This page was moved to our new blog:
https://www.ispalette.com/ilianaspalette/2014/03/indy-ale-house-brewing-co.html
Showing posts with label popcorn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label popcorn. Show all posts
1.5.13
Czehoski
http://www.czehoski.com/
APPEARANCE
trendy label with a sense of age, rose-orange hue
From the outside, the clean bold Czehoski typeface on the aged sign with paint deteriorating from it, is a memorable juxtaposition. The wooden-glass front spoke of another decade.
SWIRL
From the outside, the clean bold Czehoski typeface on the aged sign with paint deteriorating from it, is a memorable juxtaposition. The wooden-glass front spoke of another decade.
SWIRL
light tears, with typical aroma of strawberriesWe walked into a narrow lot, wooden booths on one side, bar on the other. Overall cool and dark, but with trendy lights and open pipes on the ceiling. I was not to anxious to spend our evening here. The waiter took us up a steep fight of stairs leading to a bright loft-like room. Tall ceilings, white walls, photo-realistic vibrant paintings, a random canoe and some greens. That's a totally different feel. Another wooden set of stairs led to some small open concept space, which I was curious to find out is a private dining area.
NOSE
NOSE
more define aroma of raspberry and red currants, perhaps some sweet jelly beans tooWe were told their patio is currently full, so we decided to start out inside and move out as space opens up. We sat on their wooden tables, next to a mom and a son having a meal. We took a quick glance at their small dark drink menus, which turned out to have all the dishes too. We were both glad to see their chef's name mentioned at the end - Nolan Witkowski. Our casual waiter with his thick-frames glasses and trendy hat, in jeans and yet a formal vest was ready to tell us how cool and hip everything is (in case we didn't feel it yet). Inquiring about their Babcia's Pierogies, he simply had to say that they are his "all time favorite". This was probably the last time I asked for his advise. We were happy to hear Wednesday evenings was their half-off bottles of wine night. We just had to take advantage of that. Before we had the time to decide on anything, we followed our waiter's wobbly walk through a narrow corridor leading to their outside patio. Yes, they got me - very hip indeed. It wasn't just the joyful crowd of people, but the mix and match of different art and materials, which managed to come together into one sweet spot to hang out in. It was made up of aged wood under our feet and used as benches, blackboad-chalk art in front of us, a steep roof side radiating heat behind us, followed by a stone-arranged wall. The uniform, black patio furniture was just perfect to keep the area stylish and not over-the-top.
PALATE
semi-dry, light fizz tickling the palate, hint of licorice coming throughOur eyes finally reached their wine cart. We didn't fret too much in picking their Californian Cab Sauv (Beringer '11). It was a great choice - fruit forward, lightly oaked, just the right temperature. Our Popcorn appetizer arrived right on time. We received a large bowl of popcorn with dried bunches of thyme sticking out, some rosemary, grated parmesan, soft grilled garlic cloves and yes, that nutty brown butter feel. Cheri didn't realize he was eating thyme, a spice he thought he dislikes, but loved every bit of this dish. We ended up talking about what a genius appetizer popcorn makes (cheap and easy to make), too bad it is not often a choice.. so much possibility.
Next our Queen West Garden Burger and Babcia's Pierogies made their way. I have never had pierogies surved at the right temperature. They always end up burning me.. the usual had to be repeated. I got a bit upset and ended up cutting all of them in half to cool down to a temperature when their flavor can speak up (it took a few other attempts before that happened). They were hand rolled and stuffed with sweet potato. To my surprise, didn't feel the described smoked gouda nor roasted garlic. There was little braised red cabbage under them and a unique creme fraiche on the side, with hints of orange zest.
The Queen West Garden Burger had a black beans patty with hints of cumin and havarti melted on top. We asked for a side of salad - zesty with plenty of muster seed, even though vegetarian, it was a hearty dish.
FINISH
the added sugar leaves the palate with a thirsty, refreshing aftertaste
Overall the casual, relaxed ambiance really made us appreciate this Queen West groove, and of course the unique meals served by quite the character had a big role to play. We can't wait to bring a couple of friends there soon.
Overall the casual, relaxed ambiance really made us appreciate this Queen West groove, and of course the unique meals served by quite the character had a big role to play. We can't wait to bring a couple of friends there soon.
Overall, one of those trendy Rosé blends people get hooked on in early summer.
3.8.12
Barque
http://barque.ca
Recommended to me by a colleague, who has never been, we attempted to wait the 30min line last time but decided it wasn't our day.
This time, cheri and I returned since we were going west anyways and didn't want to be stuck in Friday-before-long-weeked traffic.
APPEARANCE
gold, heavy, classy
On a corner of the clean, renovated Roncesvalles and a tiny street. The bold black exterior is hard to miss, with the black yawning and fence at the side patio.
SWIRL
floral, zesty acidity
Trying to make a reservation before we came seemed to be a lost race, but I read that 1/3 of the restaurant is committed to walk-ins. We made it early, and we were given the choice of a patio table and a table by the chef. It is very chique inside. We just couldn't stand the thought of missing out on the sunny weather.
NOSE
smoky, warm, complex
Beige chairs with metal frames, wooden tables, fork, knife, brush?
The waitress quickly came with the water and two small metal cups. Then a small metal bin of popcorn arrived. Cheri looked at me and said, "They just got you! I think this would be your best review." Yes, the popcorn did indeed make it for me, but I will be objective. Oh and I have to add, the popcorn came with their special spice mix for veggie burgers. I picked out cumin, ketchup, cinnamon, bbq and a loooot more. Our waitress said it's a secret mix, so I didn't bother her.
We finally picked out our drinks. I asked for an amber (not too heavy or light one) an amber one the waitress recommended - St. Ambroise Pale Ale and cheri got a Griffon Extra Blond (as she said, it is very light and hardly like beer). Weren't quite as we expected, but we were glad to have a cool beer by this black side awning - got us a bit steamy at sunset.
After some reading and confusion we decided to go with their Sampler for 2. We picked the recommended briskets, baby back ribs and lamb sausage. Our 3 sides were barque caesar, cuban corn and their spinach spartzie.
PALETTE
medium-full bodied, oaky, a bit spicy,
smooth (needs another year)
We really felt the relaxed high park vibe on that warm patio. Our plates made their way relatively quickly. It all came with a mouth watering smell. First the salad, then the meats and corn and finally the spartzie. The salad was relatively good - bacon was a beauty. The beef briskets were definitely recommend to us for a reason - smoked, lean, just the right thickness - beauty. Next I bit into the ribs, which at first seemed ok but as I sunk my teeth deeper I met my pink, stiff disappointment. My memory of a well-smoked rib was that it was so tender, it fell off the bone almost by itself. But with this rack, I had to put up a fight stripping it off. The spinach spartzie made its way in a hot black skillet, with a small sheet of melter parmesan. It really made my experience - the green egg noodles came with diced mushrooms, tomatoes, in melted parmesan. (a bit tangy sauce to them too) I next tried the corn - a real mess to eat, but quite yummy - fresh and sweet with a spicy/zesty rub. And last the sausages - didn't have that strong lamb smell at all, but still a disappointment to me. They remind me of frozen ones I used to eat when I was younger - with an opinionated herb inside, I can't get over nor enjoy.
The finger feast began, in case there was not enough variety, the two barbecue sauces were waiting with our brushes in them. It was fun.
FINISH
unique, evolving, intriguing
From the beginning, the smoked ratatouille and brisket burnt bites in the menu also caught my eyes.
A few tables around us had their fries. They seemed to be a hit. There was also white a few desserts, perhaps worth trying out.
On our way out, we check out their washrooms - odd smirf papers on the rough, wooden slide doors with leather nailed handles - very neat.
Overall, a meaty developing Chardonnay
Recommended to me by a colleague, who has never been, we attempted to wait the 30min line last time but decided it wasn't our day.
This time, cheri and I returned since we were going west anyways and didn't want to be stuck in Friday-before-long-weeked traffic.
APPEARANCE
gold, heavy, classy
On a corner of the clean, renovated Roncesvalles and a tiny street. The bold black exterior is hard to miss, with the black yawning and fence at the side patio.
SWIRL
floral, zesty acidity
Trying to make a reservation before we came seemed to be a lost race, but I read that 1/3 of the restaurant is committed to walk-ins. We made it early, and we were given the choice of a patio table and a table by the chef. It is very chique inside. We just couldn't stand the thought of missing out on the sunny weather.
NOSE
smoky, warm, complex
Beige chairs with metal frames, wooden tables, fork, knife, brush?
The waitress quickly came with the water and two small metal cups. Then a small metal bin of popcorn arrived. Cheri looked at me and said, "They just got you! I think this would be your best review." Yes, the popcorn did indeed make it for me, but I will be objective. Oh and I have to add, the popcorn came with their special spice mix for veggie burgers. I picked out cumin, ketchup, cinnamon, bbq and a loooot more. Our waitress said it's a secret mix, so I didn't bother her.We finally picked out our drinks. I asked for an amber (not too heavy or light one) an amber one the waitress recommended - St. Ambroise Pale Ale and cheri got a Griffon Extra Blond (as she said, it is very light and hardly like beer). Weren't quite as we expected, but we were glad to have a cool beer by this black side awning - got us a bit steamy at sunset.
After some reading and confusion we decided to go with their Sampler for 2. We picked the recommended briskets, baby back ribs and lamb sausage. Our 3 sides were barque caesar, cuban corn and their spinach spartzie.
PALETTE
medium-full bodied, oaky, a bit spicy,
smooth (needs another year)
We really felt the relaxed high park vibe on that warm patio. Our plates made their way relatively quickly. It all came with a mouth watering smell. First the salad, then the meats and corn and finally the spartzie. The salad was relatively good - bacon was a beauty. The beef briskets were definitely recommend to us for a reason - smoked, lean, just the right thickness - beauty. Next I bit into the ribs, which at first seemed ok but as I sunk my teeth deeper I met my pink, stiff disappointment. My memory of a well-smoked rib was that it was so tender, it fell off the bone almost by itself. But with this rack, I had to put up a fight stripping it off. The spinach spartzie made its way in a hot black skillet, with a small sheet of melter parmesan. It really made my experience - the green egg noodles came with diced mushrooms, tomatoes, in melted parmesan. (a bit tangy sauce to them too) I next tried the corn - a real mess to eat, but quite yummy - fresh and sweet with a spicy/zesty rub. And last the sausages - didn't have that strong lamb smell at all, but still a disappointment to me. They remind me of frozen ones I used to eat when I was younger - with an opinionated herb inside, I can't get over nor enjoy.
The finger feast began, in case there was not enough variety, the two barbecue sauces were waiting with our brushes in them. It was fun.
FINISH
unique, evolving, intriguing
From the beginning, the smoked ratatouille and brisket burnt bites in the menu also caught my eyes.
A few tables around us had their fries. They seemed to be a hit. There was also white a few desserts, perhaps worth trying out.
On our way out, we check out their washrooms - odd smirf papers on the rough, wooden slide doors with leather nailed handles - very neat.
Overall, a meaty developing Chardonnay
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)