THE PALM RESTAURANT… “Lunch With Steak Burgers & Intriguing Caricatures!”

Posted on April 19, 2013 by savo0429

If you haven’t tried the ENORMOUS steak burgers at The Palm, then you’re missing an incredible opportunity to experience a phenomenal 12-ounce hand-fashioned USDA Prime Beef anomaly. The Palm in fashionable West Hollywood, California catered to our craving for an outrageously divine burger when we visited their establishment with another couple recently.

The very first The Palm was erected in New York City by decendants of the family that still owns the upscale chain today. Since 1926, this steakhouse (that didn’t originally serve steaks in the beginning) continued onward to blossom into a nationally loved gathering place for many. In the early days, the proprietors didn’t have a lot of capitol for decor. Coincidentally enough, that first restaurant in New York City was in close proximity to the King Features building, which is now the world’s premier distributor of comics and editorial cartoons among other artistic items. Back in the day, cartoonists would pay for their meals at The Palm by sketching original portraits of famous individuals on the restaurant walls. Evidently, this form of payment worked well to fill the undecorated eatery, while at the same time aided the artists in getting their work out in the open. That action spun into the evolvement of the numerous caricatures being placed on the walls of future The Palm restaurants, and is what you’ll see today when you step foot into one of these hospitable locations.

Celebrating their 85th anniversary in 2011, The Palm restaurant chain has a lot to be proud of. Decades of successful business and a strong reputation for being known for their high regard for their patrons happiness and satisfaction, this eatery is certainly one of the classics that has staying power not to dissipate anytime soon.

The Palm is known for their Steakburgers. And rightfully so. We have enjoyed these sensational juicy ground steak temptations on more than one occasion, and will do it again in the future. Below, we relished in a couple of The Palms more famous burgers…

The Bozzi Burger

Chosen in honor of and named after one of the original proprietors of the restaurant, Pio Bozzi, the Bozzi Burger ($16.90) encompasses everything crunchy, crispy, beefy, succulent, and incredible about The Palm’s steak burgers. Served with aged Gouda, BBQ sauce with a hint of smoky essence, and flavorsome fried onion strings, this gigantic vision of beefy perfection will satisfy every curiosity you ever had about these outrageously large sensations. Accompanying all the steak burgers at The Palm is lettuce, tomato, and onion. The Bozzi Burger also comes with a side of tangy BBQ sauce, which is a welcome flavor addition to the salty fried onions, juicy Prime beef, and smoky cheese.

The Second Avenue Burger

The Second Avenue Burger ($16.90), names after the street in New York City where the original The Palm steakhouse exists, is another flavor experience we suggest. The Danish blue cheese and expertly smoked bacon allow for a heightened sense of flavors to culminate with the beefy goodness of the steak burger. The toasted sesame-sprinkled brioche buns are also a nice detail.

If you’re in the area, stop in at The Palm for Prime Time held from 5 Pm to 7 PM Sunday through Fridays and indulge in half off Prime Bites, beer, select wines by the glass, and premium spirits. Available in the bar area, the selections available will ease your taste for something savory for a reasonable price.

Prime Steak Burger Sliders & Mini Broiled Crab Cakes

We chose a couple of glasses each of a smooth Pinot Noir, and shared the Prime Steak Burger Sliders and Mini Broiled Crab Cakes. The steal burger sliders were covered in cheddar cheese that was perfectly melted and delicious with the beef, a pickle, and a pesto mayo, while the crab cakes provided a nice combination of flavors with the mango salsa, crisp cucumber slice and a zesty remoulade sauce. Each served three to an order, these tasty morsels catered to our something quick, delicious, and casual all while enjoying them inside the dark wood encompassed bar at The Palm.

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Colorful caricatures flood the walls of this venue, while a traditional steakhouse feel is projected with shiny brass details, leather booths, and well-kept woods throughout.

FOOD / DRINK: Sensational steak burgers, a savory wine selection, and enormous portions.

LOCATION: The Palm we visited is located at 9001 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, CA 90069.

HOURS: Lunch is presented Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, on Fridays from 3:00 PM -to 11:00 PM, Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and also on Sundays from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. The Palm’s version of happy hour, called ‘Prime Time’, exists Sunday through Friday from 5 PM to 7 PM offering discounts on bar bites, an select beer and wine.

SERVICE / STAFF: Accommodating, personable, knowledgeable, and pleasant.

PRICE / VALUE: Fantastic quality at an acceptable price for what we enjoyed.

CORKAGE FEE: $30 per 750mL bottle.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (310) 550-8811, Website: www.thepalm.com

PARKING: Metered street parking is available surrounding the establishment, as well a valet service for the restaurant.

PRICING: The Palm’s “Bozzi Burger” and “Second Avenue Burger” run about $16.90 per sandwich, while the appetizers during Prime Time in the lounge were priced between $11.90 to $12.90 per order with 50% off those and the glasses of Row 11 Vinas 3 Pinot Noir started out at $17.80 per six-ounce pour.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

COAST RESTAURANT & BAR @ CANARY HOTEL… “American Cuisine With Panoramic Rooftop Views!”

Posted on March 31, 2013 by savo0429

THIS RESTAURANT HAS BEEN RENAMED “FINCH & FORK” AND CAN BE SEEN AT WWW.FINCKANDFORKRESTAURANT.COM.

Coast Restaurant & Bar is nestled inside the Canary Hotel in thriving downtown Santa Barbara, California. With comfortable seating and views of busy sidewalks from tables inside this eatery next to huge floor-to-ceiling windows, patrons can view passers-by and the beauty of downtown Santa Barbara. Serving American fare with west coast enhancements, Coast Restaurant & Bar caters to connoisseurs of fresh seafood, tender meats and crisp vibrant vegetables meticulously prepared and delivered straight from the local Farmer’s Market to your table.

Close to the California coast with its serene ocean and beach, nearby upscale shopping along popular State Street, and located within Santa Barbara’s quaint beach community, Coast Restaurant & Bar presents relaxing comfort, savory cuisine and an inviting environment perfect for enjoying any meal of the day.

Below, photos of an interior dining room, the main entry of the restaurant, intricate wood details throughout the space indoors, and the water service presented in a tall glass corked bottle before each meal.

Coast Restaurant & Bar provides a wide variety of succulent fare from fresh creative seafood presentations to tender cuts of beef to crisp vibrant salads and tempting dessert creations. Everything is made fresh with Farmer’s Market-purchased ingredients and that can be tasted in the final product that arrives from the kitchen. Dishes are prepared to your specifications and are delivered with pride and a smile from friendly servers. Our late lingering lunch was just what we were looking for to tame our rumbling stomachs after spending the morning shopping and visiting friends on State Street.

Specialty Iced Teas

Before ordering my glass of wine, I shared in a Signature Iced Tea with my husband before ordering. These were enhanced with fruit flavors, rosemary essence and herbs mixed throughout to create sensational-tasting iced teas that proved to be both flavorful as well as visually enchanting once we sipped from these colorful concoctions.

Coast Restaurant & Bar advanced some pretty astounding starters. From the ‘Finger Foods’ selection (from $4 to $7), you can chow down on Warm Marinated Olives, Honey Roasted Spiced Peanuts, Dungeness Deviled Eggs, or Truffle Fries With Mustard Aioli. The ‘Share’ portion of the menu suggests items that can be split (from $3 to $13) from the Classic Ceviche to the Market Fish Tacos to several other interesting dishes…

West Coast Oysters

We satisfied our hunger and graced our palates with the West Coast Oysters ($3/each). In fact, they were so inspiring that we ordered a second dozen before we had even finished the first one! A terrific starter to any meal, these oceanic wonderments were full of flavor and possessed a perfect creaminess to their texture. The accompaniments of sauces and a caper relish were excellent sidekicks to these amazing mollusks.

Roasted California Mussels

Another ‘Share’ menu item we couldn’t pass up was the Roasted Californian Mussels offering ($12). These succulent morsels were tossed in Coast’s tangy and sweet and hearty tomato sauce with fennel, saffron and creme fraiche, and definitely hit the spot. Served with grilled sliced bread sticks on top, this was a wonderful flavor experience.

In addition to Coast’s Artisan Flat Breads (ranging from $10 to $14), their ‘Garden” menu selections are also pretty incredible. From Ahi Tuna and Potato & Fennel Soup and fresh salad options, I chose the Skirt Steak Salad ($15) for my lunch entree. This delectable mixed greens compilation included wild arugula, slices of sweet pear, contrasting blue cheese crumbles, candied walnuts and a smoked balsamic vinaigrette. Not to mention the tender, perfectly-grilled skirt steak slices piled onto the plate. Healthy and lean, this was a delightful lunch for me. The portion size was large, and the mixture of flavors between the sweetness of the fresh sliced pear and candied nuts with the tangy blue cheese and smoky dressing created a beautiful presentation.

Skirt Steak Salad

And now for the second entree that was ordered….

Lamb Burger

My husband enjoyed the Lamb Burger. A switch on the traditional beef burger, this creation was not only tasty, but presented with a sweet date compote, and an onion relish cilantro yogurt. (Um…can I just have a bowl of this yogurt condiment and a spoon, please?) The sauce was great, but everything together, including the tender bun this carefully ground lamb burger came with made my husband’s dining experience only that much better. The addition of the fries was a battle I quickly lost with my husband, so I forced myself to enjoy a few of the crispy, perfectly-cooked potato strips. A touch of light salt on these was welcomed, and the crunchy exterior and warm potato interior remained throughout the duration of the meal.

Interior of the Lamb Burger

By now, you would think we had no room left after the feast we enjoyed. But when our server stopped by with a dessert menu, we gave in to temptation and chose the Lemon Cheesecake ($8) to share. I must say, the caramel and chocolate sauce alongside this elongated rectangular slice of lemony creamy sin was perfectly sweet and balanced. The macadamia nuts that rained down atop this sugary confection added a brilliant crunch to this already magnificent end-of-the-meal treat. (And no…we didn’t finish our dessert!)

Lemon Cheesecake

Here’s a suggestion for all of you who choose to enjoy a meal at Coast…take a walk to the rooftop of the hotel before or after your meal and catch a glimpse of the panoramic mountain views of Santa Barbara. (Aren’t the above photos incredible!) It’s called the Rooftop Perch, and once there, you’ll understand why it’s such a perfect name for this hideaway overlooking the area. My husband and I just peered out over the edge of the rooftop for what seemed like an eternity.

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Deep woods, colorful seating and a classic vibe throughout the restaurant.

FOOD / DRINK: Fresh-tasting, excellently prepared, delicious-tasting and worthy of a return visit.

LOCATION: Coast restaurant is located inside the Canary Hotel at 31 West Carrillo Street in Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

HOURS: Coast is available for breakfast Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 10:30 AM. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Dinner is available Sunday through Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 10 PM, and on Friday and Saturdays from 5:30 PM to 11 PM. Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM to 3 PM, while the bar is open daily until midnight serving bar menu fare from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Happy Hour at Coast is presented Monday through Friday from 4 PM-7 PM with a variety of discounted cocktails and bar bites.

SERVICE / STAFF: Our server was lovely. She showed attentiveness, professionalism, friendliness and appreciation of our stopping in for lunch.

PRICE / VALUE: We felt the price was a tad high for lunch, but we thoroughly enjoyed the quality of what was ordered. Of course, the pricy glass of wine and the additional 18 oysters helped to raise the total bill as well.

CORKAGE FEE: $20 per 750mL bottle

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (805) 879-9100, Website: www.canarysantabarbara.com

PARKING: There is ample paid parking in the nearby city parking garage for a reasonable charge.

TOTAL BILL: Our total came to a bit over $135 (including tax) for two dozen oysters, an order of mussels, the Lamb Burger, a Steak Salad, a glass of wine, two teas and a cheesecake dessert. Let’s just say that we’ll be back!

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

SKULL CREEK BOATHOUSE… “History & Good Times Set Against A Waterfront Backdrop!”

Posted on March 17, 2013 by savo0429

Formerly the popular Boathouse II establishment on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Skull Creek Boathouse came into existence in 2009 when SERG Restaurant Group transformed it into one of the best seafood gathering spots on the waterfront. Previously part of the largest dry dock boat storage area on all of Hilton Head Island and after expansions and extensive renovations, Skull Creek Boathouse has now become what it is today. A lively, relaxing, fine establishment where locals and visiting tourists flock to for great times, a stunning water view over Skull Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway, and some of the most amazing fresh seafood, succulent steaks and vibrant sushi presentations around.

With its historical outdoor bar, Lowcountry style and intertwined protective oak trees hovering overhead, this establishment honors the South Carolina coast. Have a seat in one of the many adirondack chairs, watch the boats go by, and have a hand shaken cocktail while you’re at it. Perfect for a conversation with someone you love before or after a nice meal at Skull Creek Boathouse. Above, the logo compass on the entrance to the restaurant, the lunch menu, and the view of the front entrance to the eatery.

How about these views! A nautical feel with an upscale ambiance. Catch a glimpse of a dolphin jumping out of the water from the banks of Skull Creek, wave to boaters returning from a day’s adventure, or just take in the natural beauty all around you.

The indoor part of the restaurant features their popular Dive Bar, which offers fresh favorites like sushi, ceviche and seafood platters that will astound. Out of doors, the eatery offers a massive wooden deck filled with dining tables overlooking the water. Marker 13 is the renovated historical outdoor bar and is a conversation piece in itself. You can also catch a glimpse of watercraft being transported to and from the Hilton Head dry boat storage facility right next door. The deck is also the place to enjoy the establishment’s Sunset Reggae Party on Tuesday evenings with live music and promotional drink specials.

Sashimi Combo Plate, Angry Tuna Roll, and Tuna Sashimi

Here are just a few items from the Dive Bar at Skull Creek Boathouse. Above, a combo plate of fresh and colorful sashimi, the Angry Tuna Roll encompasses flavorful ingredients such as spicy tuna, avocado and a soy and eel sauce drizzle, while an order of thinly sliced tuna is topped with spicy mayo, avocado and crispy onion strings.

Grilled Talapia Sandwich, Soft Shell Crab Sandwich Special, Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich, and the Ahi Tuna Sandwich

If you’re in the mood for a terrific fish sandwich, this is the place to get it. In fact, this is really the place to get ANY sandwich! Above, revitalizing renditions of the Grilled Talapia Sandwich with a side of slaw, the sinful but melt-in-your mouth Soft Shell Crab Sandwich Special, a Blackened Mahi Mahi Sandwich with crinkle fries, and two images of the Ahi Tuna Sandwich served with potato salad. There’s literally something for everyone here, as you can see in these photos.

Napa Salad

Above, the Napa Salad ($11) is enhanced with dark green baby spinach, crunchy toasted almonds, baby green beans, creamy avocado slices, fresh red grapes, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds for a little extra crunch, crumbled goat cheese (one of my favorites!) , and honey poppy seed dressing. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, butcher filet or chilled rare seared tuna for an additional $4.50, but I just wanted to enjoy the salad without any additions this particular afternoon. And I certainly did enjoy it.

Below, another salad we can recommend is the Chopped Creole Cobb Salad ($12.50). Presented with a Creole Honey Mustard dressing that I asked to be placed on the side (just in case it was too spicy), I found that it was more creamy with a hint of spice…not heat so to speak. This outstanding serving was prepared with chilled shrimp, chopped smooth avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped turkey, mixed colorful greens, chopped tomato, apple wood smoked bacon, tasso ham (which gave the salad an additional kick of spice), and crumbled blue cheese dressing. Is anyone drooling right about now?

Chopped Creole Cobb Salad

Fish Tacos

The above Fish Tacos ($7.50) were served with crisp chilled iceberg lettuce, diced tomato salsa and taco sauce inside soft flour tortillas. These were grilled, but patrons may also request the fish to be fried as well. The fish was tender and flaky, while the crunch of the crisp lettuce and mild flavor of the tomato salsa inside completed the entire package. A side of crinkle fries with a ramekin of ketchup was also a nice accompaniment.

Crab & Shrimp Dip

Crunchy multi-colored tortilla chips are beautiful to admire. Pair them with Skull Creek Boathouse’s Crab & Shrimp Dip ($9.25) and you’ll be smiling ear to ear. This emulsion is made with artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, and creamy goat cheese. (They must have known I was coming with all of the goat cheese!) Easily shared between four people if ordered as an appetizer, this dish is the perfect starter to a meal.

For incredible fresh seafood, tasty fish sandwiches, sushi and seafood platters at the indoor Dive Bar, crisp flavorsome salads and an outdoor bar with a storied past all overlooking the beautiful tranquil waters of coastal Hilton Head Island, there’s nothing like Skull Creek Boathouse. We always enjoy our meals there, and we’ll continue to dine there on future visits to the coast.

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: A lively and exciting waterfront location perfect for enjoying an amazing view. The entire establishment is decorated in eclectic decor with a nautical theme. Colors abound everywhere and as a whole (indoors and outside) the entire eatery is extremely pleasing to take in.

FOOD / DRINK: Refreshing flavorsome cocktails, freshly prepared fare with sensational ingredients, and expertly crafted meals that are without flaw.

LOCATION: Skull Creek Boathouse is located at 397 Squire Pope Road on Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

HOURS: The restaurant is available for service for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM-4 PM, then also on weekends from 11 AM-4 PM. Dinner is served Sundays through Thursdays from 4 PM-10 PM, then on Friday and Saturday from 4 PM-11 PM. The Sunset Supper Menu is offered daily from 4 PM-5:45 PM. Brunch is presented on the weekends from 10 AM-3 PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: We have always experienced a kind, informed, conversational and efficient staff during our visits to this location.

PRICE / VALUE: Excellent freshness of sushi at the Dive Bar indoors, meticulous consistency of the quality of what is served, and overall satisfactory pricing for what is offered.

CORKAGE FEE: $15 per 750mL bottle

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (843) 681-3663, Website: www.skullcreekboathouse.com

PARKING: There is ample complimentary parking in front of the restaurant alongside the Hilton Head Boat Storage Building.

TOTAL BILL: It has really depended on how many people we’ve had with us and what was ordered during our many meals at Skull Creek Boathouse, so a good average of our experiences with the total bills we’ve had ranged from $35 to $75.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

AUREOLE @ MANDALAY BAY RESORT & CASINO… “Swan Court Seating & Flying Wine Angels!”

Posted on January 2, 2013 by savo0429

By definition, the word ‘aureole’ means ‘the outermost region of the sun’s atmosphere; visible as a white halo during a solar eclipse, and an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint’. By realistic standards, Aureole’s name is extremely appropriate considering that this fine dining establishment headed by renowned celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer has become a virtual ‘halo’ crowning the Mandalay Bay shopping plaza in Las Vegas. Between the sky high glass encased wine tower with its own harnessed ‘Wine Angel Stewards” hoisted up the vertical space of fine vintages inside the restaurant’s glass-enclosed spectacle, to the ‘Swan Court’ where patrons are enchanted by live graceful feathered creatures swimming slowly past floor-to-ceiling windows along a serene waterfall-laden pond in the middle of Sin City, to an exquisite culinary menu meticulously detailed and prepared by Chef Charlie Palmer himself in an inviting space exuding modern sophistication in every sense of the word, Aureole restaurant is by far a sure winner among the vast array of culinary possibilities along Las Vegas Boulevard.

Chef Charlie Palmer crafted his first vision of Aureole in the bustling and energetic city of Manhattan, New York. Since its opening in 1988 on the Upper East Side, it was later moved to the first floor of the Bank of America building on popular 42nd Street, which is host to an array of theaters, the United Nations building, the Chrysler Building, the Grand Central Terminal, and the ever popular Times Square. In 1999, Chef Charlie Palmer extended his vision to the Vegas ‘strip’, building a second Aureole inside the Mandalay Bay shopping plaza. Since that time, the establishment has had nothing but raving reviews, astonishing accolades, and massive positive acceptance from the critical eye of the public gracing its existence. From accepting the Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year as well as the Four Diamond Award each year since it’s initial opening, Aureole has additionally been graced with the coveted Michelin Star in 2008 and 2009, a Mobil Travel Guide Four Star rating in 2009, and numerous other accolades in the culinary industry that have been well-deserved and graciously accepted.

The interior of this lavish dining venue emanates class in every sense of the word. Renowned international restaurant architect, Adam Tihany exceeded the expectations of many after his imaginative design concepts brilliantly exploded into the space that is now Aureole. A sky bridge that leads from the main entrance wraps around the largest wine tower in the world and down to an alluring suede-walled lounge where your visual journey is just beginning. In the mood for a cocktail from the skilled mixologist at the bar or a recommendation from the Sommelier before being seated for dinner? That’s as easy as seating yourself at the intimate dimly-lit wine bar as you watch harnessed wine angels being uplifted toward the heavens to retrieve your selected vintage from a menu of over 10,000 exclusive bottles of fine wines. Additionally, there are several tantalizing chilled signature pre-dinner conglomerations available in which to indulge.

Aureole’s Four-Story Climate-Control Center-Of-Attention Wine Tower

Executive Chef Vincent Poussel seamlessly delivers the culinary delights meticulously crafted by Chef Charlie Palmer’s signature style in a timely fashion to well-dressed patrons awaiting the meal of a lifetime. And the meal of a lifetime is indeed what you will receive at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole restaurant in exciting Sin City.

Once seated in a dining room with towering ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Swan Court (more on that in a moment), we began with a selection of Champagne chosen from a computerized wine menu. We also appreciated more Champagne with our meal as well as a white wine pairing with our entrees suggested by the restaurant’s Sommelier. A variety of fresh-baked bread was offered to us before our appetizers arrived. Below, a baked pretzel bread, a melt-in-your-mouth tender rosemary herb roll, and a slice of crusty French bread.

Preserved Lemon Ravioli

I selected the preserved Lemon Ravioli ($18) as my starter to our meal. Crafted with tender succulent chunks of Maine lobster, crispy baby artichokes, and sweet caramelized prunes, this appetizer was tastefully executed and delightful in flavor and texture. The delicately tinted foam atop this presentation was also a lovely attribute.

Yellow Fin Tuna Poke

My husband relished in the Yellow Fin Tuna Poke ($18). Pronounced (po-kay) in proper Hawaiian language, this island favorite is a raw salad of flavorsome cubed ahi (yellow fin tuna) sashimi marinated with sea salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed and chopped chili pepper. Besides the subtle heat of the chili pepper within this starter, my husband appreciated the visual arrangement and freshness of flavor from this offering. The eye-catching vibrant emerald hue from the seaweed salad beneath the poke was crowned with a sushi rice cracker and an accompaniment of avocado mouse was dotted alongside as a simple, yet flavorsome garnish.

Diver Scallop

Executive Chef Vincent Poussel sent the above Diver Scallop tasting out to our table in appreciation of our dining at the restaurant. This delightfully handsome dish was a flavor-packed surprise with its soft-as-butter perfectly seared Diver Sea Scallop ornamented with sea beans, pickled turnips, purple potato and cashew soy butter. (Thank you, Chef Vincent!)

Now allow me to transform your thoughts to a slight pause between these divine courses at Aureole. Let’s step outside and fascinate ourselves with a question. A question which entertains the senses of visual perception beyond the fine dining spectacles inside. (I promise we’ll come back!) Let’s contemplate live swans in all their grace floating along a serene pond complete with a gentle waterfall and flowing fountains with calming colored lighting glowing from beneath the water, and appropriate foliage making one think twice if they are indeed in Vegas…in the middle of the desert. As the contemplation continues, four elegant female swans in all their glory slowly approach from around a bend in the pond. At first, they appear as four bright white slowly-moving dots along the water’s surface. Then, before you know it, they are before you. Speaking in their own unique angelic language, seeking your gentle attention, and hoping for a crumb you may have taken from your table’s bread plate.

Below, meet the ladies of the Swan Court at Aureole…

After some pleading from my husband to return inside for the remainder of our dinner, I bid the feathery ladies in the pond goodnight, crumbled a final slice of bread for them, and placed the pieces of expertly-baked dough along the water’s edge and returned to my seat just in time as our entrees arrived…

Wild Striped Bass

The Wild Striped Bass ($38), which was my dinner entree choice, was incredibly pleasing to the palate. Between the foundation of creamy bulgar wheat, crunchy candied pecans, tangerine segments and Brussel leaves, the delicately-textured fish was carefully seasoned and mild in taste. I was ecstatic with delight over the dynamic presentation, dazzling mixture of flavors, and phenomenal aroma of the ingredients as this dish sat before me.

Niman Ranch Double Pork Chop

My husband is a meat eater. Our readers can pretty much gather that about him due to all of the steaks he enjoys when we’re dining together. However, on occasion, he is also entertained by a fabulous pork chop. This Niman Ranch Double Pork Chop ($38) was an all-natural culinary gem. The potato salardaise (potatoes cooked in duck fat), collard greens with bacon bits, and roasted apples blended nicely with the the mild flavor of the pork and the saltiness of the bacon bits and rich enhancement from the salardaise. Just a beauty of a dish!

Dessert Sampler

This stunning Dessert Sampler ($12) arrived after my husband and I finished every bite of culinary genius on our plates from dinner. (I’m not quite sure how we did that either!) But, somehow we managed to find a bit more room for the beautiful colorful desserts that were presented to us. This display of heavenly treats included a carrot cake filling rolled inside slices of fresh sweet carrot, an ale-battered apple fritter (tarragon anglaise, fresh apple slaw, and maple ice cream), an Alpaco molten chocolate cake (orange caramel, Cacao tea cookie, Earl Grey ice cream), and Cafe Au Lait Creme Brulee (Kahlua cream, almond fennel biscotti). Every tasteful (and sinful) flavor one can think of came packed into this sample plate of sweet and savory goodness. The Trio of Sorbets came out with the Dessert Sampler and featured flavors such as wild strawberry, island mango, and southern peach served in a triangular dish crowned with a pineapple crisp. What more could we ask for?

Trio of Sorbets

Aureole in Las Vegas not only met our expectations, but it exceeded them. The culinary talents of Chef Vincent and his kitchen staff proved noteworthy, the management and serving staff were knowledgeable and gracious, and the overall ambiance of the restaurant was pleasantly surprising and satisfactory. We especially would like to thank Restaurant Captain, Malek Sadri for his seamless and well-managed supervision of the overall flow of service and for his flawless attention to our dining needs. His professional demeanor and sincere devotion to his patrons was indeed impressive. We truly look forward to seeing him again soon. My husband and I enjoyed ourselves and look forward to returning in the near future to indulge in everything Aureole has to offer.

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Modern, upscale, inviting, and comforting with something to entertain the eye at every turn from the live swans to the wine angels to the steel-and-glass climate-controlled wine tower to the breathtaking culinary presentations that arrive at your table.

FOOD / DRINK: Fresh, seasonal favorites with a classic European spin that you will not likely soon forget.

LOCATION: Aureole is located inside the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino at 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South in Las Vegas, NV 89119.

HOURS: Aureole is available daily for dinner from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The wine lounge is available daily from 5:30 PM until midnight, while Happy Hour exists from 5:30 PM until 7 PM in the lounge area.

SERVICE / STAFF: Accommodating, friendly, professional, poised, informed and show that they really care about patrons having a memorable experience.

PRICE / VALUE: Excellent value for the level of quality provided in cuisine, ambiance and service.

CORKAGE FEE: Outside alcohol is not permitted inside the establishment, however, there is an ample selection of fine vintages and other tantalizing liquid libations available from skilled mixologists in the Aurele lounge.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (702) 632-7200, Website: www.charliepalmer.com

PARKING: The location of Aureole inside the Mandalay Bay shopping plaza was in very close proximity to our hotel at the Four Seasons, which we walked from for our dinner reservation. If you are driving to the restaurant, we would recommend taking advantage of the hotel valet at Mandalay Bay, then walking from the hotel lobby to the restaurant.

TOTAL BILL: Our final bill was over $220, however for the excellently poised service, special attention from the staff and management, spellbinding decor and ambiance, and exceptional cuisine, we feel it was well worth the splurge, and an extremely fair price for what was rendered. We will most definitely be returning again very soon.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

FLIGHT… “Not Just Walking In Memphis Anymore…We’re Dining There!”

Posted on September 6, 2012 by savo0429

Memphis,Tennesee is commonly known for three major B’s…BEAL STREET, BARBEQUE and for being the home of the BLUES. We have to add another B to the list..how does the BEST restaurant we’ve been to in the city sound? Flight is a restaurant and wine bar offering an incredibly creative concept to their meal presentations…flights. Despite the aviation theme you will witness as you enter the main threshold, the realization of just why this establishment is named what it is named is really in the initial service of the cuisine. Available in traditional main portioned entrees, Flight also served ‘flights’ of most everything in this restaurant. A clever spin on traditional portions, ordering the ‘flight’-style items will allow you a chance to sample a bit of everything you order.

The establishment offers al fresco dining alongside the sidewalk as well as inside. A canopy hangs overhead on the patio area to shade diners from the sun with some assistance from nearby trees. Above, the patio area, an image of the restaurant logo on the front door and a side view at night.

Conveniently located on a corner of South Main Street where the trolley frequently passes by, Flight is a restaurant and wine bar featuring culinary creations from Chef Thomas Slukenborg that will have you wondering why you never tried this place before. The interior decor is intriguing with an upstairs loft-like section connected by a staircase beside the bar. High ceilings invite a roomy feel, while a coziness and comfort invite you into this sophisticated and elegant establishment.

The photos above display the first floor view of the lounge area from our table for two, a wall shelved with unlimited bottles of wine, a descending stairwell descending from the upstairs level, our menu and the beautiful wood and glassed-in front entry and chandelier hanging above happy patrons and satisfied diners.

Flight is known for their ‘flights’ of wines, among other items. However, we went for both the flight-style items as we’ll as for full servings. Above, a couple of glasses of a delicious Cabernet that we frequently enjoy when dining out started us off on the right path before ordering dinner.Don’t think the folks at Flight don’t know wine, because they were awarded the 2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. That says it all right there!

Salad Flight

We were hungry and ready to indulge on this particular evening. So to start, we ordered a Salad Flight to share, which offered proportionate tastes of three salads…a specialty salad of the evening (with red onions, arugula and an onion-based vinaigrette), the classic Baby Iceberg Salad (with Maytag Blue Cheese, apple wood smoked bacon and grape tomatoes) and a Strawberry Salad with red onion, sweet sliced strawberries and macadamia nuts on a bed of arugula.

The ‘Cut of the Day’ (Filet Mignon) With Truffled Macaroni and Asparagus

For our dinner entrees, we both chose the Filet Mignon with a delectable sinfully tasty truffled macaroni and cheese and a charred tomato demi-glace. The photo above is merely a glimpse of how incredible this tender, perfectly-prepared beef was. How about melt-in-your-mouth fabulousness! With us enjoying the Salad Flight and each indulging in our own Filet Mignon with creamy truffled mac & cheese, there really was no room for dessert. Instead, we each enjoyed a couple more glasses of wine and called it a night. Both happily stuffed, loving the romantic and intimate ambiance inside the restaurant and thrilled that we gave the place a chance in the first place. We would have really missed out on such culinary splendor if we had passed it up for something else that evening. Boy, were we lucky!

The stunning ambiance, crafty artistry in the presentation of liquid treats and meticulously-plated, colorfully vibrant cuisine, terrific service from our server and a romantic and comfortable atmosphere made Flight a winner on our SavorHour.com list for our favorite restaurant in Memphis!

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Beautifully touched with an aviation theme upon entering, the realization of the name becomes evident when you receive your menu. Meals are available in “flight-style”, which allow for a sampling of most anything you can think of. The intimate and romantic environment both inside and on the front patio is relaxing and welcoming.

FOOD / DRINK: Wonderful, delicious, memorable and uniquely served in “flight-style” portions as well as traditional full entree sizes.

LOCATION: Conveniently located at 39 South Main Street in Memphis, TN 38103

HOURS: Flight is available for service Monday through Saturday from 11AM – 3AM.

SERVICE / STAFF: Extraordinary service and attention to detail, kind demeanor and skilled in superior customer service.

PRICE / VALUE: For having paid in excess of $160 for a few extremely amazing glasses of wine, a salad flight and two unbelievably delicious Filet Mignon entrees, we believe that the value of what we received between the quality of the service, the cuisine and the general ambiance was astoundingly acceptable.

CORKAGE FEE: $15 per bottle.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (901) 521-8005, Webiste: www.flightmemphis.com

PARKING: Valet parking is complimentary every night at Flight.

TOTAL BILL: Our total bill came in just over $170 (including tax) for a few very nice glasses of wine, the salad flight, and two incredible Filet Mignon Entrees. Well worth the splurge, worth the visit and well worth returning again!

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

THE RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO… “Work or Play, It’s a Great Place to Stay!”

Posted on August 24, 2012 by savo0429

The Orlando Grande Lakes Ritz-Carlton Resort in Florida isn’t just conveniently located in close proximity to Sea World, Discovery Cove, Disney World and Aquatica, but it also boasts 582 luxury guest rooms and suites which are well-equipped with all the comforts of home, upscale furnishings and dramatic views of the gardens, lakes or golf course. A renowned vacation resort for those with a distinct taste for upscale accommodations, the Orlando Grande Lakes Ritz-Carlton Resort provides unparalleled sophistication to its guests and a wealth of activities that can artfully be scheduled through the hotel Concierge for your convenience.

Above, the entrance to the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes property in Orlando, Florida was not only expertly decorated in blooming brilliantly-colored flowers and foliage, but the main driveway (below) showcases a stunning fountain along the meandering trek to the hotel’s front doors…

Ritz-Carlton never ceases to amaze with it’s classic and traditional decor, intricate stairwell railings and stunningly-appointed sitting rooms. This specific Ritz-Carlton property was inspired by the grand palazzos of Italy. And one can definitely feel that romantic vibe in the architecture and style of the Orlando Grand Lakes location everywhere one looks.

Our suite was situated high above the skyline view of the city. Though this is one of the largest Ritz-Carlton properties we’ve ever stayed in, we still felt as though we were the only guests in-house by the exceptional way the staff and management saw to it that we were taken care of. Our accommodations were equipped with a private balcony, marble bath with double vanity, European toiletries, and plush terry robes and slippers…just to name a few things we enjoyed in our room.

The view from our suite overlooked one of the lakes on the property. Below, we show a view of the main building, the scenery over another body of water on-site and a designated area alongside the lake where kayaks are available to take advantage of. After dark, the view from our suite was astonishing. We were able to witness the lights of the city on the horizon as we sipped from glasses of chilled Champagne on our balcony later in the evening.

After meeting associates of my husband for dinner, we returned to our room to find the below surprise from the hotel staff…

Fresh rose petals just beyond the door inside our room leading to a heart shaped out of the same petals atop our bed.

…but that wasn’t all…

…there was also Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries awaiting our arrival…

After my husband and I indulged in the above decadent treats placed in our suite by an appreciative hotel staff, we finally turned in after a full day of meetings my husband attended, writing by the pool, and dinner with business associates that evening. Why? Because it was late and because we also had to have breakfast at The Vineyard Grill downstairs before my husband returned to a second day of scheduled meetings…

The Vineyard Grill is a noteworthy steakhouse that serves phenomenal beef presentations, choice local elements and a terrific American wine selection. Since we dined outside of the property for every meal except Breakfast and cocktails due to my husband’s business, we were only able to enjoy breakfast on-site during our stay. But what amazing breakfasts we had! Above, you can see a sampling of what we enjoyed…Belgian waffles, fresh fruit and melon, warm pastries and sweet treats, fresh smoked salmon, country bacon, almond scones, omelets prepared right before our eyes, salami and gourmet cheeses and many more appetizing items.

Above, the resort pool area is spectacular. Offering Concierge service during open hours, this oasis will enthrall and revive you in the warm Florida sunshine. Try a poolside cabana for a more private customized experience. There are several seating options available in many different areas surrounding this lavish resort-style pool. Whether swimming, just sitting in the shade with a good book or working on business on your laptop, this area of the resort will help you ease into relaxation during work or play.

I snapped several photos walking around the property. Above, views of the hotel surrounded by a variety of palms, photos of the golf course from across one of the lakes, a couple of blooming lavender flowers I thought were beautiful, a Florida palm tree overhead, the plant on my pool cabana table and another palm with a nesting bird inside it’s trunk…

And you cannot forget about the pool restaurant and bar, Bleu. Serving sensational burgers, seafood and salads as well as fantastic hand-shaken cocktails, you just can’t go wrong here. Below, a Hurricane that I enjoyed at the bar while taking a break from my writing…

PROPERTY: A stunning property that is well-maintained and offers a welcoming ambiance with all the amenities of home and more.

SERVICE / STAFF: Exceptional service by the resort staff allows for a feeling of tranquility and a comforting feel that you are in for a wonderful experience.

PET FRIENDLINESS: The Grande Lakes Orlando Ritz-Carlton Resort is pet friendly, allowing dogs and cats (one animal per room) for a $250 one-time cleaning fee. (Yikes!) Pets are not allowed inside the spa, restaurant or pool areas.

DINING OPTIONS: Try one or all of these incredible dining options at this property. Available options for a well-received meal include The Vineyard Grill for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch…Norman’s for Dinner with a Latin, Caribbean and Asian flare…The Lobby Lounge for Afternoon Tea, cocktails or light snacks…Bleu by the pool for terrific burgers, salads, seafood and amazing frozen drinks to settle a rumbling stomach in the Florida heat…Vitale Spa Cafe for healthier cuisine, power drinks and smoothies…Fairways Pub for the best in draught beer and scotch selections…Primo for Italian cuisine with ingredients picked straight from the property’s on-site organic garden…Citron for American Brasserie fare or sit at the lounge at Sushi Bar located in the adjacent Marriott property for delicious hand-rolled treats straight from knowledgeable chefs right before your very eyes!

LOCATION: The Grande Lakes Orlando Ritz-Carlton property is located at 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando FL, 32837.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (407) 206-2400, Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Orlando

PARKING: All vehicles arriving at the property are taken care of by the hotel valet service.

RESORT AMENITIES: There’s something for everyone at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Orlando Resort. From the 40,000 square foot spa with 40 treatment rooms, a private lap pool, a wellness center and a spa cafe and boutique, you’re sure to obtain a peaceful state of mind and a relaxing experience to tell others about when you return home. If you’re a golf enthusiast, there’s the 18-hole Greg Norman signature golf course to keep you busy. Or how about fly fishing classes or a private Eco-tour to spark your interest? Maybe an afternoon lazing poolside in a private cabana with everything you need right at your side with services from your own personal pool Concierge? So much to do, and never enough time to get it all done!

McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS… “Keep the Bread On Your Side of the Table!”

Posted on August 22, 2012 by savo0429

After dropping some friends off at LAX, my husband suggested having a late lunch at McCormick & Schmick’s in El Segundo. Frequenting the restaurant often for business, my husband thought it would be a nice spot close by for lunch together since we were in the neighborhood.

Specializing in seafood and shellfish, aged-to-perfection steaks and garden fresh salads, McCormick & Schmick’s also offers a constantly-changing menu. Each of the more than eighty restaurants print their menu daily! It’s true! We think that is so terrific. This is done to ensure that only the highest and best quality items available are served to dining patrons.

In addition to that, the El Segundo McCormick & Schmick’s presents a very inviting and warm ambiance as you walk through the establishment. Below, you can see the wood and glass paneled walls in the main dining room inside, the lounge area boasting an enormous bar with knowledgeable bartenders, the main entrance where an oyster display on ice is enhanced by a nearby swordfish mounted on a stainless steel covered wall and the dazzling glass ceiling hallway that leads past nicely-appointed banquet rooms on the way to the outdoor dining patio…

Having lunch on a beautiful day in southern California is not a hard thing to do considering how magnificent the weather is here. However, having lunch on a beautiful day on a beautiful outdoor patio can be tricky if you’re not sure where to do it. A sure bet is at the El Segundo McCormick & Schmick’s…

Above, I snapped this photo from where we were seated. We were lucky enough to arrive for lunch between the lunch and dinner crowds, so we had our pick of tables. This beautiful wooden arbor with wire-fashioned light spheres hanging from it was one of our views.

To our right, the view above encompassed comfortable patio furniture in front of a marvelous outdoor fireplace, plasma screen televisions for sports season gatherings and high-reaching palm trees overlooking the patio as they kept a watchful eye on us while we dined.

These creatively-fashioned wire spheres are actually lights hanging from the slatted ceilings of the trellised patio. I can only imagine the inviting environment these must create after the sun goes down. If any of our readers know where we can get some of these for our own patio, please let us know!

Time for chilled refreshments before ordering! My husband enjoyed a glass of Champagne, while I sipped from a cold glass of Chardonnay…

Above, the outdoor fireplace I mentioned earlier on the patio…enormous and commanding, this is the main centerpiece of the dining space out of doors. We will have to return for dinner to experience the evening ambiance!

Lunch is started with an amazing sourdough bread served with a ramekin of chilled sweet cream butter. This is the sort of carbohydrate I could feast on for days…therefore, I forced my husband to keep it on his side of the table so that I could resist temptation. I did tear off a small bite just to taste, and was delivered to another place entirely. A good place. A place of carbohydrate and butter happiness…even if just for a moment until that bite was devoured and was nothing more than a memory. Bottom line…the bread at McCormick & Schmick’s is gratifying and tasty!

Walnut Mixed Greens Salad

I started with a small salad before our entrees were delivered. This would make a terrific entree salad as well. This Walnut Mixed Greens Salad ($7.95) is prepared with mixed greens, candied walnuts, blue cheese crumbles and a savory balsamic vinaigrette dressing that covers every last morsel on your plate. The blue cheese is creamy and is a perfect flavor contrast to the sweet candied walnuts, while the creamy vinaigrette that coats the mixed greens really delivers.

For our main courses, we both chose one of McCormick & Schmick’s well-known items…their fish! Below, my husband decided upon the Parmesan Crusted Sole with a Lemon Caper Butter Sauce and butternut squash orzo ($15.95).

Parmesan Crusted Sole

Both of our fish entrees were served with the below butternut squash orzo…green peas, tender orzo, succulent butternut squash and accompanied by carrots and asparagus on the side…

Butternut Squash Orzo

My choice for lunch was also a fish selection…the Almond Crusted Rainbow Trout with a Lemon Butter Sauce and the same butternut squash orzo pictured above.

Almond Crusted Rainbow Trout

Another delicious salad creation from the kitchen of McCormick & Schmick’s is the Lobster Cobb Salad, which as you can see below, is quite visually stimulating with its tower of layers of crumbled bacon, egg, blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, and succulent lobster claw meat…

Lobster Cobb Salad

In the photo below, I started to break down the tower of goodness to show all of the colorful and savory layers of delicious ingredients…

Lobster Cobb Salad

Craving something on the sweeter side after your meal, but want to keep it light? Try the Sorbet Martini ($4.95), which is a choice of three of the restaurant’s featured sorbet flavors of the day. We chose the raspberry, lime and pear…

…and a closer look…

Sorbet Martini

We’re planning to return to McCormick & Schmick’s for their Happy Hour. We hear it’s a pretty fantastic event and should be well worth reviewing in a future post. Until then, if you’re searching for an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere for lunch with acceptable prices near the airport, this is most certainly one of our high recommendations!

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Inside, a traditional steakhouse feel with dark wooded and glass paneled walls, long intimate hallways, inviting banquet rooms for private parties and an entire lounge dedicated to the room-length bar ready to serve most anything you can think of. Outside, a beautifully-appointed arbor-covered outdoor patio complete with a massive fireplace, plasma televisions and swaying palms.

FOOD / DRINK: Fresh seafood, perfectly-cooked orzo (not too soft or chewy), chilled refreshing cocktails, nicely baked warm bread served before each meal and savory creative salads that are very enjoyable.

LOCATION: McCormick & Schmick’s is located near LAX at 2101 Rosecrans Avenue in El Segundo, CA 90245.

HOURS: Monday through Saturday from 11AM – 11:30PM, then on Sundays from 11AM – 10:30PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: Our server, Ryan, was incredible! He must really love his job at this establishment, because he was exemplary at it. Courteous, checking on us frequently without being overbearing, allowing us time to decide what we wanted and just as nice as could be. We’ll make a mental note to request his section again next time we’re there!

PRICE / VALUE: For just under $60, we feel we received a great offering. Of course, that amount would have been much less had we not ordered wine and champagne, but we were very happy that we did due to the quality of the beverages served.

CORKAGE FEE: $10 per bottle

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (310) 416 – 1123, Website: www.mccormickandschmicks.com

PARKING: Valet service is provided at the restaurant’s main entrance, however, the establishment will validate your ticket if you elect to keep your vehicle in the parking garage right next door as well.

TOTAL BILL: Our compilation of items ordered, including Chardonnay, Champagne, a Walnut Mixed Greens salad, the Almond Crusted Rainbow Trout entree and the Parmesan Crusted Sole entree came to a total of $58.57. Though very close to our $50 (including tax) goal, we’re happy to admit that this experience was most certainly worth the splurge!

*Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE… “A Woodland Hills Experience!”

Posted on August 13, 2012 by savo0429

After comparing the “Happy Hour” accommodations of the Woodland Hills Ruth’s Chris to the location in Beverly Hills, we’ve decided to recommend the Woodland Hills location to our readers for a great Happy Hour. Spacious, comfortable booths, tables and high-tops with a much longer-lasting and extensive menu, you won’t be disappointed with this Woodland Hills gathering spot!

Called their “Prime Hour”, the Woodland Hills Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse offers everything you can think of in terms of appetizers. We were shocked by the portion sizes, and awed by the incredible service and quality of the hand-shaken cocktails we enjoyed each time we visited.

Select wines, premium beers and well drinks are just $5, while hand shaken refreshing martinis are available for $7 each during Prime Hour. Above, we delighted in a Cosmopolitan, a Rum & Coke, a couple of glasses of wine, a basket of complimentary spicy potato chips and a classic Lemon Drop Martini.

Prime Hour Caesar Salad

The Ruth’s Chris Prime Hour Caesar Salad is a filling portion for anyone. Crisp Romaine lettuce leaves with Romano cheese and a creamy Caesar dressing topped with shaved Parmesan on top. When asked if I would like anchovies with my salad, we were not only not charged extra for them, but they were presented to us on a separate plate on a bed of lettuce! And at only $5, it was quite a deal.

Anchovies Served Atop a Lettuce Leaf For Caesar Salads

For $9, you can relish in the jumbo-sized chilled Shrimp Cocktail. Served on a bed of lettuce and Ruth’s Chris delicious New Orleans-style spicy cocktail sauce, this item is refreshing to enjoy and visually, a sight to behold.

Shrimp Cocktail

The next Prime Hour selection we recommend is the Crabtini Appetizer. Tender plump lump crab meat served in a chilled martini glass accompanied by lettuce leaves, a bell pepper garnish, the restaurant’s house vinaigrette and a delectable classic Remoulade sauce and hunks of white sweet crab meat just waiting to be devoured. This dish is $9 also, and comes with a stunning and colorful presentation, as you can see below.

Crabtini

Now we get to what Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is known for. Their beef! Below, these Prime Sliders are a mere $7…with cheese! Soft mini hamburger buns show off what’s inside as melty cheddar cheese blends in nicely with these perfectly-prepared savory bites!

Prime Burger Sliders

Yum! Did somebody ask for Crab Stuffed Mushrooms? Because we tried those, too! These large broiled mushroom caps are stuffed with a lump crab meat stuffing, sprinkled with Romano cheese then baked to perfection! Enjoy these for a simple $7!

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Next, we ordered the Ruth’s Tenderloin Rolls, which are Ruth’s Chris tender mini steaks on soft melt-in-your-mouth buns in servings of three per order. Wow. That’s all we can say about these. Wow. Wow. Wow. And for only $9.

INSIDER’S TIP: Our tip for ordering these sumptuous bites of beef is to ask for some of the restaurant’s whipped cream horseradish sauce. Not that these delicious morsels of flavor need it, but we just enjoy adding a touch of this heavenly sauce to these Tenderloin Rolls. Give it a try. You’ll see what we mean!

Tenderloin Rolls

On to our next taste sensation! The Veal Osso Bucco Ravioli below. Large saffron-infused ravioli casings filled with Veal Osso Bucco and fresh Mozzarella cheese then served with baby spinach and a white wine demi-glace. Can you say CRAZY DELICIOUS! All for just $7!

Veal Osso Bucco Ravioli

Care for a little Big Easy in your Prime Hour? Then try your luck with the Ruth’s Chris outstanding $7 Barbequed Shrimp! These New Orleans-style sauteed shrimp are swimming in a reduction of white wine, butter, garlic and spices. However, this appetizer is not spicy. My husband really enjoyed this dish and had no problems with the spiciness whatsoever. There’s more of a hint of spice, but not hot enough to cause an issue.

Barbequed Shrimp

We could literally go on for days blogging about the Woodland Hills Ruth’s Chris Prime Hour. We were THAT impressed. But all good things must come to an end eventually. BUT FIRST…

Behold! The Ruth’s Chris Prime Burger & Fries Appetizer…

The Ruth’s Chris Prime Burger With Fries

Yes, this is an actual appetizer on the Prime Hour menu! It’s a massive burger made with only the best beef around and lands on our list of top five all-time favorite burgers! Served open-faced, this burger was cooked to our requested temperature, placed on a large hamburger bun, topped with a mountain of blue cheese, then plated with all the traditional accoutrements on the side. Once assembled, you can see in the photos above that it’s a colossol burger! At a mere $9, what could be better?

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: The Ruth’s Chris spacious lounge can be described as Asian-modern with a trendy edge to it. We’ve found this establishment’s lounge to be quite accommodating for their Happy Hour activities.

FOOD / DRINK: Terrific steaks, incredible burgers, fun sliders, refreshing salads, outstanding beverages….okay, everything here is amazing!

LOCATION: The Woodland Hills Ruth’s Chris is located at the Westfield Towne Promenade Mall at 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Woodland Hills, CA in Suite 1360.

HOURS: Prime Hour is available Tuesday through Friday from 5PM to 7PM. However, on Fridays, you can start enjoying what is offered at 4:30 PM! But get there early on a Friday, because this space gets filled up quickly if you’re not in the know. Sundays and Mondays, Prime Hour selections are offered all night from 5PM until closing.

SERVICE / STAFF: Exceptional service every time we have visited this restaurant. Unparallelled customer service!

PRICE / VALUE: Amazing, amazing, amazing! Just go and you’ll see why we are so excited about the value of the Prime Hour menu!

CORKAGE FEE: In the lounge or main dining room, if you bring in a bottle to cork, there is a $15 corkage charge. Now we have to tell you this…if you bring in a bottle to have with dinner, then order even a half-bottle off the Ruth’s Chris menu, the restaurant will waive your $15 corkage charge! How’s that for a deal! And customer loyalty!

CONTACT INFO:Phone: (818) 227-9505. Website:www.ruthschris.com

PARKING: Valet parking is available, however there is ample parking in front of the restaurant in the parking lot and just a few short steps from the lot to the front door of this eatery.

TOTAL BILL: We’ve experienced this Prime Hour on a few ocassions, never having a bill that exceeded $40 (including tax). Of course, depending on how many items you order, the final bill will reflect those selections. We’re very happy with this Ruth’s Chris and will continue to return again and again.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

CANOE RESTAURANT… “Romance & Culinary Excellence Amidst the Chattahoochee River!”

Posted on July 29, 2012 by savo0429

Built along the serene banks of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia subsists the hailed restaurant, Canoe. With the property’s roaming paths and polished beautiful natural scenery, patrons can breathe in the fresh air, take a relaxing saunter along beautified meandering walkways, then settle in for a commendable and memorable dining experience. Our last visit to Canoe proved to be one such experience.

Having recently been awarded Zagat’s 2012 / 2013 Atlanta Restaurants Top 20 Food Ratings Survey accreditation, the establishment also received acclamations for the #2 Top Decor, #4 Top Service and #4 Most Popular. All of this out of 471 restaurants the metro Atlanta region. Pretty impressive!

An eye-catching bar with coffered ceilings and artist-sculpted wrought iron details is a main attraction in this area of the restaurant above.

The elegant dining area shows off Canoe’s red leather chairs, white-clothed tables and brick details throughout.

Petite Beef Short Ribs

Above, the Petite Beef Short Ribs were a perfect starter complimented with seared vegetables and joined by a trio of sauces.

Breaded Herbed Goat Cheese

The Breaded Herbed Goat Cheese above was devoured quickly and presented on a bed of vegetable slaw accompanied by an olive and basil oil blend.

Dressed Lemon Sole

I selected the Dressed Lemon Sole with fingerling potatoes, French green beans and a succulent and savory lemon-butter sauce that complimented all the flavors of the dish.

Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket

My husband chose the Slow-Roasted Beef Brisket over a palate of celery root whipped potatoes and a vegetable slaw in a savory beef jus.

Raspberry Torte

The raspberry, chocolate and vanilla torte was topped with a crumbled cookie crown. This was a scrumptious delight after such a wonderful meal.

Since we arrived after nightfall for dinner on this particular evening, we were unable to photograph the beautiful lawns and gardens on the property. However, on our return to Atlanta, we will update this post with those photos when we revisit the restaurant during the day.

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Charming, romantic, upscale and welcoming.

FOOD / DRINK: This popular eatery offers pleasing dishes, an array of choices to suit most anyone’s taste and a commanding wine list.

LOCATION: The restaurant is located in the Vinings community at 4199 Paces Ferry Road, SE in Atlanta, GA 30339.

HOURS: Canoe offers Lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:30 PM – 10 PM, then Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 PM – 11 PM, and on Sundays from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Brunch is available Sundays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: Exceptional attention was given to us by our server and the staff of Canoe. The customer service alone will have us returning.

PRICE / VALUE: For what we received at Canoe, including the precise execution of excellent service by our waiter and attention to detail, we feel Canoe is priced fairly, and we will return again in the future.

CORKAGE FEE: $15 per bottle any time, any day.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (770) 432-2663, Website: www.canoeatl.com

PARKING: Valet parking is available for your convenience.

TOTAL BILL: Our final bill totaled over $85, which included a few glasses of wine with dinner. However, we must recommend Canoe due to the worthiness of the cuisine, excellence of the service and tranquility of the establishment as a whole.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

ECCO RESTAURANT… “Atlanta’s Midtown Culinary Hot Spot!”

Posted on July 19, 2012 by savo0429

In the heart of Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia, Ecco exists. With its distinct marble floors, huge bar and lounge area, open-view kitchen and modern sophistication, this upscale casual establishment offers delectable cuisine with a heavy European influence that you will wish you had experienced before this moment…

Upon entering Ecco’s massive glass entry, we could see the open exhibition kitchen with its staff rushing around behind the counter as they prepared excellent culinary creations for their attending patrons for the evening…

Huge slices of freshly-baked crusty bread are supplied to the table shortly after guests are seated. A square porcelain container of chilled butter is served to accompany that…

The below photo is of Ecco’s Fried Goat Cheese. Orbs of lightly-fried heaps of creamy goat cheese coated in drizzles of sweet honey and cracked black pepper. It just melts in your mouth…

Fried Goat Cheese

This refreshing salad with cucumbers, green and red tomatoes, yellow bell pepper and fresh herbs was marinated in a delicious olive oil along with the scrumptious crunchy croutons mixed in. What a lovely idea to mix everything together, toss in a few crunchy croutons, then marinate it all in olive oil. The result…crunchy, happy goodness on a plate. I almost recreated this dish at home…in fact, I got pretty close, but it’s always better at Ecco!

Marinated Salad With Garlic Croutons & Vegetables In a Succulent Olive Oil Coating

If you get the chance to dine at Ecco, this is a must-have…the Roasted Piquillo Peppers stuffed with braised short rib and a succulent sauce that will make you desire more…

Roasted Piquillo Peppers

A favorite among locals at Ecco, (oh wait…they’re all favorites), is their Wood-Fired San Marzano Pizza with fresh tomatoes, house-made mozzarella and flavorsome basil…

Wood-Fired San Marzano Pizza

The next photo is of Ecco’s incredible Roasted Beets With Orange and Thyme. My husband loved it, and me…well, I’m not a lover of beets, but this dish changed my mind. Sweetened by fresh seasonal oranges and topped with pistachios, I almost forgot there were beets in this wonderful offering. The vibrant bold color of this selection was stunning…

Roasted Beets With Orange and Thyme

Fine ribbons of Fettuccine created the base for the below pasta dish topped with a kale and tomato mixture marinated in a delicious savory flavorful sauce that tied everything together in a perfect package…

Fettuccine Special With a Kale and Tomato Marinade

I loved the presentation of the tender chicken breast dish below…

Roasted Free-Range Chicken Breast

The Roasted Free-Range Chicken Breast served with steamed greenbeans was tender and succulent, and was presented in its own savory juices. No need for creamy sauces with this dish! It’s natural flavor enhanced by fresh herbs in the kitchen was just perfect.

Blueberry Mint Sorbet

For a simple and light dessert above, we shared a bowl of Ecco’s sweet and tangy Blueberry-Mint Sorbet.

As you can see in the photo above, we wound up closing the place down. We were the very last customers to leave!

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Ecco’s soaring glass entry invites you into it’s upscale modern motif inside. Casual, yet chic and elegant, this is a “must-do” in the Midtown section of Atlanta!

FOOD / DRINK: Refreshing sips and indulgent bites! Extremely creative conglomerations of flavors and visual satisfaction in every dish.

LOCATION: Ecco is located at 40 7th Street NE in Midtown in Atlanta, GA 30308.

HOURS: The bar and patio open at 4 PM daily, while dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 PM – 10 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 PM – 11 PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: Courteous, efficient, professional and friendly.

PRICE / VALUE: Amazing-amazing-amazing! Ecco is on our list of restaurants to visit on every trip we take to the city! Outstanding value and prices for what is offered.

CORKAGE: $20 per bottle.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (404) 347-9555. Website: www.ecco-atlanta.com

PARKING: Metered street parking is available surrounding the restaurant.

TOTAL BILL: Our total bill was over $100 (including tax), but it was so worth the additional expenditure for the quality of the meal and beverages, the creative flair of the cuisine, the modern-chic atmosphere and the attentive staff.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

THE MANTEL WINE BAR & BISTRO… “One of Oklahoma City’s Best!”

Posted on July 11, 2012 by savo0429

Located in the historic district of downtown Oklahoma City exists a wine bar and bistro called The Mantel Wine Bar & Bistro. Recently recognized by Cornell University as one of the country’s best “gourmet” restaurants, we had the opportunity to experience just why it is one of the city’s best eateries.

Upon entering after dark for dinner, my husband and I were seated at a cozy booth surrounded by candlelight. The atmosphere was that of an upscale establishment with a casual, yet elegant flair.

Our meal started with a delicious flavorful bread being served to us by a friendly professional waiter. An emphasis of “taking our time” while we were there was suggested, and we did just that as we ordered a couple of glasses of wine to start out…

My husband ordered a delicious Cabernet, while I enjoyed a Merlot that our waiter hand selected for me…

For salad selections, we had the House Salad and the Spinach Salad. Below, my husband savored this fresh and colorful collaboration of flavor with cucumber, currants, bleu cheese, grape tomatoes and a roasted red bell pepper vinaigrette dressing that tied the entire dish of palatable vegetables together…

House Salad

I went for the Spinach Salad, (below), which included raspberry caramelized onions, bleu cheese, candied pecans, sliced apple and a honey balsamic vinaigrette. I enjoyed the sweetness and crunch of the candied pecans and the contrast of essence between the creamy bleu cheese and the full-flavored vinaigrette.

Spinach Salad

For my entree, I chose Mantel’s Blackened Ahi Tuna. Pan seared Ahi tuna with roasted poblano and sweet corn risotto, a vegetable of the day and enhanced with a mouthwatering champagne blackberry reduction…

Pan Seared Blackened Ahi Tuna

The below is my husband’s entree…the twelve-ounce Prime New York Strip served with steamed asparagus, fingerling potatoes and a whiskey mushroom cream sauce…

12-Ounce Prime New York Strip

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: The Mantel is a casual, yet sophisticated-styled bistro, wine bar and restaurant with a comfortable and inviting ambiance. A terrific place for a late-night dinner, and we can imagine it would be perfect as well most any time of the day or evening.

FOOD / DRINK: Succulent dishes, savory wines and beautiful presentations from the chef.

LOCATION: The Mantel WIne Bar & Bistro is located at 201 East Sheridan in the historic district of downtown Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

HOURS: Dining is available Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Fridays from 11 AM to 11 PM, Saturdays from 5 PM to 11 PM, and on Sundays from 5 PM to 9 PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: We experienced excellent attentive service from our waiter at The Mantel. Professional, courteous and willing to make suggestions for us.

PRICE / VALUE: Great meals, terrific prices and incredible value!

CORKAGE: No outside alcohol is allowed into the restaurant.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (405) 236-8040, Website: www.themantelokc.com

PARKING: There is a parking lot for patrons outside the front of the restaurant, as well as valet service for your convenience.

TOTAL BILL: Our final bill came in just over $85, however it was well worth the splurge! We’ll definitely return for dinner on our next visit to Oklahoma City!

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

TRULUCK’S SAN DIEGO… “La Jolla’s ‘True Luck’ Restaurant!”

Posted on June 27, 2012 by savo0429

Well, we said we would do it, and we did. After our experience in Miami at the Truluck’s restaurant there, we had to try the one in San Diego to see if it compared. And compare it did! There’s really nothing negative we can say about this seafood and steak restaurant. It’s more of an institution really. The quality, consistency, precision to detail, competitive customer service and above average overall ambiance is just incredible. Known countrywide for their incredible award-winning seafood, stone crab claws, and succulent steaks, Truluck’s is by far a leading company far ahead of the game.

The entrance to the San Diego Truluck’s near La Jolla is welcoming, offers spacious outdoor patios and allows for most any celebration to be enjoyed easily.

Above, the huge glass-encased wine cellar right next to our table. We dined at the Captain’s Table, which is where the owner sits when he visits the restaurant. Request this location when you have dinner here. The view from the table allows for oversight of most everything going on in the establishment from the lounge, the entertainment at the Baby Grand and the entire restaurant. No wonder Truluck’s San Diego was voted “Best Wine List” in 2011 by the San Diego Magazine Reader’s Poll and The Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence!

But that’s not the only recognition this specific Truluck’s has received. There’s much more to their list of accreditations:

Best of the Best 2011 / 2012 and Best Seafood 2011 / 2012 by the San Diego Magazine Reader’s Poll, the Best Service 2012 San Diego Magazine Critic’s Choice Award, Best Happy Hour 2011 and Best Service 2011 by San Diego Magazine Reader’s Poll, Best of the Best, Best Seafood, Most Impressive Decor, Best Service and Happiest Happy Hour by San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyles, Best Service, Best Wine List, and Best Seafood by SanDiegoRestaurants.com (Diner’s Poll), Best Steak by La Jolla Light Reader’s Poll, and was rated Excellent for food and service in 2011 by Zagat. And there are plenty more where those came from!

The Truluck’s menu…just wait until you see what’s inside!

Fresh Delectable Bread Service

Fresh crusty bread is promptly served to the table by an attentive waiter. Chilled sweet cream butter is also provided.

Crab Display Before Ordering

The presentation of one of Truluck’s best-known specialties…crab claws…is presented to patrons before ordering. This is not only entertaining, but the visual enchantment is also worth while. I snapped a photo as our server was explaining their offerings of the evening above.

Pinot Noir Selection From the Wine Cellar

Upon arriving, we chose a bottle of 2009 Tolosa Pinot Noir, which we both enjoyed. Its huge nose and delicious finish was perfect for sipping while waiting to be served dinner.

Large Stone Crab Claws

As a starter, we selected four of Truluck’s Stone Crab claws. Pre-cracked for ease of enjoying and served over ice with lemon and a creamy tasteful sauce, we knew these would be delectable. And they were!

Truluck’s Wedge Salad

Next, we agreed to share one of the Wedge Salads, which was so memorable from our visit to the Miami, FL Truluck’s. It was just as good at this locale, if not better! Crisp, chilled and a beautiful visual presentation with all the flavor sensations we remembered from before.

Filet Mignon Oscar-Style

Above and below, the Filet Oscar was cooked to a perfect medium temperature and was accompanied with an Oscar topping of grilled asparagus, fresh crab meat and Bearnaise sauce. What a beautifully presented and visually-pleasing contract against the brilliant green asparagus. We did, however, get a little carried away with the Bearnaise sauce!

Interior View of the Filet Mignon…with Extra Bearnaise Sauce!

We enjoyed the below dish so much during our Truluck’s experience in Miami that we had to get it again in CA. The Miso-Glazed Sea Bass…MSC certified South Georgia Chilean Sea Bass served with crab fried rice and a chilled cucumber slaw. Immensely satisfying from first bite to the last taste on your fork, this is one of our all-time favorite Sea Bass dishes ever! The crab fried rice beneath is tender and erupting with flavor, while the Chilean Sea Bass is delicate, tender and almost melts in your mouth upon contact!

Miso- Glazed Sea Bass with Crab Fried Rice

Of course, our server had to present us with their dessert tray after dinner. The below left photo shows Truluck’s extensive array of sweet temptations. However, you already know what we ordered, probably…the Carrot Cake! A little coffee on the side led to the perfect conclusion to a wonderful meal, spectacular service and amazing ambiance!

By the way…I know I mentioned this in our review of the Miami Truluck’s restaurant some time ago, but this restaurant has THE BEST CARROT CAKE EVER!!!

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Having been voted ‘ Most Impressive Decor’ by San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyles, there’s reason this happened. Truluck’s signature underwater vases of pale pink orchids are displayed atop the division wall between the lounge and the main restaurant, while the upscale feel of the steakhouse and seafood haven will have you relaxed, feeling at home and enjoying the intricate detailed design of the entire establishment.

FOOD / DRINK: Amazing Stone crab claws, succulent steaks, crisp salads and refreshing beverages. There’s not a thing that we found to be unsatisfactory during our attendance for dinner.

LOCATION: This Truluck’s restaurant is located near La Jolla at 8990 University Center Lane in San Diego, CA 92122.

HOURS: Truluck’s in San Diego is open daily for Dinner Monday through Saturday from 5 PM – 10 PM, and on Sunday evenings from 5 Pm – 9 PM. The Stone Crab lounge is open daily from 4:30 PM, where cocktail hour is presented until 7:30 PM Monday through Sunday.

SERVICE / STAFF: Todd Perry, a managing partner of the establishment, made sure we were seated in a satisfactory location with a beautiful view inside of the entire restaurant. Corey was our waiter, and we cannot express in words his exemplary service. Corey was informative, enlightening, amusing and supportive throughout our entire meal. We’ll be sure to request his section the next time we dine at the San Diego Truluck’s.

PRICE / VALUE: Taking a look at what we enjoyed for dinner, we expected the price for everything to exceed $100, which it did. But well worth the splurge, and well worth the additional consideration when we added in the quality of the cuisine we enjoyed, the incredible and attentive service and the stunning interior decor.

CORKAGE FEE: $20 per bottle, just remember that on Wednesdays if you purchase a bottle of select wine or champagne from the bar, they will give you 50% off the regular price!

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (858) 453-2583, Website: www.trulucks.com

PARKING: Self parking is available for guests in the adjacent parking garage, however we recommend the valet service for a simple $8. It will save you a lot of time and allow you to relax and not have to worry about parking your vehicle.

TOTAL BILL: Our total bill came in over $100, but we were more than happy to accept that charge considering what we received.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

TRULUCK’S MIAMI… “Best Stone Crab Claws & Best Carrot Cake EVER!”

Posted on June 22, 2012 by savo0429

Another incredible dinner location in Miami is Truluck’s. Just over the bridge from Brickell Key sits one of the most consistent upscale chain restaurants specializing in steaks, seafood, and especially Florida Stone Crab Claws. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit a Truluck’s restaurant, then you haven’t experienced how positively life-changing it can be. Since our stop there, we haven’t been the same since! (In a good way!)

It was our first evening in Miami. We were tired, had been traveling all day, and just wanted a good meal somewhere close to our hotel. Fortunately, the hotel Concierge guided us to Truluck’s. What an amazing start to our visit to Miami…

Upon our arrival, we noticed this towering tree above in the front of the restaurant. It was so beautiful and unique, I snapped a quick photo of it to include in this review…

Everywhere you look in this establishment, there are towering clear glass vases filled with underwater pink orchids…so stunning…

We started with Champagne. Our flight was not the easiest, so we decided to settle our nerves and relax with a few drinks while we perused the extensive menu…

The fresh-baked bread that was brought to us with our beverages was prepared without flaw, soft on the inside and crusty on the outer perimeter…

Known for their Florida Stone Crab Claws, we opted for four of the medium-sized portions for a starter…

Florida Stone Crab Claws

We shared one of Truluck’s Wedge Salads. It was crisp, chilled, and had the perfect amount of Bleu Cheese Dressing, fresh crisp bits of bacon and chunks of fresh Bleu Cheese!

Truluck’s Wedge Salad

We both finally decided on our entrees. My husband chose the Miso-Glazed Sea Bass…South Georgian Chilean Sea Bass served with crab-fried rice and a chilled cucumber slaw below…

Miso-Glazed Sea Bass

Below, I chose the Alaskan Halibut Pontchartrain Style with lightly blackened Halibut, crawfish, gulf shrimp, and Blue Crab in a piquante Creole cream sauce…

Alaskan Halibut Pontchartrain Style

We also indulged in a side order of their Blue Crab and Lobster Mac and Cheese below!

Blue Crab & Lobster Mac & Cheese

And though we didn’t eat it at the restaurant, we were convinced to take a slice of the Carrot Cake back to our hotel in a “to go” box. That proved to be a very good idea! I have proclaimed this carrot cake the BEST CARROT CAKE ever thus far!

Truluck’s Famous Carrot Cake

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: We were really WOWED by the presentation, ambiance, relaxing interior, modern steakhouse-style booths and sense of peacefulness here.

FOOD / DRINK: Fresh chilled sweet Stone Crab claws, crisp refreshing and colorful Wedge Salad piled high with crunchy bacon and mounds of Blue Cheese chunks, out of this world Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, delicious Pontchartrain Sauce and THE best carrot cake I ever have had, and probably ever WILL have in my life!

LOCATION: Truluck’s is located at 777 Brickell Avenue in Miami, FL 33131.

HOURS: Serving 5 PM – 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 5 PM – 11 PM Fridays and Saturdays.

SERVICE / STAFF: Professional, great personalities and attitudes, always smiling and genuinely get their guests in a better mood than they were in before they walked into the establishment!

PRICE / VALUE: No pondering this at all. You simply get what you pay for here. And that amounts to a lot!

CORKAGE FEE: Outside bottles are not allowed inside of this Truluck’s location, however there is a wide selection of fine wines in-house.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (305) 579-0035, Website: www.trulucks.com

PARKING: Valet parking is available at the front of Truluck’s for your convenience.

TOTAL BILL: We spent just under $220 including tax, but the experience was well worth the expenditure. Will we visit Truluck’s again in the future? Absolutely we will!

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

CAFE BIZOU… “The Jewel of the Valley!”

Posted on May 6, 2012 by savo0429

Cafe Bizou has been a favorite love of ours for many years. We find ourselves driving over the hill a few times a month just to have a romantic dinner there together. It brings back fond memories, allows us a chance to catch up on old times and always welcomes us back no matter how long ago our previous visit may have been.

Cafe Bizou’s scrumptious French cuisine will make anyone’s mouth water, senses heighten and heart skip a beat. Despite the fact that there is no Happy Hour at Cafe Bizou, this eatery is still high on our Savor Hour list. For starters, their corkage fee is $2. TWO DOLLARS! And that’s EVERY NIGHT! (Time to take a trip to the wine locker)! This not only makes the bill much easier to handle, but it also allows for more room to enjoy the items on the menu. We usually bring our own wine to dinner there. When we do, we also bring two of our large Riedel wine glasses as well to enjoy our wine. It’s just something we stared doing a couple of years ago, and it sort of stuck. You can always order a glass of wine off the menu, of course, as well. Ranging from $7 to $10 per glass, there are several options available if you don’t bring a bottle in to have corked.

Once evening approaches, all of the candles are lit on the tables, restaurant lights are lowered giving the entire establishment a romantic feel, and orders of culinary excellence begin pouring out of the kitchen by the smiling waitstaff, soon to be devoured and enjoyed by dining patrons. There is an option to seating areas as well. Multiple dining rooms offer an elegant experience either inside the restaurant at tables draped in white tablecloths and a wall of mirrors, or inside their front enclosed “patio” area, which offers a less formal, yet very comfortable “booth” seating alternative. Both are lovely and offer different views and feels. Personally, we’ve dined in both areas and recommend them both.

Hand-Shaken Refreshing Chilled Martinis

High quality martinis and other cocktails can be ordered from the bar. Their House Martini list offers eight martinis for $8 each. If you’re not in the mood for bringing in a bottle of wine to go with dinner, you can always opt for one of these divine adult beverages. Offerings include their Cosmopolitan, Sour Apple Martini, the Lemon Drop, the Bikini Martini, the Chocolate Martini, the Key Lime Martini, as well as the Red Delicious and Pomegranate Martinis. A nice variety of flavors at a very desirable price. Two of my favorites are their Lemon Drop Martini and the Bikini Martini. The Lemon Drop, made with Absolute Citron shaken with fresh lemonade served with a sugared rim. It’s the perfect amount of tart, an ample supply of sweetness. Delicious! The Bikini Martini is prepared with Malibu Rum, vodka, pineapple juice, and a splash of Grenadine then garnished with a maraschino cherry in the bottom. SO INCREDIBLE! Then there’s Cafe Bizou’s creative take on the traditional apple martini…the Red Delicious Martini, which literally tastes like you’re biting into a Red Delicious apple! I honestly do not know how they do it!

Let’s discuss what else is great besides the smiling staff, incredible cocktails, and romantic, cozy environment at the Sherman Oaks Cafe Bizou. Let’s talk dinner! To begin, a bread basket and glasses of ice water are delivered to your table shortly after you’re seated. (We always ask them to toast our bread because we like it warm, which they are more than happy to do). Soft, full of flavor and tempting enough that on more than one occasion, the two of us finished off the entire basket and started on a new one! The bread is delightful and delicious and comes served with a porcelain container of individually-wrapped butter.

Tuna Tartare

To make matters even better, Cafe Bizou’s appetizer list astounds with quality, variety and flavorful options. The Tuna Tartare and the Baked Mushrooms are two of our favorites, but if you don’t like tuna or mushrooms, then there are the Chicken Potstickers, Lobster and Salmon Ravioli, Crab Cakes, Veal Sweetbreads, the Seared Sesame Ahi Tuna, the Ginger Jumbo Shrimp and also a Combo Plate, which includes Baked Mushrooms, Lobster and Salmon Ravioli and Tuna Tartare. Speaking of Tuna Tartare, it is one of the most delectable Tuna Tartar appetizers anywhere in the Valley. Crispy thinly-sliced toast accompanied by slices of smoked salmon topped with heaping mounds of fresh Tuna Tartare, then finished with a cucumber slice garnish and lemon in the center. Refreshing, flavorful and a true value for the price, this one is a classic signature of the restaurant. One sure to not disappoint.

Soups Of the Day – Tomato, Potato Mushroom and Vegetable Tomato

Another highlight of Cafe Bizou’s menu is their option of having a bowl of their Soup of the Day or Romaine Salad with a Dijon honey mustard dressing for just $1 with any entree purchase. (Above, the Tomato Soup, Potato Mushroom Soup and the Vegetable Tomato soup.) You can kick that up a notch and order their Caesar Salad for just $2 with any entree as well. TWO DOLLARS! And it’s not a side salad. This is a very nicely-portioned Caesar Salad for a mere two dollars. Add that to your entree and it’s just sublime.

$2 Caesar Salad With Entree

Another recent treat that has been brought back to the menu is the escargot appetizer (photographed above.)Incredibly tender, luciously buttered and the perfect amount of garlic in the sauce. If you haven’t had Cafe Bizou’s escargot, you simply must try them soon. If you’ve never tried escargot, then this is the place to break yourself in! You can’t go wrong with these. Served six to an order, they’re just perfect.

Escargot

Cafe Bizou’s entree selection choices are rather extensive. Ranging from Entree Salads to their Prix Fixed Menu to the Daily Specials and other delectable features including seafood, grill items, pasta dishes, and many others. I’ve added a link to their website where you can see their menu in detail, but I would like to highlight a few of our favorites below. (Okay, maybe several)!

Alaskan Sand Dabs Sauteed In a Caper Butter Sauce with Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Vegetables

Lake Superior Whitefish with Linguini Pasta, Tomatoes, Mushrooms and Basil in a Lobster Sauce

Lamb Shank

Shrimp and Slipper Lobster Tails with Mushroom Risotto and Fried Leeks in a Red Wine Lobster Sauce

Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Salsa Accompanied by Grilled Eggplant and Vegetables

Sesame Coated Salmon Served on a Bed of Potato Pancakes and Mushrooms in a Red Wine Sauce

Alaskan Halibut with Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes in a Tomato Garlic Sauce

Grilled New York Steak Salad with Romaine, Endive, Watercress, Tomato, Blue Cheese and Grilled Red Onions in a Honey Mustard Dressing

Chicken Balsamic with Sauteed Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus and Pearl Onions in a Balsamic Sauce

Crispy Potato Scaled Salmon with Spinach, Mushrooms and Tomatoes in a Port and White Wine Sauce

Grilled Salmon Salad with Papaya, Grilled Red Onion and Passion Fruit Dressing

Steak Frites with Grilled Tomatoes, Asparagus and French Fries in a Burgundy Wine Sauce

Hungry yet? Well, be sure to leave room for dessert, because Cafe Bizou offers a varied selection of sweet indulgements such as their Flourless Chocolate Cake, Creme Brulee, their Profiteroles and others to tempt you. We’re not big dessert eaters (most of the time), but two of our favorites here in the past have been the Flourless Chocolate Cake and the Profiteroles.

Profiteroles

Trio of Sorbets – Raspberry, Mango, Pineapple

Fourless Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Ice Cream

Cafe Bizou in Sherman Oaks has ample delicacies and flavor sensations to please whatever your culinary desires may be. If you haven’t been to this fine palatable institution for some time, it’s time to revisit. If you’ve never been to this French cafe, then it’s time to try it out. Abundant portions, mouth-watering options, stellar service and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere make this a plus for Savor Hour!

DECOR / ESTABLISHMENT: Charming, romantic and captivating. This French Cafe will romance you as well as your taste buds all the way through your meal from beginning to end.

FOOD / DRINK: Fresh French cuisine prepared in style, luscious and memorable dishes to suit any cuisine connoisour, and incredible hand-shaken cocktails from the bar will make anyone a return customer!

LOCATION: 14016 Ventura Boulevard San Fernando Valley, California 91423

HOURS: Cafe Bizou is open for business for Lunch Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 PM – 2:30 PM, for Dinner nightly from 5 PM – 10 PM, and for Saturay and Sunay Brunch from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: From the moment you call for a reservation, the voice on the other end of the line is welcoming and polite. (If you get Liz, you’ll see why we love her so much)! Upon arrival, you are greeted with a smile, shown in and seated, as glasses of water and fresh bread are brought to your table. The servers are happy to see you and delighted to take your order, then deliver your meal with elegance and grace.

PRICE / VALUE: Two thumbs up! (Make that four if you include both my husband and me)! Desirable setting, diverse menu selections, generous portions and an efficient and professional staff.

CORKAGE: $2 CORKAGE!!! EVERY NIGHT!!! (What more needs to be said)?

CONTACT INFO: Phone – (818) 788-3536, Website - www.cafebizou.com

PARKING: You can park at any of the available metered parking spaces on nearby streets, or take advantage of the Valet upon your arrival to the restaurant.

TOTAL BILL: $48.77 (Including tax), for a bottle of excellent wine, the $2 corkage fee, a bowl of the delicious Soup of the Day, a plate of scrumptious escargot in a buttery garlic sauce, the Sesame Coated Salmon entree and the Shrimp and Slipper Lobster Tail entree. Incredibly reasonable expenditure for such a delectable and appealing involvement!

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

BAR 12/21 @ MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE… “The Great Escape Inside Morton’s Steakhouse!”

Posted on April 20, 2012 by savo0429

On the corner of South La Cienega Boulevard in Beverly Hills on the famed “Restaurant Row” sits a steakhouse you’ve probably heard of: Morton’s. Inside the restaurant sits Bar 12/21. Tucked off to the side of the restaurant as you enter the main threshold, you will find that this lounge not only offers great deals on their Happy Hour libations and edibles, but also hosts a feel of elegant comfort and charm.

Bar 12/21 got it’s name from the opening date of the original Morton’s in Chicago, IL on December 21,1978. Hence it’s name, 12/21. Besides their high standards for keeping their cherished customers happy and the intimate feel Morton’s is commonly known for, Bar 12/21 offers an astonishing Happy Hour they call their “Power Hour”. In fact, it’s not just one hour. It’s several hours. Bar 12/21′s “Power Hour” is available Sundays through Fridays from opening to 6:30pm. But wait…it gets better. There’s a reverse “Power Hour” again from 9pm until closing (11PM) on the same days. (We LOVE double Happy Hours)!

Let’s talk “Power Hour!” Bar 12/21 offers Bar Bites at an unreasonably terrific value. Their list of goodies includes: Iceberg Wedge Bites for $6 – normally $10.50 (four mini wedge salads with tomatoes, bacon bits, egg and Blue Cheese dressing), Blue Cheese Steak Fries for $6 - normally $10.50 (fries with red pepper flakes, melted blue cheese and chives), Chicken Goujonettes for $6 - normally $11.50 (crispy chicken strips with a mustard mayonnaise), Mini Crab Cake BLTs for $7 – normally $16 (three crab cakes served on silver dollar rolls with bacon, lettuce, tomato and mustard), Smoked Salmon Pizza for $7 – normally $15 (Morton’s smoked salmon with capers and purple onion layered on a warm crust with dill sour cream), Prime Cheeseburgers for $7 – normally $14 (three cheeseburgers served on silver dollar rolls with lettuce, tomato and purple onion), and their Four Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches for $7 – normally $15 (with a mustard mayonnaise). But wait…that’s just their Bar Bites menu. Their beverage menu offers the following: Beer for $5 (Sam Adams-Seasonal, Budweiser, Bud Light, Heineken and Heineken Light), Wines for $6.50 (Canyon Road Chardonnay, Cavit Pinot Grigio, Montevina White Zinfandel, BV “Coastal Estates” Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest “Two Vines” Merlot, Colores del Sol “Reserva” Malbec), and fabulous Mortinis, (LOVE the name!), for $7.50 each (Power Hour Vodka Mortini, Power Hour Gin Mortini, Power Hour Cosmopolitan, Power Hour Manhattan, and their Power Hour Mojito). (Phew… thought I wasn’t going to make all that in one breath)! Needless to say, Bar 12/21 offers an extensive collection of Power Hour libations and Bar Bites sure to please anyone.

Above, I indulged in a Power Hour Cosmopolitan, while my husband enjoyed a Power Hour Mojito. Both were prepared quickly, hand-made in front of us and blended to perfection. We were pleased to discover that both beverages were quite refreshing and beautiful in color. The Cosmopolitan wasn’t too fruity or sweet, and the Mojito wasn’t too minty or sugary. They were both perfect. Our bartender, Taylor, was extremely pleasant and offered a kind smile.

We placed our order for appetizers after I ordered another Cosmo leaving us anxiously awaiting and curious about the food we were soon to receive. If the Power Hour cocktails were any indication of the quality of the upcoming Bar Bites, we were certainly in for a treat. We selected the Iceberg Wedge Bites, the Smoked Salmon Pizza and the Four Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches. We were right. The cocktails were indeed an indication of the greatness of the food. Here are photos of what we ordered, then happily consumed:

We had more than enough to eat with the three appetizers we ordered. Our total bill came in under $50, however for the type of establishment it is, it was a great deal for the two of us.

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Upscale, old-style lounge with several separate bar tables and a popular main bar area along windows that overlook the Boulevard.

FOOD / DRINK: The hand-crafted cocktails were phenomenal, while the Bar Bites we had definitely delivered.

LOCATION: Located adjacent to the SLS Hotel at 435 South La Cienega Boulevard in Beverly Hills, CA 90086.

HOURS: Power Hour in Bar 1221 is available Sunday through Friday from 5 PM – 6:30, and again from 9 PM until closing (usually 11 PM).

SERVICE / STAFF: The service we received from our bartender was to our satisfaction. Her kindness and professional attitude were appreciated.

PRICE / VALUE: The combined price of our appetizers and cocktails was under $50, but the value of everything from the staff to the drinks to the food to the establishment proved well worth it.

CORKAGE: The corkage fee in the bar is $25 per bottle. (SHOCKING!!!). But their wine selection is well worth ordering there.

CONTACT INFO: Phone – (310) 246-1501, Website- www.mortons.com/beverlyhills

TOTAL BILL: $47.83 (including tax) for two Martinis, one Mojito, a fairly sizable Smoked Salmon Pizza, a plate of Petite Filet Mignonette Sandwiches, and the Iceberg Wedge Bites.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

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Tag Archives: steaks

THE PALM RESTAURANT… “Lunch With Steak Burgers & Intriguing Caricatures!”

COAST RESTAURANT & BAR @ CANARY HOTEL… “American Cuisine With Panoramic Rooftop Views!”

SKULL CREEK BOATHOUSE… “History & Good Times Set Against A Waterfront Backdrop!”

AUREOLE @ MANDALAY BAY RESORT & CASINO… “Swan Court Seating & Flying Wine Angels!”

FLIGHT… “Not Just Walking In Memphis Anymore…We’re Dining There!”

THE RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO… “Work or Play, It’s a Great Place to Stay!”

McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS… “Keep the Bread On Your Side of the Table!”

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE… “A Woodland Hills Experience!”

CANOE RESTAURANT… “Romance & Culinary Excellence Amidst the Chattahoochee River!”

THE MANTEL WINE BAR & BISTRO… “One of Oklahoma City’s Best!”

TRULUCK’S SAN DIEGO… “La Jolla’s ‘True Luck’ Restaurant!”

TRULUCK’S MIAMI… “Best Stone Crab Claws & Best Carrot Cake EVER!”

CAFE BIZOU… “The Jewel of the Valley!”

BAR 12/21 @ MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE… “The Great Escape Inside Morton’s Steakhouse!”