City Hall Bistro at The Adolphus Hotel

I was super psyched about my visit to City Hall Bistro. Like counting down the days excited! I had seen pictures from other bloggers of the interior as well as the food and both looked amazing. I didn't even realize The Adolphus Hotel had done such an extensive renovation recently. I can't say I remember what it used to look like since the last time I was there was at least 8 years ago to dine at The French Room (which JUST reopened on 10/4, btw.) But the newly updated hotel is beautiful! Lots of deep, bold colors, and velvet. According to my friend velvet is back in? This is why I'm a food blogger, not fashion or design. haha. Anyways... I'm rambling. We arrived for dinner on a Monday night at 6PM. The restaurant was still quite empty. But oh it's so pretty! This way I was able to get interior pictures without a lot of people in it.

hotel interior

restaurant interior

City Hall Bistro - The Adolphus Hotel
1321 Commerce St.
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 651-3686
http://www.cityhallbistro.com/
Price: $$$

We were seated in a big booth right across from the kitchen. I cannot get over how pretty this place is! Our waiter was Jared and he was great. Super nice and was so accommodating. He took our drink orders. My friend got the Juice of the Day (pineapple, lemon, watermelon) $6~ She really liked it. Watermelon is not my thing but it was very fresh. I stuck with water since all of the cocktails sounded too strong for me to handle. hehe.

Jared came to the table and explained the concept and menu for us. The cuisine is Southern European-Mediterranean. Yum. Seriously everything looked delicious on the menu. He also asked if there were any specific dishes we wanted to try. He said the chef will also send out anything else they thought we should try. We told him 4 dishes... and he said they were all great choices. We only got 1 dish that was not on our list. So I guess we're good at picking the best stuff, eh? :P

We started with the Atayef (savory lebanese pancake, duck confit, pear, black garlic aioli) $15~ 

Can't go wrong with duck confit... plus the savory Lebanese pancake sounded so interesting. This was my favorite dish of the night. I tried a bite of the pancake on its own. It's not often that I have a savory pancake! The flavor by itself was delicious. I could've just had a short stack of this on its own. I still think on a daily basis to drive back there, and just order this dish. haha. The duck had great flavor and the aioli added a richness and moisture to the whole bite. I need more of this!!!

Spanish Octopus (bell pepper, pine nut, harissa vinaigrette) $10~ 

I love octopus and they cooked theirs really well. No chewiness. It was tender and flavorful. You have to get a bit of every element into each bite. The frisee provides a freshness, the nuttiness and crunch from the pine nuts, and the vinaigrette was just enough, not overly dressed. I feel like the edges of the octopus could've been a little crispier, but I'm just nitpicking.

Snapper Crudo (baby heirloom tomato, pickled shishito pepper, citron salt) $11~ 

This was the one dish we didn't select. It was very pretty. Upon first bite, it was quite tart for me. But as I ate more, all the flavors came together. The snapper was super tender. I loved the different tomato slices and the pickled shishito pepper added a pow! to each bite.

Much Like Provence (genever, lemon, lavender sugar, club soda) $12~ 

My friend decided to get a cocktail half way through. It was very pretty... a subtle and simple kind of pretty just like their decor. I don't think my pictures captured it very well. It definitely tasted of lavender, but it wasn't sweet enough for her. (She likes super sweet though.) And I was right, it was quite strong.

Squid Ink Pasta (marinated squid, cilantro, garlic aioli) $17~ 

This was the dish we were both most excited about. I love anything squid ink. And wow oh wow... this packed so much squid ink flavor that it PUNCHES you in the face. In a good way, of course. But damn! The boldest and most potent squid ink dish I've ever had. A little goes a long way. Eating it straight was almost too much at one point, so I started mixing it with the paella... and you know what? winning combo! :D

Chef's Paella (oyster, octopus flavor, escalivada, babaganush, allepo pepper, grilled kale, dehydrated apples, shallot and mustard seed marmalade, micro cilantro and flowers) $26~ 

They also have a more traditional paella. This one changes daily. Jared said we should order this one. So we took his rec. And it was awwwwesome! Btw... Escalivada = onions, bell pepper, eggplant "salsa". This was a huge portion size. I think it will easily feed 4 people. I loved the crispy crust on the top of the rice. The flavors were amazing. But the most genius element was the shallot and mustard seed marmalade. You MUST mix a little of the marmalade in each bite. It makes a big difference. It was freaking fantastic. Needless to say, we could not finish this... we took more than half to-go.

We were so full. But I was told I must get the churros. So we did. Spanish Churros (saffron gelato, olive oil caramel ) $8~ 

It was a pretty big dessert since you get 5 churros... FIVE!! But they're light and fluffy so it didn't weigh you down. The churros were fried nicely and lightly drizzled with the caramel and some more on the side for dipping. The caramel was great, but I wish it was dipped in more cinnamon sugar.. that's how I normally like my churros. The saffron gelato was interesting. You can really taste the saffron. I wished there was another flavor mixed in though... maybe pistachio? The saffron was overpowering for me. However, we also asked for some of the Sweet Basil Ice Cream and it was delicious. So unique with the herbiness of the basil. Very refreshing and fragrant.

My friend got some Coffee (featuring Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters) $3~ For $3 that's a whole lot of coffee. Nice!

I found the price point here to be extremely reasonable for the quality of food you are getting. And I've had several things and flavor combinations that I haven't experienced before, so this place is a total gem. I highly recommend it. I actually already have a brunch reservation to go back in two weeks. Counting down!! Thank you so much, City Hall Bistro, for having us. It was a wonderful meal. Service was top notch and we enjoyed it tremendously. I cannot wait for brunch! :)

*The meal was comped but all opinions are my own. Plus, always tip your wait staff even if you get a free meal!*

Quality of Food: 

Service: 

Ambiance: 

Value: (comped)

Overall Experience: 

~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~

The Crescent Club

Some of my friends and I had purchased a Travelzoo deal to dinner at the Crescent Club earlier this year. We decided to finally use it this past weekend.

I love the Crescent Hotel area, it's so freaking beautiful! The restaurant was on the 17th floor. And the elevator system was pretty cool, all computerized and stuff. But once you reach the restaurant, it's really old style decor. Old, traditional fancy...

The Crescent Club @ Rosewood Crescent Hotel
200 Crescent Ct #1700
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 953-4343
www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/crescenthotel/dining/the_crescent_club
Price: $$$$

The host at the front was amazingly nice. He greeted everyone who came through with such warmth. And was very patient waiting for my friend to find and pull up his coupon on his phone (took forever btw.). While waiting he showed the rest of us to the bar to hang out and wait for the rest of the party. (We arrived 30 minutes too early...)

After the rest of our party arrived, we were immediately seated. I had requested a table by the windows when I made the reservation but I guess our party was too big (6 people) for the tables by the windows. It was a great view of the city.

So the Travelzoo deal was $79 for 2 people to dine. Each person gets 1 soup or salad, 1 appetizer, 1 entree and 1 dessert. So 4 courses for about $35 a person. Not counting tax and tip of course.

Our waiter was super nice. So was the assistant waiter. However, after we ordered, the guy who brought the bread was not. He came over with a tray of bread, it had white or wheat rolls on it. Didn't even ask which one we wanted and plopped one down on my plate. My friend said, "Can I get wheat?" and he didn't even acknowledge him. So he had to say it again. The guy finally said "yea, ok" but with attitude. It was quite rude! And the bread was eh...

Anyways... to the food.

Starter:
Baby Wedge Salad (bacon, onions, tomato, blue cheese, deviled egg dressing) $10~ I ordered this. It was really fresh and the dressing was yummy. I'm glad I asked for it on the side though because my friend's salad had too much dressing on it.

Fresh Hearts of Palm (ruby red grapefruit, organic arugula, avocado vinaigrette) $11~

Baby Mixed Greens (cucumber, olives, cipollini, grape tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette) $9~

Soup of the Day: Tomato Basil $7~ It was very tomato-y. haha. A little too tart for my preference.

Appetizers:
Duck Fat-Roasted Day Boat Scallop (boudin empanada, piquillo gremolata) $12~

Most of us got this, including me. The scallops were cooked perfectly. I would've liked more sear on top though. But the flavors of the dish were great. I especially loved the boudin empanada. The crust was buttery and crispy and the inside had so much flavor.

Kobe Beef Meatballs (foie gras demi, caramelized onions, organic arugula) $12~

My other friends really liked this, but I thought the meatballs were a bit tough. The sauce was great though. Good to sop up with the bread.

Entrees:
Mustard Roasted Veal Chop (braised Swiss chard, porcini jus) $35~

One of my friends ordered this. She's had so-so experiences in the past with veal and wanted to give it another try. OMG... best piece of meat she's ever had. And I'd have to agree. The meat was fatty and juicy and cooked perfectly. And SUPER tender. The mustard on top made it a tad salty but it was still amazing. Best entree of the night.

Chilean Sea Bass (heirloom tomato escabeche, saffron risotto) $28~

I ordered this. Originally it said Asian Sea Bass on the menu, but the waiter told me they also have Chilean Sea Bass. Oooo! I was initially going to get the pork chops but he recommended the fish over that. He didn't steer me wrong! The sear on the fish was fantastic and it was cooked perfectly. Really tender. I loved the sides as well. A close second to the veal.

Harris Ranch Beef Tenderloin (foie gras demi, duck fat yukon potatoes) $38~

Kind of a standard dish... meat and potatoes. The tenderloin was cooked well and tender. But after eating the veal it was no comparison. haha. The potatoes were slightly too salty.

Colorado Rack of Lamb (sweet potato gnocchi, pea tendrils, mint demi) $37~

I don't like lamb so I didn't try it. I did try the sweet potato gnocchi though. It was good, not great. I wish they would've crisped the outside of the gnocchi or something to add some texture.

Wow... I am so full. But we still got dessert!

Desserts:
Chocolate Three Ways (truffles, candies, chocolate chunk cookies) $10~ This was ok... I don't care to have candies as dessert. And the cookies should've been served warm.

Key Lime Pie (tart key lime, triple nut crust, berry coulis) $8~ I'm not a lime person but I really liked this, particularly the crust part. And it's so cool to be served in this shape.. quite creative.

Banana Bread Pudding (studded with white chocolate, ginger creme anglaise) $8~ Pretty good and moist. You can taste the ginger in the creme anglaise which was nice. I rarely complain about bread pudding. hahaha.

Godiva Chocolate Mousse Cake (chocolate cake, dark chocolate mousse, ganache; with triple orange sorbet) $8~ This was my order. And easily the best one of the bunch. Just the right amount of cake vs mousse. It was rich and creamy and luxurious. The orange sorbet on the side was a perfect compliment. The light and refreshing orange really balanced the rich chocolate.

I thought it was a great meal. Everything I ordered was good. I'd like to have that veal and chocolate cake again. haha. So with tax and tip it came out to be about $60 a person total. A little higher than I expected... I guess I never actually sat down and did the math though. But oh well. It was still a good deal. I don't think I'll be buying one of these deals in the near future. I can't eat like this all the time! haha. It's so deadly to my diet! :P

Quality of Food:

Service: 3.5

Ambiance:

Value (with TZ deal):

Overall Experience:


~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~

Restaurant Week #4: The Mansion on Turtle Creek

The Mansion Restaurant
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219
(214)559-2100
www.mansiononturtlecreek.com/dine1.cfm
Price: $$$$

So I've been trying to get into the Mansion for like the past 3 years. First they were booked before the Restaurant Week list was even released...then another year they weren't even on the list. Sigh~ But finally this year they had availability AND they extended it to the full 3 weeks!! YAY! :)

I called them at 10AM the Monday morning the list was released. Actually I called them the Friday before because I got the sneak preview list, but they told me they didn't take reservations until Monday. I asked for the last weekend of Restaurant Week...and they only had a table for 2 and an hour before the time I wanted. Dang...so I took what I could get.

I've heard in the past 2 years that the Mansion is overrated and that I shouldn't try so hard to go there, but I wanted to see it for myself. They must be doing something right because why else is it sooo hard to get in?!?

Finally it was time! I went with a friend of mine. We did complimentary valet at the hotel. Upon walking to the front door, one of the restaurant staff held the door open for us. We were warmly greeted by the host and hostess and were immediately seated. The decor was wonderful...probably one of the best I've seen in Dallas. It had upscale, traditional decor with modern accents. The lighting was very warm and inviting, and the tables/seats were very comfortable. It was fancy yet comfortable, I was very impressed that they were able to achieve that ambiance.

There were hardly anyone there at 6:15pm. I was a little upset because the restaurant didn't start filling up until about 7:30...so I didn't understand why they didn't have any later times available when I called. OH well...

Our waiter was extremely friendly, so were the other staff members assisting us. Attentive, helpful and none of the snootiness that I was expecting.

After ordering we were given an Amuse Bouche of roasted tomato, anchovie and olive oil. It was interesting. The tartness of the tomato cut some of the fishiness of the anchovie so it wasn't overwhelming.

For appetizer, I got Corn-Saffron Soup (grilled shrimp, fresh herbs, chile oil). After missing out on the Corn Soup at the French Room I knew I wanted to try this. This one was less creamy and overall not as good as the one at FR. However, it was still quite good. I prefer more of a corn chowder -- creamier, thicker, and lots of corn. This was more soupy, but had a nice surprise with the chile oil. It gave a nice spicy kick at the back of your throat. I was pleasantly surprised by that, and it also had a good amount of stuff in it.

My friend ordered the Carpaccio of Venison (green tomato marmalade and pecorino). The colors on this dish were beautiful! The venison was very delicate and had light flavors...not at all gamey. I thought the pecorino overpowered it a bit, but I'm also not a fan of goat cheese. My friend is a fan though, and she really enjoyed the dish!

For the entree, I ordered the Braised Short Rib (tomato-thyme compote and balsamic glazed cippolini onions). I was surprised to see the short rib without the bone. Usually braised short ribs come with the bone attached and I think I prefer it that way because it makes the meat even more tender. This short rib was not as tender as I expected since I still had to use a knife. But it was super juicy and fatty! Just the way I like it! hehe. The short rib was lightly seasoned so it paired well with the salty and tartness of the tomato compote. The slight sweetness of the glazed onions added an element of sweetness. I think the components were meant to be eaten together for the best combinations of flavors. The dish looked quite small to me, but it was more than enough...very filling.

My friend ordered the Pan-Seared Trout (with grilled squash and barley salad, tomato oil). It looked like a lot more food than mine...and again, the colors were very nice on the plate. The fish was pretty good...not as good as the fish at the French Room though. The squash and barley could've used a little more seasoning but I kind of liked the light flavors of the dish in contrast to the heavier flavors in my dish. The barley was cooked nicely and had good texture. It was definitely quite a lot of food.

For dessert we both ordered the Peanut Butter Torte (with chocolate ganache, peanut feuilletine and malt ice cream). The dessert looked so pretty except for the brown smear on the bottom of the plate...hahaha. But since it's chocolate I'll eat it anyways. :P The chocolate ganache was pretty amazing. The texture was nice and thick. The peanut butter part was actually crunchy...that was a little weird. We were both expecting smooth and creamy like a peanut butter cup. At first it was pretty cool, but half way through I got tired of the crunchy peanut butter. The malt ice cream was a nice touch to the torte because it added some moisture like a sauce...unfortunately there wasn't enough ice cream to pair with the entire torte. Overall I liked the flavors but it could've been done differently in many aspects to make it better.

In summary, the decor, ambiance, and service were one of the best I've ever experienced. It truly exceeded my expectations since I was told it was overrated. However, the food fell a little short of the decor and service. It was good, don't get me wrong, but I've definitely had better food elsewhere. The food was not as good as the French Room but I would say the decor and service were a step above the French Room! It was a great way to round up the 2009 Restaurant Week! :D

Quality of Food:

Service:

Cleanliness:

Value (for Restaurant Week):

Overall Experience:

~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~