We used to do takeout from them a lot when SuperBoy was a baby. Hadn't gone for a while. I had a craving for eggplant parm, and they're one of the only places in the DM/CV area that does it at all, let alone decently (the pizza place by Golden Spoon does not belong in that category).
RESULTS....
Minestrone: not as good as it used to be: at least it's still vegetarian
Garlic bread: ok, fine, nothing special
Eggplant parm: nothing special, but perfectly edible. I was sorry when I ate the last bite, as I was enjoying it and wanted more. (if it had more competition, it wouldn't rate at all, but this was fine for satisfying an eggplant parm craving)
CH thought his veal parm was ok also, nothing special.
Marinara sauce wasn't terribly good. But SuperBoy enjoyed the garlic bread and some of my spaghetti.
Atmosphere in there while I was waiting for takeout was pleasant enough for a stripmall neighborhood restaurant. Nice lighting. Playing Ella/Satchmo Dancing Cheek to Cheek. If I lived in that hood and could walk with a buddy to the full bar and walk home, I'd probably like it more. otherwise, no need for us to eat in there. And we'll probably eat takeout from them again in another year or so....
Am meaning to go to Kealani's in Encinitas soon. Had a Hawaiian vacation recently with SB, and want to take him for a little plate-lunch slice of the islands here in SD. We need to remember to go!
Showing posts with label takeout. Show all posts
Showing posts with label takeout. Show all posts
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Urban Plates (Carmel Valley): Curbside Pickup Review # whatever
We have not been in an Urban Plates mood for a while. Definitely not for eating in, and I had grown tired of the choices compared to Tender Greens. But we decided tonight to give takeout a try again.
To my surprise, they actually are switching the menu up seasonally. So there were some different side choices (and a new veg soup choice). I didn't try the new soup choice (carrot/ginger) since I didn't want to commit myself without tasting it (the roasted red pepper from fall was nasty), but I may give it a chance in the future. Also, there is a new seasonal fish instead of tuna: ono.
I got: ono + roasted vegetables + beet salad. Have had the beets before: beets + onions + walnuts = very yummy. Roasted root vegetables I may not have: very tasty potatoes + sweet potatoes. Ono was very good (I got the chimichurri on the side because I'm not a huge fan - ended up using lemon we had just picked from a friend's tree instead). Overall, this was one of the more substantial plates I've gotten from there before.
SuperBoy's grilled cheese was still ridiculously delicious and I ate most of it.
CH's turkey + stuffing + salad carveup was "fine" (I think that means nothing spectacular, but satisfying enough).
We got lemon + coconut cake, but are too full to eat it. We'll look forward to trying it tomorrow!
To my surprise, they actually are switching the menu up seasonally. So there were some different side choices (and a new veg soup choice). I didn't try the new soup choice (carrot/ginger) since I didn't want to commit myself without tasting it (the roasted red pepper from fall was nasty), but I may give it a chance in the future. Also, there is a new seasonal fish instead of tuna: ono.
I got: ono + roasted vegetables + beet salad. Have had the beets before: beets + onions + walnuts = very yummy. Roasted root vegetables I may not have: very tasty potatoes + sweet potatoes. Ono was very good (I got the chimichurri on the side because I'm not a huge fan - ended up using lemon we had just picked from a friend's tree instead). Overall, this was one of the more substantial plates I've gotten from there before.
SuperBoy's grilled cheese was still ridiculously delicious and I ate most of it.
CH's turkey + stuffing + salad carveup was "fine" (I think that means nothing spectacular, but satisfying enough).
We got lemon + coconut cake, but are too full to eat it. We'll look forward to trying it tomorrow!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Showing some love to Waters (Solana Beach)
I love, love, love Waters....But rather than repeat that over and over, let me just say what some of this week's loot was:
--egg salad (their egg salad happens to be fab, and is one of the only things CH and I both eat)
--albacore tuna salad (theirs is pretty much the only tuna salad I am willing to eat (v. grilled tuna). It's light, lemony, not mayonaisey - delicious. But it's expensive!
--vegetarian cassoulet: wowza. This was spectacular. it's the first time I saw it there, and I called to urge them to make it again! The beans were earthy but complemented with a crispy element (croutons, I think), alongside some yummy sauteed celery. I could eat this all winter.
--roasted yams and sweet potatoes = Afternoon snack candy
--mini lemon bars for Super Boy: he's growing into being such a considerate boy that he insisted on sharing the 2nd one with his babysitter instead of saving one for dinner (of course, come dinner time, he said, "Where's my treat?"as he imagined that something different would magically appear....)
--yukon gold mashed potatoes: for some reason, SB did not like these today, even though he went nuts for them a few months ago
No veg soup when I went - alas!
--egg salad (their egg salad happens to be fab, and is one of the only things CH and I both eat)
--albacore tuna salad (theirs is pretty much the only tuna salad I am willing to eat (v. grilled tuna). It's light, lemony, not mayonaisey - delicious. But it's expensive!
--vegetarian cassoulet: wowza. This was spectacular. it's the first time I saw it there, and I called to urge them to make it again! The beans were earthy but complemented with a crispy element (croutons, I think), alongside some yummy sauteed celery. I could eat this all winter.
--roasted yams and sweet potatoes = Afternoon snack candy
--mini lemon bars for Super Boy: he's growing into being such a considerate boy that he insisted on sharing the 2nd one with his babysitter instead of saving one for dinner (of course, come dinner time, he said, "Where's my treat?"as he imagined that something different would magically appear....)
--yukon gold mashed potatoes: for some reason, SB did not like these today, even though he went nuts for them a few months ago
No veg soup when I went - alas!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Katana (Carmel Valley): So-so
Takeout from Katana (it has become a standby). It seems to be slipping, but not so much that we won't stop ordering, at least for now.
CH: liked his miso soup + chicken teriyaki
SB, getting over a tummyache a few days ago and still on modified BRAT to get him set for candy-day tomorrow, had miso soup, rice, and edamame and seemed content
Me: miso soup in styrofoam: tasted chemically
--edamame: really bland, most boring edamame ever
--Ichiko roll: not on the print menu; spicy fake crab, avo, tuna on top, spicy mayo: pretty tasty, with or without soy-wasabi; best part of the meal, reason I would still order again
--salmon nigiri: fine, inoffensive
I wish they were more consistent!
CH: liked his miso soup + chicken teriyaki
SB, getting over a tummyache a few days ago and still on modified BRAT to get him set for candy-day tomorrow, had miso soup, rice, and edamame and seemed content
Me: miso soup in styrofoam: tasted chemically
--edamame: really bland, most boring edamame ever
--Ichiko roll: not on the print menu; spicy fake crab, avo, tuna on top, spicy mayo: pretty tasty, with or without soy-wasabi; best part of the meal, reason I would still order again
--salmon nigiri: fine, inoffensive
I wish they were more consistent!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria (Encinitas): Takeout
We found ourselves in Solana Beach near dinner time on a cranky day for SB, and decided to call Blue Ribbon for takeout. The loot in short:
--still love the signature pizza: still don't like lemon in general but love love love this ricotta and lemon zest pizza
--still not crazy about their tomato-sauce based pies, but SB is fine with them
--sweet corn soup: CH and I agree that it's DYNAMITE. $10 a portion, but the portions are big enough for 2 generous bowls, so it's less obscene than it sounds. (Though it's cheaper than if Wade Hageman was still at Blanca!)
--salad with peaches, blue cheese, and almonds: absolutely fabulous; was thrilled to have some leftover for the next day
--butterscotch pudding: what more is there to say? It's salty and sweet and ridiculously tasty.
Not the best seating environment for Boy, but we have to remember to do takeout once in a while. Love WH's food!
And on a more modest note, must give a shoutout to Waters in Solana Beach for the fabulous albacore salad and roasted vegetables I had today....
--still love the signature pizza: still don't like lemon in general but love love love this ricotta and lemon zest pizza
--still not crazy about their tomato-sauce based pies, but SB is fine with them
--sweet corn soup: CH and I agree that it's DYNAMITE. $10 a portion, but the portions are big enough for 2 generous bowls, so it's less obscene than it sounds. (Though it's cheaper than if Wade Hageman was still at Blanca!)
--salad with peaches, blue cheese, and almonds: absolutely fabulous; was thrilled to have some leftover for the next day
--butterscotch pudding: what more is there to say? It's salty and sweet and ridiculously tasty.
Not the best seating environment for Boy, but we have to remember to do takeout once in a while. Love WH's food!
And on a more modest note, must give a shoutout to Waters in Solana Beach for the fabulous albacore salad and roasted vegetables I had today....
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Waters again (Solana Beach)
It took me so long to blog Waters that it deserves a second post....
What is so wonderful about Waters is that the menu is always different, so except for a few things like roasted vegetables, the sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies, you never know what you'll find there. You can order as much or as little as you want; you order at the counter; it's super-fast and they're super-friendly. (It can be really expensive or very reasonable, depending on what you order). It's a gourmet's delightful surprise!
Yesterday's loot included: gazpacho, spelt salad, cod-and-potato cakes (with the yummiest herb aioli), grilled lemony potatoes, papardelle pasta salad, roasted vegetables and my fave sandwich (the grilled eggplant). Strangely, TruckBoy did not even want to try the lemony potatoes, which should be a no brainer for him, but he munched up all the roasted carrots (some days he won't go near them).
LOVE LOVE LOVE Waters....
What is so wonderful about Waters is that the menu is always different, so except for a few things like roasted vegetables, the sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies, you never know what you'll find there. You can order as much or as little as you want; you order at the counter; it's super-fast and they're super-friendly. (It can be really expensive or very reasonable, depending on what you order). It's a gourmet's delightful surprise!
Yesterday's loot included: gazpacho, spelt salad, cod-and-potato cakes (with the yummiest herb aioli), grilled lemony potatoes, papardelle pasta salad, roasted vegetables and my fave sandwich (the grilled eggplant). Strangely, TruckBoy did not even want to try the lemony potatoes, which should be a no brainer for him, but he munched up all the roasted carrots (some days he won't go near them).
LOVE LOVE LOVE Waters....
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Restaurant round-up: Fairouz, Waters Cafe, Bencotto, Vela
Foodgirl has been busy and so I haven't blogged! So I don't get too far behind (and because of a special request from my fave Expectant Mama and her veg-loving hubby), here's the quick scoop on some recent visits.
Fairouz (Sports Arena): Fairouz really deserves its own entry since we absolutely love it. Middle Eastern buffet (says "Greek" on the outside but they're really Palestinian). Ridiculously good food (veg and non-veg), very healthy and reasonable ($12.95 for the buffet). Great atmosphere, charming and hospitable host, gorgeous art on the walls (doubles as a gallery); great music. We all like it. Some of the delicious things we get there (they rotate choices): lentil soup, chicken-lemon soup; stewed zucchini, stewed okra (trust me, sounds super-bland but somehow is ridiculously yummy); divine stewed eggplant when they have it; roasted potatoes; various chicken and beef things; tons of salads (humus, spicy carrots, minty macaroni salad); divine desserts (rosewater white pudding; carrot halva, etc.). There are probably 40 choices on the buffet between hot and cold and dessert so I'm leaving tons out. Boy loves the music, not to mention the humus, pita, lentil soup, veggies, and all of the wonderful desserts (esp. the carrot halva). We love this place even though it's a drive.
Waters (Solana Beach): Really Waters deserves about 10 entries, since I go there so often (I usually trust my readers to look up the restaurants but here's the URL so you have no excuse not to check it out! http://www.waterscatering.com/) . It is a gourmet paradise in Solana Beach, esp. if you're a working mom with veg and non-veg eaters at home. They have sandwiches (some of my faves are the eggplant and the portabella mushroom; ABW likes the roast beef especially), salads and wonderful desserts. But the exciting part are the ever-changing entrees, sides, etc in the case, all of which can be tasted and then purchased by the pound. I never leave Waters without buying a ton of stuff for us to enjoy for the next few days. The menu changes seasonally, so you never know what you'll find. Some things I enjoy there: soup (tomato, broccoli, cauliflower, roasted red pepper, gazpacho, etc. - almost anything, and it's usually flourless and vegetarian); macaroni and cheese; polenta; anything with quinoa; roasted vegetables (one of the few things they have all the time - I'm addicted to them); lasagna with the best sauce ever (ABW loves it too); wild salmon cakes; other interesting fish; grilled chicken dishes with all kinds of interesting sauces; etc etc. I'm only giving a little tiny sampling. Also love their zucchini bread, granola, mashed potatoes; sweet potato puree, and tons more. Without Waters, the transition to being homebound during Boy's first year would have been infinitely more challenging (and certainly less tasty). LOVE WATERS! (Plus they are super-friendly there).
Bencotto (Little Italy): Everyone treats this new "modern Italian" restaurant like the second coming; it's getting buzz everywhere. Was good - ABW loved it even more than me (he called it "Good", which is way better on his scale than Ok or Fine). We would definitely have gone back....but I got sick afterwards! It wasn't good enough for me to risk returning again. Had wine; eggplant parm app; delicious homemade pasta. Not sure what did it.
Vela (downtown in Hilton Bayfront): Let's just say I'll never go back. Food was good, but one of us got hurt - and they sicced security people on us and ruined our meal...We never made any comment about suing or anything but they went into horrible Liability Control mode and just ruined the rest of the meal. No apologies or even comping and then relentless calls and letters from their insurance people for the rest of the week until I asked ABW to get them to stop bothering us. The food was good but not good enough to ever have me set foot in that hotel again....
That's all for now...trying an old fave with a new chef tonight and will post on how it goes....Hoping for a much better experience than Bencotto or Vela! :)
Fairouz (Sports Arena): Fairouz really deserves its own entry since we absolutely love it. Middle Eastern buffet (says "Greek" on the outside but they're really Palestinian). Ridiculously good food (veg and non-veg), very healthy and reasonable ($12.95 for the buffet). Great atmosphere, charming and hospitable host, gorgeous art on the walls (doubles as a gallery); great music. We all like it. Some of the delicious things we get there (they rotate choices): lentil soup, chicken-lemon soup; stewed zucchini, stewed okra (trust me, sounds super-bland but somehow is ridiculously yummy); divine stewed eggplant when they have it; roasted potatoes; various chicken and beef things; tons of salads (humus, spicy carrots, minty macaroni salad); divine desserts (rosewater white pudding; carrot halva, etc.). There are probably 40 choices on the buffet between hot and cold and dessert so I'm leaving tons out. Boy loves the music, not to mention the humus, pita, lentil soup, veggies, and all of the wonderful desserts (esp. the carrot halva). We love this place even though it's a drive.
Waters (Solana Beach): Really Waters deserves about 10 entries, since I go there so often (I usually trust my readers to look up the restaurants but here's the URL so you have no excuse not to check it out! http://www.waterscatering.com/) . It is a gourmet paradise in Solana Beach, esp. if you're a working mom with veg and non-veg eaters at home. They have sandwiches (some of my faves are the eggplant and the portabella mushroom; ABW likes the roast beef especially), salads and wonderful desserts. But the exciting part are the ever-changing entrees, sides, etc in the case, all of which can be tasted and then purchased by the pound. I never leave Waters without buying a ton of stuff for us to enjoy for the next few days. The menu changes seasonally, so you never know what you'll find. Some things I enjoy there: soup (tomato, broccoli, cauliflower, roasted red pepper, gazpacho, etc. - almost anything, and it's usually flourless and vegetarian); macaroni and cheese; polenta; anything with quinoa; roasted vegetables (one of the few things they have all the time - I'm addicted to them); lasagna with the best sauce ever (ABW loves it too); wild salmon cakes; other interesting fish; grilled chicken dishes with all kinds of interesting sauces; etc etc. I'm only giving a little tiny sampling. Also love their zucchini bread, granola, mashed potatoes; sweet potato puree, and tons more. Without Waters, the transition to being homebound during Boy's first year would have been infinitely more challenging (and certainly less tasty). LOVE WATERS! (Plus they are super-friendly there).
Bencotto (Little Italy): Everyone treats this new "modern Italian" restaurant like the second coming; it's getting buzz everywhere. Was good - ABW loved it even more than me (he called it "Good", which is way better on his scale than Ok or Fine). We would definitely have gone back....but I got sick afterwards! It wasn't good enough for me to risk returning again. Had wine; eggplant parm app; delicious homemade pasta. Not sure what did it.
Vela (downtown in Hilton Bayfront): Let's just say I'll never go back. Food was good, but one of us got hurt - and they sicced security people on us and ruined our meal...We never made any comment about suing or anything but they went into horrible Liability Control mode and just ruined the rest of the meal. No apologies or even comping and then relentless calls and letters from their insurance people for the rest of the week until I asked ABW to get them to stop bothering us. The food was good but not good enough to ever have me set foot in that hotel again....
That's all for now...trying an old fave with a new chef tonight and will post on how it goes....Hoping for a much better experience than Bencotto or Vela! :)
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