Inexplicably and inexcusably it took us over 9 years to try this place even though we live no more than 100 yards away. A couple weeks ago we finally had circumstances align for what we hoped would be perfect trial conditions : a snowy Friday night when we could make the short walk over here, grab a window table inside this allegedly quaint neighborhood place and have a nice meal while enjoying the picturesque wintry scene outside.
Maybe we had built up our expectations too much, but the actual experience left us feeling only okay.
First, and through no fault of the restaurant, the view of the snowstorm through their windows wasn't that great. Streetlight glare plus exterior building light glare just kind of washed it all out. So much for that.
Focusing on the food, service and atmosphere, then, here's my take:
Atmosphere was pretty sleepy. This wasn't one of the live performance nights, so it was just the three or four quiet tables eating in a mostly quiet room.
Service was pretty helpful. One guy seemed to be running the whole show, waiting on the tables and handling the bar orders. He was friendly.
Food was good. The menu is limited and the prices aren't inexpensive, so the food quality is a make or break element here. My wife enjoyed her shrimp cachonette and tournedos of beef. My onion soup gratinee and filet mignon were tasty too.
Bottom line, though, is if I'm going to spend $130 for dinner in Edgewater, I'm going to head over to Francesca's. Twice. I'm glad I tried EBC, but it's hard to justify the premium prices unless you really, really value a dark, extremely quiet atmosphere.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Quick Review: Trump Hotel (Vegas)
Disclaimer: I'm not a Vegas guy. Not a big gambler, not a seen-and-be-seen kind of person. View my review through that lens.
Great room. I completely prefer rooms with a kitchenette or at least a fridge. And since I was here for 4 nights, the set up at the trump was key. Fridge, sink, stove top if you want it and microwave. Beyond that the room is also a nice space, with a comfortable bed and good work area. As mentioned by at least one other reviewer, the shower door situation is a little funky. That probably could have been designed better.
Great fitness center. There are a number of treadmills facing the pool area and a decent assortment of machines, too.
Super convenient to be across from that mall. Walk through Nordstrom and you've got yourself a Chipotle no more than 300 yards from front door of the hotel.
Short walk to El Segundo Sol and StripBurger.
Short taxi lines. I was here 4 nights and in and out multiple times per day. Never had to wait more than 2 minutes for a taxi. During CES.
Only issue I had was upon check in. I made my reservation through http://Booking.com and had adjusted the original reservation by adding a day. Even though I'd done this at least four or five days before my arrival it wasn't picked up in 'their system'. So I had to stand there while the desk guy called and faxed (yes, faxed) someone a copy of my http://booking.com confirmation. Kind of a drag after flying across the country, but in the end it all got sorted.
Great room. I completely prefer rooms with a kitchenette or at least a fridge. And since I was here for 4 nights, the set up at the trump was key. Fridge, sink, stove top if you want it and microwave. Beyond that the room is also a nice space, with a comfortable bed and good work area. As mentioned by at least one other reviewer, the shower door situation is a little funky. That probably could have been designed better.
Great fitness center. There are a number of treadmills facing the pool area and a decent assortment of machines, too.
Super convenient to be across from that mall. Walk through Nordstrom and you've got yourself a Chipotle no more than 300 yards from front door of the hotel.
Short walk to El Segundo Sol and StripBurger.
Short taxi lines. I was here 4 nights and in and out multiple times per day. Never had to wait more than 2 minutes for a taxi. During CES.
Only issue I had was upon check in. I made my reservation through http://Booking.com and had adjusted the original reservation by adding a day. Even though I'd done this at least four or five days before my arrival it wasn't picked up in 'their system'. So I had to stand there while the desk guy called and faxed (yes, faxed) someone a copy of my http://booking.com confirmation. Kind of a drag after flying across the country, but in the end it all got sorted.
Quick Review: Pasteur (Chicago)
Saturday night @ 7:45. Place was packed. Unfortunately, their computer system wasn't working so everything was s-l-o-w-e-d down considerably. But we'll call that a growing pains fluke.
Interior is really well done. Immediately transports you far away from Edgewater. Decor is sophisticated. And whether it was intentional or just a lucky outcome, the acoustics are kind of amazing. Tables are pretty close together and on this busy night it was loud. But somehow my wife and I could talk with each other comfortably and not feel like we were hearing everything being said at the tables on either side of us, which is no little detail in my world.
Food was strong.
Apps: Fried chicken dumplings were delicious, vegetable tofu rolls were interesting (touch of mango works wonders here). One regret - why no sticky rice?
Entrees: Beef curry was a great balance of heat and sweet; Pasteur beef steak was a hit, too.
Also, they have a Lebanese red wine available by the glass. It's a little lightweight / thin, but I appreciate the opportunity to try a Lebanese red wine nonetheless - that wasn't something I expected when I walked in the door.
Interior is really well done. Immediately transports you far away from Edgewater. Decor is sophisticated. And whether it was intentional or just a lucky outcome, the acoustics are kind of amazing. Tables are pretty close together and on this busy night it was loud. But somehow my wife and I could talk with each other comfortably and not feel like we were hearing everything being said at the tables on either side of us, which is no little detail in my world.
Food was strong.
Apps: Fried chicken dumplings were delicious, vegetable tofu rolls were interesting (touch of mango works wonders here). One regret - why no sticky rice?
Entrees: Beef curry was a great balance of heat and sweet; Pasteur beef steak was a hit, too.
Also, they have a Lebanese red wine available by the glass. It's a little lightweight / thin, but I appreciate the opportunity to try a Lebanese red wine nonetheless - that wasn't something I expected when I walked in the door.
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