Sentiment analysis: I was treated to a birthday dinner at Spoon recently by my doting husband, and I think I've found what is the best restaurant in Pittsburgh. Halfway through dinner I wondered aloud whether we had been magically transported to New York or Chicago. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me start at the beginning. We had made a reservation, but, it being a Tuesday night, we could have walked in off the street, it was that quiet. We had our choice of tables, and chose one in the back, which gave us both a nice spot by the window and comfy banquet seating. We both opted for the tasting menu, which is half size portions of items from the regular menu, and offered many of the things we were interested in trying. The amuse bouche was a spring pea soup that I had wanted to try from the menu, and it was delicious; a thick puree of fresh tasting peas garnished with pickled red onion, Surryano ham (the American version of Spain's Serrano ham), a puree of spicy carrot and tarragon creme fraiche. An excellent soup which had me wanting more. The first course was Korean roasted pork with crispy fried oysters, homemade kimchi and a spicy aioli, served with lettuce for wrapping. Again, I could have just kept eating. The flavors were strong and rich, and each component both stood on its own and blended deliciously with the whole. Great cooking. The next course was the gorgonzola bleu cheese souffle with braised artichokes, roasted red pepper, asparagus, frisee, arugula, with a honey and white balsamic vinaigrette. They sliced this in half for the tasting. It was an exceptionally good souffle, though they might have streamlined the garnishes. My only complaint is that sometimes the chef went a little overboard with items on the plate. The cooking was well executed, but sometimes simpler is better. Anyway, on to the halibut, which also did not disappoint. Pan seared and served with a seafood sausage (delicious), asparagus, poached oysters (perfection) and buerre blanc. The highlight of the evening. The duo of veal...loin and sweetbreads with a potato and cauliflower gratin, was the only dish that fell a little flat. The veal itself had very little flavor, but the gratin was very good. And then I got my chocolate cake for dessert, which is always what I want on my birthday! Service was attentive, friendly and polished, and she recommended a wine that was so good I wrote the name down before leaving. This is the best food I've had yet in the 'Burgh, and I'll be back.
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positive

Sentiment analysis: Not great service, not great rooms. Crowded, loud...wouldn't recommend.
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negative

Sentiment analysis: I really wasn't planning on coming back to Bacchanal Buffet for my recent trip to Vegas. It was all situational because I literally spent a good 30 mins walking back and forth across the middle of The Strip trying to decide where to eat breakfast. That when I just said the hell with it and go to Bacchanal! It's been literally a year since the last time I've been to Bacchanal Buffet and at that time they had just opened. The food has actually gotten better but the price has gone up. Here now are all the plates I had from this visit: First plate went with comfort foods. Fried Chicken & Waffle, Mini Chicago Dog, Huevo Ranchero -- http://bit.ly/IIdyfe All good stuff. The Mini Chicago Dog was the best part! Second plate went for all seafood. Mussels Meuniere, Shrimp & Grits, Pan Roasted Salmon, Seafood Paella -- http://bit.ly/1h4c5vx This was probably my favorite plate I put together. The mussels were really good with nice garlicky taste, the salmon was cooked nicely, and the Paella and Shrimp Grits provided good filler. Third plate covered the meat station. Truffle Polenta, Roasted Prime Rib, Roasted Mushrooms, Kielbasa, and Shrimp Cocktail -- http://bit.ly/1fanybJ I was starting to get full at this point but once again, no complaints with this plate. Then I noticed they actually had a ramen station so I went ahead and tried it. Ramen with bamboo shoots and chasiu pork -- http://bit.ly/IIe2SF It was meh. LOL Broth wasn't too bad though Finally, desserts. Strawberry Peppermint Creme Puff -- http://bit.ly/IIefFw Key Lime Tart -- http://bit.ly/1h4cmyF Mango Tart -- http://bit.ly/IIedgC Their desserts are very comparable to Wicked Spoon and Wynn. So no matter what you pick up, you'll be in for a pretty and decadent treat. Overall, I was pretty satisfied with my return visit to Bacchanal. I'm a little on the fence with the $27 price tag for lunch (I meant to come for breakfast, but just missed the deadline and ended up paying a little more for lunch price), but for what I picked up, it paid itself off. It's still one of the best buffets on the strip!
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positive