Last night we went with Emily and Seth to Ortega's Mexican Bistro. We were pretty jazzed about going, reading several good reviews. It is on University and 3rd in Hillcrest. The ambience was great, the crowd seemed happy and we were waited on nicely. The guacomole made tableside was a nice appetizer, but from there, it went downhill.
Sharlynn ordered the half grilled lobster (Puerto Nuevo style) with beef, for about $27 bucks. Sounds good right? Well it was...for two bites of lobster and two more bites of beef. I felt so bad I geve her half of one of my crab enchiladas. Which were OK. But when you order crab, you expect the dish to really highlight the flavor, and it did not. The only thing it highlighted was saltiness. It could have been pretty much any filling in those enchiladas. Seth enjoyed his Kobe Beef burrito, but admitted it could have been more fliing. Em had the shrimp burritos, and while good, really were standard fair, drawing comparisons to Rubios. When you are paying $70 a couple, you think it will be better than Rubios. Sadly, it was not, and we will not be returning.
On the other hand, I look forward to going back to Urban Solace on 30th in North Park. We went a few weeks ago with Yvette and Bill. At about the same cost as Ortega's we got very satisfying, filling American comfort food (with a twist). Bill and I both got pot pies. Bill got the vegie pot pie and I got the lobster and artichoke heart pie. They crusts were fennel infused and flaky/buttery. While not HUGE portions, they were generous. I also had a side of their macs and cheese---
yum-MY! Sharlynn got the hanger steak which was generous and Yvette got the cinnamon brined center cut pork chop. Both liked thier dishes. We had dessert, each couple splitting one, Sharlynn and I had the peanut butter and chocolate creme brulee and those two having butterscotch pudding. Both couples were happy with their desserts and the whole meal and ambience of the place. I look forward to going back.
One last restaurant comment. Our little Italian place, right down the road, Sardina's, has become quite the happenin' place. This place opened when we were young kids, withy about 6 tables, and it is still owned by the Sardina family. We had our first "date" there when I was 10 or 11, and Sharlynn was 12 or 13, splitting a mini pizza. We order out from there quite often, and the food gets better, with BIG portions, and not so high prices. When I went to pick up our take-out order (the eggplant calzone is delicious) I could not find parking at 5 pm. It was packed, with more people coming in. The place recently renovated, expanding their kitchen, addding a bar and updating their decor. But the food is as good, if not better than before, and we can stuff oursleves on 25 bucks. And one of the BEST anti-pasto salads I have had. Recommend the place highly.
Urban
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