by Harley Merkl on While giving a daytime pedestrian tour of my old 'hood, Queen Village, to my parents and my favorite uncle from L.A., walking past its hilltop glassbox home for an umpteenth time, I finally decided I should try Zahav, and nudged my relations inside. My suggestion was a crowd-pleasing coup, thanks to chef Solomonov's loving and authentic rendition of my people's favorite dishes. As newbies, we opted for the Tay'im tasting menu. Needless to say, the menu's anchor is fresh laffa bread and hummus, cleanly, delicately tasteful. Salatim (salads) refreshed the palate. Kofte (meatballs) put the appetite in gear. Shipudim (skewers) of lamb, beef, chicken, and even duck, had us licking chops. And sweet baklava satiated. Sitting in a large sun-filled, rustic-modern room around a long, wood table, we felt ourselves transported, as if our meal had taken place in a contemporary Hebrew eatery on the Mediterranean coast. Writing with the added perspective of having recently eaten in Israel, well and frequently I might add, my appreciation of Zahav's blend of preparatory mastery, staging skill, and keen audience sense is that much greater. If you're not familiar with the Israeli version of middle eastern fare, this is a wonderful initiation. If you're well acquainted, you'll find yourself at home. Settle in, and b'tayavon.
by Ed U. on I don't pop my cork for everyone I see... But I am willing to take exception for the Bubble Lounge. I was lucky enough to go to my first Rateclub Elite event last night at this cushy bar. Truth be told, I've been here at least a half dozen times...but only once as a real customer. It's not that I wouldn't go again as a customer, not at all...it's because it's such a popular venue for private parties and corporate functions. The staff does such a great job in plying the masses during these events that it's hard not to get lulled into a fill-'er-up state of numbness. The various champagnes I've had there are tasty, though my favorite drink has to be the kir royale cocktail. The small plates are just fine...shrimp, club sandwiches, sushi rolls, cheese. Nothing outstanding in the way of invention - just well-turned party platters. You can easily fill up on them if you are willing to arm-wrestle other Rateclubers to get to them. The service is always top-notch, and kudos to the bartender for not giving me small-mouth as I ordered my third kir royale last night. It's a pretty expansive place, but I've never been there when it wasn't filled to the brim with people. If you can grab a seat on one of their deep-stuffed sofas, the champagne certainly goes down a lot easier. There is a downstairs part called the Krug, which looks like a smaller version of the cave rooms at the Clos Pegase Winery in Calistoga with its stucco, tunnel-like ceilings. But there's usually more open seating down there so have at it. I'll definitely come back as a paying customer when I have reason to celebrate...like meeting fellow Rateclubers! FOOD - 3.5 stars for the small plates, but push it to 4.5 for the cocktails AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...plush and lush...especially when you are a plush lush SERVICE - 4.5 stars...hit me up again TOTAL - 4.5 stars...no place for wallflowers but a nice place to chill
