COCKTAILING: Lounge on 20

Lounge on 20's Web site

Until today I usually had great things to say about this place. It has a modern, open warehouse turned swanky lounge feel. The decor is nice and the red lights, candles, white curtains, white leather chairs and ottomans contrasted with the dark furniture and accents makes for a great cocktail atmosphere. The small plates are good and the service is usually good too. The last time I went on a Saturday night they even had a DJ spinning decent music. They have a patio which considering the prime location makes for great people watching. It is a fine way to see and be seen. Having said that, I am so disappointed with the ownership/management. They do a great job with the place but fail miserably in customer relations. I had an out of town guest and took her to Lounge on 20 last week. We paid for our 2 drinks and left. Half a block away we were literally chased down by the hostess who asked if we paid for our drinks. I was flabbergasted and embarrassed. I called to complain to the owner who said he would get to the bottom of it and call me in 2 days. After almost 4 days went by with no response I went to see him in person. He offered an explanation about what happened and half heartedly apologized for not getting back to me sooner but said he was busy. What anybody with a good sense of business would have done is given a huge apology, let the customer know what was done about the situation and what they are doing to make sure it never happens again. A really good business person would go out of their way to tell me what they are going to do to make things right with me, a loyal PAYING customer. Lounge on 20 is a fine place to go but if they do something to screw up your experience they are not going to worry about you too much.

LUNCH: Phil's Fish Market: Moss Landing, CA

I know we don't blog about out of town places, normally, but Phil's Fish Market is easily one of the best fish markets around and easily accessible on vacations, such as to Monterey or Carmel. Phil took on Bobby Flay of the Food Network channel and won for the Cioppino cookoff. We highly recommend ordering one bowl of cioppino for two people.... It is enough for two. The east coast oysters on the half shell are another great option for appetizers. Don't sit in the "dining" area if possible; it reminds us of picnic benches in grade school. The bar is the best spot, and you sit next to the fish market and those lovely big chunks of tuna. Also, you can order Phil's online and have it shipped! Check it out!

DINNER: Ella Dining Room and Bar

Ella Dining Room and Bar's Web site

Recently, a prix fixe menu for Ella for April was emailed to us, so we thought we'd try it out. $25 Lunch and $35 dinner. Great prices, although the entrees are entrees from the lunch menu, which is ok, though, because if you break it down, you are definitely getting your moneys worth. As usual, the service and decor were excellent. The only downer- when we were seated no prix fixe menu was provided; we had to ask for it, which immediately had our waiter rushing us to pick our entrees and our wines ($20 wine pairings with each dish). He warmed up to us later, but still.... Don't advertise a prix fixe menu if you aren't going to be happy about honoring it! Not sure if they will have one next month, so go soon for the April menu (note- no substitutes and the small plate is their meatball plate (for you vegans)).

Dinner: Fat's Asian Bistro & Dim Sum Bar in Folsom

Fat's Bistro Web site

The hubby and I had a rare date night without our little one and after running a few errands, somehow stumbled upon eating at Fat's Asia Bistro & Dim Sum Bar in Folsom on Thursday night. Not surprisingly, it was packed. Overall, the service was pretty quick considering there were still people waiting to be seated when we left at the ripe hour of 8:00 pm. The decor is stunning, with its high ceilings and lush plants, but if I didn't have the menu in front of me stating the name of the place, I could have easily been sitting at P.F. Changs. We were starving so we decided to start with an appetizer sampler with calamari, veggie egg rolls, edemame and coconut shrimp skewers. I know! That really was a meal in itself! Everything was yummy, including the two dipping sauces. We didn't get very creative with our entrees, picking the standard sweet glazed prawns with walnuts and an asparagus and shrimp tempura dish. The husband and I both agreed that we liked the prawns, but they were very sweet and filling which over powered the rest of the meal. After just a few bites we had to call it quits! The shrimp tempura dish was good - a simple batter with sea salt and pepper that gave it some uniqueness. We also had a side of the veggie rice which was nice because it wasn't very oily and the veggies still had a crunch to them. Looking back, we should have switched out one of the heavier dishes with the ahi tuna and mango salad that I was eyeing. Next time I'm going with my gut! It would have brought some lightness to the meal. But, on the upside, we have some very yummy left-overs waiting for us at home. It's always better the second day, right?