Restaurant Review Thread
#151
Posted 24 June 2008 - 11:24 PM
There is a Terrific site http://www.yummyuck.com for searching restaurants worldwide, it includes user reviews and this allows us to choose the best restaurant that suits us most!!
#152
Posted 03 July 2008 - 10:14 PM
- http://www.hellodesserts.com/
- Location: 1698 Hostetter Rd, Ste I
San Jose, CA 95131
- Attire: casual
- Price range: it depends on what you get. some of the thigns are expensive, and not worth it..
- what i ate: Tiramisu cake, it was okayyy. i ate it when it first opened, they've added alot of new things so they should have already worked out the kinks.
The desserts look great! They put alot of work in their menu and atmosphere, it's good place to hang out before or after a date.
- Specialties: Cakes, icecream, and drinks!
- Hours: Friday and Saturday: noon to 12:30am Sunday to Thursday: noon to 11:00pm
- Tel: 408-453-5566
- i would go here again, the only thing is i don't live near that place. But their menu and pretty desserts were memorable. It's very bright and reminds you of one of those Japanese dessert places on tv.
i rate it a...
3.5/5
- Pictures:



#153
Posted 16 July 2008 - 05:58 PM
The name "izakaya" is a compound word consisting of "i " (to remain) and "sakaya" (sake shop), showing that izakaya originate from sake shops which allowed customers to remain on the premises to drink.
Izakaya are sometimes called Akachōchin (red lantern) in daily conversation, because these paper lanterns are traditionally found in front of an izaakaya.
They are popular, casual and relatively cheap places for after-work drinking.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izakaya
From wikipedia

Fried mackerel (left) and rib-eye, mushroom and chicken skewers at Saizo in Sunnyvale. Chronicle photo by Craig Lee

Hamachi-stuffed shiitakes at Nihon Whiskey Lounge in San Francisco. Chronicle photo by Craig Lee

From left: Ume Shiso (chicken breast with plum sauce and shiso), Buta Toma (tomato wrapped in pork) and Yuzu (chicken with yuzu-citrus pepper) at Saizo in Sunnyvale. Chronicle photo by Craig Lee

Hoshi could easily be on a side street in Tokyo, so true to the tradition and appearance of izakaya that the only thing missing is the red lantern. Chronicle photo by Craig Lee

Hoshi could easily be on a side street in Tokyo, so true to the tradition and appearance of izakaya that the only thing missing is the red lantern. Chronicle photo by Craig Lee
More pics:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/artic...4/FDVOSB9E3.DTL
An article about izakayas in the SF Bay Area:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?...4/FDVOSB9E3.DTL
Here's a selection of some of the Bay Area's izakayas.
Gochi Japanese Fusion Tapas. 19980 Homestead Road (at North Blaney Avenue), Cupertino; (408) 725-0542.
Traditional tatami mat decor and a modern menu make this an excellent family friendly find. Ask for a carpaccio if the chef has time and bluefin toro steak (occasional special) if it's available. Potato gratin with fish roe is an interesting East/West creation.
Tip: Call ahead if you want omakase (chef's choice) at a price you choose from $30 and up. You leave your shoes at the door, so wear nice socks.
Hoshi. 246 Saratoga Ave., (in Pruneridge Shopping Center), Santa Clara; (408) 554-7100
Hoshi could easily be on a side street in Tokyo, so true to the tradition and appearance of izakaya that the only thing missing is the red lantern. The menu is written in Kanji on white strips that cover the walls and window. With more than 150 items to choose from, let the chef be your guide with an otsumami omakase of four or six plates. Come thirsty, since there's an extensive selection of sake and shochu.
Tip: The chef is one of a select few licensed to prepare blowfish in the Bay Area when it's in season, usually starting around the end of November.
Izakaya Mai. 212 Second Ave. (near Ellsworth), San Mateo; (650) 347-2511.
This tiny, bright spot is generally packed and rocking, with a miniature train running on tracks above diners' heads and walls plastered with customers' photos. The menu - it's illustrated, which is helpful - is extensive, with sushi, both grilled and fried items, and ramen, along with combination dinners. Ankimo, miso eggplant and pork, and grilled hamachi kama are worth ordering.
Tip: The kitchen stays open until 11:30 p.m., and serves until midnight - a rarity on the mid-Peninsula.
Nami Nami. 240 Castro St. (near Villa Street), Mountain View; (650) 964-6990
Nami Nami, which opened in January, delivers a sophisticated take on the izakaya ideal. Modernist decor with zen influences and soft lighting and music make a great date destination. The kakuni, pork steamed in soy sauce, is a highlight.
Tip: The restaurant will make many dishes in half-order size, a great way to stretch your sampling. Save dessert for gelato across the street.
Nihon Whiskey Lounge. 1779 Folsom St. (at 14th Street), San Francisco; (415) 552-4400.
While a Westernized hip restaurant with a DJ and bar-to-ceiling bottles of Scotch may not be true to the letter of izakaya, this spot is absolutely true to the spirit. There's an impressive list of single malt whiskeys. Try the signature Nihon, a tempura roll of seared wahoo and tuna, and the hamachi-stuffed shiitakes.
Tip: Stretch your dining dollars with half-price appetizer happy hour from 6-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Oyaji. 3123 Clement St. (near 32nd Avenue), San Francisco; (415) 379-3604
The name is Japanese for "dad," and the chef-owner Hideki Makiyama is quite capable of acting like one with his patrons. A classic neighborhood-style izakaya, the restaurant is dominated by a full sushi bar, "because this is the USA," says Hideki. Sea snail in the shell makes an interesting snack. Salty deep-fried skate wing (eihire karaage) is a natural with one of a dozen sakes offered by the glass.
Tip: Don't miss the off-menu hamachi kama (fish collar) a rich, butter soft and delicious treat. Only two per day are available.
Saizo. 592 E. El Camino Real, (at East Remington Drive); Sunnyvale; (408) 733-7423
True to izakaya's long tradition of value, Saizo offers 41 menu items for $3 or less and an extensive menu beyond. This place is skewer city, from yakatoris to deep-fried quail eggs, so build your own tasting menu with a variety of grilled and deep-fried choices. "Fat means flavor" converts shouldn't pass up a few skewers of butabara (pork belly).
Tip: Try one of two sake flights for a fun varietal tasting and pairing experience.
Tanto. 1306 Saratoga Ave. (at Payne), San Jose; (408) 249-6020
A classic spot with an extensive menu, including 45 specials and a variety of shochus and sakes. In true izakaya style, most dishes are appropriate to share; even soups come with a serving spoon and bowls for sharing. Cioppino fans will like the asari ramen (noodle soup with little neck clams). Small sushi bar.
Tip: The tables at this little spot hidden at the end of a strip mall fill up quickly so arrive early or make a reservation
- Ben Narasin
An izakaya menu
In my tour of Bay Area izakayas, I found many traditional favorites. Here's a sampling:
Agedashi tofu. Deep-fried tofu is on virtually every menu, and anything can take tofu's place and often does. I liked Nami Nami's Agedashi Fig.
Ankimo. Steamed monkfish liver, typically served with ponzu sauce and grated daikon - Japanese foie gras lite.
Asari no sakamushi. Sake-steamed clams. A nice twist on steamers; the broth makes the dish.
Buta no kakuni. Steamed or braised pork belly that's unctuous and delicious; I judge an izakaya by how good theirs is.
Chikuzen ni. A dish of chicken and vegetables simmered in soy sauce. Vegetables, typically root, vary with the season.
Ebi shinjyo. Deep-fried shrimp balls. An interesting alternative to the ubiquitous rice ball.
Geso kara age. Squid legs, deep or pan-fried, breaded or not. Chewier and meatier than calamari.
Hamachi kama. Grilled yellowtail "collar."
Kabutoni. Braised fish head. Various heads are offered and are creatively presented.
Kakiage. Mixed, but not standard, tempura. When fresh corn hits the farm stands, shrimp and corn kakiage dumplings hit the specials.
Karaage. Karaage is any deep-fried meat in a salty batter. Eihire (stingray or skate wing) is a pleasant departure from fried chicken.
Mozuku. Sometimes called slimy seaweed and typically served in vinegar sauce. Don't expect your typical sushi-style seaweed salad.
Nitsuke. Fish, typically flat fish such as sand dabs or flounder, broiled with soy sauce, mirin and sugar.
Saba. Mackerel (saba) shows up in many forms, such as salt roasted, and dried and salted. Oily texture and abundant bones can make these dishes a tough sell.
Shiokara. The innards of various sea creatures pickled or otherwise fermented. Not for the faint of palate. Generally a real salt bomb.
Yaki onigiri. Although called rice balls, these are generally thick triangles of pressed rice, stuffed with fillings like umeboshi (pickled plum), bonito flakes, salmon or salmon roe, and then grilled.
- Ben Narasin
#154
Posted 29 July 2008 - 11:22 PM
Neighborhood: Oakland Chinatown
920 Webster St
(between 10th St & 9th St)
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-8800
Vietnamese cruisine. Cheap (and I mean CHEAP) food. Above average portion. DELICIOUS food.
Okay.... This restaurant consist of only 4 tables. It's mainly a order and go process. However, you'll fall in love with their food instantly.
There's also this small restaurant that's next door. But Cam Huong always steal all the customers from them.
It's a matter of good food, gals and guys.
#155
Posted 14 August 2008 - 04:25 PM
Le Jardin Bistro
http://www.lejardinbistro.com/
25 Cleveland Place
New York,NY
This has been rated as the most romantic restuarant in NYC many times (wink wink bring dates)
*appropriate attire that should be worn-Casual or Formal
Most dishes are $15-35 dollars a pop but worth it if it's French cuisine. The dishes are large!
I usually have:
Onglet Au Poivre Vert 18.00
Hanger Steak with a Green Peppercorn Sauce
or
Coq Au Vin 17.00
Oven Roasted Chicken In A red Wine Sauce
Stars: 5/5
LOVE THIS PLACE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
#156
Posted 22 August 2008 - 02:13 PM
chipotle.com
everywhere(:
it makes burritos and burrito bols and tacos etc
attire is casual
5-7 dollars
steak burrito bol with tortilla on the side(:
idk what the specialties are o_O
business hours... in the morning to 10pm!
phone number is unknown look for it on the website
I LOVE CHIPOTLE
YOUTUBE IT! ITS EVERYWHERE
its so good<3
#157
Posted 23 August 2008 - 07:14 PM
*appropriate attire that should be worn-Casual or Formal Casual
*Price range 10 dollars?
*state whether or not you would dine there again and any other information that you feel others should know HORRIBLE SERVICE. WAITED HALF AN HOUR FOR FOOD AND THE FOOD WAS NOT VERY GOOD. THE WAITRESS TOOK TEN MINUTES TO GIVE ME A PLATE, AND THEN ANOTHER TEN MINUTES TO GET HER ATTENTION BECAUSE THE PLATE WAS DIRTY. I AM WILLING TO BET MONEY THAT SHE SPIT IN MY FOOD. THE PLACE WAS ALSO NOT VERY BUSY, EITHER. All in all, i give it
2/5
Buyerlisted: [ +12, ~0, -0 ]
I want to talk to you till I lose my breath-cause you leave me breathless, and I inhale all of you back into me
#158
Posted 25 August 2008 - 05:28 AM
The OP either can't be bothered or doesn't want to organize this topic properly so it's easier to find your way around.
This one is updated and organized. *cough*
(Only for one capital city though).
#159
Posted 27 September 2008 - 03:03 PM
Neighborhood: Oakland Chinatown
920 Webster St
(between 10th St & 9th St)
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-8800
Vietnamese cruisine. Cheap (and I mean CHEAP) food. Above average portion. DELICIOUS food.
Okay.... This restaurant consist of only 4 tables. It's mainly a order and go process. However, you'll fall in love with their food instantly.
There's also this small restaurant that's next door. But Cam Huong always steal all the customers from them.
It's a matter of good food, gals and guys.
omg. i love their vietnamese sandwiches! yum yum. now i'm craving some. they seem to always have tons of customers. :]
#160
Posted 05 October 2008 - 06:25 PM
1670 e passroad
Biloxi, Mississippi 39531
(228)432 7666
A Korean restaurant that's been in Biloxi for the past 15 or so years
its a pretty cool place that, its pretty casual
they have lunch specials thats like a entree and drink for like $7 and the dinner prices are about $15 for an entree but they are in pretty hefty proportions
ive been there a couple of times and ive eaten the bibim bahp / galbee / jabchae / e-myun soo / bulgogi / yuke jjang / and the kimchi jjigae
they are open monday - saturday from 10 - 9
i love the food there its so yummy ^^ its probably the best korean food ive ever had ... if youre ever in town i recommend it if you like korean food or if you wanna try korean food
#161
Posted 06 October 2008 - 06:22 PM
chipotle.com
everywhere(:
it makes burritos and burrito bols and tacos etc
attire is casual
5-7 dollars
steak burrito bol with tortilla on the side(:
idk what the specialties are o_O
business hours... in the morning to 10pm!
phone number is unknown look for it on the website
I LOVE CHIPOTLE
YOUTUBE IT! ITS EVERYWHERE
its so good<3
I WAS JUST ABOUT TO SUGGEST THIS!
i love eatting there.
I eat a chicken burrito with black beans, rice, corn salsa, cheese, guacamole which costs extra yummmmmmm
#162
Posted 07 October 2008 - 11:21 AM
i love eatting there.
I eat a chicken burrito with black beans, rice, corn salsa, cheese, guacamole which costs extra yummmmmmm
I heart Chipotle. I had it for dinner last night. Their steak burrito with rice, black bean, sour cream, guacamole, corn salsa, lettuce, cheese, and pico de gallo is yummy! It takes me a while to finish their burrito because it's so huge. But I do get the job done.
#163
Posted 07 October 2008 - 12:32 PM
#164
Posted 07 October 2008 - 12:45 PM
^^
I do love the local places dork!
But for anyone who lives in Houston, my favorite local taquerias is Taquerias Arandas. The food is delicious. Their enchilads is so good. But the service needs some help.
#165
Posted 07 October 2008 - 01:04 PM
#166
Posted 07 October 2008 - 06:34 PM
4715 Westheimer
Houston, TX
713-622-3663
http://www.grottohouston.com/cuisine.html
Their pollo arrosto is sooo good. If you go to Grotto, make sure to order the meatballs as appetizers.
#167
Posted 13 October 2008 - 12:23 PM
my recommendations I've been meaning to put up:
Italiano food:
TONY'S DI NAPOLI
http://www.menupages.com/restaurants.asp?h...earch=di+napoli
They have a location on the upper east side and one midtown. The black linguine IS TO DIE FOR !! Love family style Italian food as opposed to the touristy crap they serve in Little Italy or uppity expensive ones all over Manhattan.
Sushi:
TENZAN
http://www.menupages.com/restaurants.asp?h...erSearch=tenzan
The original opened in Brooklyn, they have 3 add'l locations in Manhattan. Amongst the many 50% gimmicky sushi joints, this place never offers such a deal (yet it isn't snooty or pricey) but is always packed. They have all the elements of a good sushi place.
#168
Posted 14 October 2008 - 05:09 PM
2804 South Main
Pearland, Texas 77581
Restaurant: 281-485-0844
http://www.killenssteakhouse.com/Content-P...?iID=-497966760
Basically, it's a little outside of Houston. I'm a big fan of steaks and I have to say, this place served the best steaks I've ever eaten. It was so good, we didn't even need steak sauce. If going there, I reccommend their kobe steaks. The bf and I really like this place alot. Don't let the outside appearance fool you, this place is very upscale. We found out the wrong way
#169
Posted 14 October 2008 - 06:45 PM
2804 South Main
Pearland, Texas 77581
Restaurant: 281-485-0844
http://www.killenssteakhouse.com/Content-P...?iID=-497966760
Basically, it's a little outside of Houston. I'm a big fan of steaks and I have to say, this place served the best steaks I've ever eaten. It was so good, we didn't even need steak sauce. If going there, I reccommend their kobe steaks. The bf and I really like this place alot. Don't let the outside appearance fool you, this place is very upscale. We found out the wrong way
OH MY WORD, I'VE BEEN THERE!!! On a business trip - the company paid for it. My boss was like, "you have to go try this place - and we are going to pay for it just so you can know." I have to admit, it was the best steak I've ever had, though I can't imagine ever spending my own money on it, lol.
#170
Posted 03 November 2008 - 03:12 PM
a Korean restaurant, i think its the only one in all of WICHITA...
MANNA WOK'S ORIENTAL AND KOREAN RESTAURANT
*website | none
*location | 4865 E Harry St Wichita, KS 67218
*brief history | Mom and Pop restaurant, the wife is at the front takes orders and serves, while the husband is in the back cooking...
*appropriate attire that should be worn | Casual
*Price range | everything is under $10
*what you ate | Jjajangmyun, steamed mandu buns, kimchi, fried rice, salad... guava and mango juice...
*the specialties the restaurant offers | Bul go kee (i dont know why i just didnt eat that!)
*the business hours, the phone number | Mon-Sat: 11:00-8:30, 316-684-5512
*state whether or not you would dine there again and any other information that you feel others should know
HELL TO THE YES!!!!!! it was very good, the restaurant is small but its not an issue, they have a whole array of food in their
menu and its all under 10 bucks which is awesome, i wanted to try so many things but i couldnt!!! i love the store because
its not fancy at all, it looks like the inside of someones house and the walls are covered in pictures of customer, the
people that run the restaurant are very nice too! dine in or carry out...
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