BDR

Was disappointed with Anthos tonight. Had heard good things, and like gourmet Greek (soft spot for Milos in Montreal). Concept is solid, menu is interesting/intriguing, HOWEVER: I ordered the Octopus Appetizer, and only that. My companion had the small tasting menu, for $65. They held my octopus until her main dish came, which is OK but would've preferred them asking me when I wanted it. When it came, it was cool. Not even lukewarm. And I couldn't find my waiter for the life of me. Finally asked a busboy for the manager, who basically said it was because they were busy. Twit waitress then came by because she saw me complaining to the manager. She says, "I hope everything was OK." I let her have it, firstly for serving cold food, and secondly for being completely absent all night. Her answer? Not "I'm so sorry, I should've come over sooner," or anything approaching an apology. Just "We are very busy tonight." End result, ruined the meal. Manager did comp my Octopus though. Won't be back. Wouldn't want them to be busy on my account.

Yes, I went there for lunch in a casual business outfit, no tie or jacket, but a $300 Armani sweater. They wouldn't let me in, with reservation. To top it off, they of course allowed the 20-something overweight gal in the "Juicy" sweatpants to cruise right to her table. Went across the street to Acqua Pazza. Will never go to 21 again.

I'm mostly working on the Mansion side and only doing some production for L'Atelier. I'm sure they would be happy to give you a tour of the kitchen if you ask your server. However, I have to ask you to please not ask for me by name. I'm just a cook and quite new in the kitchen, and I don't want them to think that I'm inviting friends to drop by to chat all the time. I'm usually there until 9:00 pm Thursday-Monday. Say 'hi' if you pass through the pastry kitchen. Thanks tsquare! ← Gotcha. I'm booked at the mansion for Friday the 7th, early dinner. If my wife and I get to the kitchen, I'll try to give a casual hi. Trying to decide if I can gear up for the 16 course feast, hoping to. b.r.

Neil, I'm gonna be out there early April, eating at the mansion. Are you being "shared" or strictly L'Atelier? Would love to say hi if you're there.

If you're ever in Montreal and wander to Schwartz's, try the rib steak, you won't be sorry. I know this is completely off topic, but I have to disagree with this. Schwartz's deli in Montreal is better - bigger sandwiches, and at less than half the price. Even with the exchange rate being what it is. ← Being from New York, it pains me to say this but.... I agree. I believe Schwartz's is superior - not even taking price into account. ←

Well, I'll second Trattoria on Palmetto Park, usually pretty solid. Tried two new places, one brand new, one new to me, this past trip in Boca: First, Just opened, BONG on Palmetto Park. Went twice, first time was very good. Sat inside, great old style waiter from New York, knew the menu and steered us quite well thru excellent appetizers (Calamari, Dumplings, Soy Spare Ribs, Tempura) and varying main dishes (great Whole Fish with Ginger, good duck, mediocre other fish in a pot, average lamb chops). Second visit, sat outside, had a TERRIBLE chick waiter, dark hair, strange accent, and CLUELESS: didn't know the menu, recommended as not spicy a very spicy Thai soup, screwed up the Fish with Ginger, was ordered with sauce on side, since she said it had tomatoes in it, and fish came with sauce on it. She was gonna take it back, I asked again if it had tomatoes (Dad's allergic) and she said No, it didn't. THEN, asked for wine list, got it, was ready, and she walked by FOUR times without looking over so I could flag her down, two of those times after I had pointed out the problem to the Manager! Will not be back I'm afraid, her incompetence ruined the meal, which was not as good quality-wise as the first visit. THEN, went to Zemi, where Maxaluna used to be. Very good, standout dish was Mushroom Pizza, believe it or not.

Man, first time visitor to Grand Sichuan, on 9th, midtown. had the fresh killed kung bao chicken, very tasty, but WAY TOO HOT TO ENJOY. And I usually like spicy foods. I even asked the waiter "not too spicy," which I think he took as a joke. Oh well, will try one more time.

If Cote Basque is closing, where the heck do I go to get my annual Cassoulet fix? There's was pretty darn good.

I remember the burgers at the Original Ollie Burger in Miami Beach, on 23rd near Collins Avenue. Now THAT was a burger to remember. The Lums version is/was pretty good, but a pale imitation.

MARGINALLY off topic, but next time you're at Schwartz's, try the Rib Steak, medium, with all the spices. Pretty darn good.

Dissenting opinion here on La Frontiera, if that's what it's called. The used-to-be Spanish-but-now-Spanish/Italian restaurant by the movie theater. I've been there several times, and have always had either the fish in wine/lemon kind of sauce, usually snapper or sea bass or something delicate, or the seafood risotto. I've been pleasantly surprised with the fish, but LOVED the risotto. I have risotto often in NYC, and this stacks up well with my favorites in NYC (San Pietro for one). <>