Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Restaurant Review - Ambiance

Ambiance

Since I have been working downtown Detroit for the past four years, I have made it a point to visit as many restaurants as I can.  One of the restaurants I went to this week and would like to review is Ambiance. Ambiance is located on 211 West Congress, Detroit, MI 48226.  This is approximately two blocks from my office. Ambiance is in the basement of the Bankers Trust Building, it doubles as a restaurant in the daytime and a lounge/bar after 6 p.m.

I went with two co-workers for lunch yesterday and we tried the fried catfish entree which was served with french fries, coleslaw, and texas toast.  The fish was battered in a seasoned corn meal mixture and very crispy, I did notice the portion size of the fish was considerably small.  The coleslaw needs a revamp, it was swamped with mayonnaise and lacked flavor. The french fries were tasty and the texas toast was decent.  The chef went for presentation by adding parsley and lemon and tomatoes slice for garnish to the plate. The wait staff was pleasant and the owner came out to greet guests and assist on the floor.

As far as the menu, they have appetizers including nachos, deep fried corn, cheese sticks, battered mushrooms, jalapeno poppers,etc., your basic bar food.  For lunch entrees they have burgers, po boys, catfish, tilapia, chicken wings, etc.  I would like to see dessert added to the menu, this is a must have for any restaurant. 

I would recommend this restaurant if you are looking for decent bar food. Just be aware, if you want to use your cell phones there is absolutely no signal in this restaurant.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Food Poisoning - Not Cute!

I went out to dinner with the girls on Friday, it was me, Peggy, Sparkle, and Bertha (Nicknames).
It's one of our favorite spots for Mexican, El Patio in Farmington Hills. I pronounced Pa-tee-o, they pronounce, Pat-ee-o (Tom-ay-to, To-mat-o, whatever works for you). I have been here a few times before and enjoyed it.

I ordered a Beef Fajita Taco Salad and a side of guacamole, everyone else had Chicken Taco Salad or Chicken something. The Beef Fajita Taco Salad was very tasty, a few too many green peppers, but flavor was definitely there. The guac wasn't my favorite, but it did the job. We shared a carafe of Red Sangria, they make a decent Sangria, so I enjoyed a few glasses.

A few hours later I get home and my stomach is bubbling and cramping, then it turned really ugly, I'll spare the details.  Basically, I got food poisoning and it had me up all night on Friday and all day on Saturday. I didn't feel better until Sunday morning. 

I am going to let the restaurant know that I got food poisoning, I narrowed it down to the beef because everyone else had chicken and they were fine.  You can use your own discernment, but I personally am not going to go back to this restaurant. If you do go my advice is to AVOID THE BEEF!

Pictured below is me enjoying my glass of Sangria, and so comfortable - as you can see my friend Peggy took a picture of me in my houseshoes at the restaurant. It was one of those days where I didn't care.

The food is pretty tasty for unauthentic mexican, it's something you crave if you have a "taste" for mexican. My recommendation for good mexican is any restaurant in Mexicantown.

Food Poisoning Alert - Be Aware!!!
El Patio
39241 Grand River Avenue
Farmington, MI 48335-1532