Sunday, April 17, 2011

Restaurant: Clyde's of Columbia

Restaurant: Clyde's of Columbia
Web Site: http://www.clydes.com
Address: 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044
Phone: (410) 730-2828

Like all the Clyde's locations, it can't quite seem like it wants to be a fancy restaurant or an affordable restaurant. The location in Columbia seems to lean toward affordable, with much more of a casual, sports bar vibe than other locations. The long space has a a bar with a dozen beer taps as its main decoration, and a projector showing the hockey game on an 8 foot screen really shouts "sports bar". Yet, most of the patrons are there for dinner at tables along windows facing the lake, or in side rooms decorated like an old timey gentlemen club.

Service was good and attentive without being too much, the menu is varied across entrees down through burgers and sandwiches. The food is very affordable, the most expensive entry was under $30 and the special of the month was a lobster dinner for around $25. It's easy to get out of Clyde's at $30 a person including a drink or dessert which makes it a nice choice for larger groups. We were there with friends and outside of the noise level being a little high (not too high, mostly reflected noise from all the glass) it was a pleasant place to spend a few hours in conversation.

Everyone seemed happy with the food. Tuna steak was a little overcooked but I ordered medium so maybe my fault (lots of interpretation on what that means), but it was very good with wasabi sauce and greens. Other dishes were the paella, lobster, beef brisket, and grilled salmon. A liberal in the salt use, but this is common from most chefs these days.

I was surprised I liked it this much, as we've been disappointed at other Clyde's locations. This location has been here a long time and perhaps has a very long established staff and routines. For a casual place that isn't too expensive this was a good choice.



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Clyde's of Columbia

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Restaurant: Taro's by Mikuni

Restaurant: Taro's by Mikuni
Web Site: http://www.tarosbymikuni.com
Address: 1735 Arden Way, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 916-564-2114

Better than average sushi joint, located in a shopping mall.



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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Hotel: Doubletree Milwaukee Downtown

City: Milwaukee, WI
Chain: Doubletree (Hilton)
Property: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Milwaukee City Center
Address: 611 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone Number: 414.273.2950

Check Out: March 2011 ($120)

Right downtown, easy walking to much of the downtown area.

Nice, not real high end but very clean, full service hotel that is at a reasonable price point for business travel. Gave me a hot cookie when I checked in. Hilton Honors gold status put me on the top floor.

Room was clean, comfortable, but surprisingly noisy for 10th floor. Seemed like constant police activity up and down the street. Good internet, Hilton hotel so Hilton Honors perks apply. Used the hotel dining room for breakfast ; buffet that was so so, but that's typical (big tray of eggs, potatoes, etc.).

Staff was nice, helpful.

Rating:

  • Safety: 1
  • Dining: 1
  • Bar: 1
  • Internet: 1 (free for Hilton Honor)
  • Wireless in Common Areas: 1
  • Work Space, Power: 1
  • Shower: 1
  • Air Conditioning, Bed: 1 (Ditto)
  • Common Areas: 1 (Ditto)
Total: 9





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