Becky M, Buca question

[shoyski]

Hi Becky, we are visiting relatives in Fairfield this weekend. We were thinking of driving down to the Rookwood Mall. What did you guys think of the Italian Buca restaurant? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Jeanne G]

Shoyski,
I was at the dinner last night. I thought the food was good and that it was a fun place. (You won't believe how packed it gets-even on a weeknight). If you go, get reservations. Becky was nice enough to organize the dinner and make reservations for us. I've had friends go WITH reservations and still have to wait an hour! It was a bit noisey (loud) but I think an overall fun place to go with a group(and you get a bit shocked at the size of the meals - salads, etc!) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Jeanne

[shoyski]

Jeanne, thanks! That sounds great and thanks for the heads up on reservations. Did you happen to notice if PF Changs was open yet?

[kendra]

Hi Shoyski,
I was at the dinner last night too and it was good. For 9 people we ordered two entrees, a caesar salad, and a small side of pasta marinara. It was plenty. The eggplant parm was very good, pasta was basic, and the ravioli special (baked goat cheese and ricotta ravioli) was good. I didn't like the caesar salad although some others did - the dressing was way too strong tasting and there were only like 3 croutons on the whole thing. It's pretty inexpensive too. Not as good as The Winds of course, but pretty tasty for a restaurant chain. Enjoy! Kendra

[Jeanne G]

Hi Shoyski (and the rest of the group if they see this!),
I think PF Chang's IS open. I have spoke w/ some others in the restaurant business and they were at a special opening a while back and so far I've heard good things about it.
If you happen to go to Rookwood Commons, be sure to stop into Wild Oats if you like sushi!! We've had it numerous times from there and it makes a wonderful and inexpensive lunch or appetizer! IE: For $ 6.00 I got a tray of: (1) eel, (1) smoked salmon (both large) then (3) small tuna, (3) small cucumber and (3) good sized california rolls! What a bargain.


And about Buca, definitely listen to Kendra. Try to decide on only a couple or few meals to split for a group!! We even still had some leftovers.

[SoCal]

I don't know anything about Buca but I love PF Changs!! Boy, they really are expanding across the country (actually I'm not sure where they started). My sister recently moved to North Carolina and found one somewhat close by. She always hears me talk about PF Changs and can't wait to try it. I hope the food is as good as it is here in California, I'd hate for her to be disappointed after hearing me sing its praises!! Enjoy!

[shoyski]

Kendra and Jeanne, I think we might save Buca for another outing. My husband and I wanted a night out to ourselves and Buca looks to be a group outing. I really, really appreciate the advice.

As long as I'm asking for restaurant advice, have either of you been to Palamino or Jump Cafe? They were listed as "newer" restaurants in a recent paper up here in Dayton.

[kendra]

Yes, Buca is definitely not a date type place - more of a group experience. Sorry, Shoyski, I can't help you on the other restaurants. I'm up here in Dayton also so I don't get to the restaurants in Cinti very often. Maybe Jeanne can help ya!

[Jeanne G]

Shoyski,
I hate to sound negative, but I have been to Jump (athough not Palamino's) and although the food was good, it was INCREDIBLY pricey for the portion you get. It also happens to be one of those restaurants that serve a little bit of food on a BIG plate. I got scallops (a whopping 4 total) with some pasta and it was around $26.00. The atmosphere is wonderful and it's classy & fun, but not really worth the cost. We would NOT return. Sorry, but you'd be better off elsewhere in my opinion!! Try Chester's Road House, that's yummy and a little romantic?? It's early and I can't think of anything else. But if I do, I'll email ya! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[shoyski]

Thanks again, Jeanne.

[marys]

Shoyski - I have been to Palomino once. The atmosphere is neat, it feels more "big city" than most of the restaurants in Cincinnati. I wasn't real impressed with my entree (I can't even remember what I had, but I remember I wasn't thrilled with it) Their appetizers are good. I have one friend who loves it there and goes regularly.

If you're staying in Fairfield, there is a really good Italian restaurant on Rt 4 near Sharon in Springdale called Vincenzo's. Yum! It is a really tiny place, but the food in great.

Also, there is a really good restaurant in Wyoming, (Just keep going about 20 minutes south on Rt 4 from Fairfield) called Sturkey's. I live around the corner and like to go there for a drink and dessert or appetizers. Their entrees are very good! It has won all kinds of awards.

Have a fun visit!

Hi Jeanne and Kendra - I'll pick an entree for Supper Club soon!

[BeckyM]

Sorry it took me so long to reply! I haven't been on the board in a couple days. But it sounds like Kendra and Jeanne filled you in. I would definitely agree that Buca is a fun place, but not the right type for a "date" night.

I do know PF Chang's is open, because one of our other Supper Club members (Becki) waitresses there part time.

One other suggestion for a nice restaurant in Cincinnati for a "date" night is Grand Finale. They're famous for their desserts, but they also have great entrees. It's in an older building and has a great atmosphere too. It's on the corner of Sharon Road and Route 747, fairly close to the Tri-County area. Whatever restaurant you choose, have fun!

Mary, Kendra, & Jeanne (and any other Cincinnati CL Supper Club folks who read this) -- I had a lot of fun the other night and am looking forward to our next dinner! I can hardly wait to hear what our entree/theme will be! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[shoyski]

Vincezo's it is, then. Thanks everyone. I kinda consider myself a bit of a Cincinnatian since I grew up in Fairfield.

[marys]

Good choice - I'm sure you'll love it. You might want to give them a call to see if they take reservations. When I said it is a small place - I mean SMALL. (They don't even have room to wait inside for a table!) So the shorter your wait the better!

[Jeanne G]

Shoyski,
Us Cincinnatians really try to help! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I just wanted to second the motion of Mary's recommendation for Vincenzo's. Although I've not eaten there myself, I heard this week from a friend in aerobics class that it is #1 for Italian. We were talking about Buca and she said Vincenzo's was AWESOME.

Becky Mary & Kendra, glad to see you comment! Hope to see you soon a dinner gathering! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[shoyski]

Thanks all, for your advice. Unfortunately after all that, we never made it. But I will keep this info tucked away since it's only a hop, skip and a jump to get there.
Have a good week!

PS, you'll never guess what we ended up having...Johnsonville Brats from Jungle Jims!

[BetsyF]

SoCal--

Don't wish to barge in on your Cincy chat, but PFChang's started in Phoenix (really Scottsdale) AZ. Glad you like it. The Buca rest. you are referencing - is that Buca Di Beppo? Sounds like a rest. we also have in Scottsdale. Huge portions, doesn't work without a group? Enjoy!

[andreajackson]

There is a PF Changs opening in Indianapolis and I am so excited about it! I love Chinese food and can't wait to try it.