Macaroni and cheese is one of the most amazing foods to go upscale. So many cheeses, so many options! Our night started off pretty well, the menu was amazing to look at. I had the Black Forest mac and cheese, which had mushrooms and herbs in a smoked gouda souce. Delicious, with brown crispy bubbling bits when it got to the table. Soo good, and enough for 3 meals. For $9, you can't beat that!
The downside was the service. We sat ourselves, which is no big deal in a small place that's not busy, but it took about 5-10 minutes to get our menus. Liz asked the waiter to recommend a wine, and he picked a good Shiraz that managed to hold up to strong cheese flavors. But the music volume varied, and as much as I like Joss Stone, it can be difficult to hold a conversation over her. We were also kept waiting for leftover boxes, and then again to get our check.
My overall opinion, excellent food with great options, great atmosphere, but service was slow.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
8/29/07: Cheddars in Ohio City
How can anyone not be intrigued by a restaurant that serves 20 different kinds of Macaroni and Cheese?
Located at West 58th and Detroit. It is across the street from the Happy Dog, and next to Snickers.
The place is small, buy cozy. Someone was a big fan of Joss Stone, she was the only voice we heard over the restaurants speakers.
A burger menu was posted on the back, but with all the Mac-n-Cheese options, it wasn't worth checking them out.
I ordered the Southwestern Mac which included Chirizo sausage, red peppers, beans, and onions. Also included was a salad and a breadstick.
The sausage was tasty, not overpowering. At times it seemed like there was too much "stuff" in the bowl, but the flavors went together well (and I think I was trying to get chirizo in every bite).
The portion was enourmous. I think all three of us could have shared an order, but that means reheated mac-n-cheese leftovers... can't wait -- mmm.
The wine was good. The service was a little slow. We were the only people there on a Weds night. But the atmosphere was cozy, and casual. Its not like we were in a hurry.
So if you are a mac-n-cheese fan, or would like to experiment with different cheeses, or ingredients in your mac-n-cheese, I highly suggest Cheddars.
Located at West 58th and Detroit. It is across the street from the Happy Dog, and next to Snickers.
The place is small, buy cozy. Someone was a big fan of Joss Stone, she was the only voice we heard over the restaurants speakers.
A burger menu was posted on the back, but with all the Mac-n-Cheese options, it wasn't worth checking them out.
I ordered the Southwestern Mac which included Chirizo sausage, red peppers, beans, and onions. Also included was a salad and a breadstick.
The sausage was tasty, not overpowering. At times it seemed like there was too much "stuff" in the bowl, but the flavors went together well (and I think I was trying to get chirizo in every bite).
The portion was enourmous. I think all three of us could have shared an order, but that means reheated mac-n-cheese leftovers... can't wait -- mmm.
The wine was good. The service was a little slow. We were the only people there on a Weds night. But the atmosphere was cozy, and casual. Its not like we were in a hurry.
So if you are a mac-n-cheese fan, or would like to experiment with different cheeses, or ingredients in your mac-n-cheese, I highly suggest Cheddars.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Lolita's
By now you've got the highlights. Personally, I was hoping the pig's ears would be like yummy crispy fried chicken skin over something bacon flavored. The skin was kind of slimy, and not so yummy. But I'm glad we tried them. Next time I'd vote for the cheese plate instead. mmm, cheese.
The wine, as we learned from the waiter, was another name for the sangiovese grape. Wish I could remember what it was, because it was good, and worked well with everybody's food.
I had the scallops (mmmm, scallops), yummy broiled brown crusty goodness, delicious sweet interior. They were on a bed of white bean puree, with a little parsley-ish salad. Very nice. It was a great night. Very good service-our waiter was cheerfully goofy, but helpful. The atmosphere was nice and laidback.
The wine, as we learned from the waiter, was another name for the sangiovese grape. Wish I could remember what it was, because it was good, and worked well with everybody's food.
I had the scallops (mmmm, scallops), yummy broiled brown crusty goodness, delicious sweet interior. They were on a bed of white bean puree, with a little parsley-ish salad. Very nice. It was a great night. Very good service-our waiter was cheerfully goofy, but helpful. The atmosphere was nice and laidback.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Lolita, 8/22
I was very much looking forward to this meal. Though the food in Ethiopia if overall very good. It lacks variety. And by the end of my month-long trip, I was sick of pasta and doro wat (a local chicken dish).
I was looking forward to something different and very yummy. And Lolita delivered. First, we shared the fried pigs ears. Then for my meal, I had the Berkshire Pork Scallopine. It was very good. The pork was tender and it had good flavor. But it was not as good of the Mac and Cheese that Chris ordered. I will have to order that next time.
Next week: we are talking either Cheddars (a mac and cheese focused menu) or Melt (a grilled cheese focused menu). Both are in Ohio City. I vote for Cheddars.
I was looking forward to something different and very yummy. And Lolita delivered. First, we shared the fried pigs ears. Then for my meal, I had the Berkshire Pork Scallopine. It was very good. The pork was tender and it had good flavor. But it was not as good of the Mac and Cheese that Chris ordered. I will have to order that next time.
Next week: we are talking either Cheddars (a mac and cheese focused menu) or Melt (a grilled cheese focused menu). Both are in Ohio City. I vote for Cheddars.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
8/22/07: Lolita's in Treemont
Liz is back from Ethiopia. After she got settled, we had her over to get caught up on some TV shows we recorded for her. Some where between the comercials on Top Chef, and a bottle of wine or 2, we all decided to go to Lolitas in Treemont.
Michael Simon's Lolita's in Treemont. Always knew it was there. Never thought about going.
Upon entering the chic, trendy, and cozy little restuarant, we were seated at a table next to an exposed brick wall. Meghan ordered wine, can't remember the name, but it was great stuff, and luckily for us, they had 2 bottles left.
We ordered the Pigs Ears as an appetizer. The server explained them as "weapons grade bacon." They were a little chewy for my taste. Very salty. And looked a little too much like a little pig's ear. Glad I tried it, but not so sure I'd order them again.
Then we move to the entree. Mac-and-cheese. Now I am a huge fan of simple comfort food made fancy. If you can upscale mac-n-cheese, meatloaf, chicken soup, then you can make anything feel like fine dining. This mac-n-cheese was spectacular. White creamy cheese sauce with spiral-like paste (no clue what pasta names are, there are too many to remember) with slices chicken, breast I think. I didn't like the chiken as much, but the mac-n-cheese was worth the price of admission.
All said and done, it was a great meal. A wonderful atmosphere. And a good night in Tremont.
Till next week...
Michael Simon's Lolita's in Treemont. Always knew it was there. Never thought about going.
Upon entering the chic, trendy, and cozy little restuarant, we were seated at a table next to an exposed brick wall. Meghan ordered wine, can't remember the name, but it was great stuff, and luckily for us, they had 2 bottles left.
We ordered the Pigs Ears as an appetizer. The server explained them as "weapons grade bacon." They were a little chewy for my taste. Very salty. And looked a little too much like a little pig's ear. Glad I tried it, but not so sure I'd order them again.
Then we move to the entree. Mac-and-cheese. Now I am a huge fan of simple comfort food made fancy. If you can upscale mac-n-cheese, meatloaf, chicken soup, then you can make anything feel like fine dining. This mac-n-cheese was spectacular. White creamy cheese sauce with spiral-like paste (no clue what pasta names are, there are too many to remember) with slices chicken, breast I think. I didn't like the chiken as much, but the mac-n-cheese was worth the price of admission.
All said and done, it was a great meal. A wonderful atmosphere. And a good night in Tremont.
Till next week...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)