Sentiment analysis: It's a fun place if you're looking to put together a pricey little care-package. Lots of cool high-quality gift-ty things for the hard to shop for kid or adult. I usually stop in for their supreme collection of chocolates, local (ahem, Gail Ambrosius) and international. The chocolate and candy selection seems to be constantly changing, so I am constantly sampling. Most recently I tried their new singly-wrapped spicy 50 cent carmels. oh la la. as sexy and spicy as they are sticky and sweet.
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positive

Sentiment analysis: I'm always willing to check out an Aaron May concept. I loved Sol y Sombra up in DC Ranch, even though it was isolated in its island-like existence way up there. The food and atmosphere was primo, so when I heard he was opening up another tapas restaurant, I never had my doubts. Some holdovers from Sol y remain -- the patatas bravas, the pil pil, the sol y sombra -- but by and large, the variety on the menu (which isn't overwhelming by any means) is fantastic. Of the five plates I had, I sampled surf, turf, veggies, chutney and grilled bread. The trout, a nice-sized fillet for just $8, sits on a bed of chilled veggies in a summery vinaigrette, and is the best value on the menu. The filet mignon, a perfect medium rare spiral cut, also was a good value at $13 considering the plate size. I wish the cocktail menu offered more tequila-based drinks -- it's mostly rum -- but the Aqwa was something special (albeit bizarre): cacao and cane infused liqueur, caffeine, ginseng, guarana and lots and lots of juicy lime. The bartender told me most people have been afraid to order it, but I didn't hesitate. This kind of cocktail mastery belongs at May's other Old Town concept, Mabel's on Main. The atmosphere is decidedly Spanish -- high-energy Salsa music, tiled floors, vaulted ceilings and a cramped but effective bar area. The semi-outdoor patio looked interesting at a glance, and will be a hit on warm nights. I'm glad they left an understated remnant of the old Pitschke's that used to occupy the space -- a tiled accent beam that supports the roof. It adds some color, yes, but the ode to the space's history is a respectful touch.
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positive

Sentiment analysis: Well boo. This place has regressed. Majorly. First clue, we were 1 of 2 tables in a restaurant that seats 250. We dined for lunch. Service was nice. A bit overzealous for lunch. But friendly and helpful. The decor remains lovely and upscale and the patio is tremendous. The food - meh. We shared a salad that promised to be a party in your mouth with the wide array of tasty ingredients; alas, it was fairly boring. A good price and size though. $13 and it easily fed three of us as a starter.. Hubby was totally disappointed with his dry dry dry hamburger. Gal pal was equally complacent with her caprese panini. I ventured out of the box, disregarding the warnings of my fellow diners, and ordered the monte cristo. It was described a sandwich with ham and turkey, cheese fondue and berry compote. Sounds delicious! Um, not delicious. First, it was cold in the middle. I had envisioned the berry compote to be inside the sandwich...not the case. The whole sandwich was doused in a slimy strawberry syrup with mushy strawberry halves and whole blueberries. Who tops a sandwich with strawberry syrup and strawberries halves?? It could have been a win if the sandwich was ooey gooey, hot and melty and was complemented with a berry compote inside in a thin layer. We probably won't return to eat anytime soon. Definitely still a pretty locale for a drink!
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negative