2/21/07

Review of Bacchanalia

Bacchanalia
1198 Howell Mill Rd NW #100
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 365-0410
www.starprovisions.com


Chris R. visited Bacchanalia on Saturday, 2/10/2007, for dinner with one guest.

What did you order? How was your food?

Prix Fixe menu. 4 items Appetizer, Entrée, Cheese and Contrast, Dessert
App – Potato Gnocci with fresh Snails
Entrée – Kobe Short Rib
Cheese – Some kind of Apple and cheese salad
Desert – Warm Chocolate cake w/ mint ice cream

Several samples from the chef as well in between each item. Coffee freshly pressed in front of you.

What did your companion order? How was their food?

Appetizer – Crab Fritter
App – Tenderloin with Roasted Potatoes
Cheese – Arugula and Cheese salad
Dessert – Apple Tart

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received.

Incredible. Extremely well trained. There to assist with removing jacket, pushing in chair, refills, folding napkin when leaving the table. Always nearby but not in your space.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Formal, elegant.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Extremely expensive. Pay for what you get though.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food 10 • Quick bite • Family-friendly

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion 10

Bacchanalia on Urbanspoon

Bacchanalia on Urbanspoon

2/15/07

Review of Cantina La Casita



560 Gresham Ave.
East Atlanta Village
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 622-8081
(404) 622-8101
http://www.cantinalacasita.com/







Chris R. visited Cantina La Casita for lunch on Sunday, 2/11, with one other person.

What did you order? How was your food?

Chips and Salsa, Chicken Enchilada with 3 cheeses and red pepper sauce. – Just ok. A little too rich/greasy. Some of the chips were stale…chewy rather than crunchy. Salsa’s were pretty good though (Red and green salsa provided)


What did your companions order? How was their food?

Same thing, same results.

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Poor. Only 2 servers for about 15 tables. They were running around like crazy – but service was still extremely slow.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Good atmosphere. Sat out on the porch, where they had a fire going. Good place to sit and relax while drinking margaritas. They happened to have $2.50 Margaritas that weekend – which was nice.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Not bad pricing, but you do have to buy chips and salsa.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)


• Good food 6.724 • Quick bite • Family-friendly 7

• Outdoor 8 • Romantic • Special occasion




Cantina la Casita on Urbanspoon

2/13/07

Review of Havana Sandwich Shop



2905 Buford Highway NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: (404)636-4094
Fax: (404)636-1581
mailto:debbie@havanasandwichshop.com
http://www.havanasandwichshop.com/home.html





Chris R visited Havana Sandwich Shop on Saturday, 2/10/2007 for lunch with two companions.


What did you order? How was your food?

Cuban Sandwich plate with rice and black bean soup plus 2 chicken and cheese enchiladas. – AWESOME. I eat there at least every other weekend. Great hangover food

What did your companions order? How was their food?

Steak and Cheese sandwich. – good as usual

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Good – very authentic Cuban owners.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Very Authentic ‘hole in the wall’.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Yes, Had sandwich with two sides, 2 empanadas, and 2 drinks for $13.00

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.
This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food 10 • Quick bite • Family-friendly 7

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion


Summarize your experience in this restaurant.

Great Atlanta dive….been around forever. Good food, no attitude, and quick.

Havana Sandwich Shop on Urbanspoon

2/12/07

Review of Localino



Trattoria Il Localino
463 N Highland Ave NE
(South of Freedom Pkwy.)
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 222-0650


Photo by James Camp



Scott S. and Mary Elise visited Localino for dinner on 2/10/2007 with 8 other guests.

What did you order? How was your food?

Lasagna - Delicious! (It's not on the menu, just ask for it).

What did your companions order? How was their food?

Baked ziti, grouper, veal - Everyone raved about their entree. We also had appetizers & dessert - everything was fantastic.

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Great service!

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Crazy, Fun, Eclectic - Fun Friday Night!

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Delicious food, great service, fun atmosphere - you pay for what you get.

This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food • Quick bite • Family-friendly
• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

Il Localino on Urbanspoon

Review of Aqua Bistro


Aqua Bistro
264 Pharr Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30305
(Below Eclipse Condo)
404-816-7332
http://www.aquabistroatl.com/

Photo by Bonnie Heath


Mary Elise visited Aqua Bistro on 2/9/2007 for dinner with 3 other guests.

What did you order? How was your food?

Edamame and Chicken Spring Rolls for appetizer – both good. Springs are 2 for $3, nice and cheap.

Type / Rating
Atlanta Roll - 8
Rainbow Roll - 8
Spider Roll - 8
Caterpillar Roll - 10
Hawaiian Roll -10
Baby Moon - 9

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Good.


What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Décor is fun. Modern, Trendy, Chic. Crazy looking DJ on the weekends


Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

Yeah, $55, for 2 appetizers, glass of wine, bourbon drink, and 3 $10 rolls.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis. This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food 10 • Quick bite • Family-friendly

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion


Summarize your experience in this restaurant.

Best sushi I’ve encountered. Haven't had Taka or MF’s yet, but better than Genki, RuSans, Starfish.

Aqua Bistro on Urbanspoon

2/7/07

Review of Pancho's


PANCHO'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
2641 BUFORD HIGHWAY
ATLANTA, GA 30324
(404) 325-2898
(404) 351-4446

On what date did you visit restaurant? February 3, 2007.


Which meal did you eat? Dinner.

How many people were with you when you reviewed this restaurant?

There were three other people at the restaurant with me.

What did you order? How was your food?

I had steak nachos and a Corona. The food is, at best, tolerable.

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

The hostess was extremely diligent and timely. She was happy to accommodate our desire to watch the Georgia game and sat us near the TV which had it on. The one detraction was the table happened to also be positioned directly next to one of my ex-girlfriends' table. Although this does not reflect on the hostess’ ability to do her actual job I still blame her for the ensuing awkwardness and not on how the girl and I actually split.

The wait staff is serviceable but if I were running a restaurant I would certainly demand more from my employees. Spilling a beverage is acceptable as it is a mistake of rushing through the table a little too quick, however consistent spillage should only occur if one is intoxicated. For instance one of the people I was dining with continuously spilled the pitcher of margaritas while trying to top off the glasses. In that instance it is acceptable since he was drunk. I do not want a drunk waitress and if she was sober I would rather not have one without the patience to accurately pour my beverage.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

The restaurant is a vanilla Mexican restaurant. There are the signature wall items which make little sense, such as carousel ponies, reminiscent of a TGI Fridays, tacky.

The saving grace at Pancho’s is the atmosphere. On the weekends there is a mariachi band playing live music throughout the evening adding to the din of boisterous conversations being had throughout the dining room. The festive atmosphere keeps the patrons attention focused on atmosphere and away from the subpar food and service. The guitaristas are also a good way of avoiding uncomfortable conversations with girls you have nothing to say to anymore. Review the sample conversation below:

Girl: “Hey, how are you? It is really good to see you.”
Mariachi Band: “Ay, yay, yay, yay….Ay yay (something indistinguishable in Spanish)
Boy: “What? I cannot hear you, everything is good though it is great to see you, let's catch up sometime.”
Girl: “ So what are you doing these days? We have not talked in so long.”
Boy: “I really cannot hear you but it is great to see you. Let's get together sometime.” (Quick turn around to avoid any continuation, pick up beer, mumble along with band)
Boy: “ Ay yay yay yay…Ay yay…”

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?

As long as you know what you are getting I feel most restaurants can live up to the “value for your dollar” motto. This includes such fabulous eateries as McDonalds and any Chinese restaurant on Buford Highway. As long as you are geared to having a good time, enjoying Mexican restaurants for the atmosphere and margaritas and not for the actual food and service, Pancho’s will serve the purpose.

This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food • Quick bite • Family-friendly

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

It should be noted that dinner-time cocktails and shared dinner plates are what this restaurant is best suited for.


Summarize your experience in this restaurant.

As said in the above writings, go to Pancho’s to enjoy a fun evening “South of the Border”-style. Do not go if this is the last meal of your life, nor if you are just really hungry and want a satisfying meal. Do go if you and some of your friends want to have some pre-game cocktails, which one hopes will lead to some bad decision making later on in the night. Do not go if you do not want to end up sitting next to your ex-girlfriend and her friends who you know do not like you anymore (that one is more for me though).

Pancho's Mexican on Urbanspoon

2/5/07

Review of Roberto's World Tapas


Roberto's World Tapas (CLOSED)
9700 Medlock Bridge Rd., Ste. 100
Duluth, GA 30097
Phone: (770) 622-4056

Hours of Operation: Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Lunch Daily: 11:30am - 5:00pm
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm

Our reviewer visited Roberto's on 1/19/2007 for dinner.

What did you order? How was your food?

Since this is a tapas style restaurant, I will list all the food ordered by the entire table with their comments.

Edamame – loved it except for the smoked salt on top. We ordered another round of it with regular salt and it was perfect.

Slider burgers – good little bite of burger.

Lamb – excellent

Queso dip with shrimp and chicken…very good, but supply more things to dip in it. We had 2 orders of tortillas, could have used more or perhaps some chips or veggies.

Scallops – fabulous, nice size. Served on top a plate of white beans that were perfect.

Tuna – served rare. Buttery to the taste and texture. Melted on my tongue. Atop cucumbers that were marinated for 1 week…excellent.

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?

Very good service. This restaurant is looking to expand the concept in Miami area. Also owners will open a seafood concept in same retail center soon. Chef visited our table to offer his suggestions, even on a very busy Friday night. Wine suggestions were excellent.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?

Gorgeous décor…feels like a Midtown restaurant. Front restaurant part is cozy, there are 2 VIP booths that have curtains for privacy, back bar area (closed off for cigar smoking) has a DJ on busy evenings that adds to the atmosphere. Fun music and staff.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?
Yes, tapas range from $3.50 to $8 per item. Good way to try different foods. Most in the $5 range. Great international wine list!

This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food • Quick bite • Date Night

• Outdoor • Romantic • Special occasion

Roberto's World Tapas on Urbanspoon

2/1/07

Review of Rathbun's



Rathbun's
the Stove Works - Inman Park
112 Krog Street, Ste R
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
Website - www.rathbunsrestaurant.com

Hours:
M-Thur:5:30-10:30
Fri & Sat:5:30-11:30
Closed Sunday

P: 404.524.8280




Our reviewer visited Rathbun's, located in East Atlanta near Virginia Highlands, for dinner with two other guests on January 26th, 2007.

What did you order? How was your food?
For appetizers we had: Butternut Squash Ravioli in cream, Scallops in a lemon-base sauce, and Tuna Tartar in a citrus dressing. Our main course consisted of: Veal Chops in a cream sauce and Braised Lamb Chops in a bernaise-like sauce. For dessert: Warm peanut butter and jelly cookie bar, and a pot de creme.

Every dish was meticulously created and prepared flawlessly. The presentation for each dish acknowledged the quality of work put into each item. Fresh catch and top quality meats, produce and vegetables are the base from which the chef is able to create the savory dining experience.

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?
The service is as expected at a fine dining restaurant with competent and diligent wait staff. Our waiter was confident in his recommendations for both food and wine, with very little backlash afterwards due to correct choices. The hostesses were calm and moved with grace, however could not seem to avoid daydreaming at certain lulls in between seating and were therefore less approachable.

What do you think of the decor and atmosphere?
Rathbun's is located in a revamped warehouse named the "Stove Works" in an industrial part of East Atlanta. The exterior is reminiscent of a government building with its sharp angles and lifeless features, but the interior created brings such contrast that they seem eerily alike. Tables are seated in a smaller dining area, bringing to life what was once a large room with a conveyor belt and workers. While most of the action used to be between the hours of 9-5 during work, Rathbun's has changed the "Stove Works" into a hip place to spend your hours when that is exactly what you wish to forget.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?
"You get what you pay for" certainly applies to what is fast becoming the new hot spot for trendy Atlanta dining. It is hard to escape for under $125 for two (not including alcohol consumption). If money is a concern, I have a suggestion... do not go to Rathbun's yet. Wait an extra pay period or two, eat some Ramen at home if you have to, and go when you can drink and eat everything without consulting your wallet first.

This restaurant is best for -
Good food, Romantic, Special Occasion.

Rathbun's on Urbanspoon

Review of Ibiza






Ibiza
2285 Peachtree Rd., Ste. 100
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-352-3081
(Next to Imperial Fez)



Our reviewer visited Ibiza for dinner on 1-19-07 with seven other guests.

What did you order? How was your food?
Tapas – Spanikopita, Brie with Caviar, Mussels. Decent, not great. Brie was gross.

What did your companions order? How was their food?
Assortment

Describe your impressions of the service. Was anything exceptionally good (or bad) about the quality of service you received?
Started out good, then fell off. Lost the ticket for the last order, delayed 30 minutes or so. Waitress was tooooo friendly, telling us about her DUIs.

What do you think of the décor and atmosphere?
Atmosphere was great, sat on the ground with pillows.

Do you consider this a good value for the money you spent? If no, why not?
No, 3 tapas and 2 jugs of sangria cost over $90.


On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.

• Good food 6
• Quick bite 3
• Family-friendly 5
• Outdoor 9 – if you like smoking hookahs
• Romantic 7
• Special occasion 7

Ibiza on Urbanspoon