumping my own thread here.
Cafe BaBa Reeba is out, restaurant.com is sold out of gc's.
Any opinions on Dal Toro in the Palazzo? They are on restaurant.com as well.
Vegas Strip Values
Looking for some input on an upcoming Vegas trip. I'm looking to maximize my dining dollars ...so the best experience for the least money. I'd like to stay at about $30/pp wo alcohol, but can go up depending upon the value/experience offered. Oh... and to complicate things my companion is a pescaterian.
Here are some of places and deals I'm considering. I need to plan two dinners and maybe one lunch (lunch is optional, might end up being unplanned, casual)
rm Seafood (Downstairs)
I can use a restaurants.com gc for $25 off when two entrees are purchased.
Don't hear alot about this place, looking for input.
Cafe BaBa Reeba
I can use a restaurants.com gc for $25. Does anyone have any experience using restaurants.com gc here? Can it be used towards alcohol? I have heard good things about this place, but my companion isn't super enthused about the idea of tapas, not that he's had them before...lol. So was thinking if the gc's can be used for alcohol we can have an ap or two here and get some drinks.
Japonais
Lucky 7 Happy Hour ($7 drinks & aps 5-8 in the Lounge)
or
Lounge Dinner for Two $45 (2 aps, entree and dessert to share 5-8)
Any opinions on this place? Seems like it might be a light inexpensive option, but how's the food?
Chinois
25% off coupon available off all food. Opinions on this place? Is it just me or Wolfgang Puck doing Chinese just not seem like a natural fit?
Il Fornaio
Interested in this place becuase it has multiple fish and veg options for a reasonable price. Had aps here before not enamored, but seemed an afforadable option.
Canaletto
I haven't heard anything about this place, but the menu is really appealing. Opinions? Depending on portion size, might be able to do this at $40pp?
Hyakumi
$28 AYCE Sushi lunch
I realize this isn't going to be in the league of Okada etc., but is it decent? Anyone had this?
I'm not usually big on eating Italian out and paying Vegas money to do so (I think I cook decent Italian cheaply at home) but I need to have nonseafood / nonasian options. So Italian or Vegetarian options are appreciated. (Eaten at Enoteca San Marco, enjoyed it but looking to try some place different.)
Oh and just to further complicate things, my comapnion is a little picky, so all the prix fixed menu's I've seen have too few options to really be workable. Disappointing cause they are often such an incredible deal. But if anyone knows of any that might work bring them on!
Honduran Quesadilla Recipe
Reporting back...
I made the SF Gate recipe. It is a tasty cake, but didn't taste like the Quesadilla in Honduras. It was sweeter and not as cheesy (though I almost doubled the 1/2 cup called for) and had a distinctive parmesan taste.
My mexican market had some grated aged cotija, so I might try making the recipe with that and reducing the sugar a bit.
Honduran Quesadilla Recipe
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply.
The description of the cake in the SFGate recipe is exactly what I remember, springy and sprinkled w sesame seeds.
Funny thing all the recipes call for Parmesan, which isn't the flavor I recall in the cake...but I will certainly try it out. I ate quite a bit of cheese in Honduras and it was all very similar to Mexican Queso Fresco or Panela, so that is what I was imagining to be in there.
Francisco, that recipe seems to be more similar to Pupusas? I'm actually looking for cake that seemed to be mostly eaten for breakfast. It was in coffee shops, bakeries and even the Hedman Alas cafeteria in SPS. I only saw it inland and not on the coast or Roatan (could have been there, just didn't see it).
I'll be baking this weekend and will report back!
Honduran Quesadilla Recipe
Joan, that sounds like it!
If you could paraphrase I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks!
Honduran Quesadilla Recipe
I'm looking for a recipe for Honduran Quesadilla. It isn't torilla and cheese like the mexican variety, but instead a sweet and savory cake. I've looked for recipes, but the ones I found call for parmesan, which I'm pretty sure isn't authentic. I suspect a Guatamalan or El Salvadorean recipe would be the same or very similiar. Had this on vacation in Honduras a few months ago, and haven't been able to shake the craving recently!
Las Vegas Bachelorette Dinner?
I've eaten at Social House as well, and wasn't very impressed. The food was ok, we had sushi only, not bad but not memorable. I think part of my impression was we were seated toward the back of the restaurant (at the end of a long hall). Maybe it was supposed to be romantic, but it actually seemed desolate and lonely. So if you do decide on Social House, I would make sure you get seated on the patio, much more lively I'm sure.
I haven't eaten at the Palm's, but I love the atmosphere and there are great lounges and clubs.
If you're looking to get into clubs...I would recommend picking up some passes on ebay before you go. Most clubs are on there, and super cheap.
Have fun!
Las Vegas Bachelorette Dinner?
Hello.... I would recommend Tao for a fun bachelorette dinner. I recently was there with a bunch of girls for my sisters birthday. Is it the best food ever...no...but it was pretty good and has a good small plates menu and sushi for sharing. I was actually pleasently surprised at the bill...less than I was expecting. Mostly I'm recommending because it has a fun, loud, club like atmosphere.
I wouldn't recommend Spago. I had a very nice dinner there...the food superior to Tao's, but the atmosphere doesn't say bachelorette to me. The menu is also small...about 6 items if I remember correctly, so if you have any picky eaters they might have a tough time.
Have fun!
Vegas - Seafood on the Strip
Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
I should have mentioned I'm in SoCal, so I'm not as interested in LA restaurants that have branches in Vegas.
I'm leaning towards a cooked meal, so excited that SeaBlue might be doable. If the portions are reasonable then I envision us sharing an app and having an entree each and maybe a dessert to share.
My SO OTOH keep hinting that he'd like sushi..."pick some place, you know like sushi"
I'm a relatively light eater, my SO is med/big. When we go out for sushi we usually have three rolls or two rolls and a few orders of nigiri and maybe an app.
I'm looking for a fun Vegas atmosphere, so that's why TAO's not out of the question. I'm also interested in a wow setting in the way that Okada is, just really gorgeous. I'll probably take Shibuya off the list, I probably won't be happy with the setting. Japonais is about to come off as well, unless I hear that the setting/ decor is better than the website seems to indicate.
Vegas - Seafood on the Strip
I'm looking for recs for seafood on the Strip in Vegas.....looking to spend about $50/pp not including drinks. I realize this budget is pretty tight!
I can go two ways...traditional seafood or sushi. The restaurant needs to fun, not looking for formal french dining. If I decide on sushi, I'm looking for the most bang for the buck. Who offers high quality sushi at the lowest price? Hopefully some of you have been to a few and can let me know how the bills compared.
Here are the restaurants I'm interested in. Your opinions sought please! Also please add anything I've missed.
- Aquaknox (decor seems good mix of romantic and cool, menu looks yummy. Anyone been there, how are portion sizes, able to stay in budget?)
- Seablue (pricing...doable?)
- TAO
- Social House
- Okada (been there love it, but is probably out of the current budget? Maybe if we were careful with what we ordered?)
- Nobu (offstrip but doable)
- Japonais (this setting might be a little more laid back than we'd like?)
- Shibuya (what the decor / setting like?)
