Sunday, March 23, 2008

Out a lot=gaining weight

It's been a big week of dining out, although next week in NYC will be bigger. But more on that when I return.
Wednesday night, on the way to theatre, we stopped at PORKOPOLIS Tavern and Grill, 1077 Celestial St, next door to the Celestial Steakhouse but a world away in decor and price. Their phone # is 513-721-5456. The restaurant took over the space in the old Rookwood Pottery building and it has been turned into a welcoming tavern, on several levels; you can even eat in an old kiln, if it fits your fancy. The owner used to run "Nick's Chops and Chasers",, in Oakley and he carries on with a large, mostly American menu, built around his featured pork chops.
The menu is extensive and very reasonably price. Our server was pleasant, efficient and attentive, what more can you ask?
Marilyn has Spaghetti and Meatballs plus a soft drink and coffee, I had my usual Bombay and a single grilled pork chop with sides of baked sweet potato and apple sauce. The food is very satisfactory and the meal, including tax came to $37.50. The service was prompt from order to coffee and we were out in about an hour and 15 minutes. Great if you want to be on your way.

Friday night we were taken to NECTAR, one of our top rung, neighborhood, restaurants in Mt. Lookout Square. There have been many comment before in this Blog. I have an affinity for Julie French, the owner and chief, and her cooking. Friday, I had, guess what, Bombay and then the salad reported in "Hospitality 3". I had ordered Artic Char, however, the kitchen report only one order left and I deferred to our host. Instead I had a piece of fresh grilled Salmon served on a bed of grain, which fell somewhere between Barley and Pine Nuts. I'll have to find out what it was. Marilyn had the duck breast, medium, which she had had before; adventuresome is not in her lexicon. I can't report on pricing although most of the entrees run $20 to $25 and salads are Ala carte.

Last night was EMBERS, 8170 Montgomery Road, 45326, phone 513-984-8090. there were 6 of us and we were seated at a round table, which I my estimation always adds to the ease of conversation.
Jon Zipperstein, the chef and co-owner, was very much in attendance and greeted all of us on arrival, another nice touch.
It was a 2 Bombay night, Xavier having just won, which I followed with an Iceberg Wedge,which had been chopped and sprinkled with with thick bacon bits and chopped tomato's before it was heavily doused with a rich blue cheese dressing. Very rich and not for the strict calorie counter. Next time if I order this salad I'll have the dressing on the side. I then had an excellent Sushi role with crab, smoked salmon and cucumber accented by wasabi mayonnaise. The table shared a Chocolat Souffle which was small but mighty. Marilyn had tonic, the same salad as I, and she split a Strip, done to perfection and a baked potato. She ended with coffee and her share of the tables desert.
The food was very good and the service was excellent and even though it is slightly pricey, our bill was $74, including tax, it was well worth it and we will return. I know this makes Zipperstein happy, at least as long as our credit card works.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Getting caught up

I never know whether people like comments grouped or listed separately. When they are grouped someone can scan and read what they want. On the other hand if anyone wants to look up something it is usually easier to find it under a separate heading. Maybe a couple people, who check the Blog, will make their feelings known by clicking on comment.

Baba India Restaurant, 3120 Madison Ave, 45209, phone 321-1600. is owned by the same people who own Ambar in Clifton. The selections are almost identical and the cooking does not vary. They both serve very good, standard, India food in an atmosphere that is more functional than decorated. There is a large selection with vegetable dishes being predominant. There are also the usual lamb, chicken Nam and a few sides.
We usually split a spinach and mushroom order and also one of cauliflower. That plus an Onion or Garlic Nam and accompanying order of rice, which comes with every main course, is sufficient for Marilyn and me. The only discussion that can get heated (not a pun) is the amount of seasoning. She is 0 while I am a 3 or 4. The usual compromise is either one or two depending on who prevails that evening.
The service is usually efficient and you can be in and out in an hour, if you need to be. Pricing with a side of cucumbers in a Yogurt sauce is usually under $15 each without beer, wine or tip.

Celestial Steakhouse, 1071 Celestial St, 4502, phone 241-4455, is the current incarnation of the Celestial Restaurant which has been a fixture in the Highland Tower, Mt. Adams, for may years. If I am correct it has been French, Italian, Eclectic and is now a steakhouse, serving beef, lamb and seafood. On our visit a week ago we chose one beef and one chicken. Marilyn had a romaine salad while I stuck with the Iceberg Wedge. The dressing, we chose were very good and the helpings adequate if not large. I had a beef short rib which was quite tasty but had not been closely trimmed and so had excess fat. Short ribs by nature are not a lean cut. Marilyn chose Chicken Scaloppini which she reported was very good. Both came with sides and garnish. We had a medium/high price bottle ($45) of a good Italian Red which we split with the other couple, and Marilyn finished with coffee. The tab was about $45 each, without tip.
Service was very attentive and everything came as ordered and advertised. The room and view have always been attractive and the table placement makes for easy conversation. It's one more steakhouse, of which Cincinnati has many.

Lavomatic Cafe and Wine Bar, 1211 Vine St. 45202, phone 513-621-1999 is half a block north of the Ensemble Theater, in a part of "over the Rhine" which is being rehabbed. It's a long narrow room with brick walls and a bar running for quite a length against the south wall. There is seating at the bar as well as tables. I was there twice within 18 hours.
Sunday night Marilyn and I went with a wonderful, outgoing, attractive 40 year old women and her mixed gender 5 year old twins, two cuties. She was widowed before they were born when her husband was killed in a car accident. The family is super and we enjoy out time with them.
I had a large helping of beef chili loaded with beef. Marilyn had a Tarte Flambee consisting of a thin crust, Gruyere Cheese, melted and topped with Bacon and sauteed onions. I had a very good glass of Rhone. I, of course, helped the twins with their grilled cheese and cherry sandwiches; they had emptied two baskets of bread. I enjoyed my meal as did the rest of the table.
The next day I returned for lunch and was surprised to find the menu somewhat different.
I ordered a Muffoleeta Sandwich which was a disappointment. It was much to dry and I hasted to tell the manager of duty,when she asked. She took the comments as constructive, as they were meant.
Lavamatic is the newest creation of Jean-Robert and the Wades and follows closely on the heels of the opening of Chalk in Covington.
There are kinks to work out, the restaurant was understaffed Sunday evening and the food needs some "tweaking" in my opinion but it is basically a good place and deserves support for all who want to see the city revitalized, and like good wine and interesting food.

Hospitality 3

As you can see, from the heading, this is not the first time I have made an entree on this subject. It is so easy but many to many don't go the extra step to achieve true hospitality over service.
Two cases served to remind me this week.
Last night we had dinner at Nectar, one of our favorites owned and operated by Julie Francis. We are friends, but I believe that what she did she would do for anyone. I always say "hello" and last night I told her that I am making a real effort to cut down on Calories and Sodium. After we were give our menus she stoped by the table to help me eat as health as I could. I choose a beet salad, garnished by "pork belly" and Julie said that the meat was almost all fat and that she would be glad to substitute. Instead of the pork we garnished with orange and almonds. A small thing, easy in the kitchen, but a great sign of hospitality.
At lunch Wed. I ate, with a friend, at the "Noodle Company", a Denver Based chain. Most dishes, as the name implies, revolve around some type of pasta. I ask them to put together a stir fry of shrimp and vegetables, no sauce. They did but the portion was exceedingly small. One of the employees, who was on the floor, asked me how things were, which they always seem to do, and when I told her that I thought the helping was "skimpy", especially the fresh veggies, she disappeared and in a few minutes returned with a card for each of us, signed by the Manager, and entitling us to a "free" lunch.
"White table cloth" or well run "fast food" it easy to make people feel special and want to return.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

I'm Back

It's an old joke about repeat visits and probably correct for this entree. Last week we ate out 3 times, in the Cincinnati area, and home as many. Our own cooking is always top rung, my prejudice, personal opinion.
Tuesday night we were at "Greyhound Tavern" for there Monday and Tuesday "Special", family style fried chicken with all the sides. Wednesday night it was "Jeff Ruby's" downtown. Three of the four of us had fish rather than steak. The highlight was "Potato's Heldman", a very thin potatoes Anna, fried extremely crisp. A little too salty for me but I imagine they can be ordered without any salt. There was some confusion over the bill, but other than that it was a pleasant, if noisy evening. Thursday it was "Bonefish Grill" where I am usually very satisfied, that night was no different. I ordered the Cobb Salad with Shrimp substituted for "jerk" chicken. It was delicious. The ladies were not as fortunate as they thought their meals were too spicy and could not eat them, as presented. Our waitress and the floor Manager handled this very well, substituting and making a billing adjustment, which sent everyone home happy. The warm Maccidamian Nut Brownie, which we split for dessert, didn't hurt the mood.
I write often about hospitality vs service and this was a good case in point.

Friday, March 7, 2008

California-North

After 3 days in LA we left early Friday morning for SF. It is a 5 hour drive from our sons house to Gilroy, the Garlic Capitol, and "In and Out Burger". "In and Out" is a fast food chain serving Hamburgers, etc. It is good, clean and fast and is all over the State. Gilroy is the South end of the Bay area.
That night we had carry in Chinese at Marilyn's brothers. The food is standard, but they like the delivery service and one or two dishes. Marilyn's nephew, 44, was in town and he added to the visit. He is bright, attractive and has a very interesting vocation. For 17 years he has worked with the Apache Elders on an Arizona Reservation helping to document "native America" uses of plants for medical purposes.
Since Chinese is often salty, this being no exception, Seth and I went out to buy a 6 pack. An hour and a half later we returned having spent some time at "PJ's Oyster Bed" preparing for dinner with some Oysters and Bombay. PJ's is a pleasant Bar and Seafood Restaurant, typical of SF.
That night we stayed near the SF Airport and picked up a Granddaughter, the next morning, when she returned from NM. We drove to Mendocino/Ft. Bragg, the home of another son. On the way we stoped at "Libby's" on Route 128 in Philo. "Libby's is our favorite Mexican Restaurant( I have written about it before). Everything is fresh and cooked to order. Libby has been in the area for 30 years and has a devoted following. I had a wonderful Seafood stew, seasoned perfectly and full of shrimp, clams, mussels and snapper. Worth the 2500 miles to get there.
In the evening 8 of us went to the "Albion River Inn", in Albion CA, to celebrate the same granddaughters 14th birthday. The Albion River Inn was the site of the movie,"Same Time Next Year" and is a beautiful spot on the Northern CA coast overlooking the Albion river and the ocean. There food is very good and the ambiance and service make for a wonderful dining experience.The menu has everything from Filet Mignon to local seafood and has several vegetarian selections, as do many CA eating spots.
Sunday was cold and rainy, that's February in that part of the country, and while are Granddaughters took over our Motel room, that evening, for the Academy Awards, our son does not have TV, we went to our sons house where his wife fixed an outstanding Sunday night Supper; Fresh Crab and Avocado salad, steamed Asparagus and Pecan Pie. I may move.
The next day after lunch at the "Mendocino Hotel" , one of the few places open for lunch on Monday, we drove to Yountville to visit friends who own a vineyard, "Goossecross Cellers". We spent the late afternoon sitting out, among the grapes, tasting servile whites and reds which they produce, tough duty. That night we are dinner at "Hurley's", 6518 Washington St. Yountville, CA 94599. Phone 707-944-2345. I highly recommend "Hurley's", which is just down the street from "The French Laundry" and certainly less in price and intimidation. After my Bombay and before a fine local red wine, I had a beet salad followed by three side dishes, I put together, Spinach, Brussels Sprouts and Mac and Cheese. All nicely prepared and beautifully presented. Marilyn and I shared a wonderful homemade Ice Cream Sandwich with a delicious sauce.
After dinner we wound or way towards SF, spending the night in Novato. Our flight home the next day went smoothly, the end of a good visit.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Adendum

The address of Junior's is 2379 Westwood BLVD, Los Angeles,CA,90064. Phone 310-475-5711. One can eat in or carry out.

California-LA

In February Marilyn and I spent 8 days in California. We have family in three locations and usually start either North or South renting a car and driving between locations. This time, as you may have already guested we started in LA. I'll report on food, as is my wont, but we had some wonderful shopping and family experiences to boot.
The day we arrived we had lunch, with our daughter-in-law at 3 Square Cafe and Bakery, 1121 Abbot Kinny Blvd, Venice CA 90291. Phone 310-399-6504. There are two attached building, both handicapped accessible. The one houses the Cafe while the other is an eat in or carry out Bakery. Both have interesting, well prepared items. A speciality is Pretzel buns, bread and sticks.The two founders are both Austrian, Hans and Wolfgang. The operation is open all day, hence the name. We split several items: a Sandwich Sampler, a pretzel Burger, Calamari and fresh Lemonades. Abbot Kinny is full of interesting shops and so it is an easy place to spend a couple of hours.
That night we brought in dinner as we did all 3 evenings, we were there. The first was from a very good Italian place in Pacific Palisades. We especially like the Sand Dabs and several of their specialty Pastas.
The second day was the shopping highlight with several hours at an import Bazaar. We have two teak service bowls courtesy of our LA family. Lunch was at "The Apple Pan", a well established, stand in line Hamburger and Apple Pie counter, sit down, 50 year old landmark. The family who started still are the operators. You can have a Hamburger or Cheeseburger with relish or Bar-B-Que sauce, and that is it. It's worth the wait. Around the corner is Junior's Deli. $150 later we left the deli with food for the 7 of us for several days. The contents of our bags are not really available in Cincinnati. Dinner was deli, that night. I wouldn't put it in my "food diary" so I wont recreate now.
The last day our Son, Charles, took us, for lunch, to one of LA's "hot spots, Mozza. In the evening the full restaurant is open but at lunch it is only a very upscale Pizza Parlor with many interesting sides. Mozza is at 6602 Melrose Ave, 90038, phone 323-297-0100. Our lunch was fascinating. We started with room temperature, cooked and marinated, Brussel Sprout along with an order of of Augratine Cauliflower. This was followed by an Arugula and Mushroom salad and three specialty Pizza. More than enough to split among the four of us and still take some Pizza home for the kids.
I'm off for lunch in Cincinnati. I wont be the same.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Daveeds

"A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum", or at least to the Symphony. We thought we had a date with another couple for dinner, at 5:30 and then the concert. They had it down for March 8 while we had it for March 1. When we arrived at "Daveeds", 934 Hatch St, Mt. Adams, they had no record of a reservation. At 5:45 I ordered my usual Bombay and at 6:00 we perused the menu and ordered, a pre-concert, dinner.
The people couldn't have been nicer or more understanding. The Menu is Eclectic, as the subtitle of their name implies,"Eclectic Cuisine" and is interesting and beautifully prepared and served. Attention to presentation, flavors, colors and textures are all evident.
I chose the Tuna Tartre and a hearty Beer and Cheese soup while Marilyn had a Beet salad, both red and yellow beets and a wonderfully prepared and presented, medium, "Duck Breast". On the plates are accompaniments and garnishes.
The menu seems to contain most areas of dinner selections; beef, fish, poultry etc. Not many different selections but enough that everyone should find something.
We were very early and I have no idea how crowded they get later, but I would certainly suggest a reservation. Phone # 513-721-2665. I did not see a handicap entrance but I feel sure they can make arrangements. Our dinner with coffee came to approximately $72, tax included, for the two of us.
You should certainly add "Daveeds" to your list of "fine" dinning experiences. We will return.