Tuesday, October 8, 2013








 

Bistro 63
63 N. Pleasant street
Amherst, MA
A unique dining experience at Bistro 63. A wonderful mix of American favorites and eclectic  cuisine. Stepping into Bistro 63 located at the Monkey Bar Grill in Amherst, Massachusetts is quite a trip. 

Deciding what to drink at the bar as I was placed in the hands of Megan, the manager was a real treat. She introduced me to Deep Eddy Vodka from Austin, Texas.
I ordered a Ruby Red Deep Eddy on the rocks. This was one of the best Vodkas I have ever drank.
Smooth as silk and great taste. 
Dinner started off with a Fried Calamari that was prepared nicely. The rings were soft and tender and the dipping sauce was an added treat.
I had to order the Lobster corn chowder only to compare to some others I have had in the area. 
For those familiar with my liking of this soup, I would say try it if you are here but if you see something else that you want you can skip this. 
My main course was a Seafood Pescatore served over Linguini. This dish was very good. The assorted seafood accompanied by the marinara sauce was perfect. The linguini cooked to perfection and of course I did not leave over one bite. 
Our other guests had the seafood Risotto and they each ordered half orders.
Once again the seafood combined with the Risotto made for an excellent dish. 
What really stood out in this restaurant was what I look for most in a restaurant. The service was amazing and despite that they were so busy, the attention we received was unbelievable. At the end of the evening, the manager, Megan came over to the table to personally thank us and to make certain that everyone was happy with their meals and satisfied. 
Being in a town where there are so many choices for us to eat when we visit, I would have to say that I would not hesitate to go back here and recommend that anyone visiting Amherst, Massachusetts, please stop in if not for dinner than to have a drink. 
For Reservations call 413-259-1600. Be sure to say hello to Megan and tell her that"The Dish With Dean" sent you.
Enjoy!
"The Dish With Dean"   
Part III of 
"The Dish With Dean" 
in Sin City

On the Last night of our Journey we visited a restaurant in The Wyn Resort and Casino
LAKESIDE RESTAURANT

Featuring Executive Chef 
 David Walzog whose culinary creations
  leave you wanting more. The three things needed for the ultimate experience in dining were all present. 
*Food* Service* Atmosphere* 
The show is just an added bonus that you have to view in this link I have included, Lake of dreams

Now as you can imagine I can't wait to tell you about the food.
For starters we ordered a spanish grilled octopus with a white bean salad and a sherry vinegar.
The octopus was cooked so tender and melted in your mouth. .


Mr. Yelly ordered the Oysters Rockefeller and before I had a chance to taste it, he had devoured them.

The best appetizer of the evening was the King Crab and Guacamole.
The combination of these two flavors were the ultimate in choices. Enjoyed by stollie himself and one other guest, There was enough for everyone to taste.
An amazing blend of King Crab that was clearly as fresh as the evening. The Guacamole was prepared just before the pairing of these two teasers and molded to create this "Top Notch" dish.
Another item ordered to start was a chopped salad customary of most restaurants of this type. Each of us had a taste and the salad was crisp and fresh. (Boring)
 

Now for what you have been waiting for.
The dinner!
The New York Strip Steak as told by Stollie was the best steak he has ever had the pleasure and believe me his pleasure is everyone's business. 
This is the picture of his plate after he started because I didn't get the chance to take the picture before.

I was too indulged in my own steak which clearly was "Top Notch"
Perfect temperature and perfectly seasoned, nothing was left to chance.
  Mr. Black had the Sword Fish which was very moist and flavorful. With each bite you could hear his satisfaction.
For side dishes we had the Oyster Mushrooms, Broccolini, and Lobster Mac and cheese.
The shrooms were sauteed with a white wine and garlic and cooked with love from the kitchen.
The Broccolini really was amazing and over the top. The delicate vegetable was grilled in an EVO and dusted with amazing spices to help bring out the true flavor.
Ok so now your mouth is watering and I too wish I was back in Vegas enjoying this meal once again.
The Lobster Mac and Cheese was created from three different cheeses and I have to say that the Lobster used was clearly not shelled fresh. The cheese sauce was very watery and the pasta used was not at all firm. 
Unfortunately, this was not worth the calories consumed and based on past menu items, this was not their regular dish. 
Of course to read about the wine that accompanied this amazing dinner, you will have to read Sipping With Stollie.
Perhaps the best steak I have ever eaten and aside from the Lobster Mac and Cheese, I would say that if you are ever in Vegas and have the opportunity to eat here, DO IT!
Anniversary, Birthday or just want to say "I love you". 
Or you could go with six other guys like I did and celebrate a milestone birthday.
Enjoy!
"The Dish With Dean"
Part II in Sin City 
with
 "The Dish With Dean"
TAO restaurant in Las Vegas is located in the Venetian Resort and Casino.http://www.blogcdn.com/www.slashfood.com/media/2010/04/tao-vegas.jpg
This was the second night of our stay and we were all very rested and very hungry. Those that had been here before made recommendations of what we should order. 
Rather than have them rush us out of this 400 seat Asian adventure, we decided to order appetizers first. 
Starting with the Dragon Tail Spareribs, a variety of Dumplings and Chicken Satay. 
We immediately needed more of the Spareribs. They were simply delicious.
 

For dinner we ordered a variety of dishes one of which stands out was the Chilean Sea Bass. The sauce for this fish was over the top. Delicate enough not to over power the flavor of the fish itself. The other dishes ordered were basic of Asian fair. We ordered a Chicken Kung Pao and a few different noodle dishes. Remember that this is Las Vegas and a very commercial restaurant. Really not what 'The Dish" is all about. 
I like to find that little hole in the wall where the locals go and the tourists don't know about. Was it a great experience? I enjoyed the food and I mostly enjoyed the company.
If you have never been to Tao in any of their locations, it is worth the trip.....once!
Enjoy
"The Dish With Dean"