La Cucina Sul Mare
Located in the heart of downtown Falmouth (right off the village green), La Cucina Sul Mare offers comfortable seating in a nice large dining area.
But you've probably come for the food!
But not yet! Take a look at the wine list and select from a large and interesting selection. Now, on to the food.
Offering a variety of traditional Italian dishes, all your favorites will be there. Marsalas, Piccatas, Limones, and Milanese are offered in fish, pork, chicken, veal, etc.
For starters, there are the typical antipasti, as well as soups and salads. Our table took the special salad. A salad for $12.95 seemed a lot at first, but we were assured our group of four could split the dish. And indeed, when it arrived, it was more than enough for four. This was my first "warm" salad! A delicious mix of green, dried cranberries, nuts, and cheese, that was a hit of the table.
From among a mouth-watering selection of specials, our group choose the scrod with sweet potatoes and the pork osso bucco (sadly, the braised lamb shank was gone!), and - from the main menu - Sole Limone.
Service was fast, friendly and helpful (for both the wine list as well as dinning suggestions).
Overall, an excellent dining experience on the Cape.
More pictures.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 29 September 2008
Address: 237 Main St., Falmouth, MA 02540
Website: N/A
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
A Tale of Two Chalans ....
El Chalan Restaurant (Washington, DC)
Chalan on the Beach (Miami Beach, FL)
OK, I know, you're likely to run into a "Chalan" if you go to any city with more than a couple of Peruvian restaurants (well ... if you're in the kind of city that would have more than one or even just one Peruvian restaurant!).
So, in just a little over two weeks, I had the opportunity to visit to Chalans, one in Washington (El Chalan) and one in Miami Beach (Chalan on the Beach). They were different, but both very good - in different ways of course!
El Chalan (DC) is located in Foggy Bottom down a flight of stairs and can easily be missed. But do not miss it!
For starters, we had the Ensalada Mixta (Tossed salad with Chalan house dressing). A very good and basic salad that set the stage for the meal to follow.
Sticking with beef and chicken, we had the Seco a la Hauchana (Beef stew cooked in cilantro sauce and spices, served with beans and rice) and the Aji de Gallina a la Arequipena (Shredded chicken cooked in a creamy garlic, onion and peanut sauce).
Both were very good, but the Seco a la Hauchana was spectacular. The beef was cooked just right and fell apart at the touch of your fork. The chicken was smooth and surprisingly not spicy.
El Chalan also features a nice selection of wines as well as some tasty looking Pisco Sours.
Chalan (Miami Beach) is located on Washington Ave., just off the more trendy Collins Ave. and a few blocks from the chic spots located along Lincoln Road. Chalan on the Beach gives you something that the eateries on Ocean Drive, Collins Ave., or Lincoln Road can't. Great food at a really great price with none of the SoBe attitude.
If you're looking for minor European or Latin American celebrities, you probably won't find them at Chalan on the Beach. If you're looking for a great meal (and don't mind spending LESS than $50 for two people WITH drinks!), then Chalan on the Beach is for you.
As with the Washington Chalan, we went with a beef and chicken pairing. Both dishes were tasty and well presented. We substituted a brown rice with vegetables with one dish that added a nice touch of difference.
We also ordered from the children's menu, which was not the greatest. The chicken fingers looked like they were fresh from the pre-packaged freezer. Stick with ordering from the main menu if possible.
All in all, a welcome difference from the typical Ocean Drive spot!
More photos from the two Chalans.
Restaurant: El Chalan Restaurant
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 30 July 2008
Address: 1924 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Website: http://www.elchalanrestaurant.com/
Restaurant: Chalan on the Beach
Meal: Dinner
Rating: *** of 5
Date: 17 August 2008
Address: 1580 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: N/A
Chalan on the Beach (Miami Beach, FL)
OK, I know, you're likely to run into a "Chalan" if you go to any city with more than a couple of Peruvian restaurants (well ... if you're in the kind of city that would have more than one or even just one Peruvian restaurant!).
So, in just a little over two weeks, I had the opportunity to visit to Chalans, one in Washington (El Chalan) and one in Miami Beach (Chalan on the Beach). They were different, but both very good - in different ways of course!
El Chalan (DC) is located in Foggy Bottom down a flight of stairs and can easily be missed. But do not miss it!
For starters, we had the Ensalada Mixta (Tossed salad with Chalan house dressing). A very good and basic salad that set the stage for the meal to follow.
Sticking with beef and chicken, we had the Seco a la Hauchana (Beef stew cooked in cilantro sauce and spices, served with beans and rice) and the Aji de Gallina a la Arequipena (Shredded chicken cooked in a creamy garlic, onion and peanut sauce).
Both were very good, but the Seco a la Hauchana was spectacular. The beef was cooked just right and fell apart at the touch of your fork. The chicken was smooth and surprisingly not spicy.
El Chalan also features a nice selection of wines as well as some tasty looking Pisco Sours.
* * *
Chalan (Miami Beach) is located on Washington Ave., just off the more trendy Collins Ave. and a few blocks from the chic spots located along Lincoln Road. Chalan on the Beach gives you something that the eateries on Ocean Drive, Collins Ave., or Lincoln Road can't. Great food at a really great price with none of the SoBe attitude.
If you're looking for minor European or Latin American celebrities, you probably won't find them at Chalan on the Beach. If you're looking for a great meal (and don't mind spending LESS than $50 for two people WITH drinks!), then Chalan on the Beach is for you.
As with the Washington Chalan, we went with a beef and chicken pairing. Both dishes were tasty and well presented. We substituted a brown rice with vegetables with one dish that added a nice touch of difference.
We also ordered from the children's menu, which was not the greatest. The chicken fingers looked like they were fresh from the pre-packaged freezer. Stick with ordering from the main menu if possible.
All in all, a welcome difference from the typical Ocean Drive spot!
More photos from the two Chalans.
Restaurant: El Chalan Restaurant
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 30 July 2008
Address: 1924 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Website: http://www.elchalanrestaurant.com/
Restaurant: Chalan on the Beach
Meal: Dinner
Rating: *** of 5
Date: 17 August 2008
Address: 1580 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: N/A
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Guru: Teaching Miami Beach about Indian Food
Guru ... Fine Indian Dining
Guru, located between the trendy Collins Ave. and the slightly less trendy (well, much less trendy) Washington Ave. in South Beach, was great find, equaling the brilliant Indomania (sadly closed for the summer) form my last trip to Miami Beach.
The intimate dining room (that seated perhaps, 20 people - with additional seating for another 6 or so outside) was blessedly free of the incessant synthesizer EuropPop that graces nearly every SoBe resto. Service, by an international group of wait staff, was friendly and efficient.
The food, however, was fabulous. Excellently prepared and served beautifully!
For a starter, we ordered the Masala papadam. Served in a different manner (rolled into cones - see photo), they were served with delicious side of tomato/onion relish.
Entrees were Chicken Makhani (butter chicken), Bhuna Gosht (beef cubes with ginger and garam masala), and Palak Paneer (spinach, greens, and paneer in whole masala). The butter chicken was amazing and is highly recommended. Same with the Palak Paneer. The Bhuna Gosht (one so rarely finds beef in South Asian restaurants) was a delightful change of pace.
For a bread, we had the basic roti (very well done). All dishes were served with rice, and a tiny teacup of a very tasty Dall.
The menu also featured a large selection of seafood entries for those inclined.
See more photos.
Next time your in SoBe, run to Guru!
Meal: Dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 18 August 2008
Address: 232 12th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: http://www.gurufood.com/home.html
Guru, located between the trendy Collins Ave. and the slightly less trendy (well, much less trendy) Washington Ave. in South Beach, was great find, equaling the brilliant Indomania (sadly closed for the summer) form my last trip to Miami Beach.
The intimate dining room (that seated perhaps, 20 people - with additional seating for another 6 or so outside) was blessedly free of the incessant synthesizer EuropPop that graces nearly every SoBe resto. Service, by an international group of wait staff, was friendly and efficient.
The food, however, was fabulous. Excellently prepared and served beautifully!
For a starter, we ordered the Masala papadam. Served in a different manner (rolled into cones - see photo), they were served with delicious side of tomato/onion relish.
Entrees were Chicken Makhani (butter chicken), Bhuna Gosht (beef cubes with ginger and garam masala), and Palak Paneer (spinach, greens, and paneer in whole masala). The butter chicken was amazing and is highly recommended. Same with the Palak Paneer. The Bhuna Gosht (one so rarely finds beef in South Asian restaurants) was a delightful change of pace.
For a bread, we had the basic roti (very well done). All dishes were served with rice, and a tiny teacup of a very tasty Dall.
The menu also featured a large selection of seafood entries for those inclined.
See more photos.
Next time your in SoBe, run to Guru!
Meal: Dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 18 August 2008
Address: 232 12th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: http://www.gurufood.com/home.html
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
Sunday, July 6, 2008
The Vault - where they don't lock up the hospitality!
The Vault
We've all heard about that place in Boston where "everybody knows your name". Well, I really do think that if I came to The Vault more than a couple of times, they really WOULD know my name. And you can bet the food is better than at that "cheer"-ful place off the Common!
Smack in the heart of Boston's financial district, The Vault is located in a former bank (and yes, the old vaults are still there and hold owner Packy Norton's stash of "the good stuff".
I was there on a weeknight around the time of the Bear-Stearns debacle, so the crowd was a little more subdued and thinner than I imagine they usually are.
You'll know you're in a great Boston bar from the moment you step through the doors. Plenty of wood, just enough glass and mirrors, and a wide, generous bar area perfect for filling up during after work happy hours.
So, what about the food? Well, it is Boston, so I started off with some chowder. Perfectly done, just the right mix of potatoes and clams, rich and creamy sauce.
I followed on with a burger (remember to order to a restaurant's strengths - The Vault just looked like they'd serve up a great burger and they did). A nice sized burger and all the sides, charred to perfection.
The staff were great. From the host staff on down the line. The bar staff pour a good drink and didn't shy away from some of the more complicated orders from our group.
More photos.
Dish: Burger
Meal: Dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 18 March 2008
Address: 105 Water Street, Boston, MA 02109
Website: N/A
We've all heard about that place in Boston where "everybody knows your name". Well, I really do think that if I came to The Vault more than a couple of times, they really WOULD know my name. And you can bet the food is better than at that "cheer"-ful place off the Common!
Smack in the heart of Boston's financial district, The Vault is located in a former bank (and yes, the old vaults are still there and hold owner Packy Norton's stash of "the good stuff".
I was there on a weeknight around the time of the Bear-Stearns debacle, so the crowd was a little more subdued and thinner than I imagine they usually are.
You'll know you're in a great Boston bar from the moment you step through the doors. Plenty of wood, just enough glass and mirrors, and a wide, generous bar area perfect for filling up during after work happy hours.
So, what about the food? Well, it is Boston, so I started off with some chowder. Perfectly done, just the right mix of potatoes and clams, rich and creamy sauce.
I followed on with a burger (remember to order to a restaurant's strengths - The Vault just looked like they'd serve up a great burger and they did). A nice sized burger and all the sides, charred to perfection.
The staff were great. From the host staff on down the line. The bar staff pour a good drink and didn't shy away from some of the more complicated orders from our group.
More photos.
Dish: Burger
Meal: Dinner
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 18 March 2008
Address: 105 Water Street, Boston, MA 02109
Website: N/A
Roy's: Not your parents' Trader Vic's
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine
Roy Yamaguchi opened the first "Roy's" in Honolulu in 1988. Since then, it's grown to a chain with locations around the country. I first saw a Roy's in Philadelphia and was intrigued by the concept. When I saw there was one in Anaheim, I felt I should give it a try.
My table started out with the Wood Grilled Szechwan Spiced Baby Back Pork Ribs and the Pacific Rim calamari. The ribs were excellent and I would highly recommend them. The calamari was something different. Cut in strips, the texture was more like that of lobster and didn't quite have the right "mouth feel" for squid. Different, but maybe a bit too different.
Others at the table had selections from the sushi menu (Lakanilau Roll Seared Kobe Beef wrapped around Dynamite Crab, Tempura, Asparagus & Avocado, and Auntie Lei’s Aloha Roll Spicy Tuna Roll topped with Hamachi, Salmon & Avocado). I tasted the kobe beef rolls and wasn't terribly impressed. Didn't quite work for me.
My own entree was the pork tenderloin (Apple Wood Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Maple Miso Drizzle & Asian Pear Chutney). The pork was good, but a bit overwhelmed by all the accompaniments.
The Anaheim location has been open only a few months, but it looked like all the kinks were worked out. The host staff were very friendly and eager to please. The wait and other service staff were helpful (though not quite that familiar with the extensive wine list).
All in all, I think that Roy's makes a fine, but still "safe" exotic destination - a sort of Trader Vic's for the 21st century.
Dish: Pork tenderloin
Meal: Dinner
Rating: *** of 5
Date: 30 June 2008
Address: 321 West Katella Ave. Suite #105, Anaheim CA 92802
Website: http://www.roysrestaurant.com/
Roy Yamaguchi opened the first "Roy's" in Honolulu in 1988. Since then, it's grown to a chain with locations around the country. I first saw a Roy's in Philadelphia and was intrigued by the concept. When I saw there was one in Anaheim, I felt I should give it a try.
My table started out with the Wood Grilled Szechwan Spiced Baby Back Pork Ribs and the Pacific Rim calamari. The ribs were excellent and I would highly recommend them. The calamari was something different. Cut in strips, the texture was more like that of lobster and didn't quite have the right "mouth feel" for squid. Different, but maybe a bit too different.
Others at the table had selections from the sushi menu (Lakanilau Roll Seared Kobe Beef wrapped around Dynamite Crab, Tempura, Asparagus & Avocado, and Auntie Lei’s Aloha Roll Spicy Tuna Roll topped with Hamachi, Salmon & Avocado). I tasted the kobe beef rolls and wasn't terribly impressed. Didn't quite work for me.
My own entree was the pork tenderloin (Apple Wood Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Maple Miso Drizzle & Asian Pear Chutney). The pork was good, but a bit overwhelmed by all the accompaniments.
The Anaheim location has been open only a few months, but it looked like all the kinks were worked out. The host staff were very friendly and eager to please. The wait and other service staff were helpful (though not quite that familiar with the extensive wine list).
All in all, I think that Roy's makes a fine, but still "safe" exotic destination - a sort of Trader Vic's for the 21st century.
Dish: Pork tenderloin
Meal: Dinner
Rating: *** of 5
Date: 30 June 2008
Address: 321 West Katella Ave. Suite #105, Anaheim CA 92802
Website: http://www.roysrestaurant.com/
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Gandhi Palace - Worth the wait!
Gandhi Palace
Anaheim was looking a little bleak in the foody department - at least in the areas around the Anaheim Resort/ Disney area. So when a colleague texted me and suggested lunch at an Indian place, I didn't pause before saying YES!
Located in a Ramada Inn just a few blocks from Disneyland, the exterior of the Gandhi Palace isn't terribly inspiring. A group of people queued at the door waiting to get in and the staff slowly seated each group in turn. The restaurant was pretty crowded and there was a big group, but still the wait wasn't that long.
Lunch was buffet style with everything that you might expect: lamb vindaloo, chicken korma, saag paneer; a selection of bread; raita; tandoori chicken, and more.
Reasonably priced ($9.84 with tax) for the all you can eat buffet, it made for a perfect change of pace.
So good in fact, that I returned later that night for dinner with a couple of colleagues. Again, there was a bit of a wait at the door and the staff were not particularly attentive, still the wait wasn't all that bad.
Ordering from the menu, we selected lamb vindaloo, a bhindi masala, and some other selected vegetable dishes. The wine list, though not extensive, did have just the white wine that we wanted.
And well, yes, the food is really good, so I came back again for dinner the next evening (for those of you who've lost count, this makes my third visit!). On this night, again, a line at the door, but I think they staff were starting to recognize me. After we were seated, we decided on the dinner buffet (not offered the previous night I was there). Similar to the lunch buffet, again, everything was great.
One small quibble, the tandoori chicken was a bit dry and thin on meat. The rich lamb vindaloo, however, more than makes up for it!
FYI, the restaurant offers a "traditional" American style breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, etc. - it would have been interesting to see an Indian breakfast buffet!
Dish: Variety of dishes
Meal: Lunch and Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 28 & 29 June 2008
Address: 515 W Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
Website: http://www.gandhipalace.com/
Anaheim was looking a little bleak in the foody department - at least in the areas around the Anaheim Resort/ Disney area. So when a colleague texted me and suggested lunch at an Indian place, I didn't pause before saying YES!
Located in a Ramada Inn just a few blocks from Disneyland, the exterior of the Gandhi Palace isn't terribly inspiring. A group of people queued at the door waiting to get in and the staff slowly seated each group in turn. The restaurant was pretty crowded and there was a big group, but still the wait wasn't that long.
Lunch was buffet style with everything that you might expect: lamb vindaloo, chicken korma, saag paneer; a selection of bread; raita; tandoori chicken, and more.
Reasonably priced ($9.84 with tax) for the all you can eat buffet, it made for a perfect change of pace.
So good in fact, that I returned later that night for dinner with a couple of colleagues. Again, there was a bit of a wait at the door and the staff were not particularly attentive, still the wait wasn't all that bad.
Ordering from the menu, we selected lamb vindaloo, a bhindi masala, and some other selected vegetable dishes. The wine list, though not extensive, did have just the white wine that we wanted.
And well, yes, the food is really good, so I came back again for dinner the next evening (for those of you who've lost count, this makes my third visit!). On this night, again, a line at the door, but I think they staff were starting to recognize me. After we were seated, we decided on the dinner buffet (not offered the previous night I was there). Similar to the lunch buffet, again, everything was great.
One small quibble, the tandoori chicken was a bit dry and thin on meat. The rich lamb vindaloo, however, more than makes up for it!
FYI, the restaurant offers a "traditional" American style breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, etc. - it would have been interesting to see an Indian breakfast buffet!
Dish: Variety of dishes
Meal: Lunch and Dinner
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 28 & 29 June 2008
Address: 515 W Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
Website: http://www.gandhipalace.com/
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