http://www.chow.com/boards/6 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:20:59 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/670117#5211665 Has anyone been to the Fountain Brunch at Jasmine in the Bellagio? What did you think? Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:15:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/670117#5211665 http://www.chow.com/topics/668930#5210944 It's in Desert Shores...it's actually on the shores of a little lake, and they set up the outside with heaters and tables even in the winter, I believe, so it is warm enough outside. You enter thru a retail shop, in which you can select whatever wine you wish, and then they charge you a ten dollar corkage fee. The food is generally very good and I've heard good things about the new chef. I would definitely say it has a nice romantic vibe (and no, I don't think either Raku or Lotus, for all their excellence, do). Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:02:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668930#5210944 http://www.chow.com/topics/669887#5210898 Thank you! They were very accommodating, and while I am still too full post full details, it was probably the best meal I have ever had. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:33:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669887#5210898 http://www.chow.com/topics/669796#5210486 Maybe Devil's Food Bakery on S. Gaylord. Don't know about reservations. You'd have to ask. Washington Park Grill across the street does brunch, at least on weekends, so it might depend on what you consider breakfast hours. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:08:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669796#5210486 http://www.chow.com/topics/669365#5210121 Instead of Canaletto I would go next door to Enoteca San Marcos from Mario Batali. Food is quite good for reasonible prices and I have seen kids there. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:19:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669365#5210121 http://www.chow.com/topics/668593#5209957 Rooftop in Santa Fe makes really high quality "Yuppy" style pizza. They do toppings like smoked duck, salmon, and use good quality cheese. The crust which comes in both regular and blue corn is thin and very tasty.I'm from NYC and I like my crust thin with a bit of crispness to it. I think Dion's is lousy.Cheap ingredients doughy and heavy. There is also a place in the new mall near Lowes on Zarrarano which used to be called Patsy's and is now called Lucchi's which serves a simple well made classic pizza. In terms of chains, Upper crust sometimes shows up with a decent pizza, sometimes its garbage.The greek pizza is a good choice. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:37:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668593#5209957 http://www.chow.com/topics/669928#5209786 Hi there, I know this topic has probably been covered before but I wasnt able to find a list for a group. I am planning a sushi dinner for my wedding for about 10-12 people and was looking for suggestions of where to go. I am definatly open to on or off the strip. It doesnt have to be fancy or anything like that but quality is definatly a factor. Any suggestions would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:13:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669928#5209786 http://www.chow.com/topics/669885#5209541 You could pack a lunch/dinner. Personally, I'd pack a .45 in that area. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:30:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669885#5209541 http://www.chow.com/topics/659988#5209421 I know I'm gonna get flamed for this one, but is The Grand Wok & Sushi Bar disgusting? It's in MGM and my mom wanted to try it. I'd much prefer NobHill, but just in case I can't convince her..... Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:13:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659988#5209421 http://www.chow.com/topics/563159#5209190 www.leeleesupermarket.com Check postings in their Guestbook for updates on the Tucson opening. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:53:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563159#5209190 http://www.chow.com/topics/669865#5208905 Last week my wife and I did our best to eat our way through Las Vegas during a week of trade show entertaining as well as private "indulgence." Lotus of Siam has long been thought of as the best Thai restaurant in the United States. A visit last Wednesday night confirmed this: there is nothing in the D. C. area that compares. Nothing in Southern California that compares either. Superb Penang sauce with any of a half dozen meats or seafood, outstanding crisp garlic shrimp and impossibly incendiary butterflied grilled shrimp with long shards of fresh green chili and a piquant vinegar dipping sauce. Without question the hottest dish I have ever had in my life. This includes slurping teaspoons of straight Tabasco sauce. Still, I put away almost a pound of the fresh green chilied shrimp feeling that any second I might stoke a fire on the top of the table with my breath! "Animal fries" at In-n-Out (fresh potatoes topped with melted American cheese, minced grilled onion and "spread" ((i.e. Russian dressing)) ) were superb. But not as superb as what we had at Vleminckx in Amsterdam a month ago and reported on here which were topped with mayonnaise, curry sauce and minced fresh onion. The double double remains a worthy contender to Hell Burger and the In-n-Out several blocks off of the Strip is the highest grossing fast food restaurant (of all) in the U. S. Remarkable, that at 4:00 PM on Saturday afternoon over 200 people were in it with four grills going, two stationed at each grill and a walled bank of french fry cookers adjacent with baskets of fries being emptied literally every thirty seconds. On Sunday afternoon we counted six taxis in the parking lot with passengers who had all come over from the Strip including two with luggage stacked in the front seat. In Vegas the time mechanism is $30 an hour. Still, they all considered as us, that In-n-Out was "worthy." Did I mention that with the almost $10 million that this outpost does each year they still manage to serve fresh potatoes for their french fries? (Sorry, Michael.) But the dinner of the trip was at the three Michelin star Joel Robuchon in the MGM Grand. I was at Robuchon in Paris in the '90's before he first "retired." This is not as good. Still, it is a remarkable effort that is unlike anything in the D. C. area for its style. There were individual carts for: bread, butter, cheese, dessert and petit fours. A cart was wheeled by for each. The butter cart was extraordinary: a server pushed it over and on top stood a tree trunk sized slab of butter almost a foot high and six to eight inches thick. The server bent over and scaled the side of it, slicing off a thick curl that he placed on each of our plates. Following this he sprinkled fleur de lys on top. All of this to compliment one or two of the 20+ different breads and rolls that another cart featured. There were two Great dishes including possibly the single best dish I have tasted in years anywhere: "braised veal cheeks with Thai broth and vegetable couscous with broccoli" along with an intense, rich, delicate "chestnut velouté with foie gras and smoked lardons foam." We deeply wafted the rich broth of the veal cheeks, almost sucking them into our nostrils as no other food I've found in years. Layers and layers of flavor: all four of us, all sophisticated at this level almost overwhelmed at the extraordinarily complex being pulled off so well. I've not had a meat dish in the D. C. area-or Europe for that matter that was better than this. Perhaps none that was as good. Anywhere. Still, there was weakness at Robuchon. For myself and several others at the table we didn't think it merited three stars. Despite the two incredible dishes and the showstopping presentation of the butter it was not on the level I found in Paris in the mid '90's. But it tried. There is nowhere in D. C. that approaches its style. However, for what is on the plate I would suggest that Maestro in its last months came close. And, Enzo at his Chef's Table at Teatro Goldoni. Dishes at CityZen and Citronelle also were on or near this level. At least three or four dishes at Volt's Table 21 were almost as good, too. Komi has incredible lamb that approaches the succulent excellence of the veal cheeks. None of these have endless serving carts wheeling by the table with an army of servers to look over your shoulder. I should mention here that all of us thought that overall this "army" of servers was rather amateurish and lacked the kind of passion found with some at Volt and Komi or the professional excellence of several at Citronelle. In Vegas this was staff hired to be everpresent, not to be ever excellent. Still, it was a remarkable dinner. A remarkable price, too. $195 for six courses plus a couple of amuse with a 16 course degustation that is the most expensive in America at $385. That's plus wine, tax and tip. We didn't do the degustation. We took the difference and spent a couple more nights in Vegas! In'n'Out and Lotus of Siam also allowed the cost of the meal. Over the next month we are going to do our best to revisit some of our best experiences here to see how they measure against Robuchon. On Saturday of next week a group of us go to the ambitious Plume, a week later we visit Fabio at the Four Season in Manhattan and then, around Christmas, we'll revisit the new Chef's Table that Enzo has created at Teatro Goldoni. Then, in January, Roberto reopens Galileo with his Lab following a month or so later. Joel Robuchon is one of only a single handful of three Michelin starred restaurants in the U. S. I believe that there may be a number of dishes here that can compare (i.e. Enzo's egg shell and his cigar box). We don't expect the rolling carts but we also don't expect the cost of a vacation to be on our plate either. Rather, our hope is that D. C.'s best can hold its own against Michelin's idea of what is America's best. I think there is a real chance. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:49:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669865#5208905 http://www.chow.com/topics/456092#5208815 Rhythm Kitchen may not be exquisite but it has good food, including the fried oysters, which are large and tasty, not like so many where you can't find the oyster amidst the fry. And you can get them as a po' boy. Rhythm Kitchen also as raw oysters. Avoid the BBQ oysters, as the sauce overpowers the oysters. However, the broiled "Rhythm Kitchen oysters" oysters, a house version, are excellent. Station Casinos' Tides, at Red Rock and Santa Fe Station, used to have fried oysters but, sadly, both have been replaced by other restaurants. I was pleased to hear that Hush Puppy has fried oysters. I haven't been there but have heard good things. It's a place that obviously used to be out of town but town grew around it. It's run by the parents of one of the owners of Rhythm Kitchen. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:02:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/456092#5208815 http://www.chow.com/topics/668533#5208762 I'd not pick Joe's Stone Crab. I went, and it was okay. Nothing particularly special, and certainly not the best crab that I've ever had. I don't believe it's stone crab season, so you might get frozen instead. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:33:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668533#5208762 http://www.chow.com/topics/668225#5208736 Gilbert Pizza (Warner/Gilbert) Great pizza and very good Italian too. Kids are plentiful. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:19:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668225#5208736 http://www.chow.com/topics/669683#5208431 Verandah is great. Buffet and menu are available. Fresh cooked donuts with multiple toppings greet you as you enter. The buffet is always fresh and has a broad range of food to satisfy anyone. Its not as large as a mega hotel buffet but 50 times better. The menu has some great dishes too. Its my favorite place for breakfast in vegas. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:22:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669683#5208431 http://www.chow.com/topics/669805#5208176 I was reading an article on MSNBC the other day and it was talking about great dining deals at different restaurants. DB at the Wynn had like $20 off their prix fix menu before 7pm, craft at mgm had a rediculous low priced prix fix winter tasting menu. Does anyone know of any other palces? I remember reading something about Joel Robuchon back in the spring on Bloomberg.com about a special menu as well. I'm heading out in a couple weeks because the prices are extremely low on everything and want to see what the best high end dining deals are. I couldn't find much that talked about these on the website so didn't know if there was anyone in the know that could help. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:39:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669805#5208176 http://www.chow.com/topics/669390#5208147 Marczyk Fine Foods (17th & Clarkson, Denver) has/had fresh oysters that you could mix into your own or store-bought stuffing. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:24:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669390#5208147 http://www.chow.com/topics/653270#5207815 Too bad you didn't enjoy it; that's why I suggested the Plato - at least one of the three would have been a home run for you. She has over a hundred recipes, it is said, and I can't remember having any mole repeated, but then we only dine there a couple times a year. Once we had a yellow almond mole over a fish, and it was divine. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:29:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/653270#5207815 http://www.chow.com/topics/668997#5207647 I would also recommend Nob Hill and the campus of UNM as the place to walk and spend some time. I think Frontier is a good choice but there are much nicer places in that area to eat if you want something a bit more chowish. La Provence for French, Il Vicino for microbrewery with great sandwiches and wood burning oven pizza. There's Bumblebee's, Flying Star that are casual and have really good food. For more ideas: http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/albuquerque-restaurants-debitnms-picks.cfm For walking the Campus: http://www.unm.edu/admissions/futurelobos/Final_Map_Self_Guide.pdf http://www.unm.edu/admissions/futurelobos/Main%20Campus%20Walking%20Tour.pdf Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:33:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668997#5207647 http://www.chow.com/topics/634305#5206245 Elote is wonderful. Probably the best restaurant in Sedona. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:37:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/634305#5206245 http://www.chow.com/topics/666438#5206164 I have had amazing BYOB dinners at Atlas Bistro (http://www.atlasbistro.com/) and Coup Des Tartes (http://www.nicetartes.com/). Coup Des Tartes has a little more ambiance, but I think both are fantastic options. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:03:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666438#5206164 http://www.chow.com/topics/669421#5204964 I don't know anyplace away from Mott Street in Chinatown in NYC that makes great chow fun, but you can try the chow fun at the most excellent Viet restaurant Saigon Pho on Alma School in Chandler, or Best Hong Kong on Southern and Dobson in Mesa (at the latter be sure to order dry chow fun unless you want it soupy). As for me I would like to find someplace that can make roast duck chow fun the way they do in the Wo Hop basement place on Mott Street, or other low down NY Chinatown noodle dives, if any others still exist, like the late great Hong Fat that used to be on the other end of Mott. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:24:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669421#5204964 http://www.chow.com/topics/669296#5204843 Thanks for the detailed review! A good reminder that I need to visit Lola again, and soon. The cheesecake flan sounds delicious Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:22:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669296#5204843 http://www.chow.com/topics/668749#5204698 And you're right that Mr G's is fast and fairly close to the 4th Ave Freeway exit. Another place closer to the freeway would be Tacos Mi Rancho - again close to the 4th Ave exit, but it is a sit down place also, and if I had only one meal to eat in Yuma, it'd be at Pepe's. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:12:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668749#5204698 http://www.chow.com/topics/668763#5204338 Just want to add that the restaurant has a full menu but you can also get the tacos from the grill outside. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:59:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668763#5204338 http://www.chow.com/topics/669270#5203996 Well, no. Of course I didn't fly 2,500 miles just to eat at LoS. But I think you're right -- having too high expectations for anything is not good. I find it works the same for movies. Again, it was nice food. Didn't get a chance to explore the wine list, as we were in a beer mood. Stone Indian Pale Ale all the way :-D Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:48:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669270#5203996 http://www.chow.com/topics/658425#5203959 I like Much Gusto on University for some delicious Mexican food as well as decently priced drinks. It's really close to ASU. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:34:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658425#5203959 http://www.chow.com/topics/669355#5203571 If you know much about the restaurant scene in the Eagle River Valley (aka Vail Valley), you know that Fall is pretty dead. Larkspur, like many of the local restaurants, was closed for a few weeks. I got back to the area just in time -- Larkspur re-opened yesterday and my wife and I had the pleasure of sharing this great place with another couple last night. Once again the service and the food was superb. To start, we were served an amuse bouche of tuna tartare with avocado mousse, which was delicious. When I commented to one of our friends that I knew she was allergic to avocado, the server quickly took her plate and returned it shortly thereafter with the tartare sans mousse. My wife had the Winter Mixed Green Salad, followed by Seared Scallops with brussels sprouts, sunchoke puree,butternut squash and caramelized onion bacon vinaigrette. Both were good; the scallops superb. One friend chose the Roasted Butternut Squash Soup for her appetizer and Veal Scaloppini with twice baked potatoes, creamed spinach and lemon beurre fondue. Both were excellent. Our other friend had Mushroom Consomme with lobster dumplings and micro miropoix, followed by an interesting dish, Housemade Potato Ravioli, for a main course. The consomme was rich and hearty and delicious. Our friend loved the ravioli, made rich with mushroom cream, braised endive and truffles. I repeated selections from meals past -- Pork Belly for an appetizer and Red Wine Braised Angus Shortribs for my main. Both these dishes are incredibly rich, with flavors that will haunt your hungry moments. (My apologies to David Wade) Our meal could not have been better and I was once again reminded of why Larkspur is my favorite restaurant in the Valley. A real bonus came with the bill -- 40% off the entire check, including wine. This is a limited time special in honor of the restaurant's 10th anniversary, which will be celebrated in December. The restaurant says this is a limited time offer, but doesn't say what the time limit is! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:51:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669355#5203571 http://www.chow.com/topics/669206#5203521 You are getting some good recommendations. Certainly Binkley's is a must. The original Chef & Sous Chef left Sassi to open PastaBar in downtown Phoenix. I have not been back since but replacing the top two people in a kitchen like that you'd expect a hiccup. Over Easy is great for breakfast and the new one is very close. One place I'd add to the list is Lon's at the Hermosa Inn. Outstanding food but true Arizona ambiance. At the end of the day, Latilla is still a hotel restaurant. A good one but IMO not in the same classs as Binkley's or Lon's when all things are considered. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:33:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669206#5203521 http://www.chow.com/topics/669295#5202988 I can't find any reference to Pizzeria Francesco's at the TI website, but I also can't find any online comments that it was closed or replaced with anything else. Anybody know what, if anything, happened to it? Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:40:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669295#5202988 http://www.chow.com/topics/667894#5202953 I'm sure your trip has passed, or you are on it now, but I can give you rec's for Las Cruces. La Posta does have vegetarian options, but so do most Mexican places. I love the red and green enchiladas at Andales, which is in the same vecinity as La Posta. Also, SI Italian Bistro, though not New Mexican, has one of the best selections of vegetarian options in town. Portobello & Blue Cheese sandwich=greatest thing ever! They are located on Idaho, behind the Albertsons. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:26:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667894#5202953 http://www.chow.com/topics/668255#5202939 The St. Clair Bistro is actually in Las Cruces, the location in Deming is only a winery/tasting room and doesnt serve food. Also, the place bigshot is reffering too is La Fonda, and its alright, but buffet for the most part. I would wait until you arrive in Las Cruces where there will be many more options available to you. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:23:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668255#5202939 http://www.chow.com/topics/668067#5202931 I'm not sure if you have already had the event or not, but I would reccomend St. Clair Winery & Bistro on Rio Grande BLVD. The atmosphere is great, and you should be able to stay within your budget, while still feeling like you are indulging. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:20:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668067#5202931 http://www.chow.com/topics/667081#5202803 I've been there a few times. Some interesting wine selections and food is OK, not great. I didn't really enjoy my room temperature chardonnay I had last time I was there, though. Best thing about the place is the patio and the location. Try it, but don't get your hopes up too high. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:45:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667081#5202803 http://www.chow.com/topics/653021#5202666 Unfortunately, we didn't but based on what people say on here I would go to Alex next time. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:04:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/653021#5202666 http://www.chow.com/topics/669104#5201006 Wondering if anyone has a suggestion for Christmas dinner in Vegas. We're open for anything and not too worried about the cost. Thanks! Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:05:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/669104#5201006 http://www.chow.com/topics/667982#5200812 My recommendation for a birthday dinner is Avalon in Scottsdale. The food is incredible!!! From drinks, to dessert and everything in between. They've recently added some new additions to the menus. (happy hour, dinner, and dessert!) I haven't had a chance to try it, but I spoke with the chef de cuisine and he was telling me all about the new pork dish. I'd recommend it without even trying it yet! The ambiance is great, the restaurant decor is beautiful. It can be a bit noisy depending on time of night, but the food makes it all worth it. It also won't break the bank, but you'll get quality dishes, and exceptional taste. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scottsdale-AZ/Avalon/181074825028?ref=ts http://www.avalon-scottsdale.com/ (The website menu hasn't been updated, but the changes were going into effect this week. However their facebook page has more current info) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:17:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667982#5200812 http://www.chow.com/topics/668833#5200295 Nice, thanks! Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:01:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668833#5200295 http://www.chow.com/topics/668994#5200033 I just have to post to let my fellow Chowhounds know about this place at the corner of Carefree Hwy. and Black Mtn. Parkway in Cave Creek. It's housed in the former La Dolce Vita space. Yes, it's in a strip mall, but the place is very homey and even has patio seating. I've been to Heart and Soul twice for breakfast, now. They do serve lunch and dinner, too, but we haven't tried it yet. The breakfast menu is three pages, including the special selections. There are some really original offerings here, not just the usual pancakes or eggs. Last time I had a delicious bagel sandwich with goat cheese, bacon, fresh basil and tomato with a side of sweet, blue and white potatoes. Today I had "Crazy Biscuits." WOW. A couple of biscuits-- one with pork sausage gravy and the other with a tangy green pork chili. This is topped by two eggs and served with a side of the mixed potatoes, too. The coffee is also really good-- like I make at home, not Folger's. The food is fresh, high quality and creative. I just can't say enough good things about this joint!!! I still can't believe it's so close to my house. I think it's worth a drive from Scottsdale, Phoenix and all points between. I haven't found any other place like this in the valley. Can't wait to try the interesting looking dinner menu. Don't go by the address you'll find on Google. It is no longer on Carefree Hwy at 7th St.. Like I said, it's on Carefree Hwy. at Black Mtn. Pkwy. in the Fresh and Easy strip mall. I don't think they have a website. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:27:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668994#5200033 http://www.chow.com/topics/626882#5199601 I'm so glad the Twilight Farmers Market is back this fall at the Citadelle Plaza in Glendale. We desperately need a farmers market in the west Valley and this is the best I've seen just about anywhere in the Valley. Please get the word out to support these local farmers and buy local! Next market night on wed, bring a friend! Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:09:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626882#5199601 http://www.chow.com/topics/664845#5198682 I went this weekend, and I thought it was expensive, but a really nice experience... The restaurant is at Camelback Inn, which is gorgeous now that they've done renovations. We started with two delicious drinks outside the lounge by the fire (really tasty drinks, although a tad overpriced at $12/each). I had a fresh strawberry cosmo, and it was very light & refreshing - much better than the syrupy cosmos you usually get -- this was fresh juice and you could tell... At dinner, the chicken liver pate & bread was a nice complimentary offering, but I'm a vegetarian so I didn't take part in that. The cheese popovers and european butter were delicious... didn't need any of the sea salt to me! Wine list was expensive... food is all a la carte. A note on the music - I found it a little strange? I would expect soothing music, but it was loud and clubby -- at one point ,Thriller came on...ok) I don't have a monster apetite so I just had the beet/apple/endive/gorgozola salad, which was very good, I believe it had candied pecans as well. In addition, I ordered the rich creamy wild mushroom side dish - which sold me with the enoki mushrooms. This left just enough room for a delicious peanut butter mousse for dessert (which was denser than I expected, more like a pie than mousse). It had a canelle of banana ice cream on top. This dessert was really delicious, and very rich. We also received two tiny, fresh from the oven chocolate cookies, compliments of the chef. They were crispy and warm with melted chocolate in the middle -- I could have eaten 10, and it was a nice unexpected surprise! When our leftovers were brought out to us, the server noted that they tucked two more popovers in our bags... not sure if they do this all the time? But I was very happy about it!! It was just as delicious the day after. All in all, the meal was expensive, but it was a wonderful experience from the Camelback mountain sunset on the lounge patio to the well-run dinner service, which was excellent -- everyone we came in contact with was extremely friendly and gracious, the atmosphere was beautiful. I will definitely go back again! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:42:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664845#5198682 http://www.chow.com/topics/666883#5198491 Despite all the useful info, we ran into some snags and ended up not being able to make it out in time for happy hour. However I'm not coming back empty handed. We had an amazing dinner at Mecca Grill, a Lebanese restaurant in Wash Park. I'll put up a thread for them as a quick search turned no hits. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:49:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/666883#5198491 http://www.chow.com/topics/667875#5198079 I've not been myself, but unless things have changed recently Vintner Grill in Summerlin would surely be one you should consider. Huge number of excellent reviews on just about every food/restaurant web site, and definitely not on the tourist radar. Fine dining; not cheap. Among other things, Mayor Goodman supposedly dines there daily, and has his own permanent table. http://www.vglasvegas.com/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:56:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667875#5198079 http://www.chow.com/topics/668210#5197766 Go to Tinderbox! Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:46:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668210#5197766 http://www.chow.com/topics/629781#5197721 Tomatoes, garlic sauce, horseradish sauce, and tabasco are not ingredients in a cheesesteak. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:42:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629781#5197721 http://www.chow.com/topics/668738#5197556 Thx to everyone who gave input about 2 wks ago for Phoenix. We had great food experiences Lunch at Barrio was great - cochon pibil - never had it so tender and flavorful , even in Mexico on Mayan cookery school. Also had fun with barman who was trying and getting new tequila Don Martino or Valentino cant remember now. Should have written this earlier - but nice Tequila Had good dinner at Noca though people at table opposite were v unhappy with theirs - maybe it was portion size .. I had butternut squash soup with foie gras which was divine mix of flavors partner had pasta which was good he declared it on a par with similar dish he had in Rome this summer I had beef which was good We had great wine discussion and fun trying a bottle of local wine - red which was good value and decent wine if not one I'd travel the world for - we're in wine business so like to try things we dont find at home had doghnut for dessert which was fine not super special my partner had tropical fruit dish cant remember which one but has meringue layer nad fruit cream and it was exceptional Went to Sams for b'fast and on a weekday had luck to have no line. Pancakes were some of lightest and more ethereal I've had in long time. Chorizo special was great. Staff very friendly even when rushed Only downer was Farm cafe (might have name little wrong) but its in Scottsdale though not downtown. Didnt have breakfast tea - waitress very nicely offered me one o fher own which was sweet Then ordered pancales with raspberries to be served strawberries Maybe its not a b'fast place as no one else there on Fri morning but it was very underwhelming Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:49:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668738#5197556 http://www.chow.com/topics/668079#5197334 I have found them in both Albertson's and Safeway in SW Colorado. Try them and see. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:09:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/668079#5197334 http://www.chow.com/topics/667211#5197174 depends on conditions, type of car, and more importantly...type of tire. i moved out here in 01 from sf and breck to vail has been my daily commute. ony have been to food hedz once and had a mediocre experience. many friends have offered contradictory reports, so i'll give it another try. only issues i have had with any of the 4 vail restaurants i mentioned is inconsistant service at basil for dinner (has not been an issue when we've gone for lunch). Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:22:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/667211#5197174 http://www.chow.com/topics/336848#5196991 We did ToP last night and it was wonderful and not the first time we've been there. I liked the fact that they had more choices for each course than many other restaurants participating. I had the Oso Buco and the meat was extremely tender and falling off the bone. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:49:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/336848#5196991