Q: positive

A: Had the foie gras duo, roasted beets and mushroom farro sides. We also got the Sunset menu: wagyu beef ravioli, lobster pot pie, and candy bar dessert. Foie gras is my absolute favorite, as always. The textures and flavors of this particular dish were so satisfying and comforting. As far as the lobster pot pie goes...True, cooking the lobster in a pot for 18-20 minutes may make it slightly rubbery, but lobster has that texture far more than any other crustacean anyway...the flavors are amazing. Definitely a heavy dish, which is why I shared my husband's and I just ordered a couple sides (which were great). You're going to spend a lot of money there anyway...so the additional charge for the lobster pot pie was well worth it. Cocktails are wonderful. Superb food, service (LOVED our waiter), and ambiance.

Q: negative

A: A friend of my husband's took us here and I didn't want to seem rude at the time so I ate my food, but I will never go to this place of my own free will again. This place is so gross. The first plate I grabbed had a live bug on it. I don't eat sushi so I couldn't say if it was good or not, but it looked awful. I really enjoy teriyaki but the beef was cooked in mushrooms, so that was out. I tried to get some fried rice, but again it was swimming in mushrooms. I have never seen fried rice with shrooms it it, who does that? Potstickers and ice cream may be the only safe bets in this place, if you can disregard the bugs.

Q: positive

A: I'm liking this place right now. Been there about 3 times in the last month. It's much busier when football is on as Old Town is starving for more places to watch the games. They have a bloody mary special on Saturdays (maybe Sundays too?) that has a mini grilled cheese on top...seriously....grilled cheese..that's amazing. The melts are good, the variety and changing beers on top make it fun and interesting each time you come in. Servers are non memorable so far, but the greeter is super friendly and makes you feel welcome. They need to add more appetizer options to the menu. When groups are drinking and snacking, they would sell more apps with more options.

Q: positive

A:
Chipotle is the best business model of the 21st Century, and this location wholly embodies the Chipotle perfection. Chipotle uses naturally raised meats, hormone free dairy, no eggs or nuts, organic beans, seasonal produce, and promote recycling within the restaurants. This means that they care what you are putting into your body and what it is doing to the environment!! (score!) Their simple menu makes ordering easy, but still allows you variety (Burrito, Salad, Tacos, Bowls) and caters to a carnivore, vegetarian, or vegan. In fact, they are pretty "food-allergy" safe in general. (Believe me, I have experience) As if the food wasn't enough, they have two amazing ordering systems: Iphone App and Online Ordering. Let's talk about this online ordering system here for a minute, because it is what I think really sets the bar high for their competitors and other restaurants in general: I run a medium sized business and when lunch comes around, my Operations staff of ten has the WORST time executing something as simple as a lunch order. I know this sounds ridiculous, but believe me, it is as true as the day is long. This all changed when I discovered Chipotle Online Ordering. Anyway, I go online, login, and tell the system I want a group order. It then emails each of my employees giving them a link to order or a link to decline. If they choose to order, the link takes them right to an online order page with pictures, places for memos, etc. They select exactly what they want and it gets added to our group order. Once everyone has ordered, I hit submit, pay by credit card, and fifteen minutes later you arrive at Chipotle, give them a jingle, and they will actually bring the food right out to your car for you. They call this the "valet" service. Perfect if you can't find a spot or it is raining out!! Chipotle Executives must have sat down and thought of every pain a company could have in ordering lunch because I honestly cannot think of one thing that would improve this process. (Well, delivery would be nice... but that is what I have a receptionist for) I want to take a second to recognize this particular location, on 54th Street. Let me start by saying, I believe that you can taste the love in food... as in, if someone is cranky as shit, making your food, it is not as good as if they are smiling, enjoying their lives. I know this probably sounds crazy, but I swear on my right hand it is true. EVERY time I have ever eaten here (we are talking dozens of times) my food has been fabulous! I can taste the LOVE! Oh, and about two hours after pickup, someone calls to ask how everything was and to let you know that they took special care to pack it up and make sure everything was right. If there is a Best Chipotle award, this location deserves it! My final note: I get the salad with black beans, rice, tomato salsa, green tomatillo salsa, and guacamole. 100% vegan, 100% delicious. Under 500 calories, 17g of fat, and 14g of protein. And I am full. REAL full. Since I have started eating Chipotle 3-4 times a week, I have actually started losing weight. Perhaps I will be the next Jared!