little ms foodie

Had Happy Hour at Matador last night. From 4 to 6pm and again after 10 pm $4 plates. Very generous servings for the bargain price we thought. Shared nachos (great with black beans!), egg rolls, shrimp tacos and fish tacos. We thought everything was really good. Sat far from the bar as it does get smokey over there. Had good service and smelt a lot of other good things from the orders around us. My experience was good, will go again.

Is this recipient a French person or an Ex-pat? One is an American ex-pat and one is French Canadian ;)

Not exactly gifts but as I'm heading to Paris to visit a friend in 2 weeks I asked what her and her room mate would like me to bring. Her replies: - The current edition of Food and Wine Magazine - "I can't believe it's not butter" spray for her popcorn - French's mustard Very funny! I hope the food police at the airport don't arrest me! haha!

I'm quite confused here. I'm totally at sea in regard to a candle having a role in in clearing a sommelier's palate. I'm not familiar with the use of a candle in regard to a bottle of wine in the dining room except as a light behind the wine bottle to see if the wine itself is clear and to see if sediment is going to enter the decanter when the wine is decanted. Sorry that I was mistaken about the candle here. of course it is to look for sediment, I apologize! I think this has been a very interesting thread. Bux- My husband and I will be traveling thru Northern Spain this July. Where can I find some of your dining reports/ winery reports on this area? Thanks!

Troini is owned by the group that does El Gaucho and Waterfront. We've glanced at the menu and it looks yummy if a bit expensive.

Thank you marcus. Good to know. Michel del Burno also does some things for O & Co. I just had a wonderful tapenade last night that he created for them. And indeed you are also right about the wine tasting/serving. It is a time honored tradition in fine restaurants.

Oh and to blind lemon higgins the 'cheesy balls' you ate for your amuse where Gougres, I love them! They are a tradition at Taillevent and have been served for years. The candle/flame thing is also a very traditional way for a sommelier to smell/taste/serve wine. It helps them to clear their palate and make sure the wine is up to par. It actually speaks miles of the restaurant to do that even with a lesser priced wine. Too bad you had such a bad table, that certainly sounds off putting. Were you dining alone? The side by side booths in the main room, surrounded by dark wood and beautiful original art (we sat across from the Miro) are really an experience.

My husband and I ate at Taillevent 2 years ago. It was the most amazing dining experience ever. I can't say enough about M. Vrinat and his staff. The food was nothing short of a parade of masterpieces, the wine list and sommelier Nicolas are the best I've seen, the desserts......holy cow, don't get me started! The service is so good that you feel like you know them by the time you leave. We not only have a menu from the restaurant in our kitchen but I emailed them to find out what the white burgandy may have been (a year later) as I couldn't remember. They had kept detailed notes of our dinner and told us exactly what we had! Also as a side note there is a book out right now that you should absolutely read called "A Meal Observed". It happens to be about a meal at Taillevent but also discusses a lot of interesting things about food, cuisine, chefs, etc. Also when I ate there Michael Del Brugo was the chef, is he still?

My husband and I really like Tangletown! They have great burgers but I agree that other entrees are hit and miss. Nothing terrible, it might just be a bit off. I also like the Hilltop but only when I want some good soup and a beer. Or in the winter they make meat pies! mmmmmmm! My favorite is the George and Dragon in Fremont for a pint and shepard's pie! And if it happens to be Tuesday trivia night then all the better. :)

Thanks Ms Ramsey, we are now in the throws of deciding on a different venue for tomorrow- the last day of the promotion. Btw I saw this today: http://ads.nwsource.com/ads/promo/25for25_...ecretdiner.html I have to also give my vote for best 25 for $25 to Wild Ginger's dinner. Now who wants to help me decide where to go tomorrow? :)

QUOTE (little ms foodie @ Mar 24 2004, 06:59 PM) I love Torrefazione (sp?)! Mmm and the pasteries, gelato and panini aren't bad either!

I've eaten at Tulio once on a $25 meal, very good- nice rustic Italian, good sized portions, wonderful service. Assaigo many times but just the other day for the $12.50 lunch. They give you a list of about 25 things to decide on! I like Assagio, mostly known for their great pasta and sauces. Serafina is a personal favorite. My husband and I had our wedding reception there last Sept. They have wonderful ambiance, jazz, and the food! mmmmmmm. Was going to try Vivande on Tuesday, why were you waved off? What's the lowdown?? So for your pick if you want someplace romantic go to Serafina, Tried and true pasta- Assiago. Rustic and good- Tulio. :)

I love Torrefazione (sp?)! Mmm and the pasteries, gelato and panini aren't bad either!

Hello there! I'm new and have been lurking and reading for a few weeks now. I want to thank you all for bringing this Union deal to my attention. A friend and I were in Union in Jan. just for cocktails and a few bites and it was fantastic. Now with this deal we have reservations next Tuesday! I can't wait! I also want to say that I try many of the restaurants each time the 25 for $25 comes around. So far my vote for best this time is Wild Ginger. Ate there on Monday and could not finish all the food. They have 4 courses- appetizer, veggie, main and dessert. The chicken on the bone and the pepper scallops were out of this world! Fantastic!!