Friday, October 28, 2011

FSS in Philadelphia


Friday Saturday Sunday (<---  click to view site) is open on Monday. Fortunately for us since we had reservations at this Center City Philadelphia restaurant for dinner last Monday. We just returned from a short visit to our friend Deirdre. We took a recommendation from our friend Liz blog Never Trust a Skinny Cook and booked at this long established restaurant.  It was great. There were 5 of us in the group, Frank, Deirdre, me and two other friends from my Ireland trip with Deirdre, a few years ago. All agreed the food and service was really good. I had the "rack of lamb" basically two of the thickest chops I have ever had and cooked to a perfect medium rare. Frank had the butternut squash ravioli in a sage brown butter sauce - loved it. Fran ordered the steak, again cooked perfectly, to which she proclaimed, "This is the best steak I have ever eaten". Els, (Fran's sister) had the crab cakes - another winner. Unfortunately I don't remember what Deirdre had, but she liked it too. (Bad memory).

The ladies had the coconut cream pie (Wow! I had a taste) and Frank and I split the bread pudding.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was a great suggestion, Liz. Thank you. And thanks to Deirdre for the wonderful hospitality during our visit.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Kool Beanz

When in Tallahassee, FL try Kool Beanz Cafe. Frank and I had dinner there last Monday and had a very nice meal in a cool funky setting. People were waiting on the patio for a table by the time we left. The restaurant was packed attesting to it's #3 out of 242 Trip Advisor rating in Tallahassee.


We started with a shared appetizer of Escargot in a garlic butter sauce - very good. Frank followed this with the Boneless Duck Breast in an Ancho-Cranberry sauce which he enjoyed. I opted for the Linguini, with crawdads, tasso ham, mushrooms, roasted garlic cream sauce - which was very good but could have used a few more crawdads. However there was definitely enough food on the plate.


The decor was bright and colorful, the food was very tasty, and the service was good. We recommend Kool Beanz Cafe.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

CORRECTION to "The Spoon is Still Saucy" post

I made an error in my post yesterday about the Saucy Spoon. The special wine paring dinner was on Tuesday September 27, not Monday the 26th. They are normally closed on Tuesday except for special events like this.. Bottom line, the Saucy Spoon is open on Monday and closed on Tuesday. (Thanks to Carol for catching this error)


Check the Saucy Spoon website to verify opening hours and days.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Spoon is Still Saucy

My last visit to Saucy Spoon was in November 2010 when it was in a different location and only open part time. They are now downtown and open 6 days a week, I happened to be visiting friends in Mount Dora who suggested we go to the Saucy Spoon at their recently opened downtown location for a special 6 course menu with Wine Parings on Monday September 26, (normally not open on Mondays). This was a special event so might not be a fair comparison, but from the time we opened the door until we left a couple of hours later, everything was wonderful. 
As in my prior visit, the food and service were both great. The nice wine parings were coordinated with Maggie's Attic (also in downtown Mount Dora). A representative was present to discuss each wine and answer questions.


The new space is very nice, warm and inviting. A nice evening all around and I will definitely make a return visit.

The following is the menu from the dinner:
  • Fresh Mozzarella wrapped in  prosciutto and basil topped with a Balsamic drizzle
    • Served with Ruffino Proseco
  • Artisan Greens with Smokey Blue Cheese, Blackberries, and caramelized onions and white balsamic dressing.
    • Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (Spit Fire vineyards)
  • Salmon en Papillote
    • Hogue Reserve Chardonnay
  • Pork with Port Wine Cherry Sauce
    • Simi Pinot Noir
  • Beef Tenderloin Medallion with nutmeg-coffee rub
    • Franciscan Magnificat (Meritage Oakville Estate)
  • Pear & Blue Cheese Tart
    • Inniskillin Pearl Vidal Ice-wine