147412 Wed Mar 17 06:30:50 -0800 2004 6 12 Boston Area 0 790136 Anybody had any experiences here? I tried their fluke sashimi w/ crispy rice and roasted garlic soy but it didn't quite capture the mixture of textures for me, the fluke was somewhat mushy, there was almost no crispy rice and the soy was bland. The tuna tartare w/ soy zabaglione and wasabi chip was ok but also less interesting than it sounded on paper. THe lobster w/ mussels in Thai bouillabaisse and sticky rice had a nice smoky flambeed taste but I would have preferred a richer curry base to the broth (and sticky rice that was less dry). The starter (pumpkin soup w/ fried flowers) and finisher (cotton candy) were the best. Great loungey vibe, a few sakes (no dessert sake), limited drinks. Portions were not large. I liked his former restaurant AZ (NYC) so will probably go back to give the place another shot. Wed Mar 17 06:30:50 -0800 2004 0 barleywino 1 790140 How much was your meal? Wed Mar 17 08:22:34 -0800 2004 790136 0 Joanie 2 790154 Pricey...the sashimi was something like $14, the tartare was something like $17, the lobster was $32 or something like that...plus a glass of wine, no dessert... sure adds up (they do have cheaper entrees though) Wed Mar 17 10:50:31 -0800 2004 790140 0 barleywino 1 790149 don't know if they are still doing it but they were giving a very funky amuse bouche that was served in a test tube and contained a mix of something like pulverized popcorn mixed with "pop rock" and you do it like a shooter. very unusual and fun. the menu has 4 categories of prize/size (i think ranging from $15 - $30?)... depending on how you order it can be reasonably priced or expensive. lots of nice wines by the glass. Wed Mar 17 10:29:58 -0800 2004 790136 0 jody 2 790157 Pop Rocks, cotton candy....hmmm. This is also the chef (Pino Maffeo) who was planning on eventually spritzing meals at "L" with food perfume, right? I remember reading in one of the free weekly rags about it, though a Google search only turned up this review (link looks like it might die soon) that only briefly mentions the perfume: http://www.backbayguide.com/newdining.htm Link: http://seekaltroutes.blogspot.com Wed Mar 17 11:05:19 -0800 2004 790149 0 seekaltroutes 1 790155 Thanks for posting Barleywino - I've been curious about this place, and will have to check it out soon. Is there a website? There's no menu on the Louis site. Wed Mar 17 10:51:57 -0800 2004 790136 0 Rubee 2 790156 Rubee, I haven't seen a website; had trouble finding the restaurant (back of Louis building on SW corner of Newbury and Berkeley); it's definitely your kind of place ;) ! Wed Mar 17 11:00:47 -0800 2004 790155 0 barleywino