mbooth's Profile
Nice dinner near Royal Sonesta, Cambridge
Are there any restaurants that would be "foodie" for dinner near the Royal Sonesta hotel in Cambridge? Possibly walking distance?
Hits & misses
We were in Chicago this week & went to a couple new places as well as "tried & true". We were disappointed in Rosebud on Rush, & we had been there several times previously. Maybe it was the Sunday dinner crew, but it was mediocre at best (both service & food.) We're unlikely to go again.
The big Hit was Longman & Eagle, our first trip. Just Excellent food! Intriguing, and well-flavored. We went early since they don't take reservations. I would hate to have to wait. But this was a lot of fun in a low key atmosphere. Worth the cab to get there.
Big disappointment was Mercat. Ugh! It was overpoweringly loud and crowded. Food was nicely done for tapas I guess, but sort of thrown on the table & due to the noise we sometimes had little idea what we were eating. The staff did a competent job under the circumstances, but we felt that we had not "dined" but "noshed". Would not go again, even if someone else were paying.
New find for us this time was a really nice lunch spot in the 900 Michigan Shops, called Oak Tree. Wonderful breads, soups, sandwiches, & service. Interesting & delectible, as well as being in a great location.
Finally we had a nice, relaxing dinner at Le Colonial. I know it gets mixed reviews, but after our ups & downs we ate and drank well there. Not adventuresome dining, & not cheap (I've heard some say it's a better buy at lunch), but delicious Southeast Asian food, nice surroundings, well served, & some delicious desserts.
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Le Colonial
937 Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Rosebud on Rush
720 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611
Oak Tree Restaurant
900 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Suggestions for a Foodie's First Trip to NOLA
Disagree on Herbsaint. We ate there once & it was "forgettable". Best thing was the chocolate beignets.
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Herbsaint
701 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
"Old School" French Quarter restaurants?
We were big fans of Petunia's and Miss Ruby's in the old days in the French Quarter. Now that they're gone, does anyone know of restaurants like these in the FQ?
Lunch in the Quarter - not too formal
Good suggestions! This is a group of young adult professionals, but not experienced with New Orleans or the South. Probably about 8. I was considering NOLA or Bayona. ??? I'm figuring it ain't going to be cheap. But I don't want the formality of Commanders or Arnaud's. Does this help?
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Bayona
430 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Lunch in the Quarter - not too formal
I'm looking for suggestions for a lunch gathering (November) in the Quarter near the Marriott. Not too formal since several people are somewhat "inexperienced". Some drinking involved. New Orleans flavor with full service dining.
inner harbor- little italy
We agree about Cinghiale - have eaten there twice & it was excellent both times.
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Cinghiale
822 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
L'espalier Review
We've had excellent dinners at Mama Maria's and Hammersly's. Wonderful lunch at the top of the Prudential building, but that was awhile ago. Other than that I'd suggest visitors eat low-key in Boston & head on over to Providence, RI or New York City for excellent dining. We just don't find it in Boston.
L'espalier Review
We were Really underwhelmed by L'Espalier when we were there for dinner over Memorial Day weekend. We had been there previously & were looking forward to the return trip (& yes we had read about the location changes - that was not the problem.)
I would say most things about L'Espalier were mediocre - not awful, but not what one expects from that level restaurant. Service was just OK - & while it may seem superficial, our server had on a suit that was stained & had a button missing. Right at eye level for diners. Again, I think if you dine there you deserve better.
The food was "predictable" - not wonderful. The wine seemed overpriced to us, & we are used to eating at upscale restaurants at major cities.
For a $400 meal for 2 people, I expect a bit of "wow" - & that simply did not happen at any level.
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L'Espalier
774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199
Fun/nice French Quarter Restaurant for a Group
We've been underwhelmed by Mr B's on more than one dinner. And, the Pelican Club is LOUD. Too noisy to hear each other at even a small table.
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Pelican Club Restaurant & Bar
312 Exchange Alley, New Orleans, LA 70130
Washington, DC - 3 Great restaurants & a Dud
We just returned from DC, a favorite city we visit regularly. We always check out CH for any city we visit. This time we ate at 3 excellent restaurants & one true dud - the good ones first.
Our first night was at our all-time favorite, Obelisk. It never disappoints! Fabulous cheffing! Wonderful food, & they don't take themselves too seriously. Amazing flavors, and we are always blown away by the burrata cheese. Still our very favorite restaurant.
Our second great restaurant was a return to Bistro du Coin, a casual French bistro off DuPont Circle. The last time we were there my husband had major back spasms, so it wasn't optimal. But we had a truly fun time with excellent, very casual food.
The 3rd "winner" was our first time to the Blue Duck Tavern. We had read reviews & gave it a try, & we WILL return. This chef also knows how to cook farm-fresh foods! The bone marrow appetizer was fab, and the soft-shell crabs truly fantastic. Entrees of scallops and fluke were superb. Desserts of chocolate & cinnamon ice cream & strawberry rhubarb crumble with creme frache absolutely amazing. Beautiful room, well-trained staff. We loved the entire experience.
OK, now for the disappointing experience. Despite positive recs on CH, we found Tabard Inn to be decidedly sub-standard in every way. Poor service. Lack of attention from the time you enter the door (& you wend your way on your own thru a "lounge" a bar, into the dining room). NO ONE seemed to care about anything with the customers. (Personally I don't care if the staff "really" cares, but they need to act as if they do!) The main dining room is pretty, and that's the most positive thing I can say. All the food was mediocre at best. The single male-female bathroom way down in the basement was grungy and "disturbing". It was a really yucky experience - not cheap - & one that we warn everyone else against.
Overall, 3 out of 4 isn't bad! And we HIGHLY recommend Obelisk and the Blue Duck Tavern.
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Tabard Inn
1739 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Blue Duck Tavern
1201 24th Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Is Castellano still open?
We ate a wonderful lunch at Castellano several years ago, but wonder if it is still in operation. And if so, is it still "old School" Italian?
Excellent casual restaurants near Warwick Hotel or upper West side
Both of these look great, thanks! So right down this alley (not literally).
Excellent casual restaurants near Warwick Hotel or upper West side
We'll be in Manhattan March 20-23 staying at the Warwick and would like walking-distance suggestions for dinners (or lunch). Northern Italian, American contemporary, French Bistro type. One night will be Il Tinnello we already know. suggestions?
2nd time to Chicago - thoughts on restaurant itinerary?
We were just at Tru last week & were "underwhelmed". Fabulous service, excellent room, food tasty, but the whole experience was overpriced. We prefer NorthPond food, or other cities' restaurants such as Obelisk in DC or almost any restaurant in New Orleans. Maybe it was partly the build-up for Tru & nothing could match it. But I doubt it.
interesting restaurant in Northbrook, Ill??
We did go to Allgauer's for a very nice respectable meal - with all sorts of Senior citizens on a Sunday night! Dinners at Rosebud on Rush & TRU the next 2 nights were much more fun though!
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Rosebud on Rush
720 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611
interesting restaurant in Northbrook, Ill??
We'll be staying in Northbrook Ill, for one night (Sunday) doing business at the Hilton. Are there any interesting restaurants in the nearby area? Either walk or nearby taxi?
French Bistro in Georgetown area?
Thanks for all the responses. We ended up in the DuPont area & went to Bistro Du Coin. We've been to Bistro Bis several times when staying at the George & truly enjoyed it too. Bistro Du Coin met our needs excellently - a fun, loud, kind of "smudgy" time. Great, though overworked server. Food was OK, but the whole dinner experience was a lot of fun & I'd definitely go back if in the area.
French Bistro in Georgetown area?
We will be staying in Georgetown next weekend. Our favorite restaurant is Obelisk & we'll eat there Thurs. But is there an interesting, French bistro type restaurant nearby, or in the downtown or DuPont area?
dinner near 3133 N. Halsted
My husband & I have tickets for the Blue Man group at 3133 N. Halsted on Nov. 12. We'd like to have dinner nearby beforehand - maybe a 6 or 7 block walk around the theatre. Any suggestions for really good, casual clothes, dining in the vicinity?
Great restaurants in Buffalo?
We'll be in Buffalo but only eating on our own for one night. Any ideas about exciting great food in Sept. in that city?
Wheeling, WV ???!!!
A fantastic view, very nice room & menu (as of summer 08) is the lodge at Oglebay resort - surprising. Plus it's a wonderful place to stroll around after dinner. Also nice in an old-fashioned, golf club kind of way is Stratford Springs. For outstanding family-style Italian go to Undo's (there are a couple in the area, all the same family).
Wheeling, WV recommendations?
A fantastic view, very nice room & menu (as of summer 08) is the lodge at Oglebay resort - surprising. Plus it's a wonderful place to stroll around after dinner. Also nice in an old-fashioned, golf club kind of way is Stratford Springs. For outstanding family-style Italian go to Undo's (there are a couple in the area, all the same family).
Poor showing for Vivere
We were in Chicago over Memorial Day and went to one of our old favorites, Vivere (part of Italian Village). I know we've seen criticisms of the other restaurants in the Village, but we've always been pleased with Vivere. Not anymore. The entire experience was definitely sub-standard; poor service (inexpert and slow), poor menu (blah choices), poor food preparation (some of it inedible); lousy room (crowded & dingy). I'm now in the group that says "don't waste your time there!".
By comparison, we had a lovely dinner at Cage Spiaggia and a great lunch at Le Colonial!
Excellent restaurants downtown Montreal (near Sheraton)?
We will be in Montreal staying at the Sheraton and would like to check out several restaurants for dinners. Not-too-formal, upscale, great chef. Recommendations?
New Restaurant in Saratoga Springs?
Has anyone visited Max London's new restaurant in Saratoga Springs? Responses? What's good?
Thoughts on Cyrano's wine bar & bistro?
We go to Chicago regularly, but have never been to Cyrano's on Wells St. We thought we might try it in Nov. on our next trip. Any feedback?
Dinner in Bethesda
Both Grapeseed and Persimmon are EXCELLENT. Have not been to Black's yet so can't compare. However I would say that both Grapeseed and Persimmon are a bit noisy for a group dinner, but then, sometimes that's a good thing.
Early dinner in SF on Memorial Day
We're foodies on our way out of town with an evening flight. We want to have a nice dinner (staying near Union Square) but many restaurants are closed on Memorial Day. Any ideas for a dinner that would give us a nice send-off from SF? We know that the Ritz & Fringale are open. ????
