Our rating: 5 forks :: The Happy Fork

Aug

2007

Fish La Boissonnerie

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Enroute to another restaurant sometimes you have to go with your instincts and change plans. That is what happened when I discovered Fish La Boissonnerie, a bistro buzzing with locals and foreigners alike. The host was helpful and forecast a quick wait, and the large selection of wines by the glass made the time pass quickly. The nearby tables and decent acoustics were conducive to meeting and chatting with your companions or other diners. The wine list is extensive and extra ordinary featuring wines from all over Europe at fair prices. The chalkboard specials and the seasonal menu cause for some tough decisions. Heavingly chilled gazpacho with fresh, blanched vegitables and plate of infused rissotto. Luckily the staff is very accommodating and were able to ퟙenhanceퟘ the pri-fix menu and added a well executed entree of smoked salmon, caviar and oyster beignets. Though this is a fish restaurant, the salmon entree was the only fish that made it to the table. The other wonderful dishes include roast lamb and potato pancake, and duck confit with julienned cabbage slaw. The bottle of bordeux lasted just long enough to add to the enjoyment of the creme brullee and chocolate glacee (ice cream).

Fish La Boissonnerie
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.69 rue de Seine
Paris France
01.43.54.34.69Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Counter, Table seating, Credit cards, Exceptional wine list, Beer and wine, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking, Prix fixe menu available, Street Parking

Categories : 5 Forks, Europe, Fork on the Road, France, Paris, The Happy Fork reviews

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May

2007

Roy

by bradvr · Comments (0)

American gourmet food. Good as ever and great prices.

Roy
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

7 W. Carrillo St.
Santa Barbara, CA
815-966-5636

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 to $20

Categories : 5 Forks, Fork on the Road, Southern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Sep

2006

Dimitri

by bradvr · Comments (0)

05-01-01 A tiny place that attracts hordes of locals. Eat at the counter or one of a dozen tables. I’ve only been here once, but be sure I’ll get there again, with friends in tow (so I can try some of their dishes). Try the broiled calamari, sautéed mussels, or any of the pan fried fish.

12-09-06 This is my 10th visit now and it still is one of my favorite places to dine alone or with friends. They have two locations now, both in Philly.

The official waiting area is across the street in a neighborhood bar. You can also buy bottles of wine here to take to dinner, which is quite handy since Dimitri’s is BYOB.

Categories : 5 Forks, Northeastern U.S., The Happy Fork reviews

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Apr

2005

East Coast Grill

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Chris Sleschinger is well known is celebrated by many as the master of the grill. Jake and Earl’s Dixie BBQ

Oysters, Creamy Clam and Corn Chowder with Chilies & Sweet Potatoes, Chile Crusted Black ‘n Blue Tuna Taco, Prince Edward Island Mussels Steamed in Coconut Milk, Daily Grilled Fish specials, Buttermilk Fried Oyster Salad, Memphis Style Dry Rubbed Pork Spare Ribs Platter, Texas Style Sliced Beef Brisket Platter, Eastern N. Carolina Shredded Pork Platter.

I always order Uncle Bud’s Trio Platter which includes brisket, pork ribs, and shredded pork, and I always get someone else to order one of the excellent grilled fish dishes. Grilled vegetables, and daily specials are also must try’s. Enjoy!

If you like to grill at home check out one of Chris’s books on grilling – “License to Grill” is my favorite.
Best Dish: Beef Brisket, Shredded Pork,
What To Order: Tiki Punch and Dry Rubbed meats.

East Coast Grill
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.eastcoastgrill.net/
1273 Cambridge St
Boston, MA 02139
Cambridge – not far from Harvard and MIT
617-491-7427

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $30 to $50
Brunch, Late night, Credit cards

Categories : 5 Forks, Northeastern U.S., The Happy Fork reviews

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Jun

2002

Abbaye de La Celle

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Once upon a time, Abbaye de La Celle was a 12th century Benedictine Abbey. Today, it’s a wonderful restaurant and four star hotel, conveniently located to two destination golf courses. I don’t play golf much because the game takes so much time, however our four-hour lunch was one worth repeating any day.

While there are several al la carte selections available, the menu at Abbaye de La Celle, like many restaurants in France, is presented as a choice of prix fixe selections. on our visit, there were four options: Abbaye’s Grand Menu, Suggested Menu, Gourmet Menu and the Tourist Menu. Dishes vary between the selections and the courses range from six to three. Our group chose one of each of the prix fixe choices. We found that regardless of your selection, the kitchen serves up an additional course or two to stimulate the palette. In our case, the meal started with a trio of spreads including a spectacular shredded rabbit. After that, some in our party were treated to a small tasting of exquisite gazpacho, others tasted a chilled avocado soup. The highlight of our meal was a roasted half rabbit. Everything, from the presentation to the taste, was a joy for both the eye and the palette. We choose to have our dessert and coffee in the Abbaye’s serene garden. The kitchen again out did itself by offering a collection of imaginative dessert dishes.

After lunch we toured the grounds which include an acre-sized vegetable garden, olive trees, grapevines and a little shop selling food and kitchen supplies. Ask to see the Chapter House, a wonderful ancient retreat which is available for private parties.
Best Dish: Roasted rabbit
Notable Staff: Beno

Place du Général de Gaulle La Celle, Provence 83170 France

Near the town of Brignoles, about 62 Km from Aix-en-Provence or 97 Km from Canne.

04.98.05.14.14

Categories : 5 Forks, Europe, The Happy Fork reviews

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Jun

2002

Aubergine

by bradvr · Comments (0)

07-25-07 Update. However, rumor has it that they are reopening in a new location (hint, check the Arches on Coast Highway – and no not the Golden Arches).

Closed in 2004.

6/9/02 Original review

Aubergine

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.domainerestaurants.com/
508 29th St

Newport Beach, CA 92663
Off Newport Blvd in Cannery Village
714-723-4150

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more
Chef’s table, Patio, Private room, Table seating, Reservations, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Exceptional wine list, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking, Romatic Spot, Tasting menu, Prix fixe menu available, Available for private parties on Sunday and Monday
Dinner: Tue-Sat 5:30 pm to 10 pm

Categories : 5 Forks, Orange County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Nov

2001

The Filling Station

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Finally a great breakfast spot in central Orange county! What makes a great breakfast? Friendly service, fresh orange juice, excellent baked goods, and great atmosphere.

Try the Eggs Florentine poached eggs servers over wonderful bacon, steamed spinach, tomato on top of an English muffin, or for lunch, their namesake burger served with bacon and avocado.

The portions are hearty and I rarely have room for dessert, at least immediately after my meal. Translation: I will often take a brownie, or a slice of wonderful apple pie to go.
What To Order: Eggs Florentine, Filling Station Burger, Housemade Desserts

The Filling Station
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

201 North Glassell Street
Orange, CA
Old Town Orange, just north of the traffic circle
(714) 289-9714

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Patio, Counter, Credit cards, no alcohol, Casual, Smoking on patio

Categories : 5 Forks, Orange County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Nov

2001

Sally’s Restaurant and Deli

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Sally’s serves up some of the best breakfasts and lunches in San Francisco. Daily specials are always creative and tasty. Sandwiches are served on great breads and , like all their entree salads, fresh ingredients. Their bakery next door serves up bread, pastries and desserts to go.

Sally’s is just South from the heart of the city, so it isn’t always convenient for breakfast before a visit to the convention or downtown business but worth the trip.
What To Order: Sandwiches, daily breakfast specials

Sally’s Restaurant and Deli
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

300 De Haro Street
San Francisco, CA
SOMA. At 16th street, South of i80 and East of 101
415-626-6006

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Patio, Credit cards, Casual, Smoking on patio

Categories : 5 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Nov

2001

The St. Paul Grill

by bradvr · Comments (0)

The St. Paul Grill has the reputation as one of the best restaurants in America and I must agree. Superb atmosphere, attentive and friendly service, classic menu with flawless execution. In LA, the Grill is a enviable chop house, but even it doesn’t compare to this Midwest landmark.

The glass of Blanton’s Kentucky Bourbon may have got me off to a good start but the food keep me there. I had several of their signature dishes including a taste of three starters – bruschetta, pepper shrimp, and crab with artichoke spread with toast points. Either the Caesar salad or the chicken and rice soup would be a good choice to follow. The pan fried Walleye with butter cream sauce ($19) or the double cut pork chops with cinnamon apple sauce ($20) are both examples worthy of any table. The Walleye is a regional favorite and a native to The Great Lakes. Sides of Hash browns and the most magnificent cream spinach imaginable were shared and easily devoured. Other entrees include a variety of steaks and fresh seafood.

Their wine list is not extensive, but carefully populated with amazing and familiar names, mostly from California. We enjoyed the Turnbull 1998 Cabernet, and at $68 was a good buy.

Dessert time is when I am most happy to have a large group, in my recent dining at The St. Paul it was large enough to justify apple crisp with cinnamon ice cream, apple crisp with vanilla ice cream (we didn’t think to just order a side of vanilla!), pecan flour less torte, and BANANA CREAM PIE. I capitalize this because it was the best example of BCP you could imagine.

Bon Appetite!
Best Dish: Banana Cream Pie
What To Order: Crab with artichoke spread, Pan fried Walleye, Pork chops, Hash browns, Cream spinach, Banana cream pie.

The St. Paul Grill
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.stpaulhotel.com/grill.htm
350 Market Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
In the historical St. Paul Hotel
651-22-GRILL

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Credit cards, Beer and wine, Bar, Smoking section

Categories : 5 Forks, Midwestern U.S., The Happy Fork reviews

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Nov

2001

In-N-Out Burgers

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Not a big secret in Southern California, but still my first choice for a good burger from a chain. Fresh cut french fries, and real ol’ fashioned shakes. Hands down the best service you will ever receive in a restaurant of this type.

I order mine Animal Style – patty coated in mustard, extra tomatoes, and grilled onions.

Locations in California, Arizona and Nevada
What To Order: burger, fries, pink lemonade

In-N-Out Burgers

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.inandoutburgers.com/
3020 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92782
Tustin Marketplace, next to Home Depot and just north of the 5 FWY

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Drive Thru, Table seating, Late night, Cash only, Casual

Categories : 5 Forks, Orange County, The Happy Fork reviews

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