Have any Chowhound Faves Broken Your Heart
I can get the ball rolling with two. I have to have lunch in Pasadena every week and was really excited to hear about Daisy Mint. I wasn't thrilled at all by the food at all and was sort of grossed out that all the garnishes--carrot slices, lemon wedges, etc. were pathetically tired and wilted. My kids ordered a pretty expensive Korean style ribeye steak. It was 3/4 fat. I showed the waitress how much was inedible and she just giggled and there was no adjustment on the tab. My kids, also against my better judgement, ordered desserts which were pretty lousy (and not something I'd expect to be great in a what is essentially a Thai restaurant that panders just a bit towards fusion). I will add, that with the exception of the steak and the desserts, the other Thai dishes were o.k. for what I consider the wasteland of Pasadena but I really wanted to be wowed. Even the most mediocre joint in Thai Town would win in a smack down with Daisy Mint.
The other great disappointment was Skaf's in Glendale. The falafel was mealy, the borek (called "cheese stick" on the menu, I believe) was under cheesed and over salted and the chicken and beef shwarma were bone dry and gnarly. On kid ordered lamb chops which looked great and were scarfed down before I could sample. Maybe we ordered incorrectly and I'd be willing to give it another try but whenever the server wanted to pick up a plate or refill a glass in front of me, instead of stepping around the table (there was plenty of room) she just glowered at me, snapped her fingers and pointed to the item for me to hand over to her.
I usually don't dis small family run independent joints but I think this joints are both really flourishing and a lot of it is due to Chowhound love. I just don't get it. Did I hit an off day at both of them? And I'm sure there are places that I adore that others here would find mediocre and disappointing. Right???
Layne Murphy
May 07, 2008 04:01PM
That's too bad about Daisy Mint, I was looking forward to trying it. We liked Skaf's a lot -- no service problems, good hummus, mutabal and cabbage salad and the chicken shwarma was ok -- don't remember it being too dry.
Oh well...
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I wouldn't say it broke my heart, but I found ultra CH fave Nook disappointing all 3 times I tried it. I'm not too crazy about Josie either.
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I second Josie... they have a good wine list, but I thought the food I got relative to the cost was extremely disappointing. I don't think I would head back any time soon unless someone else was paying. The food is good, but not special.
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i third josie.
the food was simply not all that.
i don't even remember what we ate.
it wasn't bad, i just wasn't good enough.
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Fraiche disappointed the hell out of me. The gory details are here:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/507305
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yes. briganti. horrible service not the food. i'm still not over the break up. i think about Briganti quite a bit and b/c it's been some time from my incident i romanticize it and consider going back, but then, i have to remind myself of the horrific slow service and i snap out of it.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/501939
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While my heart beats on - I was pretty disappointed by the much CH-touted Belgian fries at the Oinkster in Eagle Rock. While Belgian fries, when properly prepared, turn out with an ultra crispy exterior - the result of the double frying, the fries I had at Oinskter were almost limp with no crisp factor whatsoever. Now while this could be coughed up to a bad day at the fryer - I have actually made a point of returning to try them again - THREE more times - each time with a similar result. While the menu in general is fine - I've had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich, the Pastrami sandwich and the burger - they are all good and I will go back for more - but sorry - their fries are a miserable attempt at the glorious Belgian fry resplendent in all its glistening greasy crunchiness.
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I've experience the same with the Oinkster fries lately. I'm not sure why they aren't cooking them like they have previously done. Maybe I'll have to make a point to ask to have them prepared "well done", because when done properly, they are really as good as the reputation would imply.
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Yes, yes, yes! Zov's in OC is highly touted by many Chowhounds and it was so awful that I will never go back. The food was terribly bland, the service was horrible, and everything is extremely overpriced. I simply cannot figure out why people love this place.
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We agree. Since Zov's expanded to three locations, our two visits to the original in Tustin have been disappointing. It used to be one of our favorite places
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Zov's has definitely gone downhill in terms of value for money in the last six months, and their menu at their location in Irvine was ridiculously brief. Could this be due to the rising cost of food???
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Clementine!
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/312372
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Everything I have tried at Clementine has been mediocre. I don't get it either.
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Sad, it's so good! Have you tried their biscuits?
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I hate all of their desserts.
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I wouldn't really think of biscuits as a dessert...
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Ah, I guess I was thinking of biscuit in the British lexicon, which is a cookie. Even though I am not British, I just learned from Wikipedia that in American English, a "biscuit" is a small form of bread made with baking powder or baking soda as a leavening agent rather than yeast. No, I have not had Clementine's biscuits. It's just that every single thing that I have tried has ranged from mediocre to truly bad that I now won't set foot in the place anymore, even though I am frequently nearby since it is a few doors down from my doctor's office.
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Clementine is enormously successful at what is sets out to be. You either like Americana cookery or you don't.
I personally love their sandwiches and baked goods. They have decadent hot chocolate and they taught me that a devilled egg doesn't have to be revolting.
Not saying you're wrong to hate them but I think it's such a humble little gem I thought I'd throw in my perspective.
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I love Americana cookery. However, Clementine fails in execution and with their clueless employees.
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We'll have to agree to disagree. I've been over a dozen times and I've always been pleased with the results. Their poached eggs at breakfast have always been perfect with well set whites and runny yolks. The shaved country ham was a revelation that makes one realize that we've had a domestic take on prosciutto that's pretty damn special. The roast beef always rare and tasty. They used to have a sloppy joe that beat your Mom's and they have a meatloaf sandwich that warms the soul. They make their own sweet pickles and every sandwich comes with a cookie.
Again, I can see it not being your thing but they absolutely nail what they are trying to achieve.
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I've pretty much liked everything I've tried at Clementine ( the cornbread/orange muffins, blueberry muffins, cupcakes, veggie sandwiches, melted cheese, ginger limade ) The one thing I was disappointed in was the black bean soup - not that it was bad, just boring.
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i felt the same way about the tomato soup--boring.
i had hoped for an intense tomato flavor--it wasn't there.
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Clementine for me too. I wanted to like it both times I went... never again.
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It's not really special but it's OK. Name a better place of the same genre in its vicinity.
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my office orders from Clem regulary, and each time they screw up the order... something is always missing, wrong, or just plain bad. we always reiterate what we want, and they still can't get it right. on top of that, mediocre is a very apt description for the food, but w/the exception of Craft; the only thing in the century city area of that calibre.
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Josie (tried twice, just doesn't work for me)
Beacon (nothing unusual)
Let's Be Frank Dogs ($5 a dog??? I'd take Costco dogs anytime.)
Zankou Chicken (garlic sauce is good, chicken too dry)
Mori (on a Sunday night--a terrible mistake on my part)
Echigo (smallest pieces of fish on my lunch special sushi)
Daikokuya (too greasy)
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I second Beacon, you got it right. Daikokuya (not worth the trip).
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Zankou Chicken. I agree that the garlic sauce is good, but the chicken is beyond being too dry. It is close to jerky and the wings have flown away to the next world via cremation
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Golden Deli. There, I said it. I prefer Pho Thanh Lich in Little Saigon. In SGV, I prefer Pho 79 in Alhambra.
Also, Yucca's in Silver Lake. Here's the equation in my head:
Cactus plus hipsters minus parking equals Yucca's.
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I recall both of us being rather unimpressed by Mori as well.
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I'm going to give Mori another shot but this time sitting with Mori-san. But that's the final shot.
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Hey Sauce,
I was one of the people who enjoyed my time at Mori but felt it a little pricey for his Omakase ($263 per person), but that was pre-Urasawa. :)
Having been to Urasawa now (and you know the amazement of it :), if you can limit the alcohol intake (slightly :), then given the choice, I'd much rather just go to Urasawa. :)
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I've been to Mori twice and just been kind of underwhelmed both times. Once with Mori-san, once with his assistant. I just feel like I should give it one more shot just to be really fair.
But yeah, the last time boo and I went to Mori, I left still hungry and ended up eating chicken wings at FuRaiBo.
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Understood. :) Now that I think about it, it's just so shocking that for the price we paid at Mori, we could've had far more amazing meals at some of the exquisite, top places in Tokyo and Kyoto.
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Hey exilekiss, I have been reading your reports on the Japan board of the restaurants you ate at in Japan and the descriptions made me swoon, wishing I could eat at each and every one of the restaurants. That made me start thinking of Mori, where I have eaten many times. It is fine and, for L.A., pretty good, but I don't think it is a restaurant that makes you swoon and dream of returning. My favorite things there might actually be the tea and the pottery. Plus, I think Mori-san is very nice.
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Thanks. (^_~)
Yah, I think Mori-san is a nice person as well, but as you noticed, it just doesn't make me want to go back at those prices, and for the whole dining experience. (Versus, say, Urasawa, Ryugin, Mizutani, Hyotei, and even the simpler places like Menya Kissou :)
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Say what you will about Yucca's but no parking?? I've never been there when there wasn't at least a few spaces open in the large lot.
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I keep wanting to like Yucca's. I live so close, but it really isnt that special at all.
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I've been to Skaf's twice and, while everything was fine, I do not get the over the top raves for this place. I could see if it was in central Iowa then maybe. But in L.A. it's just average.
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That's it. It's just o.k. Not vile, but, to me, nothing compared to Carousel, Maroush or Carnival...even the humble Elena's and Zankou are superior, based on my single experience. I have yet to try Raffi's, another Chowhound fave, but the Skaf's bummer leaves me a bit gunshy....
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And speaking of disappointments, I live two blocks from Carnival, and in the 4-5 times I have eaten there, I have never thought the food was anything more than average. Much prefer Marouch and have not tried Carousel.
Their hummus is good, but the rest - no big deal!
Portions are huge by and large, though.
Skaf's is just as good, which is not saying anything special, yet is more affordable, but is also more fast food focused.
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Sunin- didn't care for it at all.
Tacos Por Favor- Went 4x, unfathomable to me.
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at sunnin were you served their microwaved falafal?
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I feel like Sunnin is pretty erratic. Case in point. I usually love their tabbouleh. Then one time I came in around noon and ordered it. They made it fresh in front of my eyes. It was awful (because the parsley did not have time to soak up all the oil and juice and soften). They do some dubious stuff like not using fresh lemons (juice comes from a bottle). The sauteed potatoes were just horrific.
But when Sunnin is good it's really good. I find their chicken shawarma and their caulifower dish delicious, and the cold mujadarra with fried onions is strangely satisfying.
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I really like the hummus at Sunnin, but everything else has always disappointed me. Now, I just stop in and get hummus to go.
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I can see that. The hummus is just right for my tastes with the perfect amount of lemon juice. I also happen to like the other stuff and have never seen microwaved falafal but other places do just as well or better with many of the dishes. The hummus is a winner though.
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I used to live down the street from Sunnin but, one day. I ordered the schwarma and instead of receiving fresh cut meat (the only way to really enjoy it, I was speechless that the meat I received was microwaved! It was crap and I haven't been back since.
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ah, yes
they sure are trying to get their money's worth out of that microwave oven.
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What a bummer. I went to Daisy Mint and meant to do a little write up but didn't get a chance. We had the wonton appetizer, pad thai, and the name of the soup escapes me but all the food tasted good to us. The tea was aromatic and delicious, and the servers were efficient and friendly. Anyway, sucks you didn't have a similar experience.
The place that broke my heart was Hungry Cat, but I will go back again someday.
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just came from having the tasting menu at il grano.
the tab for 2 was about $260 including everything.
it's heartbreaking when the main course fish, the special grouper served with a paste of Italian olives over a bed of purple asparagus, is way overcooked.
since i was there on a 'first date,' it would have been less than gracious to point this out.
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My heart is definitely broken once at the Hungry Cat during Crab Fest(though before & subsequently I've had great meals there) -- the first courses (crab soup, crabcake & freshly grilled corn) were great, but the main fare (over mushy and salted crabs) and the dessert (and underwhelming plum shortcake) killed the mood.
Also wasn't too excited about Euro Pane either, it's alright but not the OMG stellarly good bakery place many folks make it seem to be.
Finally, the tacos @ El Parian -- which surprised even me given J Gold's rave on it -- but maybe I ordered at the wrong time (near closing) -- the assorted taco meats I got were fatty, gristly and even had a few bones my dining companion and I had to pick out!
~H.C.
http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com
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I had the same experience with El Parian. The vaunted asada was okay, but not nearly the transcendent experience I expected. Frankly, I think the asada at La Talpa is more flavorful and the tacos are similar in terms of their preparation -- a large, rather flavorless tortilla, meat, and some pico de gallo.
Tacos Por Favor and El Super Taco also are on my list of major disappointments. I think people on the Westside are so starved for decent Mexican food that mediocre tacos with bland fillings get rave reviews.
Also add me to the folks who can't understand the Carnival love. The hummus is good, but far superior hummus can be had at Alcazar, which is far superior for other items.
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Re: Tacos Por Favor, I'd tend to agree with you *except* for the chorizo and cheese tacos and the salsa roja. I'm a transplanted eastsider who is indeed starved for decent Mexican food, but the c&c tacos do not disappoint.
However, I should point out that the $2.10 per taco price tag does disappoint :(
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The problem with a lot of westside taco joints is consistency. I have had beautiful tacos at Tacos Por Favor, and they weren't all chorizo and cheese. I've also had some horrific tacos there -- old meat sitting in hotel pans that were barely reheated on the grill. When they're on, they are solid even by Highland Park/East LA standards. But they are off their game far too often.
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Add me to the list of let down for El Parian's carne asada taco. As noted above too gristly and for my taste cut too thick. I would venture to say that Yucca's asada taco's are superior to what I had (twice) at El Parian. The best asada taco's I have had in LA continue to come from a friends backyard BBQ..lucky me!
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I have had great meals at Hungry Cat and their cocktails are spectacular, but I was there last weekend and had awful fish and chips. Our first waiter (who disappeared later and was replaced by a wonderful waitress) mentioned that the fish used was sand dab and that there might be a few small bones. This didn't sound too bad, but when the dish arrived we realized that one was actually required to bone one's own fish. Apparently the sand dabs don't hold together well without bones and can't be cooked properly. But boning your own fish after it has been battered and fried? It just seemed like a bad choice on the part of the kitchen. However, when we explained to the waitress that we hadn't been told the whole story by the previous waiter, she graciously replaced the fish and chips with shrimp stuffed squash blossoms. Delicious!
I guess it would be a broken but quickly mended heart.
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usually, the bones in sand dabs are so small you can just eat