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Reviews by devonya
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I REALLY wish I could say something really positive about this experience, but... It feels to me like a horrific case of the Emperor's New Clothes. I know this; they would NOT have this kind of following at their prices in New York or Chicago, or LA. And I have eaten at some of the finest restaurants in all of those cities, Paris, Shanghai and London and Tel Aviv as well.
Shall I begin with the red wine my pourer dripped on my white blouse sleeve, or the lobster shell in the bisque? The salad with a large chunk of crystal salt ruining it, or the brazen way Noah held up a photo of a deer with a red crosshatch and invited us to meet our dinner, daring anyone to admit to supporting PETA; one would think after spending 15 minutes on the pedigree of each oyster, truffle and rice kernel, it might be allowable to respect an animal that came to our plate.
Not the fault of the restaurant, but still something they should have been prepared for: as my dinner companion and I waited at the doors to the patio during the Sushi intermission, before which every fish had been named and it’s heritage down to the great grandparent level had been detailed, I was ready for the sushi of my life. Sadly, once the very alcohol-ridden young guests had crowded the ridiculously small serve-yourself Sushi table stacked high with plates that only a dozen patrons could even reach (as that young throng had circled and walled-off access to the table until every morsel was gone), what we got for our manners and willingness to wait patiently was a small, ¼ inch paper-thin wafer of marinated octopus. End of Sushi Intermission. No chance of a server overseeing the distribution. With time on my hands, and no plate in them, I then witnessed the rudest, most inebriated visitor from Davis lay into a very dignified gentlemen, standing off to the side by the patio fireplace, directly over an ash tray, enjoying the (Cuban?) cigar his Son–in-Law had presented him as this was his 70th Birthday celebration. She railed at him that he needed to step out to the parking lot to smoke and not annoy, “ALL of the other guests!” forgetting perhaps that she was in Sacramento, not Davis. Sadly, even after I brought it to their attention m the staff, including Noah just shrugged. I took it upon myself to walk over to the gentleman, who without a missed beat, had in fact stepped over to the far edge of the patio, and had returned his focus to the obviously remarkable cigar at hand. I let him know that I thought he was the most diplomatic and mannered soul I’d met in a very long time, and that the “Ranter” was certainly fortunate she had chosen someone with his temperament to direct her vitriol towards.
Note of Value: as we were told that seconds were available on all items we explained we had not gotten sushi, that we are aware others hadn’t either, and would appreciate if some might be brought out for us. In this case there weren’t even firsts, as none was available.
The evening wore on, and nothing on the menu was particularly memorable (Oh; I guess the green bamboo rice lobster bisque might have stood-out, but there were those annoying shell chunks in the bowl…).
The high point of the evening was when the lovely Cigar-Smoking Birthday Boy’s Son-In-Law sent over a glass of very fine Sauterne, and raised a glass to me for having stepped in to compliment the gentleman’s graciousness, and after the meal, invited us over as they ordered a generous cheese platter, had Josh gather up all of the open wine bottles, and we sat and visited for an hour and a half over excellent (EXCELLENT) wines of many grapes and bottlers, slicing fine cheeses onto crusty bread, and having a most enjoyable visit. But THAT high point was one of our own making, and if I were to have $200 to spend on a nice meal, I have to assert that the next foray would NOT be at The Kitchen, as there are many places one can go at that price level, and at most of them you will actually be served what you were promised, and the chef would not treat the evening as if the patrons are so foolish they will not understand when they are being condescended to. I left wondering if the Birthday Boy would be back. He seemed so above it all.
Amazingly, in the few years since my visit, I have heard some others open up with similar impressions. It seems to me to be the HUMMER of fine dining. Ostentatious, self-aggrandizing, overdone, and perfect for Compensators who have no sense, little civility, poor judgment and want only to be able to say they ate at The Kitchen. The good news is, they can have my seat!
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Not only the Best Dim SUm in Sac... perhaps in the reigon, and I KNOW Dim Sum. What's more the kitchen is immaculate; what a delight!
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Thoughtful designs and helpful attitude; beautiful results!
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Debora & Bret NEVER fail to amaze. Intersting and innovative menus, wonderful wines and the knowledge to recommend good pairings. A refreshing return to civility. Quiet, warm, calm, with delicious food. Charming setting, wonderful wines, and proud hospitality. What's more, humility. There is no snob-aspect to Boulveard Bistro. It's all very honest! That applies to pricing as well. Given what they present, It amazes that you don't have to rob the bank to go and enjoy. My description is, "Like a Stay-cation to the Wine Country for DINNER!" They outdid themselves when we took over the resturant this year for my Mother's 80th Birthday... not a detail was missed, and every guest raved. If you have not yet been, GO! NOW!
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Sushi preferences are REALLY personal. I just LOVE the flavors & combinations at OS! And the fish is ALWAYS FRESH FRESH FRESH!
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I confess to being an Art (Crocker) lover, however CMHWA always has something for everyone, from the Mad Mickeys in the Lobby, to exhibits on a wide array of topics. Things feel accessible. Nice interactive computer experience on getting State Bills through the State assembly. Thank you Maria Schriever for you efforts !!!!!
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Always something special, from film to concerts to events. I am SO happy this Lady was saved!
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Why??? If you have to ask.....
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I mean, those berry scones, and KIPPERS!
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Hearty, and great combinations!
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I like to go during off hours... Late lunch or weekend at opening, as I am not a HIGH noise volume/Big Crowds person, but the FOOD!
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Just likka mi Momma's!
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What a line up of weekend programming! I never miss the chance to make my annual donation. Go NPR (BOTH stations!)
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Otehr Big Seafood names have come to town, but none have as yet to match the quality of food and service, or the relaxing atmosophere of Scott's!
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I rarely miss a show and have introduced many locals (and some NOT so locals) to the experience. The new and deeper B3 series is fabulous. Go!
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Clean, not very smokey, excellent Buffet, friendly staff, easy drive (just NOT at rush hour!)> NOte: they are expandign and the main Lot is unavailabel... until it's completed be sure to park across the street & shuttle back over! ;)
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