Want to join us for dinner? Find out when and where we're dining. Email at saltlakechowhounds@gmail.com
1.27.2008
The Paris Bistro
Hours: Monday thru Sunday @ 5:00 p.m.
Oh the Paris.. Oui. Surprisingly in a group of six hip Salt Lake Cityers, not a one of us had been to the Paris Bistro. So needless to say it was time. Here is what we have to say about our trip to Pairs...
What we love:
Andrew and Michelle if you will...
Unique staff: It felt as if we were surrounded by a group of characters, all the good kind.
Great staff: Almost stealthy where you wouldn't notice them swoop in to fill your water or wine glass
Mozzarella appetizer: Divine, some of the best cheese ever.
Elegant but welcoming environment: Everyone was having a great time
Desert selection: Yum
Kick ass Dijon mustard at the table: We liked to dip the bread in it
And you can't be in Paris without Wine.
Wine: The selection of Wine by the Bottle is exceptional... a bottle at almost any price range from any region. (Be ready to pay the usual 3X markup... meaning a $25 bottle at the wine store will be $75... but this goes for almost everywhere). The selection by the glass was very limited and left me wanting more variety... in fact, a lot more variety. Our server was definitely impressive in his knowledge of the wine list and not only presented the wines flawlessly, but even pronounced everything properly (which is a bit of a pet-peave of mine). Kit (our server) selected a 1er Cru White Burgundy (premiere status for French Chardonnay) that paired well with nearly everything on our table... my only complaint with our $78 bottle was that it was served in mediocre wine glasses with a heavy rolled rim... and yes I am kind of a snob when it comes to stemware!I would highly recommend Paris for the wine savvy and novice alike. Just bring a few friends so that you can choose from the “by the bottle” list.
What else we loved:
The Service: very attentive and friendly. Everyone had a great personality. Kit was awesome.
The Curry Lentil Soup: Holy Lord. That's good eatin.
The Food: Laura's take on the food: "Give the linguine a try. It a seafood melting pot if you will. definitely for the seafood fanatic. Everything was superbly fresh. For those sensitive to the 'fishyness' of seafood dishes, this is the place for you" All in all, all our dishes were great. Gnocchi, Risotto, ahi, and Michelle's big plate of meat. That's right, a big plate of meat and it was divine.
The Atmosphere: Warm and inviting, like a blanket.
The Deserts: Thoses french and their sweet treats. Pear tart, Sorbet, Chocolate Lave Yummyness and delicious desert wines.
The French Press Coffee: A wonderful touch and surprise.
The Bathrooms: Fancy and clean.
What could have been better:
The Parking: Another one of those areas that have a lot of eateries in a condensed neighborhood, but its not too difficult to find parking.
The Thermostat: We understand its winter, but there is a limit to the heat one can take.
*Andrew's Steamed Mahi initially came out over cooked (but this turned into things we loved... staff was very accommodating and brought out a cup of the amazing curried lentil soup while it was being remade)
The Paris at a glance:
Service: Excellent
Food: Tres Magnifique
Price: A pretty penny, but worth every one of them.
Bathroom: So clean you could take a nap in there.
The NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
When we started this thing, we had no idea that other people would want to jump on board...and boy are we glad they did. Here are the folks that we will be sampling the the review styings of.ANDREW and MICHELLE:
Boy, these two are the best! Here is a few tidbits about them.
Andrew:
Born in a vineyard in the Burgundy region of France in the late 1900s, Andrew was a Master Sommelier by the age of 11. He finally migrated here to Salt Lake City in 1998 to prove to the world that there is great wine to be drank in Zion! Ok, for real, Andrew just simply has an affinity for liquids of fermented origin... especially those that start their lives as big juicy grapes! He believes solely in the concept of “drink what you love” (even if it comes in a box) and to always enjoy great food and beverage in the company of close friends. We hope you enjoy his unpretentious reviews of the alcoholic beverage selections at the restaurants we visit based on selection, knowledge, and value.
Michelle:
Imagine walking through the Pearly Gates of Heaven and seeing this... William Shatner, Spock, and Harry Potter welcoming you instead of Saint Peter, thousands of rolls of beautiful fabrics rather than fluffy clouds, and Bourbon flowing from every stream and waterfall. You have just entered Michelle’s version of Heaven... need we say more? Michelle is one of our “guest judges” as we gallivant about the White City and sample the food and beverage it has to offer and we know you will love her as much as we do!
These two zaney kids are guarteed to bring a little bit of spice to the group.
Stay tuned for words on our other partners in crime, Laura and Xia.
1.22.2008
Look Who's Coming to Dinner!
Friends of the Blog, lend me your ears! Look forward to some friends joining us on our search for the food in SLC!
Indochine
Indochine Vietnamese Bistro is at 230 S. 1300 East, Salt Lake City; 801-582-0896. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
Ok folks, is it just us or has there been a sudden influx of Asia inspired restaurants popping up across this great state? So whats the dealy-o? well, we've come to understand that SLC loves their Asian inspired cuisine and here is our latest take on one of the new guys.
What we love:
The Location: Just a hop skip and a jump away from the U and nestled right in between Market Street and Aristo's, you can't ask for a more buzzing area to be in. If you're one of the cool kids, this dining alley is definitely where its at.
The Atmosphere: With a quirky mix of Chinese take out diner and classy upscale restaurant, you can feel at home if you are just coming from class, the gym, or beginning your week-end outing. Think casual comfortable with a twist.
The Food: Isn't this really all about the food? Yum. Yes Indochine has all your favorites. If you are used to La Cai Noodle house, then you will enjoy the delights of Indochine. Their menu has all the Vietnamese classics as well as your run of the mill favorites. (You know, pad Thai...crab and cream cheese won tons) If you want to warm your belly, give the steaming hot big bowls of soup a try. Word of caution, they have some signature flavors in the soup department. If you have a sensitive tummy, be wary of anything that says spicy.
The Alcohol Menu: Friends of this blob know that you can not go wrong with a good drink menu and luckily, they fit the bill. Liquor and beer and wine...oh my.
The Staff: Friendly and fast, can you beat that?
The Price: Did someone say affordable? It is indeed. You can get out of there without breaking the bank. Keep your eye out for their lunch specials.
The Patio: Actually, we're not sure we love it yet, given its the middle of tundra season, but we're sure we will. God bless the summer.
What could be better:
The Parking: We all know the area and know that its fault is the lack of parking, but buck up, put on your walking shoes and trot a couple of blocks.
The Take Home Situation: Granted, we are not at a 5 star dining arena, but there are certain things that you would like your server to do for you i.e. load up your to go boxes for you. Especially when those to go items are steaming hot bowls of soup.
Indochine...The Re-cap: Come on folks, give them a chance. The food is good and the space is pleasant. We as members of this great city cannot let this location live up to its "cursed" reputation.
Indochine at a glance:
Service: Fast, friendly and fun. Its all good.
Food: Yum...yum....yum.
Cash Flow: Easy peasy on the wallet. You could even take someone you didn't really like here and not feel like you were wasting your money.
Bathrooms: Clean and new. We likey a lot.
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