How would you like that prepared?

I can't think of, what usually turns out to be, a more useless phrase uttered by a server than "how would you like that prepared". It's usually asked with regard to burgers or steaks although some restaurants have been inquiring about temperature preference for pork too.

My question is why do they bother to ask? My experience, for the most part, is that the temperature you request, rare, medium, etc., bears little resemblance to what is actually served. Not everywhere of course but in most places, sadly.

More like this please...

My favorite is the fake choice between medium-well and well done. You mean the choice between dry and even drier and inedible? Why are you even asking for a preference at that point?

There are some places where I have no expectation of getting a burger or other item cooked the way I prefer; fast food places, lots of chain restaurants. Knowing this going in I can set my expectations accordingly.

That said, I won't excuse any place that prides itself on its burgers and steaks and charges me a premium to enjoy them. When I'm ordering a steak in a high end steakhouse I expect to get exactly what I ask for. To me, there is almost nothing more disappointing food wise, than being served an overcooked steak or burger.

The Dining Companion and I went out this past weekend to a highly regarded local steakhouse. I was looking forward to dining there after hearing a lot of good things about it. It's the kind of place where you make a reservation weeks in advance.

STEAK TEMPERATURES  Blue                                        Very Red, Cold Center
Rare                                       Red, Cool Center
Medium Rare                       Red, Warm Center
Medium                                 Pink, Hot Center
Medium Well                        Dull Pink Center
Well Done                             Not Recommended - See more at: http://www.kevinrathbunsteak.com/menu.html#sthash.m3b25yWT.dpuf

STEAK TEMPERATURES  Blue                                        Very Red, Cold Center
Rare                                       Red, Cool Center
Medium Rare                       Red, Warm Center
Medium                                 Pink, Hot Center
Medium Well                        Dull Pink Center
Well Done                             Not Recommended - See more at: http://www.kevinrathbunsteak.com/menu.html#sthash.m3b25yWT.dpuf

You know where this is going. In this fancy steakhouse, in the lovely dining room with the attentive servers, I was served an overcooked steak. It was replaced quickly and the second steak was near perfect. But, really? I was disappointed. In a restaurant that has steak in its name they should do better. 

I'll confess, my steak preference is picky. I like my filet served with a cold, red (read raw) center. I get that it's probably not easy to achieve. I don't expect it to be done correctly UNLESS that option is clearly stated on the menu, as it was at the place we visited.

STEAK TEMPERATURES 

Blue                                      Very Red, Cold Center
Rare                                       Red, Cool Center
Medium Rare                        Red, Warm Center
Medium                                 Pink, Hot Center
Medium Well                        Dull Pink Center
Well Done                             Not Recommended 

STEAK TEMPERATURES  Blue                                        Very Red, Cold Center
Rare                                       Red, Cool Center
Medium Rare                       Red, Warm Center
Medium                                 Pink, Hot Center
Medium Well                        Dull Pink Center
Well Done                             Not Recommended - See more at: http://www.kevinrathbunsteak.com/menu.html#sthash.m3b25yWT.dpuf

I don't think it was too much to expect that the kitchen could pull this off. To be honest I would bet that the first steak came off the grill prefect. Then it was put on a hot plate(!) and maybe sat for a minute in the pass. Combine that with the time to deliver it to the table and poof, overcooked.

Like I said, the second steak was near perfect in that it was off the grill and onto the table pronto. But again, on a hot plate which guaranteed it would be perfect for at least the first few bites.

The good news is that the company was lovely, my old fashioned and the Dining Companion's caipirinha were good, and our server was attentive but not intrusive.

I'm not ready to throw in the towel on the perfect steak just yet. There is a steakhouse in San Antonio that gets it absolutely perfect. Bohanan's hasn't disappointed. The service, from the hostess, to the sommelier and the servers is spot on. They take customer service to the next level. I can't wait to have a reason to get back there.

The next time I'm asked how I want that burger or steak or whatever prepared I'll answer and then prepare to be surprised, for good or bad, when the food hits the table.

Happy dining!

La Carreta Hispanic Grocery and Taqueria - Marietta, GA

 

A few weekends ago the Dining Companion and I had lunch at La Carreta.

I loved these lights

 

The dining space is nice. It has a rustic feel. 

I liked the distressed wood on the tables

 La Carreta lists itself as Latin American. The menu features Mexican and Colombian food. Several different things are represented on the menu. Some familiar, some not. There are the usual tacos and burritos. Then there are also three different styles of tamales available and tortas too. We decided to start with the Guacamole Fresco. It was fresh just as the name states and very tasty.

Guacamole Fresco - Guacamole made to order served with chips & salsa

 

Being as how this is primarily a Mexican restaurant you may be surprised by the fact that chips and salsa are not free. I don't think that's a huge deal, at all. But if it's what you're looking for in your Mexican dining experience be forewarned.

After looking over all the delicious sounding options I decided on the tacos al pastor.

Pastor - Pork seasoned with adobo sauce & pineapple

Wow is all I can say. Everything on the plate was delicious. Including that unassuming scoop of white rice. The pork was tender with great flavor of adobo and pineapple. There are a lot of great sounding tacos on the menu but I would be hard pressed to select something different.

The Dining Companion ordered one of the Colombian options on offer. This was a dish similar to one we had at Sacha's Cafe in Greenville, SC.

Bandeja Paisa

The most Colombian traditional meal, delicious home made rice, beans, Colombian chorizo, pork belly, steak, fried egg, avocado & arepa

There was a lot going on and all of it was good. I was lucky enough to taste some of the chicharron and beans. Both were great as were the plantains. The fried egg, which may seem unusual, is typical for this type of cuisine. I wonder if i could get a stack of arepas with cheese and a bowl of beans? I might just have to ask next time we visit.

If you're in the mood for something a little different than your typical Mexican restaurant give La Carreta a try. The food is great and the variety just can't be beat.

Happy dining!

Note: Sacha's Cafe, Greenville, SC

Carlito's Mexican Bar and Grill - Savannah, Georgia

Carlito's was another of the restaurants we visited on our recent trip to Savannah. I continue to be really happy with the location we stayed in. We were within walking distance of local attractions, restaurants and bars. Like I mentioned before, we parked the car and didn't move it all weekend. That's a big plus in my opinion and one I give high marks for when thinking about a place to stay.

On one of our many walks in the neighborhood we spotted Carlito's. The Dining Companion and I both like Mexican food so we stopped in for dinner.

You walk into a bright, colorful dining room hung with lots of cheerful artwork. And hey, check out that floor. 

 

 

We ordered drinks and looked over the menu.

Our waiter made a couple of suggestions. Based on his recommendation I ordered an off the menu vegetarian dish. The dish consisted of grilled vegetables with a very tasty sauce served in a molcajete. A molcajete is basically the mortar part of a large mortar and pestle. It's a preparation we've had before. It turned out to be a good choice and I really enjoyed it.

 The Dining Companion ordered the Carnitas.

Everything we tried was flavorful and the prices were reasonable.

Oh and one other thing. If you like your salsas hot and spicy you're in luck. I asked for something a bit hotter than the usual salsa and boy did I get it. Our waiter dropped off a bowl of some of the hottest, best tasting salsa I've had in a long time. I was so glad I asked.

There are a few more locations on my list of places to visit in Savannah. Hopefully we get back there so I can check them out.

Savannah is an old city with a young vibe. The mix of tourist, college students and residents feels vital and inviting. An old Southern charmer with a very vibrant spirit.

Happy travels!

Crystal Beer Parlor - Savannah, Georgia

I figured by the time the Dining Companion and I got to Savannah we'd both be ready for lunch. I was right. Once we got checked into our hotel and got the 4LB Wonder settled it was just lunchtime. Fortunately I had planned ahead and had our lunch spot picked out, Crystal Beer Parlor.

I didn't know much about this place other than the fact that it was within short walking distance to the hotel and they had burgers and beer. If it turned out to be a bust we weren't out more than a nice walk on a beautiful day.

Fortunately it turned out to be a great place for lunch. Many others knew this too and they all got there before us. We walked into the Crystal Beer Parlor to a pretty much packed house. We headed past the busy bar to the back of the room to find the hostess. We found her, and a throng of people waiting to be seated. A little disappointed we headed back the way we came. By some miracle there were now two empty seats, side by side, waiting for us at the bar. Score.

We ordered a couple of beers and looked over the menu. We decided on the Fried Stuffed 'Shrooms and a Classic Crystal Burger with a side of onion rings.

FRIED STUFFED ‘SHROOMS - Four Big White Mushroom Caps Stuffed with Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Fennel, Garlic, Sun Dried Tomatoes & Basil, Panko Coated, Served with Sweet Red Pepper Remoulade Sauce

THE CLASSIC CRYSTAL BURGER -  Half a Pound of Griddled Ground Chuck with
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Mayo & Pickle

According to the locals that were sitting next to us, we made a good choice. The stuffed mushrooms, with all that cheese and tasty remoulade sauce, were a great start. The burger was perfectly cooked and the onion rings were light and crisp.

The Crystal is located in what was a family grocery store in the early 1900's. It became a restaurant and bar in the 1930's. Pictures around the bar depict scenes from Savannah's past. The building and interior are little changed since the original restaurant was turning out burgers back in the '30s.

With a name like Crystal Beer Parlor you would expect there to be a decent beer selection. You would be right. There are lots of choices here. Local and visitor beers on tap, a whole selection of Beers of Our Fathers and a selection of Rare, Unique and Tasty Big Bottles. Beer, they have it.

The menu is pretty diverse. Not in the mood for a burger? No problem, there are salads and sandwiches. As well as seafood and grilled lamb. No problem with everyone in your party finding something good to eat.

The Crystal was a good find. It's on my list of go to's when visiting Savannah. Put it on your list too. There are so many great places to eat in Savannah and this is definitely one of them.

Happy Dining!