Best Piece of Bass I've Had
DESCRIPTION: My companion spotted the bookstore first, and being a fervent bibliophile, zeroed right in on it. I dutifully followed, found some good foodie books, and then discovered the cafe and grill at the other end of the business (fronting on 19th St.). The look and ambiance of the cafe/restaurant wasn't something that grabbed me; I was perfectly prepared to have pleasant, but ordinary fare. One look at the menu, however, told me that we were going to have an un-ordinary meal. As I ever so subtly hinted at in the review title, I could not resist trying the advertised Best Piece of Bass in Town. Don't know about the rest of the "Piece of Bass"-offerings in D.C., but it certainly was a sublime chunk of fish. The miso and sake flavours, altered and complemented by the pan-blackening, along with the succulent nature of the bass were heaven on the tongue. I would not consider a long trip to Washington just to experience this again unreasonable. Well, not <i>too</i> unreasonable. I'm sorry about not even being able to recall what kind of pasta dish my lovely companion was having. I guess my mind was too firmly planted on the bass I was enjoying. Oh, I do remember ordering a very hearty porter beer, and a hoppy lager that were on tap, both quite tasty. All in all, an impressive culinary experience.
DATE: 2003-04-28
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : the item of seafood at the top of the menu

DESCRIPTION: The menu is really simple, almost completely vegan. You can look at the menu online, but most dishes are steamed vegetables over some kind of whole grain, with very health-food/Asian kinds of sauces. I got the Goddess, and even though it was right before closing time the day before a holiday (and they were therefore out of many basic ingredients), the vegetables were incredibly fresh and it was just perfectly prepared. It seemed expensive at first glance, but the "taster plate" was actually a pretty decent size and is probably enough, unless you are really hungry. The decor is homey and funky, lots of different colors and natural-looking wood. They have a frequent buyer's program where you get a free meal or free smoothie after a certain number of purchases.
DATE: 2005-09-05
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8

Two shops together
DESCRIPTION: The tuna salad from Pamela's was exceptional and the macaroni salad was imaginative and tasteful. Friendly, pleasant service and atmosphere.
DATE: 2004-07-11
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Tuna salad, macaroni salad

Great -- especially for breakfast!
DESCRIPTION: Try one of Pamela's vegan pancakes, preferably with nuts -- and I do mean one! Deliciously filling. And Sharifa's coffee won't disappoint either.
DATE: 2004-11-28
OVERALLRATING : 8

Mimi's hits a sour note
DESCRIPTION: 1. The tables in the front are too tightly arranged, and more suited for a bar. Not enough room for appetizers, main courses, drinks, cocktails. The whole set up was claustraphobic, with waiters not able to navigate between tables and other patrons elbowing me. 2. I was looking forward to singing, spoken word and background artists, but was disappointed to have a loud band play throughout my dinner, prohibiting me from having conversations with my co-workers. I understand they were there because of a "party", but you forgot the consideration of the rest of the crowd. I witnessed several large tables turn over quickly after not being able to enjoy their meal over the music. I had spoken to my staff enthusiastically about the singers, and wait staff and how talented they were; what a shame to be overshadowed by a so-so, loud band; perhaps consider acoustic, or turning the volume way down was an option that of course no one considered, because the 'party' that booked the band payed more $$ ? 3. Train the staff better; my waiter, although very well intentioned, opened our two bottles of wine, and sat them on the table, never offering me a taste and pouring the table theirs. This is SOP (standard operating procedure) for any fine food establishment. This happened twice. TGI Fridays wait staff knows better than this. Also, half the wines on the menu were out! It's not like there aren't liquor stores in the area!!-- Who's in charge of ordering supplies there? Also, re: the dessert menu: No prices for the dessert drinks, but prices for the desserts? Confusing. I asked for a sharp knife after getting my meat dish and the server looked at me blankly and gave me a rolled set of silver ware from the next table; classy move! Servers took forks away with finished courses, but no replacement tableware came; we had to ask, while our food chilled. 4. Food: for premium prices, you need to have better and larger portions. The duck was a little dry, and everyone's portions looked tiny. If they're trying to be in the same league as DC Coast, they need to work on the room, training the staff better, better treatment of non party guests, and fine tune the entrees.
DATE: 2003-12-31
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Maybe the Duck

Best keep secret
DESCRIPTION: I recently went to the Good Food deli in Troy, MI from the urging of a friend and let me tell you this is the best place to eat healthy/organic/vegan food. It's more of a cafe. They have great lunch specials,Soups, sandwiches,veggie burgers,salads(all sorts), and they also do fresh org. juices/wheatgrass. Evrything was prepared fresh and the taste was out of this world. I honestly was blown away at how good the food tasted. The atmosphere is really nice as well. You see all types of people, you get people of all races, you get business types, etc etc. The service was great, I came there once, and on my second visit the deli employee greeted me by name as I arrived. Very personal service. The chef herself comes out and asks you how everything was when she gets a free moment. All in all, I was surprised. Om Cafe and the Inn Season are wonderful but Good Food's Deli/Cafe is decidedly better. Even if you don't like healthy food, this place is still great. The chef knows how to use herbs and spices to make everything taste wonderful. The reson why this place isn't as well known as the others is because it is located inside of a store and they don't advertise. Give it a look, you won't regret it.
DATE: 2004-09-15
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : All the entree specials,Veggie burgers,Soups,Tofu salads,other salads,tempeh reuben,salmon special,chicken sandwiches,etc

Great Deli
DESCRIPTION: I really liked the grilled Italian sandwich and service was great. Very busy at lunch time, so arrive a little early. Wish I had tried the salad bar, very appetizing choices from fresh vegetables of many types, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses. Also multiple soup choices at the bar.
DATE: 2006-04-05
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Grilled Sicilian Sandwich on the freshly baked Italian bread

The Mountain Tearooms in Long Valley
DESCRIPTION: I wish they were open for dinner every night as the food is great, and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere is a joy. A bargain at under $40 for a gourmet four course meal. The chef is a true talent -- I tried roasted salmon in whipped caper potatoes with wilted greens. For dessert, I had an incredible warm chocolate cake with filberts. An oasis in Morris County - worth booking.
DATE: 2004-02-12
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Menu changes every Friday. Don't skip dessert - you will regret it as they are fantastic!

The Mountain Tearooms Restaurant Dinners
DESCRIPTION: What a treat! Highly recommended. The full menu with made with fresh, local produce will leave you asking for more.
DATE: 2004-10-28
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10

Now Open every weekend for dinner
DESCRIPTION: The Mountain Tearooms Restaurant is now open for dinner every Friday and Saturday night and only during the week for private parties. Same chef and great vegetarian/seafood largely organic food - different schedule. Check out the website at www.themountaintearooms.com
DATE: 2005-08-09
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Roasted chanterelle and shitake mushrooms on israeli couscous with a mushroom reduction sauce

One of Ely's best
DESCRIPTION: This is one of my favorite restaurants in Ely. Unfortunately only open during the "busy" season (summer), the rustic indoor setting and outdoor seating only adds to the reasonably-priced and delicious menu. Some (delicious) vegetarian dishes are available and Penfold's wine is offered. Special quiche, pizza and soup change daily. Service is the typical relaxed Ely type, but what's your hurry, anyway?
DATE: 2004-05-06
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : walleye

DESCRIPTION: The food rocks, if you ever need good food when you are up in northern MN The Chocolate Moose will suit all.
DATE: 2004-09-12
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Turkey Pesto sanwich

Attitude is everything!
DESCRIPTION: And Sharifa has a great one! Friendly, pleasant service and atmosphere. The tuna salad from Pamela's was exceptional and the macaroni salad was imaginative and tasteful. Contrary to the limited choices for the ratings, there was nothing about the food we didn't like. It's nice to be able to sit and relax and just have a great sandwich for lunch.
DATE: 2004-07-05
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Tuna salad, macaroni salad