by Amanda W. on Four and half stars would probably be more accurate, but there were a couple of slight misses. After reading the reviews on here, we were worried we'd be starving, so we scarfed down more bread than usual. Luckily, the bread was really good and went nicely with the garlic butter. I started with the arugula wrapped in prosciutto - yum!! The prosciutto was so delicate and nicely flavored. Then, I had the beef loin for dinner with a bit of smoked kale. The beef was served medium rare and was so tender. There were 3 good sized slices of beef, so I was actually pretty full after that even without the side of fingerling potatoes we ordered. The potatoes were mostly good, but had some crazy spicy sauce on some of them that was overpowering. My dining companion was more adventurous and ordered the chef's 3-course tasting (the chef picks). I got the benefits though because the waitress persuaded the chef to give me an amuse bouche and soup tasting even though I didn't order the tasting. She got one delicious scallop as the starter, the quail as the main dish (she didn't think it was all that great and it was VERY small) and the deconstructed key lime pie for dessert. The key lime pie was creative and delicious. Service was great and it felt like a less expensive Bachannalia in terms of the quality of the food and the service (and ambiance). Also, the wood fire smell wasn't as overpowering as some reviewers have mentioned. And, yes, we did see Kevin from Top Chef talking to people at the next table, but we didn't get a chance to speak to him. He seemed very friendly though and the dishes were much more impressive than the dishes we've seen at other Top Chef restaurants (Pura Vida, Home & Flip).
by Erin D. on I'm ashamed that I've lived in Midtown for a couple years now, and my first meal at Ecco wasn't until last night. I've been missing out - this place is awesome. The food was delicious, the ambiance was beautiful, and the service was spot-on. Ecco looks nice from the outside, but the inside is shockingly classy, especially for the corner of 7th and Cypress. Between the four of us, a lot was ordered: Grilled calamari: I loved it, but another person that ordered it said it was a bit too acidic/lemon-y for her taste. I thought it was tender and perfectly cooked. If you don't like olives, though, pass on this - there's a good amount of an olive tapenade-like topping. Roasted beets: good, especially if you love beets like I do. The beets are served whole and fairly firm, and they can be hard to slice - watch out! Sauteed spinach with roasted peppers and pine nuts: it's about 95% spinach, and it's a filling, tasty side order - lots of olive oil and butter, though. Roasted cobia: fish in a light red sauce with stewed tomatoes. Very good, but fairly small for $21. Escarole salad: looked like typical salad lettuce with diced hard-boiled egg in a light, peppery-dressing. Menu doesnt mention it, but there's a good amount of croutons. Good, but nothing special. Roasted asparagus with marinated tomatoes: the asparagus is white (very Euro!), and it's a decent portion. Fried goat cheese balls: BEST dish of the night. I highly, highly recommend it. It doesn't look like what you'd expect, but the combination of flavors is unforgettable. I definitely suggest ordering a bunch of the small plates and sides rather than opting for one of the main dishes or pizzas. My three tapas plates cost less than my cousin's roasted cobia, and I got a LOT more food and the opportunity to try a variety of flavors and dishes that complimented each other really nicely. Ecco was hoppin' on a Thursday night at 7, so reservations may be a good idea, especially if you're planning to go on the weekend.
by Courtney Coronado on Oh wow! I haven't been to MJQ in forever - but I do love it! It caught me really off guard the first time I went and walked up to this little shack that didn't look like it could fit 5 people. But the shack is just the entrance to this under ground club. It's an interesting feeling - like you're walking into this cave. It has great music, the drinks are o.k... Get a beer!!!! The people who go there are great and I've never met a patron that wasn't friendly!!!!!
