The Barrel Room - by Tracy

The good news or the bad news first?

Bad News: Service -- Considering that I was half an hour late due to a prior commitment, I didn't miss a thing. In fact, I was there about 5-10 minutes before the waitress came up to get our DRINK ORDERS!!! In all fairness, it was very busy; however, seemed to me like this was not uncommon; therefore, in my opinion could have been handled better. I caught on to the "How is everything?" and leaving before getting an answer myself which was bizarre. Maybe she was having a bad night. We tipped her generously in spite of our frustration, so hopefully that enhanced somebody else's service after we left.

Good News: Everything else! -- Now, in the past we have spread the word to avoid restaurants due to poor service -- one restaurant even successfully went out of business, no doubt due to their poor service-related business practices -- but I wouldn't say to avoid this one.

I had one of the white wine flights, which was yummy and plentiful! I had the caprese panini and fresh fruit. It was delicious and fresh, as Alicia mentioned. And dessert was delicious. I admit, I reluctantly shared it, but that's because I had been thinking about it all day long and was gorging myself. :\ Hot apple pie a la mode.....YUM!!

It is in a peculiar location, but doesn't seem to affect it's popularity at all.

Good times, as usual.

March 2008 - The Barrel Room

Last week, Janet picked The Barrel Room. Even though it's out in Rancho Bernardo, I'd totally go back. I was shocked to see how busy it was a for a Tuesday night. It was pretty small, but was really cute considering it's location (next to Big 5, down from Jack in the Box in a strip mall). It looked like a good mix of wine enthusiasts, local diners and post work/happy hour folks. Although wine is their thing, only Heidi and Tracy had any wine. The wine flights looked pretty healthy too and only $10ish for 3 samples. Not too shabby.

I enjoyed my french onion soup and panini with fries. Should've had the fresh fruit instead, because it actually looked fresh. It was pretty reasonably priced too. $9 for a sandwich and side. The built your own panini option looked interesting, but I'm too indecisive, so I went with the Spicy Chicken and some pesto, sun dried tomato and artichoke sandwich (or whatever it's called). I heard Janet say her chicken was a bit dry. Must. Resist. Joke. But I've had drier... *averting gaze*

A highlight was the fact that their coffee is brewed at the table using a french press. No weak coffee here. I didn't have any but the Steph, Heidi and Tracy seemed to enjoy it. The desserts looked good too. Shared at the table, an apple dumpling and a creme brulee cheesecake, which didn't last long.

I thought the service was lacking a little bit. Just seemed like they were too busy to be really that attentive. For example, our server asked, "how is everything?" and then walked away before getting an answer. I hate that. Why bother asking?! Kids these days...

*waving my cane* Get off my lawn! Turn down that damn rock n' roll!

Which reminds me, the Barrel Room was pretty loud. It was often hard to hear each other, but once the crowds died down, it was much better.

I'd definitely go back with a smaller group and have some wine appetizers or share an entree.

Thumbs up for me!

-Alicia

February 2008: Calypso

Last month we ventured to Calypso in Encinitas. It was okay if you like finding hair in your food and watching middle-aged drunk couples making out. The brie appetizer was tasty and the music was okay, but too loud for easy conversations. The brie was free with a coupon and Mara's dinner was free thanks to the hair she found in her last remaining ravioli.

The highlight of the night was checking out Heidi's swanky crib.

-Steph