sushi...Mmmm...love it....
sushi is difficult...you can't just get it anywhere, and me, I have to be in the mood to eat sushi. sushi can also be expensive, and if you follow my blog, you know me, I like to be thrifty when it comes to eating out! Tokyo isn't known for its spectacular service, or its ambiance.
Tokyo is my go to sushi spot. AND!! Now that they are on restaurant.com....I will be more frequently in the mood for sushi ;)
My brother and I decided to catch up over sushi last night.....he was very irritated by the booth we were sat in because it was crooked (I think it was crooked because the building itself, floor and all is crooked) but nonetheless he was irritated....I was irritated that I forgot my bottle of BYOWine on the counter in my kitchen...grr
As I put the Restaurant.com certificate on the table (like the instructions say--I am a rule follower by fault)--my brother swiftly wisks away the cert and says "Don't show that to them yet, we'll get even worse service!!"
geez...I mean really how bad can the service get?! (disclaimer, this is the only restaurant I will repeatedly return to despite the bad service).
After an appetizer of Edamame, we ordered an assortment of rolls:
Tango Roll
Rainbow Roll
Crazy Roll
California Roll
Philly Roll
Dragon Roll
I would have given better descriptions of each roll, but even I myself couldn't rename all the ingredients, all I know is that they are delish. Trying to look up the menu online (which doesn't exist on their website, because they don't have a website) this was the best I could find, and short of flipping my laptop over -- these menus are posted online upside down: http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/41/451644/restaurant/East-Side/Tokyo-Providence
Once the server came to clear our plates and drop our check, well he got that Restaurant.com certificate....and he snickered through his teeth. Hey buddy, guess what, if you don't like getting people into your restaurant and using them, then cancel your Restaurant.com subscription!!!
sushi: A+
service: D+
I will return though :)
2.10.2011
2.04.2011
Cafe Dolce Villa
Now, my last experience at Cafe Dolce Villa was excellent...so excellent I submitted my blog post to www.theprovidencelife.com and won a $50 gift certificate to 1149!
It's unfortunate to say that on my girls night out dinner to Dolce Villa last night, our service was less than satisfying.
Lots of times when people go out to dinner, its more likely than not to catch up. I had not seen my dear friend B since November, before the Crazy Holiday party season began and I worked day, night, and weekends from Thanksgiving til Christmas and then some in January!
We had planned to get drinks at Lili Marlene's, but upon picking B up we both decided that we were hungry and since we were already headed to the hill, why not Dolce Villa.
As we sat down, we were chatty Cathy's and the server kept coming over to us to take our order, obviously if you see that your guests still have their menus in hand and are in deep conversation, they have not looked at the novel of a menu to decide on dinner. Grrr!!
We ordered a bottle of wine, which the server opened and then placed on the table for us to "serve ourselves." Really?!
The really awesome server I had (from my last Dolce Villa blog) was waiting on a table across from us and I secretly wanted to run up to her and say "please take our table, pretty please" she was so awesome last time, she could seriously be the trainer of all trainers to teach servers in the industry how to treat their guests. She probably also makes bank because she is just so damn good at her job. I digress.
Anyway, we finally are ready to order, and start with the Bruschetta. B orders Gnocchi, even though she has had a cold and can't taste a thing! I ordered the Eggplant Rollitini Appetizer as my meal.
Food was delish, service was dreadful!
Cafe Dolce Villa: B- (B for boo)
It's unfortunate to say that on my girls night out dinner to Dolce Villa last night, our service was less than satisfying.
Lots of times when people go out to dinner, its more likely than not to catch up. I had not seen my dear friend B since November, before the Crazy Holiday party season began and I worked day, night, and weekends from Thanksgiving til Christmas and then some in January!
We had planned to get drinks at Lili Marlene's, but upon picking B up we both decided that we were hungry and since we were already headed to the hill, why not Dolce Villa.
As we sat down, we were chatty Cathy's and the server kept coming over to us to take our order, obviously if you see that your guests still have their menus in hand and are in deep conversation, they have not looked at the novel of a menu to decide on dinner. Grrr!!
We ordered a bottle of wine, which the server opened and then placed on the table for us to "serve ourselves." Really?!
The really awesome server I had (from my last Dolce Villa blog) was waiting on a table across from us and I secretly wanted to run up to her and say "please take our table, pretty please" she was so awesome last time, she could seriously be the trainer of all trainers to teach servers in the industry how to treat their guests. She probably also makes bank because she is just so damn good at her job. I digress.
Anyway, we finally are ready to order, and start with the Bruschetta. B orders Gnocchi, even though she has had a cold and can't taste a thing! I ordered the Eggplant Rollitini Appetizer as my meal.
Food was delish, service was dreadful!
Cafe Dolce Villa: B- (B for boo)
1.28.2011
Mediocre Mills
I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Mills Tavern! When I saw that Mills was participating in Winter Restaurant Week 2011, I dubbed it date night!
We arrived and the hostess did not have our reservation, which wasn't a big deal because it was a Thursday, and not too busy at that point. We later found out that whoever took the reservation, wrote it in their book for the next night. (Strike One)
We were showed to our table which was next to the front window, near the bar. The atmosphere in Mills is awesome...old, dark wood, great ambiance.
Since it was Restaurant week, we selected our choices from the Restaurant Week Menu:
Course One
Choose One
POINT JUDITH CALAMARI
with RAS EL HANOUT,HARISSA,ARUGULA and TZATZIKI
WILD WHITE WATER MUSSELS DU JOUR
Course Two
Choose One
RICOTTA and SPINACH STUFFED GNOCCHI
with FRESH BABY SPINACH and WILD MUSHROOMS IN A ROASTED GARLIC
and PARMESAN CREAM SAUCE
GRILLED PETITE FILET
with BACON MARMALADE and MELTED LEEK HORSERADISH CREAM SAUCE
Course Three
Choose One
PORTUGUESE BREAD PUDDING
with MADERIA CARAMEL, CURRENTS AND CHANTILLY CREAM
BLACK MISSION FIG CREME BRULEE
with STRAWBERRY-ROSEMARY SORBET, CANDIED WALNUTS AND OATMEAL CINNAMON CRISP
As the waitress was opening our bottle of wine and telling us about the specials for the evening, I could smell the cigarette smoke on her breath, not too appetizing, to say the least (Strike two)
The appetizers were delicious, the gnocchi was delicious, however the filet was most disappointing. It was like a little hamburger patty on a plate about an inch wider than the patty. I asked for it to be cooked medium rare, and it was cooked medium well...boo (Strike Three). Dessert was mediocre as well.
Overall a disappointing visit to Mills, which is unfortunate as I was so excited to dine there. We'll see if they get another try come Restaurant Week again, as there are just too many other untapped restaurants in Rhode Island I've yet to get to!
Mediocre Mills: C-
1.26.2011
Capital Grille
So, as to take FULL advantage of the Winter Providence Restaurant Week, I've jammed packed my schedule with reservations at some of Providence's finest.
Today, I enjoyed a "working lunch" at the Capital Grille with some lovely ladies from the Multiple Sclerosis Organization, the March of Dimes and the Rhode Island Convention Center. Way to network AND eat right :)
Capital Grille's lunch menu is absolutely too good to be true (lucky for me it isn't!) I think between the 7 of us ladies, we tried all the options, except for the Roasted Half Chicken (my first choice)
because they were out.
The Grille was slammed packed, you could tell the servers were a bit "in the weeds." It took our server a bit longer than should have to approach our table and greet us. We were all so happy to get out of our offices, I don't think it really was a big deal that we waited a bit longer.
So for $12.95 ($17 each after tax and tip!) we dined on the following:
Today, I enjoyed a "working lunch" at the Capital Grille with some lovely ladies from the Multiple Sclerosis Organization, the March of Dimes and the Rhode Island Convention Center. Way to network AND eat right :)
Capital Grille's lunch menu is absolutely too good to be true (lucky for me it isn't!) I think between the 7 of us ladies, we tried all the options, except for the Roasted Half Chicken (my first choice)
because they were out.
The Grille was slammed packed, you could tell the servers were a bit "in the weeds." It took our server a bit longer than should have to approach our table and greet us. We were all so happy to get out of our offices, I don't think it really was a big deal that we waited a bit longer.
So for $12.95 ($17 each after tax and tip!) we dined on the following:
Course One
Choose One
Field Greens,Spring Vegetables with Shallot Champagne Vinaigrette
Clam Chowder
Course Two
Dry Aged Sirloin Salad with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette
The Grille’s Signature Cheeseburger with Truffle Fries
Seared Citrus Glazed Salmon
Roasted Half Chicken
Course Three
Choose One
Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake
The Capital Grille Handcrafted Ice Cream
Chef’s Seasonal Sorbet
While I am not a huge fan of dining at the Capital Grille for dinner, as I think it gets a bit too loud in there, dining there for Lunch was fabulous. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
Capital Grille: A
1.25.2011
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Mmm....Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, need I say more?! You'll never have a more amazing Filet Mignon than at Ruth's Chris...In an attempt to be able to dine our frequently, I often use Groupons, Restaurant.com and other various coupons or gift certificates. During Restaurant Week, a visit to Ruth's Chris as an ABSOLUTE MUST!
My Boyfriend's mother has always wanted to dine at Ruth's so she treated us to dinner. :)
Course One
Choose One
Louisiana Seafood Gumbo
Steak House Salad with House Vinaigrette
Course Two
Choose One
Filet
The most tender cut of corn-fed Midwestern beef
Broiled expertly to melt-in-your-mouth
NY Strip
A favorite of many steak connoisseurs. This USDA Prime
Cut has a full-bodied texture that is slightly firmer than a Ribeye
Sizzlin’ Blue Crab Cakes
Three Jumbo lump crab cakes served sizzling with lemon butter
Marinated Chicken
Broiled Chicken Breast marinated in garlic and herbs
Your choice of one of the following personal side items:
Creamed Spinach
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Course Three
Duo of Berries & Cream and Chocolate Mousse Cup
I opted for the Salad (though I tasted the gumbo and it was delish), Filet and we all shared the sides.....my Filet was melt in your mouth perfection, I am salivating at the thought of having to wait until July for it again! My boyfriends mother said that her steak was the best steak she has ever eaten.
Ruth's Chris A+ (we'll be back in July!)
Posted by Missie Rose at Wednesday, January 26, 2011
12.24.2010
CAV
For our one year "dating" anniversary, we decided to dine at CAV. I had heard a million and one good things about CAV, and was anxious to see what all the fuss was about.
We arrived for our 7pm Reservation, it's a little tricky to find as it is located in the Jewelry district and located below a mill of loft apartments. It appears to be a cute little area which I'm sure will be so nice to hang out when the weather is warm.
The host showed us to our table, which was a little cramped on the dining room floor. Each table is a different shape, different style, different chairs. All the tables had original table cloths with glass over them to create a colorful atmosphere.
CAV is packed wall to wall with decorations which are available for purchase. It's sort of a mix between an antique shop and an eastern asian, bohemian feel. Very different, very cool, very interesting. I had a hard time concentrating on our "date" as my eyes couldnt help but wonder around!
We started with:
Crostini with a mélange of wild mushrooms sautéed with wine, fresh herbs and a concasse of fresh plum tomatoes. For Two $9.95
and
Coconut Shrimp: Large Shrimps with Thai Chile Dip $5.00 (is there such a thing as ShrimpS? Isn't shrimp plural already?!)
Both appetizers were delicious, the two of us were fighting over who could get more mushrooms on our forks!
Our Dinner entrée selections:
His: Risotto with Wild mushrooms (Porcini, Portabellos, Shitakis and more) in a white truffle oil sauce with Sage flower $20.95 (more mushrooms!)
Mine: Fresh cut pasta, rolled and filled with chicken, spinach, walnut and cheese mousse served with a shallot cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and Parmesan Crisp Flower $16.95 Ahhhh-Mazzzzzz-ingggg omg....delish...I need to get myself a homemade pasta maker and try to re-create this dish at home!
We were too full for dessert, and opted to finish our wine instead :)
The server was excellent, everything was excellent...I love a restaurant where every aspect deserves an A+
Next visit to CAV will definitely be for Brunch
Served Saturdays 10am and Sundays 10:30am
12.11.2010
Fred & Steve's at Twin River
My Boyfriends Holiday Party was at Fred & Steve's this year. We started the evening with open bar drinks in the main entrance of the restaurant, and shortly thereafter were lead into the back private room for dinner.
As a Sales & Events Coordinator myself for a well known Providence Restaurant, I am always interested in seeing how other private events are run.
There was a table of place cards setup as we entered with our names and our dinner choices. I do that myself for plated dinner parties, but most of the time, I am given the meal choices by the party host, and the party guests are able to choose that night as they walk in a place card of their dinner choice and are to put their card at their seat. Makes it much easier for the party host as they do not have to track down what people would like for dinner ahead of time, and for servers and runners to know where to place down a dinner plate if people are still mingling around the bar while dinner is (trying) to be served.
The private room looks as though during normal business hours it is part of the main dining room, with bench seating built in around two sides of the square room, and an arrangement of two tops pushed together, with round tables of various sizes in the middle of the room. Our table was a long dining room like table that fit 8 people, so we sat with 3 other couples from his department.
Staff was very efficient in refilling drinks, delivering meals and clearing plates...good job! The food was excellent, my choice--Filet...of course...how can you pass up a free Filet?! Dessert looked more promising on paper than it did on my plate "smores pie" sounded like a good idea, but when put to fruition, not so much. Oh well....can't win'em all!
Fred & Steve's: A
As a Sales & Events Coordinator myself for a well known Providence Restaurant, I am always interested in seeing how other private events are run.
There was a table of place cards setup as we entered with our names and our dinner choices. I do that myself for plated dinner parties, but most of the time, I am given the meal choices by the party host, and the party guests are able to choose that night as they walk in a place card of their dinner choice and are to put their card at their seat. Makes it much easier for the party host as they do not have to track down what people would like for dinner ahead of time, and for servers and runners to know where to place down a dinner plate if people are still mingling around the bar while dinner is (trying) to be served.
The private room looks as though during normal business hours it is part of the main dining room, with bench seating built in around two sides of the square room, and an arrangement of two tops pushed together, with round tables of various sizes in the middle of the room. Our table was a long dining room like table that fit 8 people, so we sat with 3 other couples from his department.
Staff was very efficient in refilling drinks, delivering meals and clearing plates...good job! The food was excellent, my choice--Filet...of course...how can you pass up a free Filet?! Dessert looked more promising on paper than it did on my plate "smores pie" sounded like a good idea, but when put to fruition, not so much. Oh well....can't win'em all!
Fred & Steve's: A
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