By Steven

August 6, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

My Wife and I just returned from the week full of all the wonders of Restaurant week. The summer session was so much fun I can’t wait to do it again! Our last stop this year was at Cafe Istanbul in the Greene. It was SO worth the wait! Right away my wife explained to our server, Marianne how much she likes wine but would rather have a fun good tasting drink that would go well with her meal. Marianne told her something very refreshing, instead of guessing she told us to hold on and she will get the right person to help us. She brought back the Manager Ted. He sat down at our table and talked to us about what we liked and what we didn’t, what we were going to eat and if we had any special requests. He looked at us and smiled. Asked for ten minutes and said he’d return. Regardless of what he brought out, we felt pretty good about how much attention he gave us just for our drinks. When he came out from the kitchen he had a plate full of many different herbs and spices along with some stuff that I assumed were for other peoples garnishes. As if he timed it perfectly our main courses were laid down right as he place a carved out pineapple in front of my wife and poured just a bit of champagne into it as it erupted all over the plate that he carried it on. It was perfect! My wife had the salmon and the drink was perfect! He said he was thinking about a volcano and just kind threw it all together! For me he made a lemon thyme martini with gin. It was so good. I had no idea gin could taste so good. Not to mention how well it went with the lambchop!!!! My wife has told everyone she knows about Cafe istanbul. We’ve already made plans to go back!

By redbean

August 6, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

My wife and I dined at Jay’s during restaurant week and were not impressed. the kebab consisted of a 1 inch piece of beef, a 1 inch piece of swordfish and 1 shrimp over a small bed of plain white rice with barbecue sauce drizzled around, how lame. I had the salmon with sun-dried cranberries and almonds over cous-cous and vegetables. The piece of salmon was very good but when I complained to the waiter about the consistency of the cous-cous, (it was really soup) he agreed but did not offer to do anything. I have been to several of Jay’s wine dinners and have found them to be excellent but we have noticed a decline in quality of food and service of their regular menu.

By Mark

August 4, 2007 7:06 AM | Link to this

My third night of Restaurant Week gluttony (um, I mean, dining) was also successful. Madison’s Bistro’s Roasted Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho, served in a wine glass, was a fine version. The restaurant had run out of Ruby Red Trout on the night of my visit (restaurants do get slammed during RW, don’t they?), but new Executive Chef Greg Fitzgerald substituted salmon in the dish, which was accented with a fresh sweet corn/black bean mixture. The Center Cut Pork Chop was grilled perfectly, still moist and tender — a delicate balancing act with this cut of pork. I prefer RW menus that include dessert as one of the three courses — Madison’s offered the soup, a salad and choice of entree — but there’s no arguing this was a great value for $20.07. When’s the winter 2008 Restaurant Week? I need to mark my calendar …

By Bill H

August 3, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Six of us had a great 20.07 dinner at Lincoln Park Grill last night, and could not be happier with the food, the price, and service by Chris. 3 excellent dinner choices. 3 had the salmon, and 3 the filet.The gazpacho soup was outstanding. We shall return soon. Bill H.

By Greg

August 3, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

My wife, daughter (just back from college) and I hit the Oakwood club on wednesday and Cafe Boulevard on Thursday (after the wine tasing at Pacchia on Thursday). All three were very busy but the service was just fine, and the food delicious. We enjoyed the salmon filet, served with vegetable (stewed tomatoes was my choice) and a salad finished with chocolate mousse and wonderful prime rib at the Oakwood club and a nice Cabernet (and some other miscellaneous cocktails). At the Cafe Boulevard the salmon appetizer, the cold cucumber soup, Bacon Wrapped Pork Roulade served with garlic creamy potatoes Pork and the (I forget what my wife had, I guess the wine tasting and drinks at the Cafe, as well as a nearby table of distractions probably contribute to my memory fuzz). By all accounts a success. I would add that we tried for two nights to get into Jay’s but the wait was too long as they were very busy as well. (of course we/I made no reservations which is par for my mode of operation). Some $300.00 later I would say the week was a success for all who participated.

By Jonah

August 3, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

My friends and I decided to enjoy a meal at Carver’s last night. All around a very good choice. The spinach salad with apples, almonds, and cranberries was excellent when topped with the vinegrette dressing. 3 of us had the NY strip, with the fourth enjoying the salmon. Very nice cuts of meet, with a great seasoning, and helped down with an ‘05 Casa Lapostolle Cab. I had the mixed vegetables side, which had great flavor and were still nicely crisp, not overcooked and limp. Potential disappointment was averted at dessert time - my fiance had requested the creme brulee when we ordered, but when it was time to bring it out they said they had run out. Our server was able to finagle a ‘full size’ order for her, though, since they were out of the ‘restaurant week’ size. The shortcake that the rest of us had, and the creme brulee, were quite tasty. In all, a very good experience. Tonight - on to Cena!

By Ann

August 2, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Tonight was my last restaurant week dinner because of other commitments this weekend. I couldn’t think of a better way to end restaurant week than at Meadowlark. We started with a bottle of Letitia Pinot Noir which was wonderful. I had the Beets and Frites (don’t forget to have the caper mayo…it’s my favorite)! I had the Grilled Sirloin and Fresh-dug Potato Gratin with Homegrown Tomatoes and Chard. It’s was wonderful! To complete my meal, I had the Oatmeal Cookie with Ice Cream. I didn’t share! Although, I did manage to steal a bite of my friend’s Lemon Chess Pie…which was also delicious! All in all, I had an excellent week dining out!

By Kim

August 2, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

My food experience at the Greene Country Club was not the best. I had the Caprisi Salad which was a wedge of iceberg lettece w/cheeese and tomatoes on the side. The appearance or taste was not up to par. My main course was the Prime Rib Dagger stack. This reminded me of a roast beef hot shot. After a while I could not eat anymore. For a desert I had the cheesecake. That was the best thing about the whole meal. Not top quality food folks!!! The service was good. Oh, the wine was okay. I had the Meridian Cabernet.

By Kim

August 2, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

I went to the Racquet Club on Tuesday. I had the Spring Greens Salad w/Fresh Strawberries, the Atlantic Salmon, and Hot Fudge Nut Ball. The white onions kind of killed the taste of the strawberries, but otherwise it was a good salad. My salmon was not real hot when it arrived but I didn’t want to send it back because I thought it may have been overcooked then. Overall it was a very good meal. I had the LeTerra Cabernet and it was excellent.

By Kim

August 2, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

On Monday I went to the Lincoln Park Grille. I had the Gazpacho, Bacon Wrapped Filet, and the Hot Fudge Pecan Ball. The service was great and the food was very good. I had the Hangtime Pinot w/ my meal, but I should have had a Cab because I forgot that pinots are usu. not powerful enough for beef.

By Ooh La La

August 2, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

My husband and I headed to Cafe Boulevard (Oregon District) because of our wonderful experiences in the past. Hubby started with a glass of Merlot that I actually liked also. We both had the Spinach salad with baked apples and pork. Hubby chose the Bacon Wrapped Pork Roulade served with garlic creamy potatoes and I had the Pan Fried Tilapia served with asparagus and grilled potatoes. They were both dilectable! My mouth is still watering. For dessert hubby chose the Cherry Crisp Cobbler w/Vanilla Ice Cream and I had the Bananas Foster Bread Pudding. I was almost full by dessert but I washed it down with some gourmet hot chocolate. A great evening to kick-off restaurant week.

By Cathy

August 2, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

I understand Ann’s “love-hate” comment! A group of us went to Coco’s last night. Their restaurant week deal comes with a glass of the house wine, either white or red. That was a nice, unexpected bonus! Food was plentiful and good. On the RW website, the menu says “soup or salad”; that is a misprint. You get their house salad, which is lovely. Their 1000-Island dressing is delicious — it is flavored with beets. The tilapia entree was tasty, especially the risotto. The chicken cordon-bleu must have been good; people who ordered it ate it all, and it was a generous portion! The eggplant was nicely-prepared, with a very rich sauce and plenty of smoked mozzarella. It was a huge serving; I took half of it home! Unfortunately, they ran out of the chocolate molten cake but substituted a fine chocolate mousse instead. The restaurant was clearly overwhelmed by the large crowd… running out of wine glasses, slower than usual service, etc., but I forgive them. At the end of the evening, the very pleasant and capable waitress said, “I wish I could have given you better service.” She was clearly overtaxed and frustrated to have not been able to be as attentive as usual. The overall experience was good, and we will doubtless return to Coco’s on another occasion!

By Ann

August 1, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

I have a love/hate relationship with restaurant week. I can normally go into my ‘usual’ restaurants on a Wednesday night a get a table without a problem. Not tonight. My choices were the back room or the bar. Let me start by saying that I love Pacchia! I eat there at least twice a week. One of my favorite things on the menu is the Sweet Potato/Eggplant appetizer. I can eat that and a salad and be happy! Tonight’s iteration was fine…but it was sorta lukewarm. I’ve definitely had it better. The second course of the restaurant week menu was the Fifth Street Salad which is one of my favorites. I chose the pork as my entree and was again disappointed. The pork was dry and didn’t seem to have much flavor. Nothing like the fabulous pork I had off the regular menu last Saturday. While tonight’s meal was a little disappointing…I still came away happy. And I’ll be back because it’s just part of my love/hate relationship with restaurant week.

By Rachel

August 1, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Tonight was day two of Restaurant Week for me. Monday, my husband and I went to El Meson and were thrilled. The service was outstanding, the food was wonderful, and the atmosphere was incredible. Tonight was a completely different story however. At my urging, we went to Lincoln Park Grill. Having eaten there before, I convinced my husband he would not be disappointed. Boy was I wrong. Not only was the food completely lackluster but the service was barely tolerable. Another couple behind us was borderline livid at their service and they weren’t even past the wine. The wine was the only good thing about our meal, getting the last bottle of the 2000 Merryvale Reserve Merlot.

By Ann

August 1, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Tuesday was Restaurant Week Day Two for me…spurred on by the posts in Mark Fisher’s Uncorked blog, I headed to Cest Tout. And like the others, I wasn’t disappointed. I started with the Cream of Tomato soup…okay, those of you who know me know that I really started with a glass of wine, the Fetzer 5 Rivers Pinot Noir, and it was the perfect place to start. My main course was the Linguine with Bay Scallops and Sundried Tomatoes with Lobster Sauce. The Peach Melba was a perfect light finish to my meal. Wednesday: Pacchia

By Bob

August 1, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

We got down to meat loving basics with our trip to Carvers. This outing ended up just being the guys and we were pretty repetitive all having the spinach salad and filets. We did get a slight bit of variety when the more health conscious among us opted for the vegetables rather than the terrific au gratin potatoes. We congratulated ourselves for figuring out that with the portion size being slightly smaller than Carver’s normal cuts and our experience last time was that the steaks came out a bit more done than expected so we all opted for rare. We got perfect med-rare which was what we were shooting for. A few bottles of good Bordeaux made it a great guy’s night out. (not that the women would not have enjoyed the experience too). There was divergance in the deserts too with one opting for the strawberry shortcake. Service was first rate.

By tom

August 1, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

Oakwood Club’s menu is worth a word. Their offerings are “open faced” prime rib or a beautiful salmon filet, served with vegatable (stewed tomatoes was my choice) and a salad finished with “mmmm” chocolate mousse. Lori, our accomplished server, helped make our evening a memorable one . A good choice for restaurant week.

By Mark

August 1, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

The Meadowlark also got it right. Both appetizers — a “Frites and Beets” combo plate that included those addictive garlic-dusted French Fries or Fresh Corn Griddlecakes that had a creamy red-pepper sauce with bits of intensely smoky bacon and local tomatoes — were excellent. Among the entrees, the Sauteed Lemon Sole was delicate and flavorful, though the star of the plate may have been the Ratatouille, sprinkled with fresh basil and Italian Parsely. The Grilled Black Angus Tri-tip Sirloin had plenty of satisfying beef flavor, though folks should realize this cut of meat is not as tender as some other beef steaks. The potato gratin was creamy and browned perfectly. Both the Oatmeal Cookie Sundae and the Lemon Chess Pie would the dessert bill nicely. All of the wines poured by the glass (and which cost extra, of course) are well-selected (No, I didn’t order them all myself, but I do have generous friends who allow me sips). Again, for twenty bucks, this meal was another Restaurant Week bargain.

By nullBob

July 31, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

We just returned from our first outing of Restaurant Week, at the Cafe Istanbul. I called Tuesday afternoon and made a reservation for 6:30 Tuesday evening. When we arrived the restaurant was not crowded, most of the customers coming in were walk-ins. Since I had made a reservation, I was surprised when we were seated at the worst table in the house, between the kitchen and the restrooms. Our plans to enjoy a nice bottle of wine were quickly cancelled by the kitchen roar. I spent my evening try to converse over the clash of dishes and the shouts of the kitchen staff. My chair being kicked by customers on the way to the restroom did not add to my experience. My wife enjoyed her feta stuffed salmon but my lamb chop was unacceptable. It was mostly fat with three small bites of meat. Restaurant Week can be a learning experience and I learned I won’t be returning to Cafe Istanbul.

By cathy

July 31, 2007 7:28 AM | Link to this

We went to Jay’s Monday evening. At our table, those who got the beef-swordfish-shrimp kabobs were happier with their selection than the salmon eaters. The salmon that evening was a bit overcooked and dry. However, the gazpacho was the absolute best I have ever tasted. Awesome!

By Ann

July 30, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

It was Coco’s for me tonight. I love their regular salad with the blue cheese dressing. I had the Tilapia followed by the Strawberry Shortcake which was perfect and light to end my great meal. BTW: If you haven’t tried Coco’s new menu and the Broiled Peaches Stuffed with Blue Cheese and Walnuts you are really missing out. Based on the reviews here I now need to add C’est Tout and Jay’s to this week’s stops. Wednesday I’ll be at Meadowlark…it will be hard work not to have the Fried Green Tomatoes but I’ll do it!

By cathy

July 30, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

C’est Tout’s dinner was terrific. The pureed mushroom soup was absolutely sublime, rich with flavor, and just the right touch of cream. The linguine with bay scallops and sundried tomatoes in a lobster sauce was delicious. One diner at our table chose the BBQ Pork instead — his pork was slightly overcooked and dry. Perhaps this was related to the fact that we ate very late in the evening… in fact, we closed the place! Our wines were terrific. A very enjoyable time all around. Tonight we’re off to Jay’s; they offer 25% off the wines (by the bottle) on Mondays. Oh, and BTW, Wellington Grille offers 50% off wines on Mondays!

By Kim

July 30, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

I went to Carver’s last night (Sun.) and I enjoyed a very tasty meal of the Baby Green Salad w/almonds, Filet Mignon, and Creme Brulee. The service was a little slow going at first, but once I ordered my meal it picked up. They were very crowded when I went at 7:00. I tried the 7 Hands Syrah (I think)and it was nice glass at half-off. I had forgotten about the Sunday wine special, so that was a nice surprise.

By Teresa

July 30, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Went to Carvers last eve. There are more options available than what’s posted. They offered NY Strip, Filet Mignon, Prime Rib & Tilapia. We both had Filet and they were prepared perfectly. Several salads were also offered. Desserts were Creme Brulee & Strawberry Shortcake. We had one of each and both were good. On Sundays they do 1/2 price on wines by the glass. Big plus for us, also menu is available in the lounge.

By Lisa Grigsby

July 30, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

I tried the Greene Country Club, open this week to non-members. The caprese salad was a perfect to start as we dined on the patio overlooking the golf course. The Prime Rib Dagger Stack was a meat lovers’ delight. I’m not sure whichwas more refreshing, the Key Lime Tort or my server’s upbeat attentive service. Definetly worth the drive!

By Mark

July 29, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Chiefwino: Glad to hear of the good review of C’est Tout’s Restaurant Week offerings. Jay’s got it right, too. My wife and I hit the opening bell at Jay’s since we had Fraze tickets for later in the evening. The appetizers — both the wild mushroom strudel with boursin cheese and the gazpacho with a toasted, goat cheese-topped baguette slice — were first rate. I’d give a nod to the salmon with sun-dried cranberries and almonds over the kebab of beef, swordfish and shrimp with barbecue sauce. With reliable dessert choices of key lime pie or chocolate mousse, this is a three-course meal well worth $20.07. I splurged on the $9.40-a-glass 2005 Cinnabar Chardonnay, and it elevated the meal nicely. Looks like Restaurant Week is off to a promising start!

By chiefwino

July 29, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

First night at Cest Tout - food was very nicely prepared. The cream of mushroom soup and the roasted vegetable salad were particularly noteworthy. Most of the glassed-in patio was full of members of the regular Dayton wino crowd. Excellent summer dessert- Peach Melba; light and refreshing.