Edward O.'s Profile
DateOld Lyme, CT 06371
(860) 434-1667
The Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa
Categories:
Hotels,
American (New)
Collinsville, CT 06022
(860) 693-9199
Crown and Hammer Pub
Category:
American (Traditional)
Usually I am suspicious of places with a combined menu -- especially with sashimi -- but here everything was prepared well. Service was prompt despite the place being fairly full. Generally family-friendly and thus a bit on the loud side.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-2750
Spiaggia
Category:
Italian
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Magnificent Mile
Since my last visit in '09 they have jumped on the locavore bandwagon in a major way. I'm glad always to know the sources, but of late they are not only stressing it on their menu but pushing the message through the waitstaff.
Our waiter made sure we knew that the tasting menu offered was the same as had been featured on Top Chef; unfortunately I stopped following the show after season three and thus was blissfully ignorant. Spiaggia was great long before there ever was a TC. In any event, were not up for the adventure.
I enjoyed the Iberico ham as an appetizer, and my companion the buratta. I was keen to sample the latter but it was so good I never had a chance. The ham was, of course, utterly superb -- as it must be -- but in retrospect I can't help wondering why an ostensibly Italian restaurant presents a Spanish-style ham. Eh, who cares? One bite and you forget.
For our entrees I had the veal chop, while the others had the strip loin with savoy cabbage wrapped oxtail and the pancetta wrapped guinea hen (a preparation I must remember to try at home). All were excellent.
1 Previous Review:
-
9/17/2009
Superb modern interpretations of Italian cuisine in an elegant setting. Comprehensive wine list which is naturally focused on Italy. Service is impeccable. Probably the most perfect preparation of risotto I have ever experienced (and yes, I have been to Italy.)
Prompt, courteous -- if somewhat diffident -- waitstaff. The potato pirogi were great. The schnitzel, both Wiener and Jager, were perfectly serviceable, though we both thought the veal cutlet was under seasoned.
Szechuan style dumplings were memorable and good. My wife had the salmon, which she loved. I had the Hong Kong Crispy Noodle, also very good. Another in our party had the General Tso Chicken, much better than average, good and spicy.
Forbidden City, I happily stand corrected.
1 Previous Review:
-
10/4/2009
I've been here a few times and always manage to come away slightly disappointed. They do have a nice bar and an interesting assortment of cocktails.
I understand the Asian Fusion angle, but in the execution they seem to fall short. I see a lot of raves in the press, but I am not sure they are deserved. In the traditional Chinese dishes they seem to do better.
I like the modern setting; I just wish they could kick the quality of the food up a notch or two, because it would make the place far more distinctive and worth returning to.
Word to the wise, when you approach the counter, know what you intend to order and quickly move to the right. If you dawdle, the staff and patrons waiting behind you in line will get annoyed.
Don't be taken in, folks. Cabo is much better than average.
1 Previous Review:
-
9/17/2009
Dined here for the first time this past week and was pleasantly surprised.
Don't let the typical Mexican menu items fool you: yes there are tacos, enchiladas and burritos, but the tortillas and chips are the fresh made-corn variety and the dishes are obviously executed with care and skill.
Superb selection of tequilas and margaritas made with fresh lime juice; good, strong and not cloying (as they can often be when made with a prepared mix).
Service was excellent and very timely.
Cabo picks up in the pervading Chester high-quality food vibe set by places such as River Tavern. I was surprised to see the place so quiet, but it was a weeknight.
Orange, CT 06477
(203) 795-5065
Chip's
Categories:
Breakfast & Brunch,
American (Traditional),
Diners
2 Lists
"Unrepentant gastronome and obsessive home cook."
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Review votes:
82 Useful, 29 Funny, and 29 Cool
Moodus, CT
Yelping SinceSeptember 2009
Things I LoveVeal, shallots, raw oysters, my own boeuf bourguignon, Madelines, tart tatin, farmer's markets.
Find Me InAll over the tri-state area. I travel a lot.
My HometownYonkers, NY
When I'm Not Yelping...I am making things with wood and metal.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI avoid establishments overly supplied by Sysco, and thus, mediocrity.
The Last Great Book I ReadQuotable Hitchens. Though I would not call it great. Take that, sir!
My First ConcertInexplicably, Kiss. Give me a break, I was, what, 9?
My Favorite Movie"Big Night" is the appropriate answer here.
My Last Meal On EarthShort ribs and the best bottle of red wine available.
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I am a pipe organ builder.
Most Recent DiscoverySilicone molds for madeleines.
The setting is utterly charming; a quintessential country inn decorated in the usual style. My companion and I arrived early and took our cocktails in the lounge area. The barman was knowledgeable and I have no complaints.
Service was flawless but for one unusual quirk: being a weeknight the place was rather quiet and they attempted to seat us at a two-top right by the entrance to the kitchen. I just looked at the hostess, smiled and said: "seriously?" We were promptly escorted to a much nicer table by the window. The food was superb.