Vintage Steakhouse: St. James, NY

When I first heard the name "Vintage" I thought of the definition - "The yield of wine or grapes from a vineyard or district during one season".  After several visits to Vintage Steakhouse in St. James NY, I quickly realized that the appropriate definition use of "Vintage" is "outmoded". 

When I first walked in, my first thought was - "old and outdated".  The bar drink menu - outdated.  Wines to yawn at and over-priced, predictable cocktails.   The menu also - bland and predictable.  The appetizers included all of the standards: clams casino, oysters Rockefeller, crab cakes, Caesar salads, house chopped salads.  The menu was reflective of a traditional diner entrée menu. 

We chose the 2 special appetizers just out of the shear blah of the regular menu.  Soft shell crab appetizer was generic, served with a remoulade and mesclun. ($14).  We also had the seared scallops ($14), served in a bland "phlegm" broth.  Entree choices included filet medallions with gorgonzola, filet mignon topped with crabmeat, duck, chicken, lobster, salmon - all preparations common and lacking flair.  We chose the filet medallions with straw onions. ($32) This dish was covered and swimming in a pinot noir reduction.  This preparation left nothing but the taste of the reduction.  I chose the duck with mashed sweet potatoes, at the servers recommendation($29).  I wish the menu listed "excessive bones" and "flavorless sweet potato".  Somehow they managed to take the sweet from the potato.  Many entrees surpased $50. 

Just as lack luster as the first and second courses, dessert was dull.  Cheesecake, flourless cake, crème brulee – we chose a pecan pie.  Average.   On a positive, they do make a delicious cappuccino. 

The Recommendation: If you like the older feel and stale options or safe choices, try it.

The Reality: There is much better within walking distance. If your comfortable with dusty stuffed Bison heads and dustier food, you'll love it.  Food Buddha Rating: 2.9.

Food Buddha Rating System:

1: Poor, I would rather eat dog food.  2: Fair, it is a miracle it stays open.  3: Average, a dime a dozen.  4: Good, ok in a pinch.  5: Great, a definite repeat.  6: Excellent, share it with your friends and family.  7: Awesome, delicious in every way spread the word.  8: Spectacular,!!!

Blonde Restaurant: Miller Place, NY

Presentation - A++, Friendliness - A+, Flavor - A+

I popped on google places and scribbled down a few options.  It was close and after walking into the alternative we moved on to plan "B".  Who knew that plan "B" would be an "A+"! 

We started the night at the bar for what we quickly learned was 1/2 price cocktails and appetizers. (restricted days and times)  Loving the bar atmosphere, I thought let the game begin.  Blonde offers an excellent wine and mixed specialty drink list.  All but 2 appetizers were available at the 1/2 price promo.  Garlic roasted shrimp over humus on grilled nan - outrageous. (regularly $14)   Mussels in basil cream with polenta - excellent flavors worthy of bread dipping till completion. (reg. $11)  Yellow fin tuna tar tar - flavor was on point and presentation was pleasing. (reg. $14)  There was a very extensive list of appetizers, something for everyone.  We sampled several, each special in their own way.

Our group of 6 moved to the table for continued delights.  The group was a picky one, so when entrees touched down and everyone cleaned their plates, I knew we had a unicorn.  (You have heard about them, but when you find them it is really unique and special).  Entrees range from $25 to $36.  Filet could be cut with your fork.  Trout, snapper, veal, pastas - all elicited a postive response.  Visit http://www.millerplace.blonderestaurant.com/ for all the fixings.  There are many different specials - Monday wine nights, 1/2 price apps and drinks at the bar, $36 pre-fix, Chef tasting menu ($60). 

Dessert was the perfect ending to a huge meal.  Speciality cocktails included a Biscotti Liquor martini with a Fried Oreo Shot.  1 fried Oreo cookie with a shot of milk. ($2).  There was another varied assortment that peaked interest, but I just could not eat another bite.  Creme brulee, cheesecake, chocolate delights...  these all will be further explored on the next visit.  

 

THE RECOMMENDATION: Excellent for cocktails and appetizers or a complete well rounded satisfying meal.  Great for a friends or family night out or a romantic date. 

THE REALITY: "A" is for Awesome, "B" is for Blonde. Food Buddha rating: 7.1

Food Buddha Rating System:

1: Poor, I would rather eat dog food.  2: Fair, it is a miracle it stays open.  3: Average, a dime a dozen.  4: Good, ok in a pinch.  5: Great, a definite repeat.  6: Excellent, share it with your friends and family.  7: Awesome, delicious in every way spread the word.  8: Spectacular,!!!

Amarelle, Wading River, NY

Gorgeous atmosphere- check!   Romantic - check!   Helpful, friendly staff - check!   Great food - nope sorry!   Average food - nope sorry!   Edible food - some of it!

The atmosphere set the mood for a potentially amazing experience. Outdoor seating is available in two distinctively different areas both inviting and romantic. Inside is charming, warm and inviting. The wine list was eclectic with a mix of local, domestic and international varietals. We had a long day at a backyard BBQ so we chose a french rose to enjoy with our late night meal (perfectly priced at $25). We chose to skip an appetizer only because of the time of night. Who would have guessed that the bread and wine would be the best part of this meal - no wonder Jesus kept it so simple. The entire menu offered all of the dishes in both appetizer and entree size making it enticing to try the poached lobster or the duck (thankfully we did not waste the money). There was a moderately priced and 'looks good on paper' chefs tasting menu. There also was a pre fix menu for $26 that ended at 630... which was hours prior to our arrival. We ordered two entrees; white fish special which was monkfish ($28) and buffalo hanger steak ($32). This is where it went down hill. The monkfish was average served w vegetable medley. The hanger steak was simply not edible. Served with sweet potato pancakes cooked hours before, the steak ordered med rare came med well. Presented with a slice down the center, it exposed one huge vein and a network of smaller veins making it unappetizing and unable to be masticated. I had to exchange my big veiny meat for a small delicious salad of frisee, almonds, and goat cheese.($7). At the start of the meal we ordered the special grand marnier souffle; another let down.  Just as unsatisfying as egg whites in the morning with no salt, pepper, ketchup or taste... There was no flavor, not an ounce of liquor.

THE RECOMMENDATION: When you feel like it is time for your last supper, go here for the bread and wine.

THE REALITY: Everyone deserves a second chance right? We did only have one tasteless dessert maybe there are others with the taste of stale air.  If your bank or dry cleaner doesn't do a good job, you don't go back.   Step it up or get voted off the island! Food Buddha rating: 2.9

Food Buddha Rating System:

1: Poor, I would rather eat dog food.  2: Fair, it is a miracle it stays open.  3: Average, a dime a dozen.  4: Good, ok in a pinch.  5: Great, a definite repeat.  6: Excellent, share it with your friends and family.  7: Awesome, delicious in every way spread the word.  8: Spectacular,!!!