PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW
Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the F&F survey, because you’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you invited 75 people to F&F, and afterward all you got was 41 "Congrats[es]!" 22 "Awesome[s]!" 3 "Ciao[s]!" and 9 "Best of luck[s]!" ?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what friends & family are for!
No no please, don’t send anything more, we’re stuffed, we can’t breathe, you’ll have to roll us out of here, ha ha ha… !
What was your first impression?
Cute.
Please rate the Bar:
Fine. Spacious, welcoming, comfortable, clean. And the bartender is affable and enthusiastic enough, if not exactly meticulous.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Good. Decent assortment of wine, unless you take seriously into account the vintners "are all women" (their first names even appear on the list alongside the description of their offerings). Not quite sure how those women feel about their wines being served in rocks glasses, but I guess you’ll have to ask them. Drink prices by the glass are "tasting" size; bottle prices are fair-ish, all relatively square in the mid-range. A bit more diversity would have been nice (especially for a "wine bar"), but the good bones are there; maybe they’ll expand eventually.
The cocktail list (not on the menu but on the wall behind you) is all classics, but the execution is proficient.
Please rate the Dining Room:
Also cute. Imaginative and creative. Nice use of spare square footage. Cozy and casual but not cramped.
Please rate the BOH:
N/A; technically the BOH is in the FOH.
And uh, it’s… uh… "not a restaurant," remember? Definitely keep that in mind.
How was the staff?
Satisfactory. Both of them. Ha ha.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
San Daniele with homemade breadsticks : OK. Personally, I’m not a particularly huge fan of the San Daniele, but it’s adequate enough. Great for nibbling/drinking.
Melanzane with Goat Cheese : Not bad. Is it made in a toaster oven? That would be kind of impressive I suppose.
Polpette : Uhh… yeah. This one needs a re-think. And they know why, come on now. If I say any more than that, I would need a consultation fee.
But just an illustration, I no longer have any confidence/interest in ordering the crab cakes or vegetable lasagna, both of which I had been considering. Next time (if there’s a next time), I’ll likely stick to the cheese and salumi.
What did you like?
The location. The ambience. And the wine (I tried four varietals) was pretty good.
What did you dislike?
Oi, those meatballs…
What was your last impression?
… and what’s with the music?
Would you come back?
Sigh. Maybe…
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks and best of luck.
Bangin Red 2006 – Napa Valley, California
Cost: $11.99/bottle
Shopping at one of my favorite liquor stores, the manager recommended an $11.99 bottle of Bangin Red, made of a blend of 6 grape varietals: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, petit verdot, plus a scant 2% of zinfandel— a blend I couldn’t help but find intriguing. And I’m glad I succumbed to the temptation.
An amazing nose of red berries and cherries greeted me immediately, and in another 20 minutes or so emerged a wonderful scent of rosemary— yes that sweet smelling nose. A slight hint of eucalyptus (but mostly rosemary) accompanied, with a twinge of cherries and berries. Very impressive. In the mouth, the 14.2 % alcohol seemed tamed (but it’s there), taking a back seat to the fruit and supple tannin textures. Very juicy, ripe, and quite nice, perfect for an easy relaxing night.
Rating: 90
Hartley Ostini – Generation Red 2006 Central Coast – Santa Maria, California
Cost: $20.99/bottle
An interesting red combination of cabernet franc, merlot, syrah, and refosco grape varietals. Santa Maria is best known for their pinot noir and chardonnay; this Hartley Ostini red blend pulls no punches. Big, with its 14% alcohol and plenty of complexities, including hickory smoke barbeque sauce, herbal tea that blends nicely into cherries and blueberries, and a subtle hint of pepperiness thanks to the syrah. It’s silky smooth on the palate with plenty of juicy glycerine and fruitiness at the middle and back of the mouth. Good finish (and fairly priced at just over a $20).
Rating: 89
Landmark Chardonnay 2006 – Napa Valley, California
Cost: $22/bottle
Nice light-gold color, clear and crisp, notes of lemon, honey, oak, and oatmeal. Full-bodied, smooth and rich on the palate. Gobs of fruit with forgiving acidity. Fills the mouth so much, it can be enjoyed on its own just sipping away at happy hour. Personally, I enjoyed it with a summery seared tuna, and it was just the right ticket.
Rating: 92
Siduri – Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 – Santa Lucia Highlands, California
Cost: $35-$40/Bottle
This was simply a spectacular pinot noir, with its ripe cherry, strawberry, and blackcherry fruit commingled with some violets, cloves, and just a touch of white cake. It’s smooth and rich in its full-bodied, dark purple/ruby coat. It’s a young wine, with firm acids and some strong tannins but is balanced and harmonious with good levels of alcohol, not-too-sweet glycerine levels, and just the right fruit concentration. Siduri hits a homerun with this 2007 vintage and I am still amazed at the great wines— scratch that— the great pinot noirs coming out of Santa Lucia in California. The price ranges about $5 depending on where you shop in the US; that’s because this wine does have a steady following for the Pisoni Vineyard designate and in some areas, they may charge a mark up more than usual. If you see it, just pick it up and enjoy.
Rating: 93
Rudd – Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay 2006 – Russian River Valley, California
Cost: $65/bottle
Dining at a newly opened restaurant in our neighborhood, we are treated to an impressive selection of fine Italian dishes. During appetizers, we enjoyed this bottle of Bacigalupi Vineyard chardonnay, the signature white wine of the Rudd Estate. Its impressive nose of pear, mild citrus, a hint of black licorice and minerals is gorgeous to sniff. The full-bodied, rich, and layered textures unfold impressive white and yellow fruit while retaining that fine acidic structure but remaining smooth on the mid and back palates. An outstanding wine, worth its hefty premium price tag.
Rating: 92
Rustenberg – John X. Merriman 2005, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa
Cost: $26.99/bottle
A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and some dollops of the remaining Bordeaux varietals, this dark, saturated, ruby-colored wine exhibited a silky smooth medium body with perfume-like scents of cedar, black currants, black cherry, dark Godiva chocolate, and subtle toasted oak. In the mouth, very polished with good inner presence of flavor and fruit, ripe and rich with currant. Dark chocolate flavors unfold easily. There are some wonderful things coming out of South Africa, and Rustenberg is undoubtedly one of them.
Rating: 90
Black Wing Pinot Noir 2006, South East Australia
Cost: $22/bottle
Nice, deep, garnet red, with moderately full-bodied package. For a pinot noir, it looks strikingly similar to a Californian cabernet sauvignon, but the aroma is all pinot noir, with its vibrant bouquet of cherries, raspberries, cloves, and a hint of sage and thyme. Boldly flavored with rich, ripe red fruit— juicy through and through. The acidity, however, is a bit elevated, so I sense a crispness with each sip. Overall, a wonderful experience from the land down under, where sometimes it’s not always a Shiraz that rules (at least for this evening; this Black Wing pinot noir has raised an eyebrow or two). Delicious.
Rating: 89
Trazado Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley, Chile
Cost: $24.99/bottle
On my way to the checkout counter at my local wine shop, I came across this in the “featured” aisle— with a sign expressing that this is Chile’s version of a Read more…
PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW
Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the F&F survey, because you’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you invited 75 people to F&F, and afterward all you got was 41 "Congrats[es]!" 22 "Awesome[s]!" 3 "Ciao[s]!" and 9 "Best of luck[s]!" ?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what friends & family are for!
No no please, don’t send anything more, we’re stuffed, we can’t breathe, you’ll have to roll us out of here, ha ha ha… !
What was your first impression?
This is cute.
Please rate the Bar:
More like a dining counter than a bar— and cramped, but OK. Comfortable enough. And clean, considering. Good for lunch or a quick late-afternoon/early-evening drink.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Cocktails are N/A. The wine list is brief and a bit trite. Mostly French; not so eclectic. And expensive for the caliber level. If you’re with friends and insist on wine, go straight for the bottle, as the glass pour is frugal and hardly a value for your dollar.
Nice selection of freshly made juice concoctions, however. But where the menu says "mix your own," it’s a lie. They don’t actually have all the fruit ingredients they claim to have.
Please rate the Dining Room:
Not bad. Aesthetically pleasing if not entirely comfortable. Also somewhat cramped, but the high ceiling makes it seem loftier.
Please rate the BOH:
Satisfactory; maybe a C+ or B-. Simple offerings, decent quality— but again, expensive for the offerings.
How was the staff?
Fine. Not exactly amiable; very French. Adept, but neither particularly enthusiastic nor conscientious.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
House Salad : Fine. Fresh. Adequate balsamic vinaigrette, and the walnuts are a nice touch. All tartines come with a complimentary house salad, so keep that in mind when you order.
Caesar Salad : Eh. The croutons are stale. And the dressing is a bit bland. Cheap parmesan. Also, it would have been nice had the waiter informed us (2 people) that the tartines include a house salad (or offered us an upcharge for Caesar instead of House) when we ordered. 2 people: 2 tartines (with 2 House Salads) and 1 Caesar Salad. Do we look like rabbits, or are you just a niggardly shyster? Hmm….
Foie Gras Tartine : Really? This scant a smear of foie gras for $18.50? I don’t even know if it’s good, because I can barely taste it. Good thing it comes with a dollop of fig jam, or it would have nearly no flavor at all.
Croque Madame : Good. Elementary, but tasty enough. Is all the money collected from patrons allotted to flying the bread in from Paris or something? Because this quantity of food/drink at this level of quality does not warrant these pretty hefty price tags. I’d get an in-house bread baker to follow the recipe instead.
(And, I’d rather you keep your “free” House Salad, and just give me a better tartine for my money.)
What did you like?
The concept.
What did you dislike?
The pretentiousness (especially for such a casual eatery).
What was your last impression?
$90 for 2 people (including 1 glass of wine, 2 juices and tip) and I’m still hungry. I could have had a good full dinner for this amount elsewhere.
Would you come back?
Maybe— but I’d really have to be craving a (very small, open-faced) sandwich badly to spend an average of $12 on one.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks and best of luck.
Quintessa 2004 – Bordeaux blend – Napa Valley, California
Cost: $250/bottle restaurant retail or app. $125 store retail
A bit of a splurge on the Quintessa 2004, a wine made predominantly of cabernet sauvignon, but with dollops of other red varietals. Nose of liquid Snickers, and mocha-java coffee that lingers above the blackberries and blueberries, with mild oak, anise spice, and just a touch of underbrush. The wine was carefully decanted to allow maximum air and it was worth it. In the mouth, so creamy smooth, decadent and alive, powerful lush dark berries with chocolate ganache. This is a voluptuous wine, and perhaps the finest Quintessa I have ever been privileged to enjoy. I will look for this wine, and lock down a couple of bottles to relive the moment. It’s just that good.
Rating: 97
PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW
Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the F&F survey, because you’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you invited 75 people to F&F, and afterward all you got was 41 "Congrats[es]!" 22 "Awesome[s]!" 3 "Ciao[s]!" and 9 "Best of lucks[s]!" ?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what friends & family are for!
No no please, don’t send anything more, we’re stuffed, we can’t breathe, you’ll have to roll us out of here, ha ha ha… !
What was your first impression?
Cute. Industrial.
Please rate the Bar:
Capacious, if not exactly comfortable. Fine. The bartenders aren’t exactly the warmest bunch, but they’re knowledgeable and proficient.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Cocktails are N/A. The wine list OK— decent and somewhat eclectic, but I did rather expect a bit more diversity from a wine bar. Prices are reasonable but skewed more toward the higher end. Some fine choices though; the quality is there.
Please rate the Dining Room:
Easy, imaginative. The bar-height seating gets the point across well.
Please rate the BOH:
Satisfactory; maybe a C+ or B-. Simple and hearty, if not particularly creative— an every day spot. Nice neighborhood concept.
How was the staff?
Fine. Perfectly adept, but not especially amiable.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Fried Mozzarella Balls : OK. Tasty enough, but not extraordinary. Piping hot.
Fried Pork Patties "Special" : Eh. Pretty trite. Like Weaver® frozen breaded-nuggets trite. Weak.
Dandelion Salad : Fine, but again, very rustic. Hard-boiled egg is just blah; an over-easy one would have been better.
Reuben Sandwich : Pretty good. It’s no 2nd Ave Deli, but maybe that’s not what you’re looking for anyway? Small, but flavorful. Dainty, almost.
Bone Marrow Bruschetta : Delicious. Personally, I would have preferred a deconstructed presentation, but I get the feeling this place was built to please the ladies (and/or the Hipsters and the Emo’s).
What did you like?
The nonchalance.
What did you dislike?
The fried pork-patty ‘silver dollars.’
What was your last impression?
That was easy.
Would you come back?
It’s something of a haul, but maybe.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks and have a good night.
As one sagacious oenophile put it best: "OK, the sommelier will shut up now and the girl will take over… *SQUEEE! HELLO KITTY WINE!*"
[ Side note to resident sommelier and "Cellar Notes" correspondent, Aris Francisco: Please don't hit me. ]
:)
Oreno – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese – 2006 Tuscany
Cost: $80-$85/bottle
A dark opaque purple wine, moderately full-bodied with rather elevated acidity and tannins. Granted, it is young (recently released, that is). Its nose is already revealing— with great black cherries, black raspberries, violets, cedar, graphite, and a touch of vanilla bean. In the mouth, it’s quite layered and velvety, loaded with black fruit and dark tannins. It should rest at least 5 to 7 years, but there is plenty of fruit to support its evolution into something rather special. Despite its youth, I still enjoyed the wine very much; its nose was quite inviting. A solid example of a Super Tuscan at its finest.
Rating: 94
PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW
Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the F&F survey, because you’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you invited 75 people to F&F, and afterward all you got was 41 "Congrats[es]!" 22 "Awesome[s]!" 3 "Ciao[s]!" and 9 "Best of lucks[s]!" ?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what friends & family are for!
No no please, don’t send anything more, we’re stuffed, we can’t breathe, you’ll have to roll us out of here, ha ha ha… !
What was your first impression?
Where am I? And how am I supposed to get home?
Please rate the Bar:
It’s… boisterous. Also, it’s apparently Chignon & Spectacles Day, and nobody told me.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
N/A on the cocktails. Wine list is fine— [read: cheap]. Beer, too.
(The busted, old, milk jug "carafes" are… different.)
Please rate the Dining Room:
Not bad. Kind of cramped, but it is a small space. I hear LES’ers have that whole neo-hippie love-your-neighbor thing going on anyway, so they probably love it. Also, it’s loud. But, better to hear the music than the pots clanking, I guess.
Please rate the BOH:
N/A; technically, it’s in the FOH. And it’s— not bad. I guess?
[As a proud former BOH'er, all I can say is: I'm dying to see the "letter grade" on this bad boy!]
How was the staff?
Fine. Friendlyish. Adept— for people who take your menu and ring your doodles into the POS system.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Spicy Pork Meatballs with Parmesan Cream Sauce : Good. The sauce is nice.
Beef Meatballs with Tomato Sauce : Good. Generous portion of grated parmesan, which eventually melts into the sauce making it all nice and gooey. Tasty.
Beef Meatball Slider with Spicy Meat Sauce : Good. Not very spicy, though.
Chicken Meatball Slider with Mushroom/Gravy Sauce : Good. The sauce is nice.
Sauteed Swiss Chard "Green of the Day" : Eew. I have never seen poor vegetables so tortured in my whole life. This is the Abu Ghraib of vegetables. If you lived in the suburbs, this is the stuff you’d be cleaning out of your roof gutters. Moral of the story: Don’t order vegetables in a meatball shop. [To their credit, they did take it off the check without my even asking.]
Roasted Honey Carrots : Better. But, the carrots are so disfigured, they look and taste more like yams, actually.
What did you like?
Umm, my photos came out pretty nice, didn’t they?
What did you dislike?
The walk over. Had I realized I needed a travel visa and a GPS (thanks, iPhone!) for this, I probably would not have come.
What was your last impression?
They’re very busy, so good for them!
Would you come back?
Would I travel to Jupiter for a meatball? Sorry, no.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thank you, and good on ya.
PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW
Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the F&F survey, because you’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you invited 75 people to F&F, and afterward all you got was 41 "Congrats[es]!" 22 "Awesome[s]!" 3 "Ciao[s]!" and 9 "Best of lucks[s]!" ?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what friends & family are for!
No no please, don’t send anything more, we’re stuffed, we can’t breathe, you’ll have to roll us out of here, ha ha ha… !
What was your first impression?
Nice. Very cute…
Please rate the Bar:
Good, especially considering it’s not a really a "bar," per se— more like bar seats at a diner counter (albeit a chic, adorable diner). The lounge tables are comfortable though— best for couples.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
Beer and wine only. Brief list, but thoughtful. Reasonably priced, but not exactly a bargain.
Please rate the Dining Room:
Perfect for the space and concept; a smart use of spare square footage. Inviting and cozy. Chic but casual. Somebody really had their thinking cap on…
Please rate the BOH:
Amazing. Is this the smartest, most sagacious, little restaurant ever built? Could be. (I’d have to know what they spent on construction to be sure.)
How was the staff?
OK. Proficient and adept, but in that very casual downtown laissez-faire kind of way. One person in particular was excellent, however. While all his colleagues were declaring, "I’m off. I’m not working now" (yes, right in front of the customers— us), this guy somehow managed to wait tables, pour wine, serve "to go" desserts over the counter, be a superb barista (yes, I watched him make coffee and expertly steam milk) and be affable and charming all at the same time. Plus, evidently he’s (at least) bilingual.
I’d tell you his name— but I’m keeping it for my headhunter file instead, suckers.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Flatbread with hummus : Very nice. Personally I might have preferred the bread be a little toastier, but then that would have detracted from its pliable suppleness. And the hummus was fresh, simple and delicious. Perfect.
Cow "Pig" in a Blanket : Oh my lord. If there’s a heaven for poor little cow-pigs, this is it.
Chicken Pot Pie : Whoa. Clear off that counter, I’m moving in. I’ll sleep right here.
Braised Short Rib : WTF?! I thought this was supposed to be a dessert shop.
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Jam : If your mother had fed you brussel sprouts like this, you would never have had to hide them in your napkin and feed them to the dog. You’d almost be vegetarian today.
I know, shoot me; I’m too full for dessert : Sorry, Pichet! But, there’s always next time…
What did you like?
Everything.
What did you dislike?
Well, nobody likes to hear, "I’m off." Come on guys, not even TGIFriday’s would let you get away with that. Believe me, I know.
What was your last impression?
I’m really glad I tried it.
Would you come back?
Yes. I’m craving that cow-pig right now. Cozy up in that blanket, baby— Daddy’s coming.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thanks, you will.
PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW
Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you!
What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the F&F survey, because you’d love to take advantage of all our vast experience, knowledge, insight, and expertise as long as we’re already here? Because you invited 75 people to F&F, and afterward all you got was 41 "Congrats[es]!" 22 "Awesome[s]!" 3 "Ciao[s]!" and 9 "Best of lucks[s]!" ?
Of course, we’d be honored. Oh ha, yesss, we’ll be honest— brutally honest even, ha ha! After all, that’s what friends & family are for!
No no please, don’t send anything more, we’re stuffed, we can’t breathe, you’ll have to roll us out of here, ha ha ha… !
What was your first impression?
Oh, boy. The uh… "bar" tables are a nice idea?
Please rate the Bar:
N/A. But the bar… uh "thing" is definitely… different.
Please rate the drinks/ cocktails/ wine:
All Spanish wines (cocktails are N/A)— at an affordable price point. But, the wine list could use some work; e.g. knowing what varietal I’m ordering would be nice. Oh well, at least the waiter knows.
Please rate the Dining Room:
Not bad. Spacious. Comfortable enough, I suppose.
Please rate the BOH:
As succinctly as possible: I’m not impressed.
There’s a lot more I could say, but quite frankly, why should I? For a "chain" that has 200+ outposts worldwide, you’d think they know what they’re doing, right? Why should I waste my energy?
How was the staff?
Good. Amiable, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable.
What did you eat?/ How was the food?
Croquetas : Not bad. A little trite, but tasty enough.
Roasted pepper salad : Funny. Call me crazy, but I was expecting piquillo peppers, and these are red bell peppers. Personally, I don’t get it.
Fried calamari : I think they’re not so good, but my friend doesn’t hate them. A little rubbery. And the execution is pretty way off.
Pa amb tomaquet : Umm. No.
Sardine/pepper tapa : Really? Do people love pre-prep this much in the rest of the world? ‘Cos… y’know, maybe it’s me.
Jamon/cheese tapa : Really? Do people love pre-prep this much in the rest of the world? ‘Cos… y’know, maybe it’s me.
"Burger" tapa : Sigh. Check, please.
What did you like?
The glassware. Nice Riedel burgundy imitation. Beautiful, but sturdy.
What did you dislike?
For the most part, the food.
What was your last impression?
Well, somehow, Cendrillon managed to make it here for years and years and years, so— I guess there’s hope!
Would you come back?
Not quite my cup of tea; I’m afraid not. Sorry.
Thank you, and hope to see you soon!
Thank you and best of luck.
= "personne extraordinaire"