Liam's Tallahassee/Thomasville

[mizrachi]

We went to Liam's for the first time last week and can say unequivocally that it is simply the best restaurant in the Tallahassee area. While Cypress is a very good place indeed, Liam's is a step above. Thanks to all the readers on this site that recommended it. We will be going back as often as possible.

[vinoepasta]

Still haven't been to Avenue Sea? What are you waiting for? Liam's is good, not great. It is a great choice if you don't want to drive too far. We always make the trip down to Apalachicola maybe once a month just to dine. We've dined at Liam's a handful of times and we live closer. Make your proclamation after making the drive.

[mizrachi]

I can't wait to eat at Avenue Sea. Will let you all know after we've tried it. I hesitate to include it as a local restaurant as it's 150 miles there and back but, still, it's nice to know we've got Liam's, Cypress, and Avenue Sea all fairly nearby.

Now if only a decent French bistro would open up...

[vinoepasta]

From your mouth to God's ears.

[wafflepunk]

Sigh, Avenue Sea and especially Cypress are so over-hyped IMO.

The food at Cypress has always been severely overpriced compared to the rest of Tallahassee, and it simply isn't any better executed than the "other" joints around town. You pay for the "atmosphere."

Avenue Sea is good, but it isn't Liams. The creativity, blending of flavors and execution at Liam's is simply unrivaled without heading to Atlanta, New Orleans or Miami.

[steakman55]

Agreed with wafflepunk 100%....Not overly impressed with Ave. Sea nor with Cypress. I'd sooner Sage or Kool Beanz for more casual.

[vinoepasta]

I've dined in Miami, Atlanta, New Orleans, NY, Philadelphia, LA, Austin, Boston, Yountville, San Fransisco, Chicago, etc. Liam's is nice, but not par with those aforementioned cities. IMHO Avenue Sea is the only restaurant that can compare. I've dined all over Tallahassee looking, hoping for an equivilent and am always disappointed. Sage and KoolBeanz are highly over rated. Liam's is the closest to Tallahassee, probably the best in the closest vicinity of Tally. But Avenue Sea is worth the drive. But then again, I am not a fan of the late 80's early 90's style of fusing foods which both Sage and mostly Kool Beans is known for.

[steakman55]

Have eaten quite well in all those venues myself, save Austin. I'd much rather eat in NYC than anywhere else in the US. Still maintain that Ave. Sea is somewhat an emperor's new clothes place, but to each his own. One man's vichyssoise is another man's cold potato soup.

[vinoepasta]

Wow, that implies that the Chef doesn't have the technique or creativity to back up his menu. Meanwhile his credentials are the most authentic and impressive in the entire area.
NYC definately has an astounding amount of talent. The restaurants there are a lifestyle. Ironically, Ave Sea's chef hails from NYC. That's probably why his food is so progressive for the area. A welcome respite from the rest of Tally's mediocrity.
I am always impressed by his talent. The purity of the food he serves. One forgets where they are when dining there. For me, it's like being in NYC again.

[mizrachi]

As soon as Barney Greengrass and DiFara's opens a Tallahassee branch, this native New Yorker will be silenced finally. But at least now we're beginning to have options, some serviceable, some a bit more so. And for that I'm sure we're all thankful.

[wafflepunk]

Cheers to that.

[steakman55]

For what its worth, Ashby gave it 4 1/2 hats in the Democrat Friday...

[crewsweeper]

But that's what he gives every chain restaurant and a few chinese buffets ( snicker), if I were Liam's I'd hide that review, or at least the toques.
crew