10/26/09

Pretty much the best meal of my life

by Miss E

I was fortunate enough to go with someone who had been before, along with another friend, so was warned as to what to expect. Laurie and Phred are the owners and they were both in house and some of the nicest people I've ever met. We had delicious wine in our hand almost as soon as we sat down. We were asked how hungry we were and if there were any dislikes or allergies and then we were completely in their hands. Course after course both of wine and food and it was all delicious. The ravioli especially made me get a little weepy it was so good. I can hardly wait to go back!

• Pros: Epicurian adventure
• Cons: you have to give up control.... I didn't mind but some might

06/21/09

Ah, there's no '0'-star rating, I see.

by Bee681

Having seen Mr. Hyde, I wonder if I should go again and see if the 5-stars people heap on this nauseous hole is associated with a Dr. Jekyll. Nah! Life is way too short.

Apart from the much-reported wine snobbery, this place took the cake for the relative indifference extended to a customer (wife) that got sick.

Oh, add me to the list of people that were mysteriously overcharged.

• Pros: Unique experience, for sure
• Cons: Not in a good way

06/10/09

Completely Unique (good), Completely Affordable (better)

by winegeek12

This wonderfully unique restaurant hidden away serves right up until 11:59 pm with out a rolled eye or evil glance from an irritated waiter, and without a single sacrafice in the quality of their 3 hour dinner service. Imagine a place where you go for the experience of food and wine paired for you at every meal. While Phred's (co-owner/waiter/sommolier) style as described by other reviewers herein seems off putting at first - once I took a deep breath and gave up control, I found that I loved the little surprises he came up with. It blends all the best parts of going over to your favorite neighborhood spot and eating dinner at your best friends house (the one who knows a lot about wine). Once I got past what I thought a restaurant meal should be and focused on the amazing food and great decor - I really enjoyed myself as much as a multi-course chef's dinner at a 5-star reasturant without the 13 peices of silverware next to my plate. And just when I got scared to death of what the bill would look like with this guy pouring me what seemed to be bottomless glasses of wine over 3 hours - he gives me a check for what could have easily been tax alone at some of its competitors. With only a handful of tables, I guess I understand the no Rez. policy, I just wish I could get in more - althought the wait in the bar next door was quite pleasent - just don't expect to be seated right away. All in all - I was blown away and haven't been able to stop telling people about a dinning experience as unique and fun as The Ruins is quirky, or Canlis is formal. If you like to show off for your company on what wine you order or are a controlling type in general - this is not going to leave you a happy camper, but if you go out to eat as much as I do and find even the best reasturants in town blending together - then you've got to go to Elemental.

• Pros: great food, free your mind wine-paring, screaming deal bill
• Cons: you want to eat (like right now - my blood-sugar's low)