Posted on June 14, 2008 at 5:58 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

I ate at the new Ali Baba last night. Food was the same great stuff I've been enjoying for years. I like the new space and especially liked not having to navigate the ridiculous parking at the old one. That said, there are some improvements that need to be made so that the place runs more smoothly. For some reason, they decided to put what appears to be the only two waiter computer stations AT the hostess desk. So there is a constant mob at the front door of patrons entering and staff people trying to enter/close out checks. In addition, there is no separate spot for the to-go people to stand or handle their business, so they're in and out of Grand Central by the front door as well. This made for a chaotic experience trying to get in and out of the place, and it didn't help that a man who was obviously not a host/ess was responsible for writing down all the names plus directing all this traffic.

That said, once we got a table it was great. They were busy so we waited a bit long for appetizers, but our (yes, high-school) server was sweet and tried hard so we forgot about it. Amidst the craziness the food was what we ordered and tasted great, so that's the most important thing.

Maybe not everyone cares about the design of the flow of people through a space like this as much as I do. Nevertheless, some things need to be fixed to better this experience and here they are: - move the waiter computer stations to the back - move the to-go operation to the bar - get some actual designated clipboard-wielding host/ess folk smiling and greeting and assisting (the old Ali Baba didn't have this either, but they didn't need it; this place needs it desperately).

Maybe I'm just remembering the cozy and relatively effortless experience (save the parking) at the old spot too fondly. But here's hoping you can take Ali Baba out of lower Greenville without taking lower Greenville out of Ali Baba.

On Ali Baba (Lakewood)

Posted on May 23, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.

Food: 2/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 3/5

I tried Spiral too. My guest and I liked the vibe quite a bit. I've lived in Denton and Austin so the eclectic waitstaff was more than familiar to me. And while I'm not vegan or even vegetarian, I do incorporate lots of vegetables and tofu into my diet.

That said, just because something is a good concept does not mean it tastes good. I had the most open of minds trying this place, and ultimately, stuff that should have been warm was cold, and everything was flavored as if spices could trick you into finding something tasty. That potato salad? It's like the potatoes are just there to hold the herbs together. And my entree was the same way. I didn't come for Indian food.

All I'm saying is let these veggies speak for themselves a little. And get those f-ing PETA booklets out of the doorway. Those people are freaks, and we carnivores are already giving it a try by coming out there. The journey of a thousand miles and all that.

On Spiral Diner & Bakery (Bishop Arts)

Posted on May 23, 2008 at 3:19 p.m.

Food: 2/5  Vibe: 1/5  Service: 2/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 2/5

If only I had waited a few more days. Then I could've seen the (accurate) one-star review that the Dallas Morning News gave La Condesa, and avoided it. But no, I have to be adventurous. Try it out myself. Sadly, adventure has its downside.

I took my husband to La Condesa for his birthday. We showed up at 9:00 pm - they close at 10:00. Plenty of time, right? Wrong. Let's just say there's not much to Victory-Park-after-dark on a weekday unless AAC has something going on. We got there and the place had maybe 2, maybe 4 customers and they left while we were waiting for our food. We were seated and reading our menus as the staff VERY obviously closed down the place all around us. Definitely not a festive atmosphere.

The place is cool enough aesthetically, and our waitress, bless her heart, tried. I'm still trying to ignore the fact that she told my husband she LOVED the Carne Asada and liked hers medium rare, and then when she brought it out she asked how it was because she hadn't had a chance to try it.

Like the DMN, I too was put off by the abbreviated "Preview Menu" at a place that's been open four months. I tried Urban Taco before it was even open and they were more together on the menu than this place. If you want tequila, the menu is set. We didn't.

The food was ok. Carne Asada was drowned in sauce and served with extremely salty fries. Shrimp quesadillas were covering up for the low shrimp count with crazy amounts of cheese. Here's an idea, how about good steak, fries, and shrimp that aren't drowned in anything?

No shot at a birthday dessert - by the time we were at that point the staff was unloading things out of the attic in our presence and the kitchen was closed.

A huffy manager-type stormed around for the duration, moving things and watching sports on the tv's. The waitress asked every three seconds if everything was ok. We get it! You want us to leave. So we walked out of there at 9:35 (still 25 minutes until closing) feeling like we'd imposed on them by showing up.

If you're thinking of trying La Condesa, just be sure you don't wear out your welcome.

On La Condesa (Victory Park)

Posted on May 9, 2008 at 4:06 p.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

Looking for somewhere to have dinner tonight? Print out the coupon (link above on right; offer current as of May/June 2008) and go try out Istanbul Grill at 25% off! We went last night, and this place is really a gem (not to mention warm fuzzies for doing your part to reinvigorate Deep Ellum). This place is cozy and cool, and the food is authentic and VERY flavorful. Full of surprises, too, if you're not used to it, which you're probably not since Dallas has little to offer in the Mediterranean category. A delicious culinary adventure with great service in an authentic atmosphere. Mmm...falafel. Good times.

On Istanbul Grill

Posted on April 28, 2008 at 10:35 a.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 4/5

Tried this (finally!) on Friday night around 9 pm. $5 valet, 15 minute wait at the bar for a table. I loved everything about La Cubanita; the bar, the atmosphere, the staff, the music, the patio, and the food most of all. All of the staff were friendly and attentive and looked as if they were enjoying themselves. The music was fun and perfect and not overly loud. Mavericks playing on TV over the bar (won that night at least). Sat on the adorable patio and had wonderful food - started with their unique chips and dips trio - then I had the Ropa Vieja sandwich with the best yucca fries I've ever tasted; my companion's grilled pork with pineapple was fabulous and I don't even love pork. The crowd was lively and thankfully not entirely made up of yuppies (only 70% - not too shabby these days). Top it all off with sweetened Cuban espresso and Tres Leches cake doused with rum and you have a perfect dining experience. Highly recommended.

On La Cubanita

Posted on April 25, 2008 at 5:57 p.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 2/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 3/5

Was excited to finally try Rise last night. No wait if we sat on the patio - GREAT! Or so we thought. Service was iffy at best, tea wasn't refilled, a second round of bread never came. Rise starter salad was fresh and delicious. Souffles were amazing, unique, perfect; esp. the crabmeat/boursin special.

Then there was the mouse. Or was it a rat? Not joking. Granted, we were on the patio. And there was a woodpile. But our waiter didn't give two sh*ts that the thing was running around our table, and it took us flagging down a manager to get a check (and a free chocolate souffle) and get out. IJS.

The bathrooms are neat.

On Rise nº1

Posted on March 11, 2008 at 6:17 p.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 2/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 3/5

Great pizza (really). Good service, if a bit rushed. Chain atmosphere. Uptown.

You decide.

On Grimaldi's (Dallas)

Posted on June 11, 2007 at 1:47 p.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 4/5

I saved my trip to Trader Vic's for my birthday. My parents had built up the place in tales of their trips to the same location in the early 70's - I had to try it, and I wasn't disappointed.

I feel like this is one of the more unique dining experiences to be had in Dallas. I couldn't help feeling that I was in the Polynesian section of Disney World; it's the same surreal faux-foreign experience and just as overpriced. It is nice, though, to escape from time to time and I enjoyed the dark, woodsy, thatched/patterned/carved interior with its basket-covered lights and tiki candles.

We had a reservation but waited about 15 minutes in the bar (valet was complimentary, FYI), which was our first look at the four-page drink menu which really is worth the trip. I've never seen anything like it. Mostly rum-based stuff but with funky names, illustrations, descriptions and histories - not to mention ingredients I've never heard of.

Once seated I had a Menehune Juice and my husband got a Zombie. We both liked them. The drinks are all from $9-12. Looking around, Trader's was a little more upscale than I'd expected (what with the theme aspect) - white tablecloths, waiters in suits, crumb-sweeper guys. We watched as one misinformed twenty-something couple in jeans and shorts was escorted to the far back corner of the restaurant. Most everyone else had the Trader's look down - something near evening country club attire with a few suits thrown in. The crowd was noticeably older, as the reviewer before me mentioned.

Our appetizer of crab rangoons was small but warm and very tasty. We both loved our main courses (Alaskan Halibut & Kobe steak); however, I found the sweet potatoes side a little average. Somewhere in there I got a MaiTai just to try the "original" - it was good, if strong. There was a little bit of a mess when we ordered sparkling water and they brought it but then the guy with the ice-water pitcher refilled the glasses (with regular water). We asked them to fix it but they were out of the sparkling and brought us Fiji water on the house. Really we just ended up having a bunch of confusing water glasses on the table. They made up for it by bringing out a free toasted-coconut covered ice cream with a candle for my birthday. Apparently they'd asked if it was a special occasion when my husband made the reservation.

Overall, you have to see this place, and its drink menu. The food, while good, isn't particularly Polynesian or anything and I left thinking there were a lot of places I could get a good $30 piece of fish. My suggestion would be to find out how to get/reserve one of the little tables in the bar - that way you can experience the atmosphere and the drinks which are really the best things Trader Vic's has to offer.

On Trader Vic's

Posted on May 11, 2007 at 1:33 p.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

"Olivella's Avera Pizza Napoletana." Translation: Yum.

Spurred on by recent Pegasus pizza controversy, I tried out this little spot. Tucked away on McFarlin, so tucked we almost didn't see it, is teeny tiny Olivella's. It's an odd location, within a block of Stromboli Cafe and Pizza Hut. The place is precious (kudos to whomever designed it). Exposed brick walls with little candles tucked in holes, lots of wood, art, & mismatched seating. Tiny as it is, there was a table for us. At 7 pm there was plenty of parking and at the other tables (6? maybe, 2 small cafe tables outside) were families & SMU students. Two sets of giant double doors were open to the outside. Not sure how that will work when it's raining or 100 degrees. No less than three casually-clad servers helped us right on time, every time.

On to the food: I am not qualified to review pizza this fancy. All I can say is man, was it good. We got the Mezza Metro (that's the size) Margherita (described as "The original from Naples, house-made mozzarella with tomato sauce & basil") and added pepperoni. We split a decent if slightly watery Caesar while we waited. Cokes come in cans with ice for $2. The pizza showed up on a wooden plank with a stand; it looked hot, crispy, almost too pretty to eat. We did eat it, of course, and it was delicious. I've never been to Italy, but now I feel like I can imagine what the pizza is like. Rustic and fresh and not overwhelmed by bread, this pizza was amazing. Our only disappointment was that we hadn't ordered more. The Mezza Metro ($17+) is good for 2 small appetites; next time I think we'll go for 2 "regulars" ($12+). There are 10 other pizzas to try, plus innumerable combinations of additional toppings. The menu features the history of pizza from the region, and claims they accept Euros! Desserts sounded great but we'd been bad enough already.

I met the proprietor, a humble, kind man who seemed sincerely interested in our experience. We told him it was great, and I promised I'd pass it on. Definitely try this place; I get the feeling we're lucky to have it.

On Olivella's

Posted on May 8, 2007 at 11:16 a.m.

Food: 3/5  Vibe: 1/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 2/5  Overall: 2/5

I won't be back to Zoe's. First off, this is not Greek food. Putting feta on something doesn't make it Greek. Second, the place looks like a kindergarten classroom on the inside (and there were plenty of children adding to that effect). Most importantly, the food was a major disappointment. If by "healthy" cooking they mean "plain," then their marketing is dead-on. Though I'm not sure what's healthy about serving a bag of Lay's potato chips with everything. Not to mention the not-so-healthy (environmental) choice to serve all food on/in styrofoam. My dinner was bland, boring, and the pasta salad was far from fresh. A basic salad (with feta!), a small piece of chicken, and the most wimpy pita bread I've ever seen. Grill your own piece of chicken and save the extra $$.

On Zoe's Kitchen (Lovers Lane)