103393 Wed Aug 10 23:36:52 -0700 2005 10 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 560239 what is everyone's opinion on JK's. I want to take my fiance their for his birthday and have heard mixed reviews. Also approx how many dishes would 2 people need to order? What are the best dishes to order. Wed Aug 10 23:36:52 -0700 2005 0 liz 1 560246 Just do a search on this message board to read the TONNES of messages posted about Jamie's. Wife and I usually do about 4-5 dishes for the both of us. The dishes constantly change so can't answer the last question. However he always has the flatbreads, the frites and the poutine, he just changes what typ eof meat with the poutine. Enjoy!!!! Thu Aug 11 02:50:36 -0700 2005 560239 0 DAB 1 560275 I am a big fan of JK, however if you are planning a birthday dinner, go early (like 5-6 o'clock early) to ensure there are no lineups and that you can get seats at the kitchen bar, as that is where it is the most fun. The number of dishes vary, but 4-5 each is a good number. Thu Aug 11 12:39:21 -0700 2005 560239 0 bluedog 1 560284 The food is good. If they have duck confit on the menu it is terrific. The staff are very good, and friendly, but overall it's the kind of place that's definitely NOT "all about you". (and why shouldn't a restuarant be????) For example, I can see that a lot of design effort went into the room, but those backless bar stools (about 50% of the total seating) are ridiculous - uncomfortable, impractical and terrible for anyone who needs back support, a triumph of style over customer comfort. I guess they'll disappear once the first customer leans back too far and lawyers are consulted! Meanwhile, if all the tables are taken (no reservations at night - remember, it's not all about you) I suggest a stool on the wine bar side as opposed to the open kitchen side since the latter gets uncomfortably hot. (Did I mention it's not all about you!) Thu Aug 11 14:30:22 -0700 2005 560239 0 toothpick 2 560294 I've been many, many times, and brought a varied assortment of guests. So far, I've heard not ONE complaint about the bar stools. And if you are stupid enough, or drunk enough to fall off one, it's likely a lawyer would tell you your contributory negligence would make your lawsuit not worthwhile. Also, it is absolutely not too hot sitting at the food bar, and far more interesting than sitting at the wine bar. If you are at all interesting in cooking, it is the place to be. It's great to chat with the chefs, when they have a moment to talk - they are able to explain any ingredients or techniques you might need help with. And, yes, it IS all about you. The food and service are both amazing, and that's what should tell you it IS all about you. One of my friends declared the salmon she had two weeks ago, for her birthday lunch, was the best salmon she has EVER had. And she has eaten a lot of salmon. I've only ever had the very best poutine, whether it's been the duck confit, the lamb sausage, or any other version. Beef cheeks - stellar. The smell and tastes of the dips - delicious. I could go on, and on... Thu Aug 11 15:55:49 -0700 2005 560284 0 Marjorie 3 560299 I too have been there enough to agree with Marjorie's comments about the food and service. Also, I do not like excessive heat but have never felt uncomfortable on the kitchen side. I do, however, think their stools could be improved. Perhaps it is really a question of what goes into the stool but I am neither young nor svelte and I find the stools quite uncomfortable and difficult to maneuver into and out of. I am probably stupid enough to fall off but at least so far have not been drunk enough, so Jamie's fortunes are safe. Thu Aug 11 16:16:00 -0700 2005 560294 0 George W. 4 560305 I actually prefer the JK bar stools to standard stools (at least in terms of their back support ability), since the slight curve in the back seems to allow me to sit up straight without straining myself... however, I can't say that I'm of the age group that has problems in that department. However, the chairs are abysmally hard to get on/off of and can be inconvenient (especially when trying to pick up a dropped napkin, as I had done before). Thu Aug 11 17:10:13 -0700 2005 560299 0 Curtis 5 560317 And if the service really were up to snuff, someone would be picking up your napkin.....oh... how I do love NYC. Thu Aug 11 22:22:55 -0700 2005 560305 0 fatboy44 5 560318 i agree.... i actually love those stools because i find they force me to sit up straight and haven't had a single problem in terms of strain to date. i do also think they're unnecessarily tall and people are a little too squished side by side so it's ridiculous to get in and out easily at all. but! those little hooks for purses... thank god! finally. ps. food is delish. yummm...... Thu Aug 11 22:24:06 -0700 2005 560305 0 pinstripeprincess 4 560316 you know George W, there used to be a philosophy in the restaurant biz.... make the seats (chairs, stools) as uncomfortable as possible.(only works for trendy/hot spots) and people will spend less time, without really knowing why. Instead of 2 turns you get 2 1/2 or more turns a night. I am sure that won't be the case at JK's ....but who knows. Thu Aug 11 22:14:18 -0700 2005 560299 0 fatboy44 3 560312 Ok Jaime no need to go on. Thu Aug 11 20:24:32 -0700 2005 560294 0 rick