Rate-A-Restaurant, #168 in a series



Restaurant: Tasca Wine Bar

Location: 8108 W. Third (3rd/Fairfax/La Brea)

Type of restaurant: Tapas/Wine Bar

They stipulated: It's tapas, of course, so share several small plates, or fewer large plates. The server also strongly suggested that we order a bottle of wine... but Maria and I wanted to try several different things, so we stuck with glasses.

We stipulated: Sadly, date night doesn't come often enough for us... so when we were presented with a rare opportunity to escape the Kid Formerly Known As the Blogger Toddler for a night, we wanted to hit something nice -- but something that wouldn't terribly break the bank. We did quite a bit of research, kept going back and forth on different spots... but finally settled on Tasca. Recently named one of L.A.'s 75 best restaurants by Los Angeles magazine, I liked what I read about it. And Maria was thrilled to get far away from home, where as a freelancer she spends much of her days.



What we ordered: Cod Brandade (salted cod and potato puree, house made crostinis), $10; Arancini (wild mushroom risotto fritters, truffled sauce), $10; Gambas al Ajillo (sauteed shrimp in garlic sauce), $12; Braised short rib (spinach and goat cheese agnolotti, brown butter and sage sauce), $12; Boudin noir (black sausage, sauteed apple and onion, garlic mashed potatoes), $13.

Whites: Pouilly-Fume, Claude Michot, "Les Berthiers," Loire, France, 06 ($15); one other, Demessey, "Macon Cruzille," France, 07 ($14). Reds: Tempranillo/Prieto Picudo, Dehesa de Rubiales, "Alala," Castilla Y Leon, Spain, 04 ($9); Malbec, "Maestre de Campo," Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 03 ($11).

High point: Maria and I both agreed, the Arancini -- the wild mushroom risotto fritters -- were the hit. I also kind of liked the Boudin noir -- yes, for the novelty factor, but it also went well with the sauteed apple.

Low point: When we hit tapas spots like here and Cobras and Matadors, the salted cod is always a go-to dish -- and one way for us to compare and contrast tapas. Sadly, the cod was decent -- but not great -- here.



Overall impression: The service was attentive and fantastic, even if our server didn't look old enough to drink the wines he was serving us. The suggestions were good as well. We also liked the spot -- not too big, yet not cramped. (Perhaps it helps that we were given a prime corner seat.) It was the perfect place for us to finally go out on a date -- and you'll be proud of us, the environment was conducive to lots of conversation (and not just talk about Evan! We managed to keep the Evan talk down to about 50% -- not bad!).

Chance we will go back: Well... Tasca was definitely less expensive than some of our other, even fancier options... but it still broke the bank. Since we can only spend upwards of $100 every so often (read: not that often), it probably makes sense that we try another high-end joint the next time we're in the mood to exercise our plastic. But who knows... I definitely wouldn't mind another trip one day.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #167 in a series



Restaurant: Samurai Sams

Location: 5757 Wilshire (Mid-Wilshire)

Type of restaurant: Asian/Fast Food

They stipulated: The fast casual restaurant gives two ways to order: Specific entrees/bowls, or made-to-order bowls similar to the assembly line setup of sandwich shops or Chipotle. Choose your rice/noodle, your veggie, your meat (or fish/shrimp) and your sauce.

We stipulated: The portion of Mid-Wilshire home to Variety, E! and others has long been a vast wasteland of lunchtime eateries. Bored of Koo Koo Roo, Baja Fresh and Johnnie's -- and grossed out by Marie Callenders (and turned off by Organic to Go's overpriced entrees), we cheer any new addition to the lineup across the street.



What we ordered: I got the a bowl with brown rice, mixed veggies, salmon and lemon pepper sauce ($6.99).

High point: Price is decent, especially when compared to what you get at Koo Koo Roo or Baja Fresh. The sample I ate at the sushi station was also nice. And even though the line was far outside the door when we got there (told you the 'hood was starved for new choices), it moved very fast.

Low point: Given the big build up and the breathless promotional copy, I was expecting more from Samurai Sam's. But the food itself was just OK, and on par with a bowl from Koo Koo Roo or other fast casual spots. I guess that's servicable enough... but I was hoping for more than servicable.

Overall impression: It's nice to have another lunch time alternative in the neighborhood -- and now I have a spot that will always be that fallback choice when there's nothing to eat and I haven't brought my lunch. But if I didn't work across the street, I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to find a Samurai Sam's location.

Chance we will go back: I'm sure the novelty will wear off fairly fast, but for now I'm sure I'll wind up there every once in a while.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #166 in a series


(Flickr pic by He Cooks She Eats.

Restaurant: Fraiche

Location: 9411 Culver Blvd. (Culver City)

Type of restaurant: French/Italian



They stipulated: That you gotta drive to Culver City. Ha. Joking -- as you well know, Culver City has become quite the foodie mecca, and Fraiche is at the forefront.

We stipulated: Meeting an exec for lunch, my colleage Joe and I suggested several spots -- and Fraiche came up as a good, classy lunch choice.



What we ordered: I got the Pan Bagnet -- seared albacore tuna, black olive, anchovy and egg sandwich ($14). For dessert, we all shared piccolo pasticerria -- plate of assorted cookies ($6)

High point: Plate of cookies? Simple, yet pretty damn good, thanks to the handiwork of pastry chef Miho Travi.

Low point: Service, as noted elsewhere, is spotty. I kept getting skipped over by the waiter -- basically, I had to nail him down to get my order taken. When dessert was ordered, he asked everyone at the table if they wanted coffee -- except me. Then left before I could order one.



Overall impression: Named one of Los Angeles magazine's top 75 local restaurants, Fraiche is good, and an excellent lunch choice if you're meeting people on the west side -- but I guess I'll reserve the "better than good" debate until after I check it out for dinner. My sandwich was delicious (perhaps because it was quite salty -- thank you, anchovies!) but I don't feel like I've gotten the full Fraiche experience. Perhaps dinner, with wine, is necessary.

Chance we will go back: Possibly, although probably won't be getting to Culver City for dinner anytime soon, so another lunch with execs is more likely.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #165 in a series




Restaurant: The Waffle

Location: 6255 W. Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood)

Type of restaurant: Breakfast



They stipulated: It's called "The Waffle" for a reason. Sweet waffles. Savory waffles. All kinds of waffles. But if you're not in a waffle mood, there's plenty more on the menu -- even pancakes, the blood enemy of waffles everywhere.



We stipulated: For a weekend breakfast outing, we decided to try something new. We liked chef Scooter Kanfer-Cartmill's (above, we sneak a shot of her back at the restaurant) old Melrose spot, House, and decided it was time to trek down Sunset for a few waffles.



What we ordered: Maria got the baked-in smoked Applewood bacon waffle ($8, above), I got the Cornmeal jalapeno waffles with fried chicken/sawmill gravy and collard greens ($10, below).



High point: There was something comforting about the hipper-Waffle-House vibe of the place, and the friendly staff. We hit the Waffle when things weren't too busy, and received plenty of attention. (This is quite in contrast to some of the reviews on Chowhound.) Plus, I just love the idea of a menu with such a wild list of waffles.

Low point: I'm just not sure I'm in the mood to eat collard greens at 9 in the morning. Also, parking really is terrible; we lucked out and found street parking -- but the meters in the area are only for an hour. Keep an eye on your watch, or risk the wrath of parking officers.

Overall impression: Not for diet-minded, you gotta love waffles with bacon built in, or jalapeno waffles with chicken on top. (Quite a change from Roscoe's, although Roscoe's shouldn't be running scared just yet. And by the way, Honey Kettle's chicken-and-pancakes still has every one beat.) Maria also liked the "L" shape of the restaurant, which made the place feel a little less crowded. And again, despite (or perhaps because of) what you've read, the service is decent.

Chance we will go back: Very likely. There's plenty more to try -- starting with the sticky bun waffle.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #164 in a series


(Pic by Steven Pantazis.)

Restaurant: Kushiyu

Location: 18713 Ventura Blvd. (Tarzana)

Type of restaurant: Sushi

They stipulated: Kids are welcome -- hell, half the tables had young ones there, so we weren't too worried about bringing the little guy. Just try to keep them behaved. (The loud sound levels help drown out some of that.)

We stipulated: It was our friend Lizzy's birthday, and she suggested sushi. It just so happened that we would be in West Hills on Sunday, while she was also in the West Valley looking at apartments. As you know, sushi joints dot Ventura Boulevard like coffee shops in Seattle. After a quick glance at the Chowhound and Yelp boards, Kushiyu -- located in a strip mall off Yolanda on Ventura -- seemed like a good pick.

What we ordered: Sushi & kushiyaki plate ($19.50); chicken and veggie plate (we needed this one for Evan; $16.50); special Asian roll, $13.50. Sushi included the basics -- salmon, squid, shrimp, yellowtail, etc. Kushiyaki included chicken meat ball, lotus root, chicken breast w/citrus, fish, asparagus with pork, etc.

High point: Some of L.A.'s best sushi restaurants reside in strip malls. And while this isn't among L.A.'s tops, it's still a fine spot -- and probably one of the better ones in the West Valley. The sushi was fresh without being too fishy (a complaint some Chowhound/Yelp readers gave Kushiya) and the skewered kushiyaki items were a hit with the BT.

Low point: Well, file this under both: You had to specifically order hot tea; in order to save a bit of money, I didn't. Turns out it was free.

Overall impression: Well-designed dining room, and (thankfully) no wait, even though we showed up without a reservation on a busy Sunday night. Big enough that kids are welcome, and their noise blends in; not too big, though, that you get lost in the shuffle. Good service, and most importantly, good sushi and kushiyaki. Always nice to feed three people at a sushi restaurant for $55.

Chance we will go back: Don't know how often we'll make a point to hit sushi in the West Valley... but after reading more raves online over Kushiyu's lemon roll, we may have to make the trip west on the 101.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #163 in a series



Restaurant: Newcomb's Ranch

Location: Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2), approx. 27 miles north of La Canada Flintridge.

Type of restaurant: American

They stipulated: Newcomb's is known as a popular stop for motorcyclists (who thrill at speeding up the curvy mountains), but is completely family-friendly as well.

We stipulated: As you probably read in an earlier Franklin Avenue post, we headed back up the mountain for another afternoon of snow play. This time, we brought along Maria's brother and his family (including 2 young kids). We had just started to play in the snow when a cranky Blogger Toddler informed us that he was hungry. Newcomb's Ranch is the only restaurant up in the region, so we decided to check it out.



What we ordered: Seared Ahi Tuna sandwich (above) for Mike ($11.95); Hard shell beef taco appetizer (below) for Maria ($6.95); kid's chicken tender meal for Evan ($5.95)



High point: We weren't sure what to expect when we walked in the door, and were pleasantly surprised. Meanwhile, I was pleasantly surprised by the ahi sandwich -- again, I was worried (soon after I ordered, I kicked myself -- how fresh could it be? Who else would order an ahi sandwich up there?! But I did -- and it was nice, seared but perfectly raw in places.

Low point: Maria reports that the tacos were bland, and not that tasty.



Overall impression: Like I wrote earlier, it's a classier, more comforting setting that we imagined it would be. Plus, new chef Gary Foose has put together an interesting menu -- particularly for a restaurant that's 27 miles away from civilization.

Chance we will go back: Yes, and I see that Dallas Raines is forecasting rain this weekend -- and snow above 4000 feet; so who knows, maybe we'll be hitting the mountains again in a few weeks after all. Snow, anyone?

Rate-A-Restaurant, #162 in a series



Restaurant: The Trails

Location: Fern Dell Drive, off Los Feliz Boulevard (Griffith Park)

Type of restaurant: Vegetarian plus Pie!

They stipulated: Cash only.



What we ordered: Avocado Sandwich for Mike ($6.25) and Goat Cheese Tomato Tart for Maria ($4.50)



High point: The black pepper on the Goat Cheese Tart (above) was simply good and elevated that dish to a new level. Never underestimate the power of freshly-cracked black pepper -- I kept smacking my lips, enjoying that taste after we ate.

Low point: Although the Avocado Sandwich (below) was filling for Mike, I was still a bit hungry after devouring my tart. I should've had some pie.



Overall impression: Eating fresh fare at a picnic table at the base of various trails in Griffith Park -- not bad. And on such a beautiful day, it made me thank my lucky stars I live in Los Angeles. You quickly unwind as soon as you sit down; they have some nice music playing unobtrusively in the background. I imagine this place being crowded and busy in the summer or on the weekends, but on a quiet weekday afternoon, I quickly forgot my endless to-do list and unread e-mails.

Chance we will go back: Yes, I foresee us coming back for pie.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #161 in a series



Restaurant: Dish

Location: 734 Foothill Blvd (La Canada Flintridge)

Type of restaurant: American/Brunch

We stipulated: My parents were in town, and we were thinking it was time to take them some place new (we usually take them to Montrose on Sunday morning, and brunch it at Zeke's, but wanted to do something different this time). I'd read good things about Dish, and I'd never taken them up to Foothill Blvd., so it was decided.


johnnycakes, with egg whites and ham

What we ordered: Mike: Jonnycake Combo (made with cornmeal and corn kernels): short stack of Jonnycakes with 2 eggs to order and choice of applewood smoked bacon, Schreiner’s sausage or brown sugar-glazed ham ($8.95); Maria: The Awesome DISH Breakfast Sandwich: Applewood smoked bacon, fried egg, sliced ham & cheddar cheese
on grilled sourdough; choice of breakfast potatoes, sliced tomatoes or fruit ($8.95); My parents both got: Dish Breakfast Combo: Short stack of buttermilk cakes with 2 eggs to order and choice of applewood smoked bacon, Schreiner’s sausage or brown sugar-glazed ham ($7.95)


egg, bacon and ham sandwich

High point: Once you get seated, the environment is casual, lazy Sunday -- perfect for a rainy, casual, lazy Sunday. Food is comforting, plentiful and pretty good. Ham is slow cooked on premises and delicious; johnnycakes were good but filling. (I loves me cornmeal pancakes.)




Low point: Ahh, the wait. We got there at 11 on a Sunday morning and were told it would be a 25 to 30 minute wait; that turned into just under an hour. Later we learned Dish does indeed take reservations; I didn't think they did. Also, once we finally did get a table, it took quite a long time for the overwhelmed kitchen to bring us out the food. Thankfully, it was the kind of overcast, mellow day where we weren't feeling like being rushed anyway.

Overall impression: Pretty much everything you'd expect from a comforting brunch. Coffee kept flowing, food was rich and artery-hardening (not to mention comforting) and service -- even if it was slow -- was friendly. I love the environs up there in La Canada Flintridge as well.

Chance we will go back: Probably, but ONLY if we make a reservation ahead of time.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #160 in a series



Restaurant: Ocean Seafood

Location: 747 N Broadway (Chinatown)

Type of restaurant: Dim Sum

We stipulated: We took the Gold Line down to Chinatown to check out the Lunar New Year parade and festival.. but Maria's and Evan's stomachs were growling... plus Evan wasn't a big fan of the parade's dragons. So we decided to find some food, and walked right past Ocean. We usually stick with Empress Pavilion for our Chinatown dim sum, so we were eager to try something new.


dim sum selections: pork bao, chicken siu mai, shrimp potstickers, baby bok choy

What we ordered: Seven items all together: Shrimp and walnuts; pork bao; chicken siu mai; two shrimp potstickers; baby bok choy; and jello. Price came to $37.


Blogger Toddler enjoys his pork bao

High point: We got there at 3:30 in the afternoon, and the dim sum was still plentiful. That's quite rare -- get to Empress past 2, for example, and you have to hijack a cart to get any food.


chicken siu mai, shrimp potstickers

Low point: Service was a bit spotty; I had to fetch our water myself; ditto soy sauce and chili sauce. The chili sauce -- an essential -- is too oily for my taste. But the lowest point was the price; I'm not used to paying that much for dim sum. Looks like the walnut/shrimp dish alone was $9. Ouch.


Ahh, the shrimp and walnut dish that broke the bank

Overall impression: Very solid, decent food, and eventually the service got better. As always, dim sum is a perfect place to bring a toddler to eat; Evan gets a kick out of the chopsticks and the action. Plus, the pork bao is a hit with him -- not to mention the jello.

Chance we will go back: I wouldn't rule out Ocean for a future dim sum run... but believe it or not, I still haven't tried CBS Seafood (I believe Maria has), so it may be next on our Chinatown dim sum hit list.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #159 in a series

Restaurant: Eat on Sunset

Location: 1448 N. Gower (Hollywood)

Type of restaurant: Modern American

We stipulated: On the final day of this year's DineLA restaurant week, we decided to give the event one more chance. Maria had a terrible experience earlier with Tiara Cafe...so we were, quite simply, looking for a good DineLA experience. At the same time, Maria was talking to our pal Pang-ni about meeting up. So they decided to bring along their significant others and make it a double date.


soup

What we ordered: Here was the $15 lunch menu: First course, butternut squash soup with cinnamon and sugar croutons OR bab greens salad with candied hazelnuts and orange-honey vinaigrette; main course, wild mushroom risotto with carmelized shallots and micro arugula OR herb marinated chicken with roasted fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus and warm onion marmalade OR casarecci pasta with Spanish chorizo, tomatoes, basil and saffron emulsion; dessert, valrhona chocolate pudding with chantilly creme


salad

High point: I would have licked the bowl to my bowl of butternut squash soup, but we were with others. The cinnamon and sugar croutons were a nice touch. Also, unlike Maria's last DineLA experience, this one went smoothly. They immediately presented us with a DineLA menu and took our order without problem.


risotto

Low point: I know I'm supposedly on a diet, so it's a little ridiculous to complain about portion size, but the risotto portion was definitely on the small side. And the chocolate pudding was nice -- and don't get me wrong, we ate it all -- but unspectacular.


chicken

Overall impression: I always liked Joachim Splichal's old joint in the Sunset/Gower spot, Pinot Hollywood -- particularly the lounge in the back, which was a perfect meeting place for drinks. Eat on Sunset still has all of that, but offers a more comforting menu than Pinot did. I'm fine with that... even if the name "Eat. On Sunset." is a little too precious.


pudding

Chance we will go back: I'd be game for hitting Eat on Sunset again during a non-DineLA meal. But most likely, I'll be back to have drinks at the lounge.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #158 in a series

Restaurant: India's Flavor

Location: 3303 N. Verdugo (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Indian

We stipulated: For lunchtime on a semi-dreary Saturday, we wanted something warm and hearty, and not too far away. I decided to type "Glendale" into Chowhound to check out what everyone's talking about at the moment. India's Flavor came up a few times.



What we ordered: Chicken Tikka (tender boneless chicken breasts subtly marinated with yogurt spices and barbecued on skewers in tandoor, $10.95); Bengan Bhartha (a puree of tandoor baked eggplant, sauteed onions, fresh tomatoes and ginger, $7.95); plain naan (classic leavened bread made with white wheat flour and baked in the tandoor, $1.50).



High point: What a nice surprise. We're constantly looking for decent Indian closeby, and there just aren't many. The chicken tikka had a nice tang too it, without being too spicy. And the bhartha -- the standard by which we judge all Indian eateries -- was the best we've had in a long time.

Low point: The environment isn't much; it's pretty much what you'd expect for a small eatery found in a strip mall. More annoyingly, it was FREEZING in there.

Overall impression: We love neighborhood eateries that offer something special. No one's going to say India's Flavor reps the best Indian meal in L.A. But that's not the point. It's tasty food served by people who know your name. (As we dined, another family walked it, and was warmly welcomed.)

Chance we will go back: Definitely -- not only is it in the Montrose portion of Glendale (our favorite Glendale spot) -- but it's by another one of our faves, La Cabanita.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #157 in a series



Restaurant: Tiara Cafe

Location: 127 E 9th Street, Los Angeles (Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Bakery, Californian, Eclectic

We stipulated: A friend and I wanted to take advantage of the "Dine L.A." promotion. Yet most spots we called said they weren't open for Sunday lunch, or weren't honoring the Dine L.A. menu on Sundays. That left us with few choices. Tiara Cafe was one of them. Big mistake.



What we ordered: Smoked Duck Media Noche Pressed Cuban Sandwich ($10) and Artichoke and Goat Cheese Frittata ($8.50)

High point: Zero. Nada. Zilch. Zip. Wala.

Low point: We specified the Dine L.A. menu when we made reservations and the person on the other end took a note of it and acknowledged our request. The only waiter there took our order off the Dine L.A. menu, only to return twenty minutes later to say that they were not serving the Dine L.A. menu on weekends.



Overall impression: There is no redeeming quality to this restaurant at all. Are we supposed to be dazzled by their jewel-like, high-ceilinged decor that we ignore the mediocre food and slow service? Granted, we were sympathetic to the lone waiter on his first day as he tried to handle the half-filled restaurant, but that is just bad restaurant management if you ask me. Downtown L.A. may be starved for more restaurants but there is more to opening a restaurant than having a cool locale.

Chance we will go back: No way in hell.

Posted by Maria

Rate-A-Restaurant, #156 in a series


(Flickr pic by Jek-in-the-Box.)

Restaurant: Maria's Fresh Seafood

Location: 317 S Broadway (Grand Central Market, Downtown)

Type of restaurant: Seafood, Mexican

We stipulated: We were downtown with our friend Lizzy (just back from her world travels!) to see the Murakami exhibit, and wanted to take her to Grand Central Market for some cheap grinds. I was also jonesing to try Maria's after reading some good reviews on Chowhound.

What we ordered: Fish tacos, scallop tacos, all around $2 each

High point: Ahh, the scallop tacos. Lightly breaded and damn near perfect. Plus, we got a table at Grand Central (not always an easy proposition on a weekend afternoon) quickly.

Low point: Maria didn't care much for the fish taco -- I think she thought it was too fishy. I liked it, although I preferred the scallop. Also, it's always confusing where to stand and order at Grand Central Market, especially during the lunch time frenzy... but just follow others, and it won't be a problem.

Maria notes: The fish taco was not too fishy, there was something about the flaky tasteless nature to it I did not like.

Overall impression: One Chowhounder writes: "It's important to stress that in addition to being a taco stand, they're also a fishmonger. So you know the stuff is good enough to sell by itself, let alone put into a taco." Indeed, nothing like biting into a fish taco and tasting the freshness. Also, another Chowhounder suggested asking for sauces on the side, and I'm glad I did.

Chance we will go back: Next time we're at Grand Central Market -- which probably won't be too long from now. I want more scallop tacos!

Rate-A-Restaurant, #155 in a series


(All Flickr pics here by Tales of an LA Addict.)

Restaurant: Wood Spoon

Location: 107 W 9th St (at Spring St)

Type of restaurant: Brazilian



We stipulated: A nice and warm place to sit and have some good food in the middle of downtown L.A.



What we ordered: Cup of Lentil Soup ($4), Pastel Portuguese (above; Dumpling stuffed with shrimp, coconut sauce -- $7), Calabreza Salad for my friend Andrea (Hearts of palm, black olives, hard-boiled egg, calabreza sausage $9)

High point: The tall pitcher of ice water with cinammon sticks that was quickly placed on the table moments after we sat down (some other diners had citrus fruits in their pitchers) and the urban ambiance of the place. The lentil soup was delicious and filling.

Low point: I asked the waitress twice if I could take home a copy of their menu and she said yes both times but never brought it over. As we were leaving, the same waitress saw me go up to the desk and grab one and as I was about to fold it away, she asked me to put it back and said she photocopied one for me. Okay, then why didn't she just give it to me in the first place? And why did she watch me take a menu then reprimand me for taking one? That incident made me feel weird.



Overall impression: Love the simple decor. The soup was touch notch, the pastel portuguese was a little too rich-- it may need some lemon to cut through the richness. Andrea thinks that the salad may need some citrus as well but to me, there was nothing spectacular about that dish. I wish I read the review posted in their bathroom and ordered the steak sandwich or the pork burger.

Chance we will go back: There are so many new places to try out in downtown L.A. but I wouldn't mind going back to this place again or recommending it to friends.

Rate-A-Restaurant, #154 in a series



Restaurant: Bloom Cafe

Location: 5544 W. Pico Blvd. (Mid-City)

Type of restaurant: Cafe

We stipulated: Tired of the same old choices near Variety, I suggested to my colleague Joe that we check out the Bloom Cafe -- which I hadn't been to, but was intrigued after walking past it on the Great LA Walk.

They stipulated: Breakfast entrees, such as organic eggs and pancakes, are available until 4 p.m.



What I ordered: Spicy Chicken Salad (organic baby greens, avocado, fresh corn, sun-dried tomato and chipotle vinaigrette; $11.50)

High point: The entree itself was decent, when it finally came.

Low point: Unfortunately, the service was extremely slow... and when the food finally came out, they got Joe's order wrong.

Overall impression: Nice environs, good menu... just some service issues. Prices are decent.



Chance we will go back: There are a few more entrees I wouldn't mind trying, including the red curry chicken sandwich and the fish tacos. I'm also intrigued by the lemon ricotta pancakes.