VIENNA - Zum Alten Fassl (Ziegelofengasse 37, 1050 Wien; +43-1-544 42 98; http://www.zum-alten-fassl.at/)
This is one of our all-time favorites, Vienna how it should be. The atmosphere makes you feel at home, and the staff is attentive and friendly.
Start your evening with a "Fruechtevodka" to prepare and warm your tummy for what is about to come. The menu boasts traditional Viennese favorites such as Backhendl (fried chicken, Austrian style - sublime!) but doesn't shy away from more ambitious creations, either. The ingredients are fresh, and dishes incorporating seasonal items such as fresh asparagus in late spring or local mushrooms or game in fall are often found.
Crown your meal with the house dessert platter (provided your party consists of enough diners to help dig in), and you will be hooked for life.
The Fassl carries a nice selection of local Austrian wines, with some international choices available as well.
Will definitely return, and have done so many times in the past.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
USA, Colorado - Aspen: Asie
ASPEN - Asie (413 E Main St, Aspen, Colorado 81611; 970-920-9988)
For Chinese New Year, the obvious dining choice in Aspen fell on Asie. Although a proper reservation had been made two weeks prior, our party was left waiting for over 30 minutes upon arrival. Hot sake and appetizers at the bustling bar made the wait a bit more bearable, no concessions or extra effort were made to accommodate us, however.
The food selection appeared promising, offering an array of plates inspired by tradional Chinese as well as Thai and pan-asian cuisines.
The service was comparatively slow and rushed, added of course by the full restaurant and the carry-out business (Asie would be better off installing a seperate carry-out counter near the entrance rather than serving take-out patrons at the bar). The Tom Kha Gai soup, once it arrived, was tasty and warming, but the main dishes turned out a rather bland affair. As much energy as this establishment exudes, one would have expected a bit more originality and, I put it simple, higher level of quality.
Overall, the energy of Asie exceeds the kitchen's abilities and efforts. Would perhaps return, on a more quiet night.
For Chinese New Year, the obvious dining choice in Aspen fell on Asie. Although a proper reservation had been made two weeks prior, our party was left waiting for over 30 minutes upon arrival. Hot sake and appetizers at the bustling bar made the wait a bit more bearable, no concessions or extra effort were made to accommodate us, however.
The food selection appeared promising, offering an array of plates inspired by tradional Chinese as well as Thai and pan-asian cuisines.
The service was comparatively slow and rushed, added of course by the full restaurant and the carry-out business (Asie would be better off installing a seperate carry-out counter near the entrance rather than serving take-out patrons at the bar). The Tom Kha Gai soup, once it arrived, was tasty and warming, but the main dishes turned out a rather bland affair. As much energy as this establishment exudes, one would have expected a bit more originality and, I put it simple, higher level of quality.
Overall, the energy of Asie exceeds the kitchen's abilities and efforts. Would perhaps return, on a more quiet night.
USA, Colorado - Aspen: Olives
ASPEN - Olives at the St. Regis (315 East Dean Street, Aspen, Colorado 81611; 970-920-3300)
This cozy establishment at the back of the Aspen St. Regis raised high expectations in us on the occasion of a recent visit.
Seated in an extra room, we were attended to by a young lady of evidently Eastern European origin, who unfortunately proved unprofessional and right-out rude at times, thus putting a damper on the overall impression.
Nice wine list, and the menu features regional specialties inspired by mediterranean ideas. My favorite, the Mountain Chowder, tasted great after a long cold day and carried just the right amount of spice. On the entrees, the Braised Beef Shortribs were decent but a bit uninspired. And the Duck looked nice on the plate, but proved bland with lots of greasy skin.
I believe sticking with conventional dishes would be the ticket here, and the management would really do this establishment a favor by selecting and motivating their staff more carefully, and perhaps casting an eye on things themselves every now and then.
Overall, decent albeit pricey fare, lackluster service. Would maybe return.
Recommendation on the side: the piano lounge/bar at the St. Regis with the open fireplace is a fabulous place for drinks and relaxation after dinner!
This cozy establishment at the back of the Aspen St. Regis raised high expectations in us on the occasion of a recent visit.
Seated in an extra room, we were attended to by a young lady of evidently Eastern European origin, who unfortunately proved unprofessional and right-out rude at times, thus putting a damper on the overall impression.
Nice wine list, and the menu features regional specialties inspired by mediterranean ideas. My favorite, the Mountain Chowder, tasted great after a long cold day and carried just the right amount of spice. On the entrees, the Braised Beef Shortribs were decent but a bit uninspired. And the Duck looked nice on the plate, but proved bland with lots of greasy skin.
I believe sticking with conventional dishes would be the ticket here, and the management would really do this establishment a favor by selecting and motivating their staff more carefully, and perhaps casting an eye on things themselves every now and then.
Overall, decent albeit pricey fare, lackluster service. Would maybe return.
Recommendation on the side: the piano lounge/bar at the St. Regis with the open fireplace is a fabulous place for drinks and relaxation after dinner!
USA, Colorado - Aspen: Gusto Ristorante
ASPEN - Gusto Ristorante (415 East Main Street, Aspen Colorado 81611; 970-925-8222; http://www.gustoristorante.com/)
First impression of this busy Italian eatery was positive, a table was found for yours truly and his companions despite being walk-ins. Unfortunately, the place did not live up to its promises.
The service could at best be described hurried and unattentive, after being asked for a few minutes of studying the menu, which is a bit difficult to read given its awkward layout with ingredients seperated by slashes. Wine list decent, but very overpriced.
Nice selection of italian-inspired dishes as well as local favorites, though. I recommend the Shaved Fennel/Dried Blueberries/Pomegranate salad to kick off your meal.
Main dishes well prepared, but not outstanding. The steak was nicely done, the pastas are creatively assembled but, as so often in restaurants not manned by Italians, overcooked.
The price level of Gusto makes expectations skyrocket, but is not justified by the results.
Overall ok if you don't expect too much, but not worth the premium dollar. Will most likely not return.
Recommendations to the restaurant: (1) red wine glasses would be a nice touch when red wine is ordered. (2) glasses are not to be filled to the brim with red wine, thank you. (3) double-check the spelling of "Pomegranate" on your menu.
First impression of this busy Italian eatery was positive, a table was found for yours truly and his companions despite being walk-ins. Unfortunately, the place did not live up to its promises.
The service could at best be described hurried and unattentive, after being asked for a few minutes of studying the menu, which is a bit difficult to read given its awkward layout with ingredients seperated by slashes. Wine list decent, but very overpriced.
Nice selection of italian-inspired dishes as well as local favorites, though. I recommend the Shaved Fennel/Dried Blueberries/Pomegranate salad to kick off your meal.
Main dishes well prepared, but not outstanding. The steak was nicely done, the pastas are creatively assembled but, as so often in restaurants not manned by Italians, overcooked.
The price level of Gusto makes expectations skyrocket, but is not justified by the results.
Overall ok if you don't expect too much, but not worth the premium dollar. Will most likely not return.
Recommendations to the restaurant: (1) red wine glasses would be a nice touch when red wine is ordered. (2) glasses are not to be filled to the brim with red wine, thank you. (3) double-check the spelling of "Pomegranate" on your menu.
USA, Colorado - Aspen: Syzygy
ASPEN - Syzygy (520 East Hyman Avenue, 2nd Floor, Aspen, CO 81611; 970-925-3700; http://www.syzygyrestaurant.com/)
Of all restaurants visted in Aspen, Syzygy would be my first recommendation. Syzygy is not an inexpensive place to eat (this is Aspen, after all), but well worth the extra dollar.
To begin with, the service is friendly - formal, but friendly and competent. The wine list is quite spectacular, offering a wide array of domestic as well as international goodies.
Dishes seem prepared with choice ingredients, fresh, complex, creative. The creamy Wild Mushroom Soup was a winner, so were the Elk Tenderloins prepared to order. The chef takes his time, you should reserve plenty yourself to indulge. The atmosphere in the restaurant is enhanced by nightly live jazz performances, try to reserve a table in the extra room near the stage if you enjoy such entertainment.
Overall an upscale place to dine well, enjoy a drink or two, and great live music. Highly recommended.
Of all restaurants visted in Aspen, Syzygy would be my first recommendation. Syzygy is not an inexpensive place to eat (this is Aspen, after all), but well worth the extra dollar.
To begin with, the service is friendly - formal, but friendly and competent. The wine list is quite spectacular, offering a wide array of domestic as well as international goodies.
Dishes seem prepared with choice ingredients, fresh, complex, creative. The creamy Wild Mushroom Soup was a winner, so were the Elk Tenderloins prepared to order. The chef takes his time, you should reserve plenty yourself to indulge. The atmosphere in the restaurant is enhanced by nightly live jazz performances, try to reserve a table in the extra room near the stage if you enjoy such entertainment.
Overall an upscale place to dine well, enjoy a drink or two, and great live music. Highly recommended.
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