Mel "The Blogger" U.'s Profile

Meh. I hate when bakeries are mediocre. Especially when they are old school... and only a couple blocks away on days when a total sugar craving hits.

Up until this weekend, I've stopped in for a cookie or two, which were decent, but didn't knock my socks off. But calmed down my needfulness. Then, I finally tried this almond torte that everyone GUSHED over in unison, when I remarked that I wasn't all that impressed by Prantl's.

Oh, I hate when I give second, third, fourth chances to undeserving eateries. The cake was frozen. FROZEN, as in, the pudding layer had chunks of ice in it (and I ate it about 15 minutes after purchase). I let it sit out for a half hour to defrost, which if you are a baked goods aficionado, you know that frozen cakes tastes like cardboard, stale crap once at room temperature. So sad, I wanted -- and expected -- something so much better.

I'll start by saying this: I really like James Street Gastropub. The location, the interior, the menu selection, the food, the service. All warrant five stars.

But, I'm assuming because of the popularity in their new open, there were some timing problems with our visit last weekend. The place was considerably crowded; and our waitress was considerably overwhelmed (not in service, but in all the tables we noticed she was taking care of). I don't know how she maintained such a laid-back, cool vibe about her -- I would have been tearing my hair out and crying behind the bar.

Speaking of the bar, when you hear "speakeasy" you think: oooh, fancy cocktails. There is NO cocktail menu. None. A glaring oversight (which is easily fixed, with the hiring of a great bartender). FWIW, the beer list isn't all that exciting either -- a couple crafts, but mostly over-tapped with the mega-brewers.

The food was excellent. I mean, this chef brought some interesting tweaks and upgrades to your everyday bar food. I drooled for 20 minutes after having just a tomato salsa that was side to beer-soaked potato chips. There were two additional "dips" for those chips too... tasty and interesting complement for the snack. My cod sandwich for my main course (served with a side of onion rings) was great as well -- large, fresh and crispy breaded (it did come dry; however, just ask for some tartar sauce).

There was a lengthy wait time in between appetizers and our entrees -- and the hostess even brought us a second round of our appetizers  during that wait... we refused the mistake (I'm assuming the kitchen ticket wasn't pulled). When another friend joined our party -- after we placed our order, but before receiving our food -- his burger didn't come until well after we ate... and not even until after I ordered and RECEIVED my dessert.

I can't wait to go back and try the sweet doughnut burger, by the way. If you want to skip that decidedly-gluttonous entree, go for the pineapple-upside down cake donut. Delicious.

Live Jazz was canceled because of the weather, but I'm definitely looking forward to a re-visit for more of that great food and tunes.