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Showing posts from October, 2017

New Eats: Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

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I hate to break it to everyone, but this week's review is far less exciting than the Cowford experience from last week. Zach and I headed to Cheddar's for an impromptu dinner last week and were sorely disappointed. I get it...every new restaurant has its learning curves. We were expecting average, slow service, but our unfortunate experience went far beyond that. Food For the record, we ordered totally normal food and I did no prior research on Cheddar's specialties. Honestly, the food isn't even worth discussing. It was somehow a combination of cold and overcooked with average flavors (at best). The spinach and artichoke dip appetizer was the best part of our entire meal but still completely average when compared to other restaurants. Service Our poor server. He couldn't have been over 16 years old and was waiting on close to 15 tables. With sweat drenching his shirt and an overwhelmed demeanor, we only got to see our server about once every 20 minutes.
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Forecasting the Food: Cowford Chophouse

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Alright, this is a totally new spin on my "New Eats" blog. The highly anticipated Cowford finally  opened this week and I scored a reservation for this Friday. Heck yeah. Regardless of my excitement, I'm valeting my car and walking in with a very concise set of expectations (take note, Cowford's chef). I know good food, and I certainly know a good piece of steak...so listen up as I chronicle my hopes for my Cowford Chophouse experience. Food Trust me, I've done my research. Prices aren't listed on the online menu, but I've never let that hold me back from ordering food! Clearly, I'm starting with the Duck Fat Cornbread. Maine Lobster and Crab? Yes, please! I'm not so sure if this appetizer will take the shape of a filling skillet of spoonbread or a small sliver of cornbread...all I know is it'll be in my stomach a few minutes after I'm seated. My entree order isn't as obvious as the appetizer. There are 17 choices on the "C
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New Eats: Il Desco

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Il Desco ? More like "Eh" Desco. I really don't like writing negative reviews, I mean it. I'm a fan of the Forking Amazing Restaurant Group so it never  crossed my mind that the food at their modern Italian restaurant would fall flat. When the bill is over 100 bucks, the atmosphere and food should reflect it. Drink We ordered a yummy full-bodied Tuscan red and it certainly didn't disappoint. I spotted a wine from "Montepulciano" on the lengthy list and I didn't hesitate. I made a quick day trip to this Tuscan hilltop town while spending my summer in Italy and couldn't resist reminiscing on the flavors from that day. 15 or so samples later in Montepulciano and I was totally sold on the town's wine. Food When I see burrata on the menu you can bet I'm ordering it. What can I say...I'm a sucker for cheese soaked in cream. Unfortunately, the complexity of this dish was that of a brand new chef preparing burrata for the first tim
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New Eats: Restaurant Doro

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I'm not sure what's better about the tiny Restaurant Doro - the incredibly perfect decor or the simple, fresh food. My mom and I have been dying to try this new spot in the AB town center and it absolutely exceeded all expectations. Although, it's tough to go wrong when the evening starts with a bottle of Prisoner wine... Food I was a bit nervous about the food because the menu is so, so  simple - borderline bland. We started with the burrata appetizer, of course. Could I be any more predictable? The huge hunk of (possibly homemade?) burrata was on a layer of chunky peach jam, large pieces of raw tomato and a light drizzle of saba and pecan oil. Don't know what saba is? It's nearly identical in color and production to balsamic vinegar but there's no aging involved. The end result is a milder, thinner syrup.  After devouring our crazy amazing appetizer, we decided to split the second course. I'm happy we did, because I still went home with lef
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New Eats: Cooper's Hawk Restaurant Review

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Thanks to some fabulous risotto and a Rosie True gift box, my family is in the clear for celebrating my birthday a few months too late! Cooper's Hawk exceeded all of my expectations, likely because I rarely build anticipation when it comes to chains. A small group of us headed to the restaurant this Thursday to celebrate my 21st birthday and put our name down for the 45-minute wait. We solidified a spot at the bustling bar in the lobby and ordered our first three complementary samples. I traveled around Italy this summer, so this wine tasting was right up my alley! From the peppery Cabernet to the fabulously dry Meritage, I was thoroughly impressed with the quality and flavor profiles of Cooper's Hawk's signature wines. Now onto the food... Drink Five glasses of wine later (sample sizes, people), we were walked to our table. One of the first things you'll notice when you enter the Cooper's Hawk dining room is the abundance of elaborate decanters placed on th
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