Jacob P.'s Profile
Date
Went to Bistro Elan on Birch St. for dinner and had a brilliant pseudo-French cuisine experience. Excellent service from a knowledgeable and interested staff, good menu selection, and the dishes were, simply put, stellar.
The dessert menu I thought was particularly good as a non-dessert eater myself -- they offered non-stereotypical selections as well as 3-4 choice dessert wines.
One thing to know is that this place is small, like a French bistro -- I'm not sure you could seat more than 6 people together without shuffling tables. It feels authentic throughout, though the owner appears to be Norwegian :)
I can't speak highly enough of my experience here, and we took quite a long time to go from appetizers through desert. Never rushed, just encouraged to enjoy.
The dessert menu I thought was particularly good as a non-dessert eater myself -- they offered non-stereotypical selections as well as 3-4 choice dessert wines.
One thing to know is that this place is small, like a French bistro -- I'm not sure you could seat more than 6 people together without shuffling tables. It feels authentic throughout, though the owner appears to be Norwegian :)
I can't speak highly enough of my experience here, and we took quite a long time to go from appetizers through desert. Never rushed, just encouraged to enjoy.
100 W Houston St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 254-7000
New York, NY 10012
(212) 254-7000
Jane
Categories:
Breakfast & Brunch,
American (New)
Neighborhoods: South Village, Greenwich Village
Had a group event on the lower level, so expectedly a more limited menu and bar. As far as that goes, both the food and cocktails were sub-par. I couldn't have said I've ever not finished a vodka tonic due to taste until now. Upstairs the bar was FANTASTIC and the plates looked much better. A few of us ended up ordering upstairs (ground floor) and that is definitely a four-star+ affair.
Wonderful pseudo-American and French cuisine at surprisingly smart prices. Given the four dishes we saw, you probably can't go wrong with their menu.
The atmosphere is a huge part of Lucky Strike: in the evening our waiters were all young lumberjack-bearded hipsters, the walls covered with all sorts of great tchotchke, old NY tile, and cursive menu items, the tables are thin enough that your plate will touch the person's across from you, and most of all it was dimly lit and at perfect noise level (roaring but you can hear conversation).
I was there with co-workers, you should take a date.
The atmosphere is a huge part of Lucky Strike: in the evening our waiters were all young lumberjack-bearded hipsters, the walls covered with all sorts of great tchotchke, old NY tile, and cursive menu items, the tables are thin enough that your plate will touch the person's across from you, and most of all it was dimly lit and at perfect noise level (roaring but you can hear conversation).
I was there with co-workers, you should take a date.
443 E 6th St
New York, NY 10009
New York, NY 10009
Amor y Amargo
Category:
Bars
Neighborhoods: East Village, Alphabet City
Amor y Amargo is all about its name: love and bitters. If you aren't familiar with the bitters drink scene, consider their Negroni and you might find yourself with one of the best made drinks you've had in NY.
And that's the great thing about Amor y Amargo: it is approachable and comfortable for anyone looking for a place to be, but if you want to taste bitters and wax on mixology they'll have no trouble pulling you into some new areas.
The place is quite small, which lends to the intimacy you'll be having with your cocktail (and friends, I suppose). The actual bar area probably fits about 20 people and there are around 10 seats at the bar.
And that's the great thing about Amor y Amargo: it is approachable and comfortable for anyone looking for a place to be, but if you want to taste bitters and wax on mixology they'll have no trouble pulling you into some new areas.
The place is quite small, which lends to the intimacy you'll be having with your cocktail (and friends, I suppose). The actual bar area probably fits about 20 people and there are around 10 seats at the bar.
2174 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 861-5016
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 861-5016
Cafe Du Nord
Categories:
Restaurants,
Music Venues,
Lounges
Neighborhood: Castro
Possibly one of the most intimate places to see bands in San Francisco, with a narrow floor and (always reserved) seating on stage left. This is definitely a top-3 venue for under 1000 occupants. Flaunt it to some sexy funky love or mash it to some punk.
If you arrive early you can drop $1 in quarters and enjoy a game of pool, or even play pool while watching a band. Reasonably priced bar is well stocked and has a good variety of beers. Unfortunately a bartender did not know how to mix an Old Fashioned ("...we don't have any orange juice left").
If you arrive early you can drop $1 in quarters and enjoy a game of pool, or even play pool while watching a band. Reasonably priced bar is well stocked and has a good variety of beers. Unfortunately a bartender did not know how to mix an Old Fashioned ("...we don't have any orange juice left").
800 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 614-2040
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 614-2040
Charles Schwab
Categories:
Investing,
Banks & Credit Unions
I've been using Schwab in Menlo Park since my early teens and they always made me feel welcome, despite obviously not being a "heavy hitter". :) Now I'm in my mid-twenties and they continue to provide great service as my account complexity increases - they're professional, fast, and courteous.
I generally just walk-in for smaller stuff and don't have to wait long. (In contrast, when I "walk-in" at Fidelity in downtown Palo Alto I usually end up waiting *forever*...)
I generally just walk-in for smaller stuff and don't have to wait long. (In contrast, when I "walk-in" at Fidelity in downtown Palo Alto I usually end up waiting *forever*...)
This is a great pub in Palo Alto. No club music, not really a singles scene to speak of, just a great place to go and socialize. Lots of regulars. Usually they have rugby, football (soccer), and/or cricket playing on a couple screens - plus there are two dart boards. GREAT selection of beers - maybe only Empire Tap Room's is better in Palo Alto.
It can take time to get a drink when it's packed and they only serve beer and wine. No happy hour that I know of - but there are theme nights:
Sunday - Cool Jazz at 7:30 p.m.
Monday - Comedy Showcase at 9 p.m.
Tuesday - Pub Quiz at 9 p.m.
Wednesday - Music Showcase at 9 p.m.
Afterwards, people usually head to Pizza-My-Heart (across the parking lot on University Ave) to order a slice or two from stoned Paly students.
It can take time to get a drink when it's packed and they only serve beer and wine. No happy hour that I know of - but there are theme nights:
Sunday - Cool Jazz at 7:30 p.m.
Monday - Comedy Showcase at 9 p.m.
Tuesday - Pub Quiz at 9 p.m.
Wednesday - Music Showcase at 9 p.m.
Afterwards, people usually head to Pizza-My-Heart (across the parking lot on University Ave) to order a slice or two from stoned Paly students.
It's one of two diner-type burger joints in downtown Palo Alto. The other is Peninsula Creamery - which is definitely better (especially the shakes), but you pay for what you get: Creamery is $7 for a burger vs. $5 at Taxis and the service is faster at Taxis. Let's just say it's "easier" to eat there if you aren't looking for a long meal.
The food is generally dripping with oil and leaves you full but not fresh feeling. They use generous sized portions, thick meat, and lots of condiments.
One thing I really like is the BLT. Center-cut bacon and quality tomatoes.
They have a take-out option and beer on tap, too.
The food is generally dripping with oil and leaves you full but not fresh feeling. They use generous sized portions, thick meat, and lots of condiments.
One thing I really like is the BLT. Center-cut bacon and quality tomatoes.
They have a take-out option and beer on tap, too.
I've only had drinks and cigars here - this is purely a review of the bar.
I don't know if this is common knowledge and I don't see it in the other reviews, but you can *SMOKE CIGARS* here. There is a little back room where they sell them for about 20% over retail price and another super-comfy room where you can smoke, eat, drink and be merry. Due to California laws employees aren't allowed in the room. You can bring your own cigars - and I recommend you do.
Mojitos are obviously great, they do a good job soaking the mint for a while before mixing. Other drinks seem to be well mixed, too. I'm a vodka tonic man, but those don't go well with cigar flavor. Sweeter drinks are generally better for when you smoke.
I don't know if this is common knowledge and I don't see it in the other reviews, but you can *SMOKE CIGARS* here. There is a little back room where they sell them for about 20% over retail price and another super-comfy room where you can smoke, eat, drink and be merry. Due to California laws employees aren't allowed in the room. You can bring your own cigars - and I recommend you do.
Mojitos are obviously great, they do a good job soaking the mint for a while before mixing. Other drinks seem to be well mixed, too. I'm a vodka tonic man, but those don't go well with cigar flavor. Sweeter drinks are generally better for when you smoke.
"Living the pedestrian lifestyle"
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Review votes:
10 Useful, 1 Funny, and 6 Cool
Compliments
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Yelping SinceNovember 2007
Find Me InPalo Alto
My Blog Or Website The Last Great Book I ReadBorn Standing Up, by Steve Martin
That said, it's generally "safe" tasting and food is a bit less flavorful than I'd expect from the menu descriptions -- I tasted others' dishes as well to confirm. But all was very well prepared. When we arrived 80-90% of the clientele was over 70, which is great, but also a marker for a particular palate. Then it evolved into mostly Stanford students on dates as the evening drew on.
Wine selection was pretty ordinary and uninteresting, and didn't seem to leverage the wonderful selection local wineries we enjoy living in Northern California. Disappointing there. Their bar is very well stocked however.
I would say if you are looking for gourmet/interesting food, pass, but if you want a safe family sit down, I'd highly recommend it.
Service was very good.