EATS

Posted by JG @ 3:48 PM Fri, Aug 08, 2008

Shannon, I completely see your point on the rude comments made by people last year. I was afraid that one or more restaurants would back out this year. There is a big difference between constructive criticism/airing opinion and flat out being rude. People who are rude are trying to be cute and witty, but it's neither. Just as we have to think of our words before we SAY them in person to another human being(hopefully), let's use the same courtesy in this forum as well.

Posted by John @ 4:13 PM Fri, Aug 08, 2008

Restaurant week is here again. We have always been asking why everyone gets so excited about a $35 menu, when any experienced diner can go to a variety of restaurants throughout the year and have a better or at least comparable dining experience.

Posted by Rachel @ 4:27 PM Fri, Aug 08, 2008

I was bummed to see that Al Biernat's was not participating. We have had excellent experiences the last 3 years we had gone. Their prime rib was AWESOME, and a very generous 10 oz portion too. Hopefully they'll be back next year.

Posted by Lee @ 6:24 PM Fri, Aug 08, 2008

John, maybe it's because Restaurant Week gives you the opportunity to have a nice dinner knowing that some of the proceeds go the food bank. It's not entirely about the "dining experience", but I do use the week to check out places that I have might not be able to afford otherwise. There are plenty of restaurants on the list where $35 normally doesn't even buy an entree.

Posted by Kathy @ 10:11 PM Fri, Aug 08, 2008

I too am sorry that Al Biernat's is not doing restaurant week again this year. I would love to see a list of the 5 largest contributors over the last 5 years. I like to support restaurants through the year especially ones that support the North Texas Food Bank.

Posted by DSR @ 3:21 PM Sat, Aug 09, 2008

Last night we did the "preview" at Dragonfly at the Hotel Zaza. The food, except for the dessert, was very good, Especially the Calamari Salad and the Brick Grilled Chicken. The cheesecake was good, but the peanut butter cake (waiter recommended) was almost tasteless. However the worst part of the evening was when we were initially denied use of our fourth course coupon. We were told, even though the Restaurant Week web site on DMN said it was usable, that they would not honor it until Monday. We had to get the manager into the fray, and he parroted what our waiter had said but then he said he would "see what the chef can do". The fourth course that we were served would be considered an amuse-bouche in any other restaurant. Although tasty, it was one fried shrimp. Our waiter's service then became perfunctory as apparently he wasn't happy with us, the bus boys did a good job however and the manager was very friendly as we departed.

On another note, Al Biernat's has a $35.00 special three course meal deal this month. We enjoyed it this past week and it was an absolute bargain for what we got. No skimping on portions as some restaurants do during Restaurant Week. Of course they also are not contributing $7 to the food bank.

Posted by DM @ 8:14 AM Sun, Aug 10, 2008

We tried Central 214 last night and, although everyone was gracious, we were not overly impressed. The lavender mojoito was nice and we were not rushed through dinner, but the food was not spectacular. We did the tomato and green salad to start; green salad was nice, but tomatoe in tomato salad were not good at all. Perhaps I've ruined myself with Lemley's local tomatoes all summer! If I were serving a tomato salad where tomato was the star, I'd make sure to have good tasty, ripe tomatoes.

We both did the rack of wild boar for the entree, which was nice, but one piece of mine came out almost completely raw (and I'm a very rare meat eater!) and had to be cooked more. Desserts were nice, but not stellar--key lime pie and molten chocolate cake (which wasn't veyr molten, but was tasty).

I probably wouldn't jumpto go to Central 214 again --for RW or otherwise.

Posted by LeslieG @ 9:41 AM Sun, Aug 10, 2008

I went to Chamberlain's Fish Market Grill last night for Restaurant Week Preview and everything was fantastic! The menu was very creative and fresh and the portion sizes were large.Great Job!!

Posted by anne chandou @ 2:05 PM Sun, Aug 10, 2008

I have some Restaurant Week reservations, for a party of two, I will not be able to use.
York St. 9pm 8/13
Steele 630pm 8/24
Bijoux 915pm 8/30

contact: marsmarquis@yahoo.com

Posted by Irene @ 9:39 AM Mon, Aug 11, 2008

We visited Steel on Friday night. The food was really good with the exception of the asparagus that was steamed and bland instead of grilled. The rum drink was overly sweet and came to our table very late (after our wine was brought to the table) and clashed with the first course. The scallops were wonderful (thankfully not chewy) and the sea bass divine. The music was a bit "clubby" and didn't settle down until we were leaving the restaurant. The wait staff was very friendly and cordial, a big plus for me for a good dinner out. I had hoped that there would be sushi on the RW menu, but since they didn't, this gives me a chance to go back and try it later. The table next to us had some wonderful looking plates of sushi that got our table very interested.

We did have a bad experience at another restaurant last year for RW that made us feel like the "discount diners" even though they convinced us to buy the most expensive drinks and appetizers without consulting the menu. We learned our lesson! Sadly, most of our friends have been there before and loved the place. I suppose it was just the RW experience or a bad day there.

Posted by Kathy @ 9:19 PM Mon, Aug 11, 2008

Al Biernat's make not be making a $7.00 for each meal served with the $35.00 special, but they have in the past extended restaurant week till Labor Day weekend and given a ton of money to the food bank. I would not be surprised to see Mr. Biernat make a generous donation before all is said and done.