Downtown San Mateo App-Crawl

Comment by John on November 9, 2008 at 10:11am

11/08 2008 Downtown San Mateo App-Crawl, San Mateo, Downtown
Locations:231 (International Eclectic?), Lure (Seafood), Kingfish (Creole/New Orleans), Spiedo (Italian), Porterhouse (Steaks/Meats), 231 (International Eclectic?)
Attendees:John Domine,Brad Aouizerat, Brian Domine, Gilles Aouizerat, Lance Domine
Rating Scale 1-5 1 being no thank you 3 being as expected and 5 being amazing

Comment by John on November 9, 2008 at 10:18am

Location 1 - 231 (231 Ellsworth), website: www.231ellsworth.com

Drinks
Various

Appetizer Foie Gras Three Ways
Seared, deep-fried and creme caramel infused with foie gras, served with amazing rolls and butter with sea salt. VERY rich, but tasty.
Ratings:4,4,3.5,3.5,4 Average: 3.8

Service
Ratings:3,4,5,4,4 Average:4

Atmosphere
Ratings:3,4,4,4,4 Average:3.8

Lance was not drinking (underage/designated driver)

Comment by John on November 9, 2008 at 10:27am

Location 2 - Lure (2nd Avenue), website: www.lurerestaurant.com

Drinks
J - Lillet Martini-3.5
Brian - Lillet Martini-3.5
Brad - Lure (cucumber, gin)-4
G - Oooh Pear-3.5

Appetizer Grilled baby Octopus with wilted Fennel
Strong barbeque flavours, mixed with sour vinegary fennel. tasty.
Ratings:4,3.5,4,4,4 Average: 3.9

Service
Ratings:2,2.5,3,2.5,2.5 Average:2.5
Even though we informed the mairte d'/waiter upon arrival that we would just be getting drinks and an app, he seemed bothered that that was all we were getting when we actually ordered just that.

Atmosphere
Ratings:3,3,3,3,3 Average:3
An annoying bright light from the back kitchen/prep area was at odds with the more muted lounge feel of the restaurant.

Noone was ID'd

Comment by John on November 9, 2008 at 10:34am

Location 3 - Kingfish (corner of 2nd Avenue & B Street), website: www.kingfish.net

Drinks
J - Sapphire Tonic-3
Brian - Red Rocket-4
Brad - Mojito Martini-1
G - Mojito Martini-2
L- Raspberry Virgin-4.5

Appetizer Boom Boom Fry
Mixed platter of fried mushrooms, asparagus, scallops and other treats. three sauces. lacked seasoning.
Ratings:3,4,3.5,4,4 Average: 3.7

Service
Ratings:4,4,3,4,4 Average:3.8
We sat at the bar. The bartender was engaging and attentive. Very accomodating and lively.

Atmosphere
Ratings:4,4,4,4,4 Average:4
Really fun atmosphere, New Orleans style.

Noone was ID'd

Comment by John on November 9, 2008 at 10:46am

Location 4 - Spiedo (4th Avenue and B Street), website: www.spiedo.com

Drinks (Kacie was our bartender; Aylin made some recommendations)
J - Blueberry Pomegranate Martini-4.5
Brian - Blueberry Pomegranate Martini-4
Brad - Mulled Blueberry and Vodka-4
G - Blueberry Pomegranate Martini-4.5
L-Pomegranate/Orange juice-4

Appetizer Antipasto Platter
HUGE plate of bruschetta, tomato and mozzarella, prosciutto wrapped melon, variety of olives and others. Plenty for everyone to enjoy!
Ratings:4,5,4,3,2.5 Average: 3.7

Service
Ratings:4.5,3,4,4,4 Average:3.9
Kacie the bartender made the experience very enjoyable. She made great drink recommendations and her antipasto recommendation was spot on. She also recommended our next app-crawl restaurant, Porterhouse, up on 3rd. Also a good recommendation.

Atmosphere
Ratings:3,3,3,3,3 Average:3
As expected.

Noone was ID'd

Comment by John on November 9, 2008 at 10:59am

Location 5 - Porterhouse (3rd Street, next to Ben Franklin Hotel), website: www.porterhousesanmateo.com

Drinks (Kate was our bartender; ate at the bar)
J - Grey Goose Orange Cosmo-4.5
Brian - Bookers Rox-3.5
Brad - Cran/Orange-4
G - Martini-4.5
L-Cran/Orange-4

Appetizer Fillet Tips
Savoury, succulent fillet tips in a brandy reduction sauce with mashed potatoes. Mmmm.
Ratings:4.5,4,3.5,4,4 Average: 4

Service
Ratings:4,3,3,3,4 Average:3.4
Kate the kindergarten teacher made it a fun time. She put up with us, which was not a small task.

Atmosphere
Ratings:3.5,4,3.5,3.5,3 Average:3.5
We ate at the bar and had a nice experience.

Noone was ID'd

Comment by John on November 9, 2008 at 11:07am

Location 1 - 231 (231 Ellsworth), website: www.231ellsworth.com

Drinks
J - Graham's 20 Year Tawny Port-2.5
Brian - Dr. Loosen Riesling-4
Brad - Water (Driving)
G - Knob Hill Neat-4
L-Cran/Orange-2.5


Appetizer Cheese Plate with warm Raisin-Walnut Bread
An assortment of five cheese: Grayson (cow), Blue d'Auvergne (Blue), Robiola Bosina (cow/sheep), Monte Enebro (goat), Idiazabal (unpasteurized sheep), along with quince paste, candied hazelnuts and honeycomb.
Ratings:4,3,3.5,4,3.5 Average: 3.6

Service
Ratings:3,4,3,4,3 Average:3.4

Atmosphere
Ratings:3,4,4,4,4 Average:3.8

Lance was not drinking (underage/designated driver)

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