Bocas Grill – Orlando

Posted on October 4, 2022 by steve

*** (3 stars)

This place has improved since my first visit four years ago. There is still better Venezuelan food to be had in Orlando, but this is perhaps the nicest sit down restaurant to eat it in.

I enjoyed the sparking sangria, which was chock full of scrumptious fruit.

Our appetizer of assorted fried seafood and potatoes was also quite good.

The specialty here is arepas, and they are just okay; I think you're better off with something else.

Prices are still high, especially at lunch, but service is significantly improved.

Bocas Grill – Orlando
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819

https://www.yelp.com/biz/bocas-grill-orlando-orlando-2

Ford’s Garage – Winter Garden

Posted on July 16, 2022 by steve

Photo of Ford’s Garage - Winter Garden - Winter Garden, FL, United States — Photo of Ford’s Garage – Winter Garden – Winter Garden, FL, United States

**** (4 stars)

This seems like a particularly large Ford's location. As with the others, the decor theming is neat if you're into antique cars.

The menu focus is on elaborate burgers, but I like their barbecue. The ribs are tender, and the burnt ends moist and tasty.

The tuna appetizer is also surprisingly good.

Avoid the fried pickles, as they aren't the usual slices, but are instead spears, and the layer of skin makes them unappealing.

Also avoid the booths near the back of the main room, as the air handler is both cold and LOUD.

Service was good.

Ford’s Garage – Winter Garden
5375 Hamlin Groves Trl
Winter Garden, FL 34787

https://www.yelp.com/biz/ford-s-garage-winter-garden-winter-garden

Medley

Posted on June 27, 2022 by steve

**** (4 stars)

This place offers wonderful small plates and excellent cocktails. The pistolet was a highlight, as were the Moroccan lamb chops.

The wine list is beyond eclectic, which is odd since the restaurant is attached to a wine shop with plenty of more interesting offerings.

Service was efficient. The smaller rooms can get loud if there is a noisy group.

Medley
100 State Rd 150
El Prado, NM 87529

https://www.yelp.com/biz/medley-el-prado

Arroyo Vino

Posted on June 26, 2022 by steve

***** (5 stars)

We were tipped off to this great restaurant/wine shop by a sommelier at a restaurant in a different city. It was a great referral, as the food is superb.

The grilled artichoke made a nice starter, and the house-made chicken liver was wonderful. We also really enjoyed the spring salad.

The chicken had a great coating of Indian spices, and the halibut also offered a nice medley of flavors.

Of course, being attached to a wine shop, there are lots of nice selections on the wine list, although we would have liked to have been able to browse in the shop and then take a bottle into the restaurant. Wine prices aren't exactly bargains, but it is a ritzy part of Santa Fe.

Arroyo Vino
218 Camino La Tierra
Santa Fe, NM 87506

https://www.yelp.com/biz/arroyo-vino-santa-fe-3

The Turquoise Room

Posted on June 25, 2022 by steve

Mexican Firing Squad and Turquoise Margarita

***** (5 stars)

This was a real treat! Capturing all the ambiance of an old Fred Harvey Hotel, this place is definitely worth a stop on Route 66.

The food and cocktails were excellent, and the service was truly friendly. We shared pork carnitas, and smoked grilled ribs. Both were terrific.

The Mexican Firing Squad is a serious drink, and the Turquoise Margarita is a fun one.

After your meal, the parking lot is easy walking distance to the famous corner in Winslow Arizona for your photo op.

The Turquoise Room
303 E Second St
Winslow, AZ 86047

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-turquoise-room-winslow-2

Elote Cafe

Posted on June 24, 2022 by steve

**** (4 stars)

This trendy place offers a new take on traditional Mexican dishes such as Carnitas and Mole. For example, The Mole Poblano features Buffalo. The sauce is quite flavorful, but the accompanying rice and refried beans would not pass muster at the most pedestrian of Mexican restaurants.

Given that the dish is the restaurant's namesake, the Elotes are a particularly good appetizer. They are served in the increasingly popular deconstructed style (essentially really good creamed corn), which makes them much easier to eat.

There are a wide variety of made-to-order Margaritas.

Service at the bar was extremely friendly and attentive.

It's expensive but, hey, this is Sedona.

Elote Cafe
350 Jordan Rd
Sedona, AZ 86336

https://www.yelp.com/biz/elote-cafe-sedona-4

The Clinkscale

Posted on June 23, 2022 by steve

***** (5 stars)

Charming and stylish new American cafe and bar in the heart of historic Jerome. The Cauliflower Steak Sandwich is the single best presentation of cauliflower steak I have ever had. Friendly service and a nice vibe.

The Clinkscale
309 Main St
Jerome, AZ 86331

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-clinkscale-jerome

Javier’s Century City

Posted on April 23, 2022 by steve

***** (5 stars)

Javiers has a truly striking interior. Even though the space is huge, it is divided up into enough interconnected areas so that it manages to seem both exotic and cozy at the same time.

We started with the Tuna Crudo, a generous portion served a bit like a poke bowl. Very fresh and flavorful.

For our main course I had the Enchiladas Mariscos, two delicious mixed seafood enchiladas in a tangy green sauce. They were great.

Chicken Quesadillas were a huge serving, accompanied by a giant mount of excellent guacamole.

The house Margarita was just okay. I'd explore alternatives next time.

Service was friendly and very fast.

Javier’s Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067

https://www.yelp.com/biz/javiers-century-city-los-angeles

Michael’s

Posted on April 23, 2022 by steve

*** (3 stars)

Back in 1979 we regarded Michael's as the best restaurant on the west side, but now it just seems a bit like it's on autopilot, without any real standouts. The hamachi crudo, the white asparagus side dish, and the pizza were all fine, but there was nothing noteworthy about any of them. The steak frites was good, but again a pretty pedestrian dish. Honestly, the nuts were probably the most stellar thing we ordered.

The wine list is extremely eclectic, yet oddly narrow in focus despite its size: lots of obscure French appellations with a narrow range of varietals and almost nothing above an every day table wine level.

The standout here is the ambiance; the rear dining space is a romantic garden of intimacy, albeit one that definitely looks like 1979.

Service was attentive and professional.

Michael’s
1147 3rd St
Santa Monica, CA 90403

https://www.yelp.com/biz/michaels-santa-monica-2