Francoli Gourmet Emporio Restaurant - February 24, 2017

Looking at the bar.

 This is definitely an intimate dining experience.

Bread plate with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The bread plate came with olive bread, which was especially pleasing. Furthermore, olive oil and vinegar makes for a welcome change from the typical butter.

Bruschetta Francoli.

The Bruschetta Francoli was exceptionally balanced and satisfying, particularly for a cold plate.

Salmon with Orange-Cointreau Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, and Red Cabbage.

The main entree plate was exquisite. I ordered it because Orange-Cointreau was a new flavor for me. It made for a great gravy substitute for the mashed potatoes as well as flavoring the salmon. I actually broke up part of my salmon to mix with the mashed potatoes for extra richness. The brussel sprouts and red cabbage gave no reason for complaint.

I wished I felt rich enough for dessert, but this was a fine experience. However, I prefer bigger restaurants as a rule. 

View from my seat including some of the "shop."

Chocolates.

Wine.

More wine.

View of the bar from my seat.

Artwork and a picture.

Darya Restaurant - February 19, 2017

Darya at Sunset

After visiting relatives in Colorado Springs and dining with them at the Mason Jar in Old Colorado City at sunset, I have come to feel that sunset is by far the best time to begin one's dinner experience. And Darya looks quite fine in this light.

Two More at Sunset

I've passed this place for years, always looking in and awestruck by the elegant atmosphere with tablecloths and columns. As it turned out, this is a Persian restaurant, and this was evident in the foreign languages being spoken by other diners.

Live Keyboard Music.

I was impressed by live music provided by a keyboardist. Furthermore, the flatbread was not only unique but also served warm, warm bread is a plus that many restaurant fail to do.

Flatbread.

Charbroiled Salmon, Sabzi Polo, and Salad.

I played it safe and got things I know I like: salmon, the Persian version of rice pilaf (sabzi polo), and salad. Since I don't like raw tomatoes, I got creative and mashed them with my fork and ate them with the salmon. This is average priced dining, neither cheap nor expensive, though some people undoubtedly will feel it's too expensive for them.

One thing I loved about this place was that I my appetite was satisfied after I was done, unlike most sit-down (or any non-buffet) restaurants. Indeed, usually I need a buffet to feel satisfied. Overall, this is certainly a dining gem in my hometown of Orange, California, which I am immensely proud of.

I'm already thinking of going back for the Lake Superior white fish.

 

Fancy restroom.

Brick oven.

Lounge.

The Filling Station in Orange, CA - February 20, 2016

The Smoked Salmon Scramble special of the day.

I skipped the goat cheese.  Overall, The Filling Station wasn't as special or as cozy as I was hoping.  The food was alright, nothing I'd return for or try to emulate at home.  For instance, the hash browns were not as crisp as I like.  My favorite restaurants have me working to emulate the dishes at home.  The service was alright as well.  Overall, I prefer Watson's and other diners before this one.

Yet, I took many iPhone snapshots for keepsakes from the lukewarm experience and to show the interesting history they have pictured on the walls.  Unfortunately, you can't taste history.  History, in itself, has no nutritional value to a body.  Do you like your historical importance fried or baked?  With sugar flax meal? 

I didn't caption these pictures because I think they're all self-explanatory.

Blaze Pizza January 30, 2016

Half and Half: Red Vine (Left) and Veg Out (Right) with Arugula.

Blaze catches the eye with its fiery color scheme and name.  However, the crispy thin crust pizza wasn't my style.  Overall, the pizza was alright but nothing I would return for.  I make pizzas almost every week, which means I'm harder to please.  There are three pizza places now in the Orange Plaza: Zito's, The Pizza Press, and this one.  Zito's has the best family oriented, traditional New York style pizza.  Pizza Press is very similar to this place but I prefer it because of the printing press theme complete with old photographs and newsboy-style uniforms.  Blaze uniforms and decor are less intriguing.  Decor is half the reason to dine out, which was lacking.  All the fire on the outside is lost on the inside.  I also did not like the mix of edgy contemporary music playing in the background.

Nonetheless, this is a popular joint, I hope it continues for their sake.  I do like the idea of all the pizza places in our historic town center.  

View from Italian restaurant across the way.

View from Plaza center.