As I mentioned in my previous post, we went to see a dear friend the other day. There was a restaurant I had learned about a year previously. If it were closer we would have visited ages ago and probably more often, but as our friend lives in the same area, I suggested we all have lunch. It was lovely and sometimes you can have a mediocre meal but the people you are with always make up for it. Here, however, we not only had great company but also a great meal.
To give you a little background, about a year ago I was looking for identification on wildflowers, and up pops this blog. It was very well written and the photos were fun to look at. I was able to ID several wildflowers in my own photos, and as I found that the blog owner and his wife went on several hikes, taking photos along the way, I found it all very interesting and informative.
As time went on I began to explore his blog and found not only that they enjoyed being out in nature, but he added meals, and also he was very knowledgeable about wines and beers. I am always looking for something new and this blog fit the bill.
Popping in every now and again, I read his biography - yes I was a bit slow on that - and learned that he was the chef/owner of a restaurant in the same town my friend lived in. In fact, when I mentioned it to her, she said she had been there a few years previously. I asked her if she would be interested in going again the next time we got together, and so last week we found ourselves heading to One Block West.
Wonderful restaurant with friendly service. At some restaurants you get the feeling that you are being rushed through your meal, followed by negative vibes from the staff who hover until you feel it's definitely time to go. Here we had none of that and were able to enjoy a leisurely meal, which was not only delicious but very attractively presented.
And we were able to talk with our chef. I told him I felt like I knew him as I had read his blog. We also said how much we had enjoyed our meal, and were able to chat for a little while.
Here are a few photos of each dish, each absolutely delicious.
Shortly after being seated we were given a basket of bread, which was very yummy, and a small container of olive oil for dipping. Loved the little pot the oil was served in. Our soup of the day was Beef and Barley which came with crispy breadsticks. I was chilled from the cold weather, and found the soup very comforting. We all ordered Beef and Barley.
My friend and I ordered the Carmelized Sea Scallops with Parsnip Puree and Arugula.
Gregg ordered Ed's Pasta. You could add chicken, shrimp or scallops and Gregg chose shrimp.
By this time we had all had more than enough to eat, but my friend and I ended up sharing the Creme Brulee of the Day. This day it was apricot. There were other delicious dessert items on the menu, which you can look at here. All excellent choices and we are just going to have to go back to try them one of these days.
No I didn't get any freebies for writing about this restaurant. When I go anywhere, have a good time and have a great meal, I like to give credit where credit is due. My photos do not always give justice to the meal shown, but everything tasted wonderful. If you are in the area I can highly recommend One Block West.
Denise, I cannot stand restaurants that make you feel unwelcome and rushed. It sounds like you had a wonderful visit and meal here, and your photos are making me hungry. Fortunately I will be having supper in a couple of hours, I am using my crock pot today and making some chicken and potatoes. It smells amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteNow that sounds good Linda. I love using my crock pot.
DeleteLooks wonderful! Glad you had a pleasant visit AND a good meal. Also nice there was no hovering to hurry you. A friend and I experienced that recently. Only three tables had people finishing lunch, but the busser stood at the doorway with arms crossed staring at everyone. Maybe his shift was about over and he wanted to leave, but they are open until 10 p.m., so I didn't see why we couldn't sit and chat. I don't have much interest in returning.
ReplyDeleteHi Patti, I tend not to go back to those hurry you out the door kind of restaurants.
DeleteIt's lovely to talk about any great experience, we have had.
ReplyDeleteAnd added to all this, was being able to talk to the chef, and tell him you read his blog!
Oh my yes, every thing looks delicious.
And it's also wonderful, to tell a restaurant, right there, that you appreciated everything. "Strokes," for doing a great job!
Everyone loves "Strokes"!!!! :-)
Including bloggers, who work on their blog entries, and love the "Strokes" of Comments!!!!! :-)
Hi LC, I like to pass on any good things that happen. Whenever possible I like to let restaurants know how much we have enjoyed ourselves. Those positive strokes are important and yes, in blogs too.
DeleteGood on you! Glad you and Greg enjoyed it
ReplyDeleteThank you Cloudia :-)
DeleteSO special! Getting to meet a fellow blogger, and eat at his restaurant. The food all looks both delicious and fancy. He must be an awesome chef!
ReplyDeleteIt was special in so many ways. And he was a fabulous chef. That parsnip purée was sublime.
DeleteHello Denise, yes, it's always a good feeling to pass on nice (or yummy) experiences - good for you. The food looks really delicious and I like the sound of the Brulee at the end. Cheers :D)
ReplyDeleteHello Sue, glad you enjoyed my post. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteSo glad you all enjoyed your emal and it was wonderful that you met the chep/blogger
ReplyDeleteThank you Maragret.
DeleteMy mouth is watering, ooooh how I would like to taste some of that food.
ReplyDeleteMe too Valerie, me too. Long time til breakfast here :)
DeleteHummm coisas deliciosas.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e boa semana.
Andarilhar || Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa || Livros-Autografados
Thank you Francisco :)
Deletenot only does it sound delish it looks fantastic. great photos of beautiful dishes. they are like art the way they serve them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra :)
DeleteThis was fun! Since my son-in-law is a chef and my daughter a pastry chef, I loved seeing the photos of the food and hearing about the dishes. Glad your experience was a great one. How delightful to meet with your friend and be able to meet that chef/blogger you had been in touch with! A double treat! A triple one with the good food.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have two chefs in the family. How lovely it would be to go to their restaurant.
DeleteIt's a small world. Everything sounds and looks so tasty. I love beef and barley and shrimp is always a favorite of mine. I'm so glad you had such a lovely experience! Now I'm hungry. haha
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fun week!
hugs,
Marie
Thank you Marie and I hope your week is proving to be a fun one too.
DeleteThat brulee look delicious!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was, one of my favorite desserts :)
DeleteThe meal looks so delicious and I'm glad you thoroughly enjoyed your time! I hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThank you and I hope you have a wonderful week too :)
Delete'great company but also a great meal' ... you can't beat it.
ReplyDeleteLovely post
All the best Jan
Very true Jan, best Denise
DeleteHi Denise. I came by to say thank you for your kind words about my tooth extraction on pal John's blog. Sadly the socket is still uncomfortable two weeks after the extraction, but I'm getting there!
ReplyDeleteNow I've had a look at this delightful post of yours and, although I've just finished my evening meal, you're making me feel hungry!
Take good care, and thanks again - - - Richard
You are most welcome Richard. Recovering from those awful extractions is an uncomfortable journey and I do hope you feel much better very soon. Thanks for visiting:) Denise
DeleteHi Denise and thanks for a delicious post, it all looks and from reading a most enjoyable meal, just a little far for me to call in even though it sounds such a welcoming restaurant. All the best. John
ReplyDeleteHappy you enjoyed it John. All the best to you too :)
DeleteIt's nice to dine in the wonderful company. Regards.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is Giga, thank you for stopping by.
DeleteSounds like our kind of place -- good food and great service and I absolutely hate being rushed. Your pictures are great -- I'd want to try this restaurant based on them alone! And isn't blogging wonderful -- what fun to meet the chef and feel like you already know him!
ReplyDeleteI agree Sallie, blogging is wonderful. Brings the world a little closer together.
DeleteDefinitely a fog horn at sea!! Perhaps even more so.
ReplyDeleteI knew you and I thought alike Ginny :)
DeleteThat dessert looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteHi William, it certainly was.
Deletewow, this all looks and sounds wonderfully delicious!
ReplyDeleteI was taking notes Rose :)
DeleteEnjoyed reading this post the food looks and sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :-)
DeleteThe food looks amazing and how neat that you "knew" the chef through his blog.
ReplyDeleteAlways fun to meet a blogging friend Mildred :)
DeleteYUMMM. I ordered shrimp recently and they brought sea scallops and shrimp as a combo instead. I found I really liked the sea scallops. A happy accident! But dining is just as much the experience as the food, and it sounds like you had both!
ReplyDeleteI agree about the experience and we certainly did. Glad you liked your scallops. I discovered how much I liked them a few years back and I seem to remember that was by accident.
Delete