January 25, 2003

Manzana

Ignore the snobs who automatically think chain = bad. I recommend first hand experience before passing judgement on the remarkable Manzana Rotisserie Grill.

The atmosphere is calm and rich, with a beautifully designed interior. Everything works together so well you need an eye for it to even notice.

Service was excellent, perhaps with one more visit to the table than I might have liked. The waitstaff were relaxed and seemed happy to be there--but not artificially perky.

And then: foooood. Wow. I have a burger once every few years, and decided to try one here. A light barbecue flavor enhanced the perfectly prepared burger, which was accompanied by yummie matchstick fries. My husband had the fish tacos, and his only complaint was that it was impossible to eat them and retain any scrap of dignity.

For dessert, I had an apple crisp, served in a thick-glassed dessert goblet, with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce melting over the top. It was eye-rollingly good. Bill was outdone by his chocolate-banana cream pie. The desserts were so good that when offered, we both refused bites of the other's dish. Next time, we'll just order the opposite.

And there will be a next time. I want to try a steak.