CriminalSalt

I’ve been meaning to try Cremant for some time, and was looking forward to it. Luckily I had been given a tip to request a seat behind the bar so that we would be able to hear each other; a suggestion that I would profusely thank the person for later. Cremant is noisy, and I agree with others, a little cold. The mismatched grey wallpaper is sterile and clumsy. I loved the very grey feel of the bathroom, but wish they would have breathed more life and warmth into the restaurant and left the glossy grey just for the WC.

But still it is French and our seat was cozy, the cheese was stinky and all was going well. The wine list was fairly impressive and the two types of Graves that I had knocked my socks off. I wasn’t very impressed by the menu options and felt like I was choosing between two maybes rather than between two mouth watering options. I ordered the duck confit with a green bean salad thingy and he ordered the butter halibut with pomme frites.

Our waitress was indifferent and even chided me once for not speaking louder. A few bites into our meals and I was disappointed: the duck was dry and the bean thing uninspired. The dish was mainly a plate of green beans and I was left feeling that I had ordered badly. His was mainly a plate of pomme frites, which pleased his 100 mile bike ride that day hunger. The only comment he could make about the halibut was, “It is buttery”.

I liked Cremant but I think the pleasant company swayed my view point. When I take that out of the equation I am left with dry duck, a lackluster server, a cold room and noise. But the wine! The wine was worth going back for.

I think Cremant can do better, I think the chef is better than what we experienced. The people next to us went crazy for their dishes. So I am saying, go try it for yourself, maybe it was a bad night.

I’ve just returned from Portland. I was very sad to discover that Foxfire Teas has fallen victim to Evil Landlord Syndrome and have been evicted! Such a shame!

They are putting together their online store, which will be available in the early summer 07.

I went here for my nephew’s 5th birthday party a few weeks ago. I’m not much of a bowler and usually only end up bowling in places where you don’t expect to find bowling alleys; like small towns in the UK where you are shocked to see them and can’t resist. Acme is actually a really nice place: great architectural details, unique industrial-modern lighting and programmable lanes that put the bumper guards up for kids and down for adults.

For my nephew and his 15 friends the place was fantastic and fun. The staff had their birthday party routine down to the minute, literally there is a clock counting down your time. I found that initially oppressive but it was the perfect amount of time for bowling, gift bags, pizza, opening presents and eating cake. We went over by about 5 minutes with gathering all the gifts and ushering sugared-pumped kids and their parents out the door, but the staff was friendly and didn’t rush us at all.

They have this nifty retro lounge upstairs that is for adults only, with table and bar service. I would love to gather about 8 people and rent out one of the spots for a few drunken bowling hours, cheesy fun but fun nonetheless.

The only low point was the video arcade, surprisingly few games and none of my favorite street fighter ones where I magically turn into some hot babe that can totally kick your ass. I love those games. Though they did have air hockey and pool tables so, if you are into those things, plus and plus.