by Edith Y. on XIV has that winning Hollywood formula of part fine dinning and part club vibe. I was there on Monday night for dineLA restaurant week. The wine list are half off on Monday nights, but we opt for the wine pairing at $21 additional per person. Naan was provided to start and it came with an amazing yogurt-cheese dip. We had the following: Appetizers: Tataki of American Wagyu Skirt with Moroccan Spiced Vegetables - very tender, the medium rare texture of the meat, appropriate for the cut, works very well with the background spices and had a touch of sweetness. Just a pinch more of star anise would have brighten up the beef. Sweet Corn Soup with Pork Belly, Apple Cider, Cilantro, Sea Salt - the buttery creaminess of the soup, saltiness of the pork belly, sweetness of the corn and airiness of the foam was the perfect balance. This was my favorite dish of the night! Entrées: Asparagus Risotto with Squash Blossom, Chervil, Castelmagno Cheese - very good and very comforting. Halibut - overall the dish was well prepared. The halibut was grilled. I think a good piece of fish should only be sautéed or steamed (including salmon)! The tomato added a slight welcoming acidity to the dish, but the vegetable and cantaloupe did not do much. This dish can use some slight tweaking. Desserts: Dark Chocolate Cake with Coffee Cream, Coconut Sorbet, Crunchy Peanut, Basil gelee - the basil gelee balanced out the rich dark chocolate cake. It was much unexpected and an amazing taste pairing that challenged me as a diner! Nutella Custard with Popcorn Ice Cream, Toast Streusel, Passion Fruit - very rich and decadent. Overall, this was a much pleasanter experience than my first visit last year during opening month. I will definitely be back and look forward to trying Michael Mina in SF.
by Samual Laguerre on Went to the Blue Note a few times.Once to see Cassandra Wilson, and the other to see Roberta Flack. Both performances were amazing!! One thing about the Blue Note is that the seating is very tight. You can be seated at a table with other people, so be prepared for it. The food was OK...nothing to write about. The drinks were decent and reasonably priced. I would definitely go again.
by Dave H. on Fiso Lounge has three levels with beaucoup seating, including a champagne room and a chic downstairs lounge. It's easy to get to, right on South Street off of Broad. Security was friendly and kept the peace. The topmost floor was heated and gave folks a place to talk before venturing to the middle floor to dance. I was here awhile ago for a few birthday parties. The DJ on the middle floor was decent. It was a full house and got HOT in there, even considering it was during December. Good bartender on the third floor, wish I remembered who served us, though. She made us multiple tasty shots (average city prices), including an alien secretion, and even gave us a discount on drinks since we bought so much from her. I'd return for another party, or to set up a party of my own there.
