El Centro

OVERALL: 2 Stars

We were looking forward to this place so much, and we were sorely disappointed. The site advertised a buffet of delicious, well spiced mexican food, which clearly was not even close. 

Food Quality: 2 Stars -- It was tasty, when it finally showed up. Matt asked for enchiladas in his first order, and finally got them 45 minutes later. The chicken soft tacos were a little bland, as well as the potatoes and eggs tasted like they were just tossed with mayonnaise. The chorizo and egg was yummy. The best thing on the table was the guac, salsa and chips. Hell i could have made that at home.

Mimosa/Champagne Quality: 3 Stars -- For beverages poured from a pitcher, they were mixed proportionately. I tried a few of the 'aqua fresca cocktails'. I think they were made by the bartender in training. Way too much liquor, i couldn't finish it. Its sunday for crying out loud, not friday night at 11pm.

Service Quality/Refill time: 1 stars -- The waitresses were prompt at pouring drinks, i'll give them that. The kitchen screwed them out of a decent tip though. We could order 6 dishes at a time for the entire table (and they were SMALL plates). On average 70% of our orders came back. Its not like they showed up with the wrong plates, they just never showed up at ALL. After 1 or 2 reminders to the waitstaff, we would finally get some food. This pattern was great for our portion control, since we got full way before we could eat too much food. 

Atmosphere: 2 stars -- Looked very much like the inside of Ben's Next Door actually. Dark wood, dimly lit rooms with tall cafe tables, selective appearing loft with more tables. Decor was minimalist and indistinctly modern without much style or thought. Could be any bar from ultra rave to chic foodie.

Vinoteca Bar and Bistro

OVERALL: 3 Stars

Girls day! despite the pouring rain, me and to other smokin' hot chicks decided to brave the weather and try this intriguing corner bistro. It was charming and did not fail to please.

Food Quality: 5 Stars -- Perfect portions, and delicious flavors with just enough kick. the pork sanwhich is to die for. I think the menu could use a little sprucing though; the place has a few obvious favorites and the rest sort of fade to the background. Eggs benedict was perfectly prepared. We did not try the french toast, but again, the presentation was beautiful on the next table over... 

Mimosa/Champagne Quality: 3 Stars -- A little too much OJ and not enough of the good stuff. No exotic options. We did splurge for the pitcher of bellini ($18) which gave us four generous glasses. Delicious, but why did I have to pay extra for it?

Service Quality/Refill time: 3 stars -- Bless these young college girls! Soaking wet and still working for a living. Where are the burly bus boys to help them move umbrellas around and bring out food? They did their darndest to keep our glasses full and our seats dry.

Atmosphere: 2 stars -- Ehh... if you are going to have an out front patio, the tables need to all have covers that fit and work reliably. The waitstaff struggled with broken umbrellas made for square tables to put them on rectangular tables that were soaking already. Prepare a little better or don't open your front patio in the rain!