Monday 5/21
Cantina San Angel
We've eaten here for lunch before and enjoyed it, most recently in 2005. This time the food was still very good and the use of fresh ingredients obvious.
We got there somewhere around 11:15 and I was surprised how long the lines were at every window so early. This proved to be a problem because the people who work there don't seem to change their pace whether there is 1 person in line or 100.
DH and I both ordered the same thing, the combination platter. Our DD got the kids meal. Unlike other restaurants that participate in the
DDP they do not allow you to have a large drink - just one size. Also, they will not give you a dessert unless you ask for it. So if you want your churro, be sure to include it when you order.
The food was hot, filled with fresh vegetables and herbs, and was very good. I wasn't nuts about the 15 minutes it took for the food to be ready but the flavor was good and we all cleaned our plates.
I'd give this 3 stars our of 5 (it would be 4 if it wasn't for the slow service) and will plan on eating there again on future trips.
LeCellier
This was the most anticipated meal of the trip. Our ADR was for 6:50 which was fine because we were just thankful to get reservations.
We arrived early, 6:30, to check-in just in case we could get in a little early. After checking in with the very nice host staff we waited on a bench out front to be called. It was very quiet and we didn’t notice anyone else waiting during that time. We did see at least 4-5 different families walk up while we were waiting trying to get in to eat. All of them walked away mad and ranting that they had “been to every restaurant” and couldn’t eat anywhere. So take this advice, make your ADRs in advance.
After a short 10 minute wait we were called.
We were taken down into the restaurant and I was very pleased with the aesthetics. I’ve read so much about the tables being on top of each other and that it was too dark. I didn’t agree with this sentiment and was pleasantly surprised.
We were taken to the far right corner (from where the stairs to the dining room lead in) and were seated at a banquette. This was a perfect location for us because DD could sit on the bench with the wall on one side and me on the other. Short of screaming and throwing a tantrum there would be no chance of her disturbing other patrons.
Our server came and he was very, very nice. He did not treat us poorly because we were on the dining plan which was what I had heard from others. He thoroughly explained the menu, what the DDP included, gave recommendations, and then took our drink order.
DH ordered a beer and our server made a recommendation of a different beer that he thought would work better. At first DH wasn’t a nut about the beer but when the food came he said the food and the beer went along beautifully. I’ve never heard of a beer pairing but I guess that’s what he did.
When our server returned with our drinks he brought the famous breadsticks. DD and I loved the pretzel and DH liked the multi-grain. I really had to exercise some restraint here because I love bread and these were delicious.
As an appetizer I had the tomato stack, DD carrot/celery sticks, and DH the duck. Initially DH ordered the Caesar salad but our server talked him out of it saying he could get that anywhere. So with a little coaxing he went with the duck.
I thought the tomato stack was perfect. The tomatoes were fresh, yet firm. The dressing and cheese was in moderation so you could fully appreciate all the flavors working together. But most importantly, the portion size was good so I didn’t feel over-stuffed when my entrée came.
DH enjoyed the duck. He said it was tender and juicy but that he felt guilty for enjoying it so much since we enjoy watching the ducks that land in the pond behind our house. But this sentiment didn’t stop him from cleaning his plate.
DD ate 2 or 3 of the carrots/celery sticks that came in the GIGANTIC bowl they gave her. She was coloring and happy so we didn’t mind.
For entrees DH had the NY Strip, I had the BBQ fillet, and DD had the steak (which was $2.00 extra but we didn’t mind paying).
I thought the fillet was marvelous. It was cooked to perfection and fork tender. The sauce I thought was a nice compliment and didn't take away from the flavor of the meat. I was really pleased. DH said it was the best steak he’s ever had and this ended up being his favorite meal of the entire trip. DD ate about a 1/3 of her steak which is the hallmark of a good meal. We were all extremely pleased.
For dessert I had the Whiskey Cake, DH had the duos of sorbet, and DD had the make your own sundae. I thought the cake was fine but it definitely wasn’t up to the quality of the rest of the meal. But that didn’t stop DD and I from nearly polishing it off. DH thought the sorbet was great. DD created art from her sundae and then refused to eat it – thus explaining why she helped with the whiskey cake.
Overall the entire family gives LeCellier a 5 out of 5 rating. Even though this didn’t end up being my personal favorite meal of the week (it ran a close second to Coral Reef) this was the one meal where everyone had a stellar experience. I look forward to doing this on future trips.
Next up: Earl of Sandwich and Sci-fi
Awesome reviews! I am thinking I might change our Crystal Palace ADR from dinner to breakfast.
