United 7644: IAD to YHZ, a Haiku
Well, what can you be written about a plastic cup of Mott's Tomato juice that hasn't been said a thousand time before by quills magnitudes sharper than mine?
And so, I won't try ... but wait, no, just a short haiku:
Mott's Tomato Juice.
In cup, with ice, plastic cup.
The can? Ah, on cart.
Meal: Beverage
Date Visited: 13 August 2010
Rating: N/A
Address: In the air
Website: http://www.united.com
Showing posts with label Drinks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drinks. Show all posts
Friday, August 13, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Wig and Pen: Drinking in a political pub
We had two days of very good meeting in Canberra, and so, before some of our group headed back to other parts of Australia, we went out to the highly recommended (well, actually, the only recommended) pub in Canberra. It was a Friday night, so it was packed. Unable to get seats, we hovered around on wall and bar area. Wig and Pen is a brew pub, and we sampled some of the local brews. The best was Venom, a strongly hoppy beer (the way I like it). Likely a nice place to relax when it was less crowded, it was also family friendly with a number of children in the bar area.
So, I'll join in with my Melbourne colleagues and give the Wig and Pen two thumbs up.
Meal: Drinks
Date Visited: 4 June 2010
Rating: ****
Address: 53 Alinga St., Canberra City, Australian Capital Territory 2601
Website: http://www.wigandpen.com.au
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Gibson @ Martini's
Martini's at the The Kahler Grand Hotel
With a name like that, didn't I just have to stop in? The Kahler Grand Hotel is a classic old hotel in Rochester, clearly the grande dame of the city. Martini's, the bar, had lovely seating outside onto a little plaza, but it was a bit chilly to sit outside, so I strolled in. I was expecting a dark, quiet, old fashioned place. But instead, Martini's sort of flowed into a more "family-style" restaurant and little market in the hotel. Hmmm.
The bar was by the window and well lit. I sat at the bar and took a look at the extensive martini (and other cocktail) offerings (mostly out of curiosity) and ordered up a Gibson (sometimes you feel like three little onions). The bartender mixed a good martini (shaken not stirred) and made just the right amount of conversation.
Not what I was expecting, but nice.
Meal: Drink
Rating: ***
Date: 28 April 2010
Address: 20 SW Second Avenue Rochester, MN 55902
Website: http://www.thekahlerhotel.com/martinis/
With a name like that, didn't I just have to stop in? The Kahler Grand Hotel is a classic old hotel in Rochester, clearly the grande dame of the city. Martini's, the bar, had lovely seating outside onto a little plaza, but it was a bit chilly to sit outside, so I strolled in. I was expecting a dark, quiet, old fashioned place. But instead, Martini's sort of flowed into a more "family-style" restaurant and little market in the hotel. Hmmm.
The bar was by the window and well lit. I sat at the bar and took a look at the extensive martini (and other cocktail) offerings (mostly out of curiosity) and ordered up a Gibson (sometimes you feel like three little onions). The bartender mixed a good martini (shaken not stirred) and made just the right amount of conversation.
Not what I was expecting, but nice.
Meal: Drink
Rating: ***
Date: 28 April 2010
Address: 20 SW Second Avenue Rochester, MN 55902
Website: http://www.thekahlerhotel.com/martinis/
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Going Coconuts: Parque do Ibirapuera Vendor
Coconut Water Vendor
You see the stands all over São Paulo; so, when I went to the Park on a hot afternoon, it seemed like a good time to try some coconut water.
The vendor hacks off the tip with a large knife, then drills out a core, wipes off the coconut, sticks in a straw, and voila, there you go.
Not to be confused with coconut milk (which is the pressed flesh which yields a thicker and richer liquid), the coconut water is light and refreshing. The greener the better (and fresher!).
Meal: Drink
Date Visited: 12 February 2010
Rating: *****
Address: São Paulo
Website: N/A
You see the stands all over São Paulo; so, when I went to the Park on a hot afternoon, it seemed like a good time to try some coconut water.
The vendor hacks off the tip with a large knife, then drills out a core, wipes off the coconut, sticks in a straw, and voila, there you go.
Not to be confused with coconut milk (which is the pressed flesh which yields a thicker and richer liquid), the coconut water is light and refreshing. The greener the better (and fresher!).
Meal: Drink
Date Visited: 12 February 2010
Rating: *****
Address: São Paulo
Website: N/A
Hotel Unique Sky Bar ... grounded
Lobby Bar, Hotel Unique
After a long day of seeing the sites and museums of the Ibirapuera Park (Portuguese: Parque do Ibirapuera), I was all set to spend the end of the afternoon at the Sky Bar of the Hotel Unique. Touted in the guidebooks and websites as a “can't miss”, it sounded cool and refreshing to sit on the rooftop and look out over the city as afternoon fell.
So, I walked from the park, through winding traffic whizzing streets, just ahead of what seemed to be a big thunderstorm, found the hotel and …
Well, first off, about the name, the hotel is certainly, er, unique, as you can see from the photos. Looking like a slice of watermelon hung between two pillars, the rooms must be quite interesting …
… but I wasn't staying there, I was looking for the Sky Bar. So I asked in my, by now fluent Portuguese: “Uh, where's the Sky Bar?” (that's a word for word creation of my query). The answer was, “Er, Sky Bar, closed.”
I don't know if it was closed for just now, closed for some period of time, or closed for all time. Didn't make much difference because it was closed, “now.” Oh well …
Luckily the lobby bar looked nice and the friendly bartender poured a heavy shot of Plymouth Gin for my G&T. Caught up on some notes I was working on, finished up and caught a cab back to my hotel.
Sky Bar will have to wait for another time.
Meal: Drink
Date Visited: 19 February 2010
Rating: ****
Address: Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700, São Paulo, SP, 01402-002
Website: http://www.hotelunique.com.br
After a long day of seeing the sites and museums of the Ibirapuera Park (Portuguese: Parque do Ibirapuera), I was all set to spend the end of the afternoon at the Sky Bar of the Hotel Unique. Touted in the guidebooks and websites as a “can't miss”, it sounded cool and refreshing to sit on the rooftop and look out over the city as afternoon fell.
So, I walked from the park, through winding traffic whizzing streets, just ahead of what seemed to be a big thunderstorm, found the hotel and …
Well, first off, about the name, the hotel is certainly, er, unique, as you can see from the photos. Looking like a slice of watermelon hung between two pillars, the rooms must be quite interesting …
… but I wasn't staying there, I was looking for the Sky Bar. So I asked in my, by now fluent Portuguese: “Uh, where's the Sky Bar?” (that's a word for word creation of my query). The answer was, “Er, Sky Bar, closed.”
I don't know if it was closed for just now, closed for some period of time, or closed for all time. Didn't make much difference because it was closed, “now.” Oh well …
Luckily the lobby bar looked nice and the friendly bartender poured a heavy shot of Plymouth Gin for my G&T. Caught up on some notes I was working on, finished up and caught a cab back to my hotel.
Sky Bar will have to wait for another time.
Meal: Drink
Date Visited: 19 February 2010
Rating: ****
Address: Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700, São Paulo, SP, 01402-002
Website: http://www.hotelunique.com.br
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Feeling Lucky? Like a Shamrock: Little Shamrock
Little, Lucky, Dirty, whatever, Becky, oh, right, it is Little Shamrock!
One of the oldest bars in San Francisco, the Little Shamrock, established in 1893, is yet another in the comfortable, friendly bars that San Francisco has.
Located on the north side of Golden Gate Park, the Little Shamrock is a favorite of my colleagues from the California Academy of Sciences. The backroom has darts and wall-to-wall blackboards suitable for erudite (or profane or even downright dirty) graffiti (our additions were the Linnean citation to Zea mays and a quote from James Smithson's will - "for the increase and diffusion off knowledge"). Get a Maker's Mark on the rocks, choose from a great selection of beers on tap, or take a shot of the other San Francisco treat, Fernet-Branca.
Meal: Drinks
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 21 October 2009
Address: 807 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122
Website: N/A
One of the oldest bars in San Francisco, the Little Shamrock, established in 1893, is yet another in the comfortable, friendly bars that San Francisco has.
Located on the north side of Golden Gate Park, the Little Shamrock is a favorite of my colleagues from the California Academy of Sciences. The backroom has darts and wall-to-wall blackboards suitable for erudite (or profane or even downright dirty) graffiti (our additions were the Linnean citation to Zea mays and a quote from James Smithson's will - "for the increase and diffusion off knowledge"). Get a Maker's Mark on the rocks, choose from a great selection of beers on tap, or take a shot of the other San Francisco treat, Fernet-Branca.
Meal: Drinks
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 21 October 2009
Address: 807 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122
Website: N/A
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Tom's Bar & Grill: St. Louis
Tom's Bar & Grill
Coming in and out of St. Louis, I generally take the Metrolink from the airport (STL) to Central West End (and then make my way to the Missouri Botanical Garden).
On my last two trips, I've spent more quality time in the Central West End, which, once you get past the mega-construction around the medical center, is quite nice and full of some intriguing restaurants.
On this trip, I didn't have time for in-depth exploration, but just a quick stop.
My friend Doug was going to drop me off at the Metrolink, but we had some extra time, so he suggested we stop in at Tom's Bar & Grill. Doug suggested Tom's since it had parking and was close to the Metrolink.
Coming from Washington, it was hard to get used to the fact that there was still smoking allowed anywhere (!), but we settled in at the bar for a quick drink.
Service was quick and fine and, if I was looking for a good and frindly spot for a quick drink, I'd be sure to hit Tom's again.
Meal: Drinks
Rating: ***
Address: 20 S Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO 63108-1410
Website: http://www.tomsbarandgrill.com
Coming in and out of St. Louis, I generally take the Metrolink from the airport (STL) to Central West End (and then make my way to the Missouri Botanical Garden).
On my last two trips, I've spent more quality time in the Central West End, which, once you get past the mega-construction around the medical center, is quite nice and full of some intriguing restaurants.
On this trip, I didn't have time for in-depth exploration, but just a quick stop.
My friend Doug was going to drop me off at the Metrolink, but we had some extra time, so he suggested we stop in at Tom's Bar & Grill. Doug suggested Tom's since it had parking and was close to the Metrolink.
Coming from Washington, it was hard to get used to the fact that there was still smoking allowed anywhere (!), but we settled in at the bar for a quick drink.
Service was quick and fine and, if I was looking for a good and frindly spot for a quick drink, I'd be sure to hit Tom's again.
Meal: Drinks
Rating: ***
Address: 20 S Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO 63108-1410
Website: http://www.tomsbarandgrill.com
Friday, July 3, 2009
Eastbound: Virgin America VX78
Eastbound: Virgin America VX78
It was hard to choose from the options on my return flight from San Francisco. But I soon did! I went with the Napa Valley Chicken Salad Hand Roll. It included Diced chicken with apples, currants, carrots and mayonnaise dressing in a garden spinach tortilla wrap. Along with a side of pasta salad and Toblerone chocolate for dessert.
I also added the side of a Fruit and Cheese box that had brie, pepper Monterrey jack and aged cheddar. Finished off with red seedless grapes, dried cranberries, pecans and a selection of multigrain crackers.
I completed the meal with a selection of spirits, VeeV Acai and a Le Tourment Vert Absinthe.
Virgin America knows how to do airline food right!
It was hard to choose from the options on my return flight from San Francisco. But I soon did! I went with the Napa Valley Chicken Salad Hand Roll. It included Diced chicken with apples, currants, carrots and mayonnaise dressing in a garden spinach tortilla wrap. Along with a side of pasta salad and Toblerone chocolate for dessert.
I also added the side of a Fruit and Cheese box that had brie, pepper Monterrey jack and aged cheddar. Finished off with red seedless grapes, dried cranberries, pecans and a selection of multigrain crackers.
I completed the meal with a selection of spirits, VeeV Acai and a Le Tourment Vert Absinthe.
Virgin America knows how to do airline food right!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
California Wine Merchant & Amelie: Not Your Father's Wine Bar!
California Wine Merchant
(photo right: Amelie)
Once upon a time, a wine bar had a bad reputation. It wasn't a real bar, it was just a "wine" bar, a, to use the 70s term, a "fern bar"! And, that was not a term of honor.
So, I never really thought to much about wine bars, that is, until a few years ago when on a trip to San Francisco, I stopped in at the California Wine Merchant (CWM). A snug little spot on Chestnut Street, it is not only a bar, but, as the name implies, a wine store.
The CWM is one of my favorite spots on Chestnut. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are more than happy to offer suggestions from the extensive wine selections and the crowd - though often pretty noisy - is always friendly. If you can, snag the small table by the open front windows and watch the Marina District crowds flow by while sipping your favorite wine. And if the window seat's taken, grab a barrel and just get comfortable.
On my last trip, Chris, from MOBOT, and I stopped in and got the window seat, asking the other person there if the seats were free or at least not expensive. Geeking right into a discussion about digital object identifiers, we took a breath to move over to the bar and made a passing comment to our table mate. This being the CWM, we and Helen (our table mate) were soon in a deep discussion about food, restaurants and everything. Next thing you know, we were headed in a cab to ...
La Cave D'Amelie
I don't really think I can write a fair review of Amelie. We arrived just near closing, but our new friend Helen - a regular - had us seated and the focus of the staff. Juan quickly set us a table and brought us a variety of quatre frommage. Not sure what wine to have - other than wanting to focus on a pinot - Juan brought a tasting of four different pinot noirs.
The Spanish cheeses were fabulous and the service, in the word of the night, fabulous!
I had the sense that the attention we received was a little above that of the average diner, but at the same time, the knowledge of Juan and other staff of wine and cheese was also clearly above average.
A spot that needs to be revisited!
California Wine Merchant
Meal: Drinks
Rating: *****
Date: Regular and Frequent!
Address: 2113 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123-2708
Website: http://californiawinemerchant.com
La Cave D'Amelie
Meal: Drinks
Rating: *****
Address: 1754 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109-3617
Website: http://ameliesf.com
(photo right: Amelie)
Once upon a time, a wine bar had a bad reputation. It wasn't a real bar, it was just a "wine" bar, a, to use the 70s term, a "fern bar"! And, that was not a term of honor.
So, I never really thought to much about wine bars, that is, until a few years ago when on a trip to San Francisco, I stopped in at the California Wine Merchant (CWM). A snug little spot on Chestnut Street, it is not only a bar, but, as the name implies, a wine store.
The CWM is one of my favorite spots on Chestnut. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are more than happy to offer suggestions from the extensive wine selections and the crowd - though often pretty noisy - is always friendly. If you can, snag the small table by the open front windows and watch the Marina District crowds flow by while sipping your favorite wine. And if the window seat's taken, grab a barrel and just get comfortable.
On my last trip, Chris, from MOBOT, and I stopped in and got the window seat, asking the other person there if the seats were free or at least not expensive. Geeking right into a discussion about digital object identifiers, we took a breath to move over to the bar and made a passing comment to our table mate. This being the CWM, we and Helen (our table mate) were soon in a deep discussion about food, restaurants and everything. Next thing you know, we were headed in a cab to ...
La Cave D'Amelie
I don't really think I can write a fair review of Amelie. We arrived just near closing, but our new friend Helen - a regular - had us seated and the focus of the staff. Juan quickly set us a table and brought us a variety of quatre frommage. Not sure what wine to have - other than wanting to focus on a pinot - Juan brought a tasting of four different pinot noirs.
The Spanish cheeses were fabulous and the service, in the word of the night, fabulous!
I had the sense that the attention we received was a little above that of the average diner, but at the same time, the knowledge of Juan and other staff of wine and cheese was also clearly above average.
A spot that needs to be revisited!
California Wine Merchant
Meal: Drinks
Rating: *****
Date: Regular and Frequent!
Address: 2113 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123-2708
Website: http://californiawinemerchant.com
La Cave D'Amelie
Meal: Drinks
Rating: *****
Address: 1754 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109-3617
Website: http://ameliesf.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
Stylish Hotel Bars - W Style
The W Hotel chain, part of the Westin empire, does a marvelous job of creating painfully hip hotels and hotel lobbies. And usually, as part of that mix, they throw in a cool bar or two. I've now stayed at two W's (one in New Orleans and now one in Minneapolis).
The W Hotel in Minneapolis is located in the circa 1929 Foshay Tower. Full of an interesting history (Great Crash financiers, jail, financial insolvency - hmmm ... much like today!) the hotel conversion was well done.
Here's the Minneapolis report:
The Living Room Lounge
There isn't a traditional lobby at the W Hotel - The Foshy, in Minneapolis. Instead, there's a "Living Room". It sure doesn't look like my living room, but it could pass for one, somewhere. Well, if you're living room was also doing some sort of fashion shoot with a passel of models as it was on my visit.
Full of a variety of couches, chairs, a really interesting center of the room fireplace and a long black, chrome, glass bar, it was a nice place to drop in after a day in the April snow of Minneapolis.
The wait service was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. True, the drinks were a bit on the expensive side, but the Hendricks martini with a choice of muddled or on the side cucumbers, was among the best I've had.
On my arrival, on a Saturday night, the Living Room was packed with the trendiest of Minneapolis nightlife and loud pulsing music. Made for quite a party I'm sure!
Prohibition
Meanwhile, on the 27th floor of The Foshay, is a fabulous bar and lounge, Prohibition.
You hit the bar as soon as you step out of the elevators and are greeted with more of the W's friendly, helpful staff. It was a quiet weeknight at Prohibition, so I took my drink (Hendricks martini) for a stroll around the series of small rooms and looked out over the nighttime cityscape of Minneapolis.
Some colleagues arrived while I was on my tour and we took a small table by the window for a quiet conversation.
Though both the Living Room and Prohibition were quite nice, I think I would return to Prohibition. The view and small, interesting spaces made for a cozy atmosphere.
W Hotel - The Foshay
Meal: Drinks
Rating: *****
Date: 6 & 7 April 2009
Address: 821 Marquette Avenue · Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Website: http://www.WHotels.com/Minneapolis
The W Hotel in Minneapolis is located in the circa 1929 Foshay Tower. Full of an interesting history (Great Crash financiers, jail, financial insolvency - hmmm ... much like today!) the hotel conversion was well done.
Here's the Minneapolis report:
The Living Room Lounge
There isn't a traditional lobby at the W Hotel - The Foshy, in Minneapolis. Instead, there's a "Living Room". It sure doesn't look like my living room, but it could pass for one, somewhere. Well, if you're living room was also doing some sort of fashion shoot with a passel of models as it was on my visit.
Full of a variety of couches, chairs, a really interesting center of the room fireplace and a long black, chrome, glass bar, it was a nice place to drop in after a day in the April snow of Minneapolis.
The wait service was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. True, the drinks were a bit on the expensive side, but the Hendricks martini with a choice of muddled or on the side cucumbers, was among the best I've had.
On my arrival, on a Saturday night, the Living Room was packed with the trendiest of Minneapolis nightlife and loud pulsing music. Made for quite a party I'm sure!
Prohibition
Meanwhile, on the 27th floor of The Foshay, is a fabulous bar and lounge, Prohibition.
You hit the bar as soon as you step out of the elevators and are greeted with more of the W's friendly, helpful staff. It was a quiet weeknight at Prohibition, so I took my drink (Hendricks martini) for a stroll around the series of small rooms and looked out over the nighttime cityscape of Minneapolis.
Some colleagues arrived while I was on my tour and we took a small table by the window for a quiet conversation.
Though both the Living Room and Prohibition were quite nice, I think I would return to Prohibition. The view and small, interesting spaces made for a cozy atmosphere.
W Hotel - The Foshay
Meal: Drinks
Rating: *****
Date: 6 & 7 April 2009
Address: 821 Marquette Avenue · Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Website: http://www.WHotels.com/Minneapolis
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Saddle up! Horseshoe Tavern
Horseshoe Tavern
So you're in the trendy Marina District of San Francisco, you've been drinking at the California Wine Merchant (review to come - and it is great!) in the evening and just feel like something different for a change.
So you think, where can I go to find a "real" bar? You know, the kind of place where you feet stick to the floor and there are grooves worn in the bar where the regulars sit. Yes, Liverpool Lil' (stay tuned for a review)! Wait, that's up near the Presidio and actually you were just there the other day.
Think now, right, I'm on Chestnut Street. Of course, the 'shoe, a local fixture since 1934. The perfect spot for a real drink or a quick beer.
Meal: Drinks
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 18 October 2007
Address: 2024 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123
Website: n/a
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Capitol Lounge
Capitol Lounge
The House side of the Hill (Capitol Hill that is) is a great place to hang out after a busy day of lobbying, reading at the Library of Congress, or touristing around Washington.
There are fabulous upscale places to choose from (see, for example, Sonoma!), but for those of you who are interns or low level staffers (or just wish you were!), there are places like the Capitol Lounge.
Will walls thick with political memorabilia, you'll feel right at home chatting about HR 2032 or Obama's chances in Puerto Rico.
Happy hour will get you cheap drinks ($4 rail cocktails) and the kind of food that will stick to you (hey, you're getting cheap drinks, fried things, and politics - what more do you really want?).
On my visit, the downstairs Fez Bar wasn't open, but confidants tell me you shouldn't miss it. And be sure to check out the website ... the FAQ will gently remind you you have to be 21 to drink and that they do have a lost and found (in case you, er, actually remember losing something there, as opposed to somewhere else you stumbled home from!
Meal: drinks
Rating: ***** of 5 (yes, 5 stars, but just because it's a 5 star dive)
Date: 7 May 2008
Address: 229 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Website: http://capitolloungedc.com
The House side of the Hill (Capitol Hill that is) is a great place to hang out after a busy day of lobbying, reading at the Library of Congress, or touristing around Washington.
There are fabulous upscale places to choose from (see, for example, Sonoma!), but for those of you who are interns or low level staffers (or just wish you were!), there are places like the Capitol Lounge.
Will walls thick with political memorabilia, you'll feel right at home chatting about HR 2032 or Obama's chances in Puerto Rico.
Happy hour will get you cheap drinks ($4 rail cocktails) and the kind of food that will stick to you (hey, you're getting cheap drinks, fried things, and politics - what more do you really want?).
On my visit, the downstairs Fez Bar wasn't open, but confidants tell me you shouldn't miss it. And be sure to check out the website ... the FAQ will gently remind you you have to be 21 to drink and that they do have a lost and found (in case you, er, actually remember losing something there, as opposed to somewhere else you stumbled home from!
Meal: drinks
Rating: ***** of 5 (yes, 5 stars, but just because it's a 5 star dive)
Date: 7 May 2008
Address: 229 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Website: http://capitolloungedc.com
Sonoma ... the wine country comes to Capitol Hill
Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar
The Penn. Ave., SE portion of Capitol Hill (the "House Side" for you DC insiders) has always been an interesting mix of divvy bars (see, for example, the Capitol Lounge) and upscale restaurants. One of the nicer on the "upscale" side to appear in the past few years is Sonoma.
On my most recent visit, my party of three opted for a three cheese platter (there's always an excellent selection, I usually just let the server pick for me from the cow/goat/sheep/blue options) and the bluebay mussels marniere with garlic, chili, and wine sauce. The mussels were good (but for the definitive mussels in the Washington area, I'll still point you to Les Halles way at the other end of Penn. Ave!).
Needless to say, the wine list is exemplary! But for those of you on a budget (uh, warning, if you're really on a budget, you probably don't want to come here!), there is always a good "house selection" that will not destroy your wallet!
If stopping by for a lighter meal, be sure to get a seat in the upstairs lounge. The low couches and open seating will make certain that you are seen and can be seen!
Dish: mussels and three cheese
Meal: light dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 7 May 2008
Address: 223 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Website: http://www.sonomadc.com
The Penn. Ave., SE portion of Capitol Hill (the "House Side" for you DC insiders) has always been an interesting mix of divvy bars (see, for example, the Capitol Lounge) and upscale restaurants. One of the nicer on the "upscale" side to appear in the past few years is Sonoma.
On my most recent visit, my party of three opted for a three cheese platter (there's always an excellent selection, I usually just let the server pick for me from the cow/goat/sheep/blue options) and the bluebay mussels marniere with garlic, chili, and wine sauce. The mussels were good (but for the definitive mussels in the Washington area, I'll still point you to Les Halles way at the other end of Penn. Ave!).
Needless to say, the wine list is exemplary! But for those of you on a budget (uh, warning, if you're really on a budget, you probably don't want to come here!), there is always a good "house selection" that will not destroy your wallet!
If stopping by for a lighter meal, be sure to get a seat in the upstairs lounge. The low couches and open seating will make certain that you are seen and can be seen!Dish: mussels and three cheese
Meal: light dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 7 May 2008
Address: 223 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Website: http://www.sonomadc.com
Sub Zero ... my kind of place!
Sub Zero
I like things cold! My office is freezing ... people wear sweaters when they come to see me. Doncha know that I would just love a place called Sub Zero!!!
Well, one problem, I'm not really a vodka person, when it comes to "clears" I'm a gin guy. When I was a kid reading Orwell's 1984, I could tasty the oily smoothness of Winston Smith's Victory Gin. My tastes run more towards Bombay Sapphire and Hendrick's which I'm sure Winston and Julia would never recognize as gin! But I digress!!!
Sub Zero does vodka. Very well! Take a look at the picture: the vodka is kept in the freezer behind the bar. And look closely at the bar, it's frozen. Yes, I'm sure it doesn't really keep the drinks that much colder, but is sure is cool (pun intended!).
As part of my culinary tour of St. Louis, Chris started off with drinks at Sub Zero (where we met up with The Brad for some killer conversation) and finished up later for dinner at The Scottish Arms (review to come).
So, with 200 vodkas to choose from, where to start? I went with a cocktail, the Antioxidant (Pearl Pomegranate Vodka, Stoli Blueberri Vodka, DeKuyper Pomegranate Liqueur and a splash of cranberry) that was quite tasty; I followed that with at Tang Martini (Grey Goose L’Orange, mango liqueur and splash of orange juice). OK, I know, I should have just stuck with vodka shots and laid off the "girly" drinks, but they just looked so good on the frozen bar!
Sad to say, I never had a chance to try their sushi ... but maybe next time!
Dish: cocktails
Meal: drinks
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 26 March 2008
Address: 308 N Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO 63108
Website: http://www.subzerovodkabar.com/
I like things cold! My office is freezing ... people wear sweaters when they come to see me. Doncha know that I would just love a place called Sub Zero!!!
Well, one problem, I'm not really a vodka person, when it comes to "clears" I'm a gin guy. When I was a kid reading Orwell's 1984, I could tasty the oily smoothness of Winston Smith's Victory Gin. My tastes run more towards Bombay Sapphire and Hendrick's which I'm sure Winston and Julia would never recognize as gin! But I digress!!!
Sub Zero does vodka. Very well! Take a look at the picture: the vodka is kept in the freezer behind the bar. And look closely at the bar, it's frozen. Yes, I'm sure it doesn't really keep the drinks that much colder, but is sure is cool (pun intended!).
As part of my culinary tour of St. Louis, Chris started off with drinks at Sub Zero (where we met up with The Brad for some killer conversation) and finished up later for dinner at The Scottish Arms (review to come).
So, with 200 vodkas to choose from, where to start? I went with a cocktail, the Antioxidant (Pearl Pomegranate Vodka, Stoli Blueberri Vodka, DeKuyper Pomegranate Liqueur and a splash of cranberry) that was quite tasty; I followed that with at Tang Martini (Grey Goose L’Orange, mango liqueur and splash of orange juice). OK, I know, I should have just stuck with vodka shots and laid off the "girly" drinks, but they just looked so good on the frozen bar!
Sad to say, I never had a chance to try their sushi ... but maybe next time!
Dish: cocktails
Meal: drinks
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 26 March 2008
Address: 308 N Euclid Ave., St Louis, MO 63108
Website: http://www.subzerovodkabar.com/
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Red Square Euro Bistro: A little bit of Moscow in Denver
Tucked away on Larimer St. the Red Square Euro Bisto is everything a Soviet ere restaurant wasn't! Great food in good quantities and a fun, lively atmosphere.
For starters, I had Schi, the classic Russian Soup made with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, red peppers, beef bouillon, and sour cream. For an entree, Grilled Rack of Lamb (served with sautéed baby zucchini, roasted shallots, orange-fennel reduction).
The staff was knowledgeable and well-versed in the menu. Most importantly, our water was able to guide us through the selection of vodkas on the menu. Our choice: Prazdnichnaya.
Meal: dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 5 Oct 2007
Address: 1512 Larimer St # 38R, Denver, CO 80202
Website: http://www.redsquarebistro.com/
For starters, I had Schi, the classic Russian Soup made with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, red peppers, beef bouillon, and sour cream. For an entree, Grilled Rack of Lamb (served with sautéed baby zucchini, roasted shallots, orange-fennel reduction).
The staff was knowledgeable and well-versed in the menu. Most importantly, our water was able to guide us through the selection of vodkas on the menu. Our choice: Prazdnichnaya.
Meal: dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 5 Oct 2007
Address: 1512 Larimer St # 38R, Denver, CO 80202
Website: http://www.redsquarebistro.com/
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Palace at the Ben: Dinner
Earlier in the week I had walked past The Palace at the Ben in the morning and the smell of lunch cooking was irresistible!
After being very sad when I couldn't get reservations on my first try (it was a Saturday night), I was extremely pleased when I was able to get my group of five a table at "The Palace" on a Sunday night.
We arrived for dinner at 7:30 and had the restaurant nearly to ourselves. Our waiter was very attentive - in fact, a little too attentive in pushing certain items when it was clear we didn't want the Indian Masala Tea. All was forgiven when one of his entree suggestions, the Navratan korma, turned out to be the hit of the evening.
Other items that meal included the lamb roganjosh, chicken mutali, and the other major winner of the night, vegetarian biryani. The favorite starter of the night was the assorted samosa (vegetable, chicken, and panir). The selection of breads (including the onion kulcha) was excellent as were the accompanying chutney, papadam, and raita.
The special drink, a pomegranate, ginger, and gin concoction, was not to my taste.
The casual elegant atmosphere made for a fine evening out.
Meal: dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 13 Jan 2008
Address: 3834 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: http://www.thepalaceattheben.com/
After being very sad when I couldn't get reservations on my first try (it was a Saturday night), I was extremely pleased when I was able to get my group of five a table at "The Palace" on a Sunday night.
We arrived for dinner at 7:30 and had the restaurant nearly to ourselves. Our waiter was very attentive - in fact, a little too attentive in pushing certain items when it was clear we didn't want the Indian Masala Tea. All was forgiven when one of his entree suggestions, the Navratan korma, turned out to be the hit of the evening.
Other items that meal included the lamb roganjosh, chicken mutali, and the other major winner of the night, vegetarian biryani. The favorite starter of the night was the assorted samosa (vegetable, chicken, and panir). The selection of breads (including the onion kulcha) was excellent as were the accompanying chutney, papadam, and raita.
The special drink, a pomegranate, ginger, and gin concoction, was not to my taste.
The casual elegant atmosphere made for a fine evening out.
Meal: dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 13 Jan 2008
Address: 3834 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: http://www.thepalaceattheben.com/
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