Date
October 21, 2008
Location
102 14th Street NW
Where Orbitz used to be
What I ate
Gyro burger, seasoned fries
Who went
Matt, Jessie, Grandpa, Rowlf, Miles, Daniel, Tiff, and Nora
Thoughts
The first word that comes to mind is "underwhelming". It's not that the food was bad (it wasn't) there just wasn't much to it in general. The school theme became annoying very quickly and the menu is very limited. There are some places that can only offer a few things and it's fine because there's enough variety and quality, but this isn't one of them. I'm especially disappointed because I read a few good reviews, people raving about the quality of the food and the atmosphere, and both fell flat. Those who ordered the sweet potato fries said they were tasty, but the regular fries were just OK. I had to remind the waiter I ordered them but I really should have just let it go. The portions were on the smallish side while the prices weren't; burgers were $7 and sides were $3.
There were a few positive things. They were very flexible and able to accommodate our large party by moving around a few tables, though they just provided permission while we provided the labor. The beer selection looked good and the bar looked well-stocked; I'll have to check out the spirits after kickball one day since we get a discount. They have ample seating and plenty of televisions, so a Sunday afternoon with football and beer is an idea with potential. Overall though, it just wasn't exciting and, again, underwhelming seemed to be the word on everyone's mind.
RecapPros - the sweet potato fries are apparently quite good, they use local, organic beef
Cons - menu lacked variety, food is somewhat boring, overpriced
Overall - I sensed a bit of potential in the menu, so part of me wants to go back. But part of me also doesn't want to risk paying $12 or more for a burger and fries. I'll probably go back to check out the bar, but I don't think it'll be a dinner destination.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Buddhist Biker Bar
Date
October 9, 2008
Location
20 Elliewood Avenue
Just past the Biltmore
What I ate
Miles and I split the cheap date special - baked brie in a puff pastry, fettucini alfredo with grilled chicken for each of us, and a bottle of white wine
Who went
Miles, Sarah Tweedt, Liz, Sara Herbst, Patrick, Phil, Dan Brown, Suzie, Nora, Handy, Jessie
Thoughts
As described in an earlier post, Buddhist is the birthplace of WEDS, so we've been here a few times, but this was the first time I didn't get the steak and potatoes. It's tough to go wrong with the cheap date special at $25 unless you don't like one of the things included; the appetizer and entree are set earlier that evening. The brie was delicious and the pasta was alright. I should mention that I was fasting leading up to this as it was Yom Kippur, so maybe the brie wouldn't taste absolutely amazing on a not-as-empty stomach, but everyone else seemed to think it was great, too. The pasta needed a little seasoning as both the sauce and the chicken were relatively bland. A little salt and pepper really helped the dish. The wines weren't the highest quality stuff, but everyone seemed to enjoy what they picked; you had your choice of red or white. I don't generally like wine and I still had 3 glasses.
Our waiter did a great job considering how large of a group we had. He answered all of our questions and was pretty funny. The hostess was very accomodating as our party grew from 8 to 12 as people kept arriving (note to people, RSVP when I ask you to) and we were seated without a delay, though there wasn't space for 12 outside. There was very little upkeep once the food was served because we were taking care of our own drinks. I don't remember running out of water, but I don't remember the waiter refilling our glasses either, so I guess he did a good job with that.
We were at a long table and, while it worked great for us, I'm glad there weren't any couples at the small surrounding tables. A dressed-to-go-out girl arrived and climbed the steps every few minutes for about a half hour, so I'd imagine there was a sorority function going on upstairs, but we couldn't hear anything. The lights could've been turned up a little bit, but you could still see well enough. We had conversation going on all night both in pockets and across the table, but we were still able to hear Cake covering songs in the background. Having everyone sing along to Mahna Mahna after a glass of wine or two was awesome.
Recap
Pros - Great deal, nice atmosphere, the brie was awesome
Cons - The fettucini was a little bland
Overall - Make sure you and your date both like what they're serving, but this is a great idea for a Thursday date. Even if you're not going for the cheap date special, take a look at the menu because there are some other great things on there.
October 9, 2008
Location
20 Elliewood Avenue
Just past the Biltmore
What I ate
Miles and I split the cheap date special - baked brie in a puff pastry, fettucini alfredo with grilled chicken for each of us, and a bottle of white wine
Who went
Miles, Sarah Tweedt, Liz, Sara Herbst, Patrick, Phil, Dan Brown, Suzie, Nora, Handy, Jessie
Thoughts
As described in an earlier post, Buddhist is the birthplace of WEDS, so we've been here a few times, but this was the first time I didn't get the steak and potatoes. It's tough to go wrong with the cheap date special at $25 unless you don't like one of the things included; the appetizer and entree are set earlier that evening. The brie was delicious and the pasta was alright. I should mention that I was fasting leading up to this as it was Yom Kippur, so maybe the brie wouldn't taste absolutely amazing on a not-as-empty stomach, but everyone else seemed to think it was great, too. The pasta needed a little seasoning as both the sauce and the chicken were relatively bland. A little salt and pepper really helped the dish. The wines weren't the highest quality stuff, but everyone seemed to enjoy what they picked; you had your choice of red or white. I don't generally like wine and I still had 3 glasses.
Our waiter did a great job considering how large of a group we had. He answered all of our questions and was pretty funny. The hostess was very accomodating as our party grew from 8 to 12 as people kept arriving (note to people, RSVP when I ask you to) and we were seated without a delay, though there wasn't space for 12 outside. There was very little upkeep once the food was served because we were taking care of our own drinks. I don't remember running out of water, but I don't remember the waiter refilling our glasses either, so I guess he did a good job with that.
We were at a long table and, while it worked great for us, I'm glad there weren't any couples at the small surrounding tables. A dressed-to-go-out girl arrived and climbed the steps every few minutes for about a half hour, so I'd imagine there was a sorority function going on upstairs, but we couldn't hear anything. The lights could've been turned up a little bit, but you could still see well enough. We had conversation going on all night both in pockets and across the table, but we were still able to hear Cake covering songs in the background. Having everyone sing along to Mahna Mahna after a glass of wine or two was awesome.
Recap
Pros - Great deal, nice atmosphere, the brie was awesome
Cons - The fettucini was a little bland
Overall - Make sure you and your date both like what they're serving, but this is a great idea for a Thursday date. Even if you're not going for the cheap date special, take a look at the menu because there are some other great things on there.
The Local
DateOctober 16, 2008
Location
824 Hinton Avenue
Right between Mas, Belmont BBQ, and La Taza
What I ate
Appetizer - House made mozzarella,roasted peppers, grilled bread, and sea salt
Entree - Braised beef short ribs with potatoes, carrots, and pearl onions
Who went
Nora, Suzie, and Matt
Website
http://www.thelocal-cville.com/
Thoughts
The food was great. The locavore in me loves the emphasis on local ingredients and I spent a lot of time reading over the menu planning out future trips. It is a bit expensive to visit regularly - appetizers are $6-$8, pastas are $12-$15, entrees are about $16-$18 - but it really isn't overpriced. The portions were generous and the food was rich and filling, though Nora said her dish was a bit too rich. No one had any room left in their stomach for dessert, but they all sounded delicious. I'm excited about going back in a few weeks, especially if they vary their menu with the seasons. I didn't get a good chance to look over the drink menu, but it seemed like they have a very well-stocked bar leaning towards the higher end in general.
Our waiter was really nice, even though it seemed like he was relatively new. He was very helpful and our relatively small glasses of water were never empty. Their menu says they will not split checks for groups larger than 4, but it was just 4 of us and there was no issue. The place was relatively empty, but we didn't get there until 7:15 and the hostess told me the reservation I made, while unnecessary at 7:15, would've been a very good idea just an hour earlier.
The lighting was a little on the dim side of ideal and would vary from time to time, but you could still read the menu and see your fellow diners. They generally played good music though I'm not sure Dave Matthews counts as a "local ingredient". It doesn't look like a good place to bring a large group, but there is plenty of seating, both inside and outside. Had we arrived earlier, I'd imagine we would've really enjoyed eating outside since it was a crisp, cool evening.
Recap
Pros - delicious food, nice atmosphere
Cons - a little expensive (though not overpriced), no parking in Belmont
Overall - Highly recommended, just not more than every few weeks
Location
824 Hinton Avenue
Right between Mas, Belmont BBQ, and La Taza
What I ate
Appetizer - House made mozzarella,roasted peppers, grilled bread, and sea salt
Entree - Braised beef short ribs with potatoes, carrots, and pearl onions
Who went
Nora, Suzie, and Matt
Website
http://www.thelocal-cville.com/
Thoughts
The food was great. The locavore in me loves the emphasis on local ingredients and I spent a lot of time reading over the menu planning out future trips. It is a bit expensive to visit regularly - appetizers are $6-$8, pastas are $12-$15, entrees are about $16-$18 - but it really isn't overpriced. The portions were generous and the food was rich and filling, though Nora said her dish was a bit too rich. No one had any room left in their stomach for dessert, but they all sounded delicious. I'm excited about going back in a few weeks, especially if they vary their menu with the seasons. I didn't get a good chance to look over the drink menu, but it seemed like they have a very well-stocked bar leaning towards the higher end in general.
Our waiter was really nice, even though it seemed like he was relatively new. He was very helpful and our relatively small glasses of water were never empty. Their menu says they will not split checks for groups larger than 4, but it was just 4 of us and there was no issue. The place was relatively empty, but we didn't get there until 7:15 and the hostess told me the reservation I made, while unnecessary at 7:15, would've been a very good idea just an hour earlier.
The lighting was a little on the dim side of ideal and would vary from time to time, but you could still read the menu and see your fellow diners. They generally played good music though I'm not sure Dave Matthews counts as a "local ingredient". It doesn't look like a good place to bring a large group, but there is plenty of seating, both inside and outside. Had we arrived earlier, I'd imagine we would've really enjoyed eating outside since it was a crisp, cool evening.
Recap
Pros - delicious food, nice atmosphere
Cons - a little expensive (though not overpriced), no parking in Belmont
Overall - Highly recommended, just not more than every few weeks
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