EATS

Posted by Robin @ 11:11 AM Thu, Mar 13, 2008

I'm glad you re-reviewed Sakura. When I went there, I honestly could not find much to like about it and was bewildered that the information in your review seemed like it came from a totally different establishment. Way to redeem yourselves.

Posted by Ginger Storm @ 11:26 AM Thu, Mar 13, 2008

Charlie Palmer is fantastic! On my first visit, I dined with a female friend. My second visit was with a male pal from New York City. He regularly visits the top restaurants in the country and could not stop talking about Charlie Palmer. I have been overwhelmed both times and think it is a fantastic addition to Dallas!

Posted by KJ @ 3:11 PM Thu, Mar 13, 2008

I couldn't agree more about Firefly. After reading the menu online I was so excited to try it. Even after my meal, I wanted so badly to like it, the server was great, and the bar and atmosphere has potential, but the food didn't pull it's weight.

Posted by VL @ 4:12 PM Thu, Mar 13, 2008

I, too, felt that Firefly was a let down. I so wanted to like it as it had such potential. They must've taken the review of the signature shimp entree to heart b/c my order didn't have a hint of sweetness to it; way too much tamarind. Plus, we were charged full price for the calamari even though it was suppose to be half off. The waitstaff was great though.

Posted by Barbara @ 5:31 PM Thu, Mar 13, 2008

I agree with the review on Charlie Palmer.
We love to eat at the newest and trendiest and this place really wowed me. We can't wait to go back. What a great addtion to our downtown scene. The hotel looks amazing.

Posted by D Steinke @ 8:21 PM Thu, Mar 13, 2008

Electic atmosphere...oriental flair, simple
elegance - linen table cloths, blk napkins (yes)
and candles set the tone w/soft music playing in
the background. The service was impeccable and the entree presentation is a work of art. Enjoyed the crab stuffed wontons and the filet mignon (chopped up) entree. Perfect combo of flavors exploding
your tastebuds. Plan to return for another
treat. A bit noisy towards the evening hours
as we arrived around 6 pm and it was delightful.

Posted by Allie @ 2:44 PM Fri, Mar 14, 2008

We eat at Firefly at least 3 times a week--and couldn't be more delighted to have found it.

The ambience: cool elegance
Food: fresh, real, delightful
Staff/owners: also cool, elegant, & real

We've traveled (and eaten abundantly) in over 50 countries, and Firefly ranks high on all our experiences, not just Big D.

Posted by MC @ 3:06 PM Fri, Mar 14, 2008

Firely rocks! The food is fresh and tasty. No over the top flavorings. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan cool and the staff are inviting. Glad to finally have a decent and hip Asian restaurant.

Posted by Impiltdownman @ 8:39 PM Fri, Mar 14, 2008

I wonder if Sakura is the same as Dallas' first and for years only Japanese restaurant? They were on Maple north of Amelia. In the 60s & 70s Sakura was the only place in Dallas serving sushi.

Posted by Wendy @ 4:17 PM Wed, Mar 19, 2008

I am so relieved that you revisited Sakura and gave them a new review. It pained me to read their review and see that they were actually a "Guide Pick" on here previously. Thank you for setting the record straight!
You should review Miyoshi Japanese Restaurant in Plano. It's amazing.

Posted by CAM @ 9:45 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Bill, perhaps you would allow me to join you on your dining forays as I am unable to achieve the same type of dining experiences of which you have written of late. I presume as your identity is no longer a mystery, the dining and service you recieve is a-typical of us other mere mortals.

I dined at Charlie Palmer's on a recent Saturday evening. The Ricotta Agnolotti was overcooked, oversalted and bland. The Artisan Salumi, a selection of house-cured meats, was generous in portion and very tasty. The Sauteed Foie Gras, overcooked and served only warm, was pleasantly accompanied with heirloom apple and rosemary duck jus.

Both of the main courses, the Dry-Aged NY Sirloin and the American Wagyu Flatiron Steak, had obviously been prepared when our order was first placed as they were both served at room temperature, i.e., barely warm. There was no juice in either steak. The reduction sauce on the sirloin was viscous, reminding me of a childhood trip to the La Brea tar pits, and had to be scraped from the meat. Two side dishes, the Polenta (bland) and the Hen Of The Woods mushrooms (oversalted) were unexceptional. I suggest the chef taste the mushrooms from Craft, which I had the Saturday prior to this visit, to experience how good these mushrooms can taste.

While having two wait staff assigned to our table, several times we had to ask that our wine glasses be refilled.

A very disappointing experience overall.