Restaurants to Avoid Worldwide — and Please Name Names!
Feb 16, 2005 | 9:14 am
#47
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: The usual for over 7 Million paid miles flown to date... My first paid flight was on a DC3.
Posts: 1,518
Originally Posted by daph
Emeril has spread himself way too thin!
Feb 16, 2005 | 10:26 am
#48
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, CDG, NCE
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 2,805
Here are two for the Int'l list-
1. Kizkulesi, or Maiden Tower -the restaurant on this island in the middle of the Bosporus in Istanbul was laughably bad.
The food looked like it was well "executive chef-ed," but very very poorly executed. And it was not cheap, but I guess once they get you on the boat, you are trapped.
(I would recommend going over to get a drink at the bar on top of the tower, though...nice view)
2.Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle - This is Alain Ducasse's country inn in Provence. We thought it would be a nice way to sample M. Ducasse's cooking, but were very disappointed. Staff, setting and presentation were lovely, but the food was simply not up to the level we had hoped and certainly not as good as many other less-known chefs in the region. Really just disappointing.
1. Kizkulesi, or Maiden Tower -the restaurant on this island in the middle of the Bosporus in Istanbul was laughably bad.
The food looked like it was well "executive chef-ed," but very very poorly executed. And it was not cheap, but I guess once they get you on the boat, you are trapped.
(I would recommend going over to get a drink at the bar on top of the tower, though...nice view)
2.Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle - This is Alain Ducasse's country inn in Provence. We thought it would be a nice way to sample M. Ducasse's cooking, but were very disappointed. Staff, setting and presentation were lovely, but the food was simply not up to the level we had hoped and certainly not as good as many other less-known chefs in the region. Really just disappointing.
Feb 18, 2005 | 12:42 pm
#49
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 347
This is a great story!
OK, putting aside food for a moment, you all have to read this story about a restauranteur here in Los Angeles. If foul words offend you, maybe you shouldn't click on the link.
This is a classic that has been making the rounds here in LA for a month or so.
http://www.laweekly.com/ink/printme.php?eid=60512
This is a classic that has been making the rounds here in LA for a month or so.
http://www.laweekly.com/ink/printme.php?eid=60512
Feb 18, 2005 | 2:10 pm
#50
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 8,612
Originally Posted by ElmhurstNick
That's so unfortunate. I used to eat at Postrio quite often in the early 90's when I had a project in Berkeley and used to stay upstairs at the Kimpton Prescott. Postrio did the room service which was always very good, and they did a good breakfast. It's a shame if it's gone down hill over the last ten years since my last visit, but I'm not surprised now that Wolfgang Puck is selling canned soup...
Feb 19, 2005 | 10:05 am
#51
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: Starwood, AA, Hyatt, HH, DL
Posts: 33
Originally Posted by ThWilmesi
On the American Continent, my biggest disappointment was Charlie Trotters in Chicago, which is supposed to be one of the best on the continent, but which in our opinion didn't live to the hype, in particular with regard to service and food, they really feel they are the greatest in the world, but hey they aren't and I will not even comment about the prices
We did tried Vivere at the Italian Village and the service was crappy.
Feb 19, 2005 | 1:38 pm
#52
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1
Avoid Nam Long in Old Brompton RD.
Originally Posted by luxury
I have some more, this time in London (no surprises here!!):
Itsu in Wardour Street: They claim to serve "Japanese" food, e.g. "sushi" on kaiten-style conveyor belts. The food is passable at best, most certainly NOT authentically (for London) Japanese, and not really sushi either. However, if you are after conviviality and don't care about food then this may be the place. If you want Japanese or even Japanesey food, this is not the place. I should note I am of Japanese heritage so I tend to judge Japanese food in a somewhat harsher light.
ToTo's off Walton Street in Knightsbridge: Way over-priced Italian food (a theme of Italian restaurants in London it seems) of average quality. I felt that I could make what I ate better myself. Portions were of average size but the dining room is a spectacular setting, only, if, one can get seated there. We were relegated to the entry way of the restaurant. I would recommend Scalini (nearby in Walton Street) or Locanda Locatelli (Portman Square in the Hyatt Regency Churchill) as better places for italian food.
I am sure I can think of more in London...... will post them as I remember them.....
Itsu in Wardour Street: They claim to serve "Japanese" food, e.g. "sushi" on kaiten-style conveyor belts. The food is passable at best, most certainly NOT authentically (for London) Japanese, and not really sushi either. However, if you are after conviviality and don't care about food then this may be the place. If you want Japanese or even Japanesey food, this is not the place. I should note I am of Japanese heritage so I tend to judge Japanese food in a somewhat harsher light.
ToTo's off Walton Street in Knightsbridge: Way over-priced Italian food (a theme of Italian restaurants in London it seems) of average quality. I felt that I could make what I ate better myself. Portions were of average size but the dining room is a spectacular setting, only, if, one can get seated there. We were relegated to the entry way of the restaurant. I would recommend Scalini (nearby in Walton Street) or Locanda Locatelli (Portman Square in the Hyatt Regency Churchill) as better places for italian food.
I am sure I can think of more in London...... will post them as I remember them.....
Feb 19, 2005 | 11:55 pm
#53
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: AA
Posts: 1,754
I cast an enthusiastic vote in support of Emeril -- I ate lunch at the bar that looks into the kitchen at his Emeril's restaurant in New Orleans, and my date and I had a fantastic meal. The service was great too. It was the highlight of our trip.
I recently missed a chance to be in LAS long enough to go to one of his restaurants there, either seafood or steak. If the choice comes up again, I'm open to suggestions on which one I should try first.
I have had the same experience as some other posters with the Legal Sea Foods in DCA. It's good food but I always feel I have to hound them to bring the drink, bring the food, and bring the bill in order to get to my gate on time.
cubbie
I recently missed a chance to be in LAS long enough to go to one of his restaurants there, either seafood or steak. If the choice comes up again, I'm open to suggestions on which one I should try first.
I have had the same experience as some other posters with the Legal Sea Foods in DCA. It's good food but I always feel I have to hound them to bring the drink, bring the food, and bring the bill in order to get to my gate on time.
cubbie
Feb 21, 2005 | 9:56 pm
#54
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: No one cares
Posts: 7,616
Originally Posted by flying_kittens
With one exception: Chez Panisse in Berkeley.
lala
Mar 3, 2005 | 2:27 pm
#55
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 64
Bad Restaurants in Vancouver
VANCOUVER - Do not go to Sui Sha Ya. Service sucks, (esp. when they are busy for all-u-can-eat-sushi) and food not that great. Your order will get 'technically lost' once you're there for more than 1/2 hour.
Samosa Garden on Kingsway, I don't know why they were rated excellent for service. I only go there for the good food but it takes AGES for the plate to get to your table. Buffet's a bit of a hit and miss - mostly veggies even though they claim they've got tons of meat on their menu. Suggest you walk in and get a good look at the buffet before sitting down. http://www.samosagarden.com
Banana Leaf on Denman Street. Terrible food fare. Service ok but not that great. I don't think the cooks are from Malaysia. Banana Leaf on W. Broadway is so much better.
White Spot - any bloody White Spot in Canada. What's there to say? Food is greasy! greasy! greasy! I ordered mashed potato and the rosemary garnish that came with it had dirt. Disgusting! The manager was polite though, took the dish off the bill but I wouldn't step into any White Spot.
Cannery Restaurant, Commissoner St - for all the hype, it doesn't do it much justice. I don't know why ppl think this restaurant is worth going to. I've been disappointed time and time again. I ordered the swordfish and it was sooooo dry and tasteless. For the price you pay, definitely not worth it. And what's with the darkness? Can't see a frigging thing. I know they're supposed to create a romantic atmosphere but man, there's something wrong when you have to use the candle to read the menu. Service is top notch though. http://www.canneryseafood.com
Tanpopo, Denman St - Terrible! Terrible! Terrible! They have this all-u-can-eat sushi buffet that is not even worth paying $1 to try. Virtually everything I ordered off the menu was a disappointment. The only thing worth going for is the salmon sashimi - there's no limit even for lunchtime.
Samosa Garden on Kingsway, I don't know why they were rated excellent for service. I only go there for the good food but it takes AGES for the plate to get to your table. Buffet's a bit of a hit and miss - mostly veggies even though they claim they've got tons of meat on their menu. Suggest you walk in and get a good look at the buffet before sitting down. http://www.samosagarden.com
Banana Leaf on Denman Street. Terrible food fare. Service ok but not that great. I don't think the cooks are from Malaysia. Banana Leaf on W. Broadway is so much better.
White Spot - any bloody White Spot in Canada. What's there to say? Food is greasy! greasy! greasy! I ordered mashed potato and the rosemary garnish that came with it had dirt. Disgusting! The manager was polite though, took the dish off the bill but I wouldn't step into any White Spot.
Cannery Restaurant, Commissoner St - for all the hype, it doesn't do it much justice. I don't know why ppl think this restaurant is worth going to. I've been disappointed time and time again. I ordered the swordfish and it was sooooo dry and tasteless. For the price you pay, definitely not worth it. And what's with the darkness? Can't see a frigging thing. I know they're supposed to create a romantic atmosphere but man, there's something wrong when you have to use the candle to read the menu. Service is top notch though. http://www.canneryseafood.com
Tanpopo, Denman St - Terrible! Terrible! Terrible! They have this all-u-can-eat sushi buffet that is not even worth paying $1 to try. Virtually everything I ordered off the menu was a disappointment. The only thing worth going for is the salmon sashimi - there's no limit even for lunchtime.
Last edited by michele123; Mar 4, 2005 at 2:09 pm
Mar 4, 2005 | 6:18 am
#56
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: PA near PHL
Posts: 438
Originally Posted by Fredd
Interesting! We've eaten there a total of four times over the past four years in Minnesota, Florida, and British Columbia and haven't noticed that. Was this in one location that you experienced this or an overall perception?
I have had nothing but pleasant experiences with Macaroni Grille. I've eaten at one in upstate NY and in PA. Actually plan on going again hopefully sometime soon. A friend of mine hated it, but thought they used too much sauce. My friend is also extremely picky
Mar 4, 2005 | 6:37 am
#57
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
Harry's Bar in Venice- go for a drink (please please NOT a Bellini)- that is nice.... but a meal is a terrible way to spend a couple of hundred euros (or more) in a city with (otherwise) fantastic food.
Mar 4, 2005 | 6:42 am
#58
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island WA
Posts: 9,483
Originally Posted by michele123
VANCOUVER -
Banana Leaf on Denman Street. Terrible food fare. Service ok but not that great. I don't think the cooks are from Malaysia. Banana Leaf on W. Broadway is so much better.
Banana Leaf on Denman Street. Terrible food fare. Service ok but not that great. I don't think the cooks are from Malaysia. Banana Leaf on W. Broadway is so much better.
Couldn't agree with you more.... we had two nights in Vancouver and ate there one night after a strong Frommer's recommendation since it was close to the hotel...very disappointed.
Did have a FABULOUS meal at a restaurant that we just sort of stumbled into called Wild Rice near the International district.....the owner was friendly and the food was out of this world......
Mar 4, 2005 | 2:54 pm
#59
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 7,149
Originally Posted by cubbie
I have had the same experience as some other posters with the Legal Sea Foods in DCA. It's good food but I always feel I have to hound them to bring the drink, bring the food, and bring the bill in order to get to my gate on time.
cubbie
cubbie
I have had the misfortune of eating at BOTH Legal Seafoods in DC. Service was consistently bad, and the food was overpriced and medicore.
Mar 4, 2005 | 3:23 pm
#60
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 64
Originally Posted by david4455
Did have a FABULOUS meal at a restaurant that we just sort of stumbled into called Wild Rice near the International district.....the owner was friendly and the food was out of this world......
http://www.wildricevancouver.com