Food: 8/10 Presentation: 4/5 Decor: 4/5 Service: 1/5
Total: 17 of 25: B-
First, Sapori is an Italian restaurant. It is not Japanese! That confused us, including other Italians in the party.
I went to Sapori for a holiday party. It was a large party and we took up about a third of the restaurant. The owner gave us a sitting from 6 to 8:30. This all comes very important later on in the review.
First thing you notice is the beautiful brickwork throughout the restaurant. The owner laid it himself. It gives a very warm feeling to the restaurant. They also have very unique and distinctive lighting.
We were served a variety of appetizers. The anitpasto platter was fantastic with high quality ingredients and oil. I could have eaten that all night. Next was calamari. I'm not a fan but they were lightly battered and cooked perfectly. The dipping sauces were good but a bit light on flavor. Next were mussels. I found them to be great. They were a bit strong which had some put off. I gladly ate theirs. Next was gnocchi in a light duck meat sauce. It was absolutely great. Again, I could have eaten this for dinner. Finally, a salad. Now, these were essentially 5 courses served separately. Remember we have 2 and half hours for dinner. Also, the owner picked out the appetizer courses, not us. We just picked what entree we wanted. Everything else was taken care of for us.
The entrees were served. I had a veal cutlet which was very good. My wife had pork chops which were also very good. Most of the meals are very complicated. They come in a variety of sauces and additional ingredients. No clean and simple entrees. Luckily everyone really liked their meal.
Finally was coffee and dessert. We passed on dessert but everyone liked the squash cheesecake.
The entire meal took 3 and half hours. It's not that we ate slowly. It's that the service was very slow. We basically had a 7 course meal. There is no way to do a 7 course meal for 25 people in 2 and half hours. But that's what the owner did. Extremely bad time management. There was a line out the door of people waiting for their 8:30 reservation. Of course, they shot us the evil eye but it really was a management mistake. I saw no attempt by the staff to ease the crowd. But they did get anxious and finally at hour 3 try and "hurry us along". Terrible.
Finally, with any large party, usually they get priority treatment and the rest of the room suffers. Not this time. It was kind of opposite. We had horrible service at our end of the table. The servers would pour wine for half the table and then walk away. Others were finishing their dessert and we hadn't even gotten our coffee yet. And then just the poor pacing of the meal.
I honestly think that the owner just didn't know how to deal with such a large party. We had personally worked out the details with him a week in advance so there was no excuse for the poor pacing or overly complicated appetizer service. In fact we had 4 people not show up so the party was smaller than expected.
Would I eat there again with a dinner for two? Maybe not. The food was very good and reasonably priced for an upper-scale restaurant. You can get an excellent meal there for under $80 for two. It is BYOB which helps. But I'd probably drop another $20 and go to Catelli's.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
New Pornographers - Challengers: A-
Music: 7 Vocals: 5 Lyrics: 4 Production: 4
Total: 20 of 25: A-
Sometimes you just want really well written pop music that isn't prechewed for you. Sometimes you want good male/female harmonies. Sometimes you want lyrics written for adults by adults. And sometimes you want subtle but infections melodies and hooks that will keep humming throughout the day. Enter The New Pornographers' album Challengers.
Upon first listen you won't get pulled in. It's a very simple album that is mildly interesting. After a few listens though, you won't be able to get the melodies out of your head. The songs are perfectly constructed using acoustic and electric guitar, bass, keyboards, piano, strings, horns, some kind of whistle, maybe a metal bar on a wood block?! All of these instruments weave in and out in the songs. Usually just the guitar and drums hold the songs together with very simple chord progressions and rhythms. It's all the layers and textures that make the music interesting.
By far the best aspect are the vocals. Songs are roughly split between the male and female singer but they trade back and forth with pitch perfect harmonies. They both write very singable choruses. They use very interesting and unique inflections and pacing. And both have a wide range of emotions in their voice. Particularly memorable is "Adventures in Solitude" where the vocals are very staccato until the swelling and sweeping break which just grabs you and carries you along for the ride. Awesome.
If you want good adult music that will keep you humming, get Challengers. But do yourself a favor, listen a few times before making your assessment. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Total: 20 of 25: A-
Sometimes you just want really well written pop music that isn't prechewed for you. Sometimes you want good male/female harmonies. Sometimes you want lyrics written for adults by adults. And sometimes you want subtle but infections melodies and hooks that will keep humming throughout the day. Enter The New Pornographers' album Challengers.
Upon first listen you won't get pulled in. It's a very simple album that is mildly interesting. After a few listens though, you won't be able to get the melodies out of your head. The songs are perfectly constructed using acoustic and electric guitar, bass, keyboards, piano, strings, horns, some kind of whistle, maybe a metal bar on a wood block?! All of these instruments weave in and out in the songs. Usually just the guitar and drums hold the songs together with very simple chord progressions and rhythms. It's all the layers and textures that make the music interesting.
By far the best aspect are the vocals. Songs are roughly split between the male and female singer but they trade back and forth with pitch perfect harmonies. They both write very singable choruses. They use very interesting and unique inflections and pacing. And both have a wide range of emotions in their voice. Particularly memorable is "Adventures in Solitude" where the vocals are very staccato until the swelling and sweeping break which just grabs you and carries you along for the ride. Awesome.
If you want good adult music that will keep you humming, get Challengers. But do yourself a favor, listen a few times before making your assessment. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Octopus Project - One Hundred Thousand Million: C
After loving their new album, Hello Avalanche, I was very eager to get their first album to see how they began. First the good. There some excellent jams, rhythms, and riffs throughout the album. It ranges from laid back to frenetic paces. Overall it's a lot of fun. The bad? The song writing. Although you can here the genius behind the musicians, at this point they hadn't figured out how to turn that into 4 minute songs. Many compositions here meander aimlessly or stay stuck on one riff too long. Another distraction is their deliberate attempt to be "lo-fi". Too much on purpose noise infiltrates the mix. At one point I thought my speaker was blown. Nope, just a "cool" sound effect. One song would be great if it weren't for the incessant cymbal hiss masking the great work beneath it.
I wanted to love this album. Instead it was an interesting and promising beginning for Octopus Project. But ultimately, get Hello Avalanche and enjoy their unique mix of music and pass on this one.
I wanted to love this album. Instead it was an interesting and promising beginning for Octopus Project. But ultimately, get Hello Avalanche and enjoy their unique mix of music and pass on this one.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Rob Garza - Dust Galaxy: C
Music: 7 Vocals: 2 Lyrics: 1 Production: 3
Total: 13 of 25: C
Rob Garza is an artist from another independent band who finally released his first solo album. In it he brought in several guest musicians to create Dust Galaxy.
First, let me say that the rhythm section of this band is excellent. The bass and drums are very tight. In fact, the bass player is the best part of the band. He creates such unorthodox bass lines that are much better than 99% of the music out there. Coupled with an excellent drummer, these two gel perfectly.
Next is the guitarists including Rob. When they add textures and flavors, they further enhance the rhythms. They should just stay away from the occasional riff where they are certainly not that good. But when they build layers and add accents to songs that is truly mesmerizing. And the sitar on a few songs is quite good.
So far we've got some very good music which ranges from psychedelic to pop. On several songs you could drift off and groove. But then it all falls apart...
Rob should never ever sing. Honestly, he doesn't sing. He kind of attempts to melodically speak with his raspy voice. It's terrible. And the lyrics are equally terrible. Rob should immediately find a real singer and redo the album. It could really be fantastic.
Rob's musical vision is special and talented. Unfortunately he ruins it with his terrible lyrics and vocals. Rob, please find a singer and make more albums. Otherwise, stay very far away from his solo work.
Total: 13 of 25: C
Rob Garza is an artist from another independent band who finally released his first solo album. In it he brought in several guest musicians to create Dust Galaxy.
First, let me say that the rhythm section of this band is excellent. The bass and drums are very tight. In fact, the bass player is the best part of the band. He creates such unorthodox bass lines that are much better than 99% of the music out there. Coupled with an excellent drummer, these two gel perfectly.
Next is the guitarists including Rob. When they add textures and flavors, they further enhance the rhythms. They should just stay away from the occasional riff where they are certainly not that good. But when they build layers and add accents to songs that is truly mesmerizing. And the sitar on a few songs is quite good.
So far we've got some very good music which ranges from psychedelic to pop. On several songs you could drift off and groove. But then it all falls apart...
Rob should never ever sing. Honestly, he doesn't sing. He kind of attempts to melodically speak with his raspy voice. It's terrible. And the lyrics are equally terrible. Rob should immediately find a real singer and redo the album. It could really be fantastic.
Rob's musical vision is special and talented. Unfortunately he ruins it with his terrible lyrics and vocals. Rob, please find a singer and make more albums. Otherwise, stay very far away from his solo work.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Meat Puppets - Rise to Your Knees: F
Music: 2/10 Lyrics: 2/5 Vocals: 1/5 Production: 1/5
Total: 6 of 25: F
In 1994, the Meat Puppets released one of my favorite albums, Too High to Die. After the misstep of their next album, No Joke, and recovery from drug addiction, the Meat Puppets return. Unfortunately, it is not a reunion worth waiting for.
The first thing I notice is the horrible recording quality. In the days of affordable computer-based studios, it's shocking that a CD could be made of such horrible quality. Most demo CDs by unsigned bands sound better. It sounds like it was done over 2 days with a few mics set up in a warehouse studio.
Next, the album just meanders on and on through the midway point. There are no catchy hooks, no great guitar work or quirky charm. It's just terrible. By the middle, it sort of hits its stride and has a few pretty good songs. But, they are ruined by the sound quality. Songs like "New Leaf" and "Disappear" are probably excellent live. But, horrible EQ, reverb, and balance between the instruments suck all the life out of these songs.
Finally, the vocals and lyrics have always been a love it or hate it trademark of the band. Curt Kirkwood by all rights shouldn't sing but has the ability to somehow squeeze out some great performances. On Rise to Your Knees, he mostly fails to bring out the charm and hooks of previous work. Coupled with uninspired guitar-work in many songs, his vocals just don't cut it this time around.
Sad to say I'm very disappointed with this effort and hope for better material in the future.
Total: 6 of 25: F
In 1994, the Meat Puppets released one of my favorite albums, Too High to Die. After the misstep of their next album, No Joke, and recovery from drug addiction, the Meat Puppets return. Unfortunately, it is not a reunion worth waiting for.
The first thing I notice is the horrible recording quality. In the days of affordable computer-based studios, it's shocking that a CD could be made of such horrible quality. Most demo CDs by unsigned bands sound better. It sounds like it was done over 2 days with a few mics set up in a warehouse studio.
Next, the album just meanders on and on through the midway point. There are no catchy hooks, no great guitar work or quirky charm. It's just terrible. By the middle, it sort of hits its stride and has a few pretty good songs. But, they are ruined by the sound quality. Songs like "New Leaf" and "Disappear" are probably excellent live. But, horrible EQ, reverb, and balance between the instruments suck all the life out of these songs.
Finally, the vocals and lyrics have always been a love it or hate it trademark of the band. Curt Kirkwood by all rights shouldn't sing but has the ability to somehow squeeze out some great performances. On Rise to Your Knees, he mostly fails to bring out the charm and hooks of previous work. Coupled with uninspired guitar-work in many songs, his vocals just don't cut it this time around.
Sad to say I'm very disappointed with this effort and hope for better material in the future.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Cheesecake Factory: B
Food: 6/10 Presentation: 4/5 Decor: 4/5 Service: 4/5
Total: 18/25: B
After eating at the Cheesecake Factory several times I come to one main conclusion about people. Give them average food but with huge portions at a fair price, and they'll think the place is amazing.
The decor in the new Cherry Hill, NJ location is very nice. Very open and spacious. All the locations I've been in are good. One common theme I've noticed is that they are all very noisy.
The service was prompt and attentive including a large party of 20 we had once. Everything arrived quickly and glasses were continuously refilled. Minor note, refills on sodas are not free. But you do get a giant cup.
The menu is enormous. It has just about anything you would want from sandwiches to pizza to full meals. It covers American food and touches of other ethnic foods. So, anyone can find something to eat.
The quality is completely average. Nothing special or stands out. What does stand out is that the portions are huge. Most meals are enough for two. And the prices are very reasonable. Finally, the cheesecake is pretty excellent. Who else has dozens of varieties of cheesecake?
Given they don't take reservations (except for big parties) and there seems to always be an hour or more wait, why go? I've asked myself that for years. Honestly, there is no reason to wait for this food that is completely comparable to Fridays or Houlihans. I think people have convinced themselves that the Cheesecake Factory is a real restaurant and not another Applebees. Maybe someday people will get it and the wait will go down to something reasonable. So, if you can get in with a minimal wait, then go for it. Otherwise, head somewhere else.
Total: 18/25: B
After eating at the Cheesecake Factory several times I come to one main conclusion about people. Give them average food but with huge portions at a fair price, and they'll think the place is amazing.
The decor in the new Cherry Hill, NJ location is very nice. Very open and spacious. All the locations I've been in are good. One common theme I've noticed is that they are all very noisy.
The service was prompt and attentive including a large party of 20 we had once. Everything arrived quickly and glasses were continuously refilled. Minor note, refills on sodas are not free. But you do get a giant cup.
The menu is enormous. It has just about anything you would want from sandwiches to pizza to full meals. It covers American food and touches of other ethnic foods. So, anyone can find something to eat.
The quality is completely average. Nothing special or stands out. What does stand out is that the portions are huge. Most meals are enough for two. And the prices are very reasonable. Finally, the cheesecake is pretty excellent. Who else has dozens of varieties of cheesecake?
Given they don't take reservations (except for big parties) and there seems to always be an hour or more wait, why go? I've asked myself that for years. Honestly, there is no reason to wait for this food that is completely comparable to Fridays or Houlihans. I think people have convinced themselves that the Cheesecake Factory is a real restaurant and not another Applebees. Maybe someday people will get it and the wait will go down to something reasonable. So, if you can get in with a minimal wait, then go for it. Otherwise, head somewhere else.
Crowne Plaza Hotel - Silver Springs, MD: B+
I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Silver Springs, MD for a week on business. Overall, it is a good hotel that has only a couple of areas for improvement.
The room size was good. Given this is right next DC, I expected the rooms to be a bit smaller. But they were what I would consider a standard size room. It had plenty of room for a desk, sofa, and chair along with a king bed. The heat/AC worked fine.
The bed was solid with plenty of support. It was a bit too firm. But it was a quality bed. Oddly, it had 4 half size pillows. They worked but I can't figure out why they don't have full size pillows. Included in the room were several items to help you sleep. It came with ear plugs, an eye mask, a lightly scented "linen" spray, and a CD with relaxation techniques and some soft music. A very nice touch.
Always a source of anxiety, the alarm clock was extremely complicated. The manual should have been included in the room. The alarm clock had a touch screen which I've never seen before. It took me 10 minutes to figure out how to turn the radio on instead of the CD player for the alarm.
The TV could use a few more channels and reception on a couple of channels was fuzzy. The hotel also has free wi-fi access throughout (including the restaurant). The desk and chair were comfortable for laptop usage. A few more outlets would have been good.
The bathroom was a normal size and perfectly clean. All the normal personal care items (soap, etc.) were included and were of good quality. The coffee maker in my room didn't work.
The decor in the room was fine. What was odd was the choice of "castle brick" wallpaper in the hallway. It was truly hideous.
The restaurant in the hotel was pretty good. I ate there three times. The crab cakes used jumbo lump meat and had little filler. They were very good. The filet minion was very good and perfectly cooked. The chicken picatta was also very good with a fine caper sauce. One disappointment is the salad. It looks like basic iceberg lettuce salad mix from the super market with a slice of cucumber, some soggy crutons, and some canned sliced olives. Dressing was on the side and home quality. Another problem was the side vegetables. They were cooked well it's just they looked very tired. It was puzzling since by looking at them you'd think they were cooked to death either by boiling or steaming. Instead they were crisp. Odd.
Again, a pretty good hotel with little to detract from it. Perhaps a better choice of wallpaper and a bit more detail in the kitchen could help. But, definitely a good choice for the area.
The room size was good. Given this is right next DC, I expected the rooms to be a bit smaller. But they were what I would consider a standard size room. It had plenty of room for a desk, sofa, and chair along with a king bed. The heat/AC worked fine.
The bed was solid with plenty of support. It was a bit too firm. But it was a quality bed. Oddly, it had 4 half size pillows. They worked but I can't figure out why they don't have full size pillows. Included in the room were several items to help you sleep. It came with ear plugs, an eye mask, a lightly scented "linen" spray, and a CD with relaxation techniques and some soft music. A very nice touch.
Always a source of anxiety, the alarm clock was extremely complicated. The manual should have been included in the room. The alarm clock had a touch screen which I've never seen before. It took me 10 minutes to figure out how to turn the radio on instead of the CD player for the alarm.
The TV could use a few more channels and reception on a couple of channels was fuzzy. The hotel also has free wi-fi access throughout (including the restaurant). The desk and chair were comfortable for laptop usage. A few more outlets would have been good.
The bathroom was a normal size and perfectly clean. All the normal personal care items (soap, etc.) were included and were of good quality. The coffee maker in my room didn't work.
The decor in the room was fine. What was odd was the choice of "castle brick" wallpaper in the hallway. It was truly hideous.
The restaurant in the hotel was pretty good. I ate there three times. The crab cakes used jumbo lump meat and had little filler. They were very good. The filet minion was very good and perfectly cooked. The chicken picatta was also very good with a fine caper sauce. One disappointment is the salad. It looks like basic iceberg lettuce salad mix from the super market with a slice of cucumber, some soggy crutons, and some canned sliced olives. Dressing was on the side and home quality. Another problem was the side vegetables. They were cooked well it's just they looked very tired. It was puzzling since by looking at them you'd think they were cooked to death either by boiling or steaming. Instead they were crisp. Odd.
Again, a pretty good hotel with little to detract from it. Perhaps a better choice of wallpaper and a bit more detail in the kitchen could help. But, definitely a good choice for the area.
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