Q - Inner Richmond - report

Ate at Q last night for the first time w/ four others.

I liked the wine list - lots of interesting wines for 20-40 dollars, which is nice for my normal budget. We had the Rhone style Cote de Tablas from Tablas Creek in Paso Robles.

I had mixed feelings about the food. We shared an appetizer of fried calamari - this was very good. The calamari were tender and fried well, nice dipping sauce. So far so good.

I ordered the fried chicken, while another friend ordered a chicken special, which was described as pepper crusted (or something like that)? My piece of white meat was somehow more flavorful and juicy than either of my dark meat pieces - but overall I thought it was decent but unexciting fried chicken - same w/ the mashed potatoes and gravy. The vegetables - zucchini, carrot, ?? - were not memorable. Meanwhile, my friend's chicken (and sides) were better. Hers was pan fried (like schnitzel) and was boneless - nice flavor on the breading. It was served with a spicy black bean cake.

Two other friends had an ahi tuna special. I thought this was pretty dull, but it was served over some nice coconut rice that was crispy on the edges. Fifth friend had the mac and cheese w/ tater tots - I only tried the mac and cheese. It was good but didn't strike me as all that special either.

Service was fine but unimpressive, it was clear they were speeding us through things so that they could seat people who were waiting. The place is very casual, and for me, not really worth the $ since the food was just OK and in that neighborhood, there is better food (granted, different types).....so I think if the food got better or if the place became a bit less casual, I would like it, but till then, I probably wouldn't return.