While waiting for dinner, we had the fortunate opportunity to be seated in a booth with a great view of the kitchen.  The darker, lodge-like motif of the dining and bar area were nicely muted to set off the bright subway-tiled kitchen.  You could see everything in action, including Tyler himself ensuring each plate was produced to his satisfaction. 

We wound up having three separate mains (two had the same dish).  The first dish was a fried chicken dish.  In addition to our approval of the dish, I’ve seen daily nods to Tyler via Twitter indicating the same.  Two had the salmon dish.  Both liked the dish.  Though I didn’t try the salmon, I did have a taste of the Kennebec potatoes underneath.  If I come back, I’m getting the salmon dish just for the side, I think!  My dish was a pork chop with roasted peaches, Marconi almond butter, and fennel (both shaved atop and pureed underneath).  This was a marriage I’m going to have to recreate at home.  Pork and fruit, peaches and almonds, juicy meat and crunchy fennel….need I go on? 

I would highly recommend this very new, destined to be successful restaurant. 

Wayfare Tavern

558 Sacramento Street

San Francisco, CA 94111

415.772.9060

www.wayfaretavern.com

Technorati Tags: Food Network, San Francisco CA, Tyler Florence, Wayfare Tavern

We started with the bruschetta appetizer.  It seemed as though they have a different variety each night.  The appetizer was served warm with very fresh tomatoes, basil, cheeses, and a delicious balsamic reduction.  Moving on to the next course, we had chicken soup.  Though chicken soup isn’t the most exciting of soups, this one was clearly made from scratch and had great flavor.  We all wound up ordering sandwiches.  With the amount of food we ate, sandwiches were a good choice.  From burgers, to ruebens, to french dips….all were great!

Please stop by this great place.  If you’re in town and looking for a place to stay, they also have a bed and breakfast.

Sheridan’s

Technorati Tags: Cudahy WI

Riptide Seafood Bar and Grill

649 E Erie St

www.getriptide.com

Technorati Tags: Milwaukee WI

The menu consists of a variety of salads, pastas, entrees, and Tex-Mex dishes.  I’m a huge chimichanga fan and usually get their Cha-Cha Changa.  (Fun name or kitsch?  You decide!)  Last night I had Manuel’s Tacos as I wanted a slightly lighter meal.  The chicken was what I believe an adobo-marinated pulled chicken.  Juicy and delicious!  Served with the usual accompaniments of salsa, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and a side of rice and beans, this made up for our date night last weekend.

Stop by Highland House for a casual meal among friends.  They also have a restaurant in Sheboygan, WI too.

www.highlandhouse.ws

Technorati Tags: Mequon WI, Mexican

• Atmosphere
  • This place was more geared towards the bar.  The dining area is small with only 12 tables or so.  The colors were bright and bold.  However, the lighting was so bright, it’s like you were in your kitchen with every light on at the same time.  The tables weren’t adorned with anything.  Just plain square tops with utensils ready to go.
    
• Food
  • The usual chips and salsa were provided.  Chips were thick (no complaint there).  They were fried in house and some were so oily they left the roof of your mouth coated!! (There’s the complaint.)  Some of the chips were so salted, they left my tongue sore.  The hot salsa (tomatillo) and the fresh chopped salsa were actually pretty good.  The cooked red salsa had a bubbly, fermenting feel on the tongue.  Stopped eating as soon as I noticed that.
    
  • I ordered a combination plate with a chimichanga and a few enchiladas.  The rice and bean side were fine, nothing special.  The enchiladas were made with corn tortillas and pretty good.  The chimichanga, though had a decent flavor, did not seem fried at all.  Rather, it was as though they brushed the flour tortilla with oil and baked it.
    
  • Dale ordered tostadas.  Unfortunately, they were made with the same fried flour tortillas that the chips were made of.  The tostada was oily and chewy.  Loaded with beans and chicken, Dale found the flavor off as well.
    

I do enjoy trying new places out.  There are so many different kinds of food, so many ways to prepare, so many methods of service to try.  I don’t regret trying this local establishment out.  Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it and we won’t be going back.

Technorati Tags: Grafton WI