Monday, May 16, 2011
A Hidden Buffalo Treasure: Prime 490
WOW is all I have to say about our recent Saturday excursion to Prime 490. Prime 490 completely exceeded all of our expectations. While our first impression was less than desirable (we had to wait over 30 minutes for a seat after we had reservations), the service quickly turned around once we were seated. Our waitress was exceptionally friendly, recommend us meals and guaranteed that we would love our food. Well she was right; we did absolutely love our food. Our meal started with fresh baked sour dough bread, that had a flavorful basil/garlic dipping oil to tantalize our taste buds. Next, we ordered the pepper jack mac and cheese, which was both spicy and cheesy and didn't lack any flavor, as our appetizer. Then came all of our meals with family style sides to share. I was so excited to try the salt and vinegar mashed potatoes and they didn't disappoint, they tasted just like a salt and vinegar chip minus the crunch. Even the simple grilled asparagus was deliciously seasoned and well cooked. Our meals came piping hot and enough to feed a small army. We all went home with leftovers but only for a lack of room in our stomachs. My seafood penne came loaded with shrimp, scallops and lobster, and had the most savory flavor. While I can't speak for the other's meals, I know they must have been beyond delicious, because none of us wanted to stop eating our meals. Prime 490 gets 5 stars all the way around. Service was excellent, food was out of the ordinary and delicious, price was comparable for the amount and quality of the food we received, and the atmosphere was comfortable. Put Prime 490 on your list of must visit restaurants, you absolutely will not regret it!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wine on Third 3/18/11: Review by Dana, Josh & Rebecca
Wine on Third
Lenten season can't slow us down, another great meal at a little known restaurant in the Falls. Today's hobby included again, purchasing a Groupon for a very classy restaurant in a not so classy area of the Falls. Our experience started by being seated on the far side of the restaurant in a spacious eating area. Our attention as we entered was immediately drawn to the open kitchen area, with produce boxes laying amiss on the counter. Although we were able to pick our seat in the dining room, as to a lack of patrons in the restaurant, we were disappointed that we were gestured toward the dining area instead of seated at a table properly. At first the waiter seemed uninterested in our presence and took our order without so much as a "hello", introduction, or a review of the specials for the night. The truffle mac & cheese appetizer, had a lot of flavor, but contained a lot of grease, however we were unsure if this was something created especially for us, or reheated and doused with fresh cheese. The bruschetta bread, was nothing short of delicious and can be described as both crispy and soft. As our entrees arrived, we were all very delighted and impressed. The portobello mushroom sandwich was bursting with flavor, and the pesto sauce was amazing. Sprigs of basil and fresh tomato and mozzarella, reminded me of the summer season that is to come. The broiled salmon was pink and flavorful. The steaming hot orzo in balsamic glaze with olive oil, capers, fresh tomatoes, fresh spinach, and olives was delicious and highlighted the salmon wonderfully. While not cooked to order, the bacon wrapped filet mignon was tender and flavorful. The mushroom risotto was impressive and paired perfectly with the meat to complete an amazing dish. We finished our meal with a chocolate lava cake that was warm and moist. We found it to be delicious, although Josh wanted more "lava", and was the perfect end to the meal. Overall this would be a perfect place to take a date or catch up with some of your best friends. While on the more expensive side "Wine on Third" won't break the bank but will leave a nice dent in your pocketbook with entrees ranging from $14 to $35.
Lenten season can't slow us down, another great meal at a little known restaurant in the Falls. Today's hobby included again, purchasing a Groupon for a very classy restaurant in a not so classy area of the Falls. Our experience started by being seated on the far side of the restaurant in a spacious eating area. Our attention as we entered was immediately drawn to the open kitchen area, with produce boxes laying amiss on the counter. Although we were able to pick our seat in the dining room, as to a lack of patrons in the restaurant, we were disappointed that we were gestured toward the dining area instead of seated at a table properly. At first the waiter seemed uninterested in our presence and took our order without so much as a "hello", introduction, or a review of the specials for the night. The truffle mac & cheese appetizer, had a lot of flavor, but contained a lot of grease, however we were unsure if this was something created especially for us, or reheated and doused with fresh cheese. The bruschetta bread, was nothing short of delicious and can be described as both crispy and soft. As our entrees arrived, we were all very delighted and impressed. The portobello mushroom sandwich was bursting with flavor, and the pesto sauce was amazing. Sprigs of basil and fresh tomato and mozzarella, reminded me of the summer season that is to come. The broiled salmon was pink and flavorful. The steaming hot orzo in balsamic glaze with olive oil, capers, fresh tomatoes, fresh spinach, and olives was delicious and highlighted the salmon wonderfully. While not cooked to order, the bacon wrapped filet mignon was tender and flavorful. The mushroom risotto was impressive and paired perfectly with the meat to complete an amazing dish. We finished our meal with a chocolate lava cake that was warm and moist. We found it to be delicious, although Josh wanted more "lava", and was the perfect end to the meal. Overall this would be a perfect place to take a date or catch up with some of your best friends. While on the more expensive side "Wine on Third" won't break the bank but will leave a nice dent in your pocketbook with entrees ranging from $14 to $35.
Francesca's 3/11/2011: Review by Dana
Francesca's
Wow Francesca's is certainly a great place to enjoy unique Italian food. With its date worthy atmosphere, this restaurant offers diners great selection. The menu offers selection of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. The menu even features entrees for two priced at $79. From first step into the restaurant I could tell it was going to be an outstanding experience. A friendly man sat us at our seats, and offered to hang our coats upon entry. As he came around a few minutes later to ask us about our experiences we found out this man was the owner of the Francesca's. He genuinely seemed to care about our dinning experience and when asked what the best item on the menu was he described many items and the minuteness of each entree. We started with lobster gnocchi which was absolutely mouth watering. The gnocchi contained savory tastes of lobster, white wine sauce and doughy gnocchi. After we enjoyed our appetizer, our meals came plated beautifully. Although our entrees were good, this is where we realized they did not live up to the expectations we had come to expect by this point in our dinning experience at Francesca's. My seafood ravioli was gigantic, but lacked flavor. I excitedly bit into the ravioli and immediately tasted a big piece of shrimp. There was also subtle taste of scallops, but I missed the taste of lobster in the ravioli. Overall the seafood ravioli lacked flavor, and left me wishing I ordered something else as my entree. To finish the meal we shared a piece of peanut butter chocolate cake. While the cake was delicious, it was nothing that couldn't have been pulled out of the freezer section at any local grocery store. Despite not absolutely loving my entree, I feel the atmosphere, and menu were worth while, and I would venture another trip to Francesca's. This would definitely be a great restaurant to enjoy with a date or for a special occasion.
Wow Francesca's is certainly a great place to enjoy unique Italian food. With its date worthy atmosphere, this restaurant offers diners great selection. The menu offers selection of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. The menu even features entrees for two priced at $79. From first step into the restaurant I could tell it was going to be an outstanding experience. A friendly man sat us at our seats, and offered to hang our coats upon entry. As he came around a few minutes later to ask us about our experiences we found out this man was the owner of the Francesca's. He genuinely seemed to care about our dinning experience and when asked what the best item on the menu was he described many items and the minuteness of each entree. We started with lobster gnocchi which was absolutely mouth watering. The gnocchi contained savory tastes of lobster, white wine sauce and doughy gnocchi. After we enjoyed our appetizer, our meals came plated beautifully. Although our entrees were good, this is where we realized they did not live up to the expectations we had come to expect by this point in our dinning experience at Francesca's. My seafood ravioli was gigantic, but lacked flavor. I excitedly bit into the ravioli and immediately tasted a big piece of shrimp. There was also subtle taste of scallops, but I missed the taste of lobster in the ravioli. Overall the seafood ravioli lacked flavor, and left me wishing I ordered something else as my entree. To finish the meal we shared a piece of peanut butter chocolate cake. While the cake was delicious, it was nothing that couldn't have been pulled out of the freezer section at any local grocery store. Despite not absolutely loving my entree, I feel the atmosphere, and menu were worth while, and I would venture another trip to Francesca's. This would definitely be a great restaurant to enjoy with a date or for a special occasion.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
What is the Dinner Club?
On a night of a huge Monster Ball in Buffalo (aka the Lady Gaga concert at HSBC area) three friends grabbed a quick dinner at Kosta's restaurant. As they ate the delicious Greek food they all talked of the complete and under satisfaction they received from food, and a common love for eating at new restaurants, and dinning on mouth watering unique foods. From there the Dinner Club was born. Three friends now dine regularly at Buffalo Restaurants. The journey will begin this Friday March 11th, 2011 at a restaurant TBA. While ordering food the amateur critics will rate their dinning experience based on atmosphere, price, food quality, uniqueness of entrees and service. Check back next week to view the Dinner Club's first official Buffalo restaurant critique!
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