TravelinMike "Prolific Budget Traveler who never skimps on the FOOD Budget"

If is sounds too good to be true, on the rare ocassion it can be both too good and true! That’s what I thought when I got an offer through JustMyTicket.com for 2 Free dinners with the purchase of a bottle of wine. Since I was journeying downtown with House of Blues show tix that night anyway, I decided to tempt fate.

We arrived at the unique and elegant dining room at the Royal India and were warmly greeted and seated. We were swarmed by the friendly, attentive wait staff throughout the dining experience and never saw a water or wine glass reach half empty. The fixed menu for this special included hot, fresh, hearty Somosa starter, two crocks of curry served family style over a moist, delicate rice and the traditional flat bread. Too often with my past experiences with Indian food, it seemd the goal was to overwhelm the food with overpowering spices. The Royal India curry sauce on the chicken dish and especially the vegetable dish were rich and abundant with flavor but complimented, rather than overpowered the main course. All said, it was a completely satisfying dining experience with more than enough food to fill the hungriest of couples. And by the way, The Coppolla Merlot 2006 was an extraordinary wine choice. I will certainly return to try some of the other menu item, lamb being one of my favorites and offered in many styles and variations.

The restaurent also has a spacious outdoor dining patio right on Market Street for great people watching.

From my previous reviews, it is no secret that i am a fan of this establishment. That is what prompted me to be first in line to experience Lunch at Tango. For the moment, lunch is available on Wednesdays through Friday, but I hope this is an experiment that lasts. There is no sacrifce in the quality or the inventiveness of these lunchtime offerrings. The portion size of the entrees are totally adequate to satisfy your hunger as a stand alone meal. But should you decide to add a starter or a dessert, you are certain to leave with that same stuffed feeling that has made those 3 course dinners famous. The service was excellent and we were served and managed to finish our meal in less than an hour. With most entrees priced between $10 and $15 it is not an extravagant price for an extravagant dining experience.

Based on my original review of Tango in February, shortly after its grand opening, it should be clear to all readers that the dining experience left me with a luscious and lasting first impression! Since my initial visit I have made myself witness to many more of these stunning first impressions by inviting a distinguished list of first timers to share the unique experience of Tango’s edible delights. My most recent inductees were literally left speechless on a recent evening, marveling at the wide variety of hand picked ingredients, oozing with organic freshness and flavor. They were mystified by the bold concoctions of seemingly mismatched food groups, flavors and textures and how the Chef masterfully and artistically bonded them into coherent blends that did a seductive and evocative dance on their curious, excited pallets. It was not until the following day that the 3 new fans of Tango could finally find the words to adequately express their enthusiastic support for the Tango brand, and it’s emphatic triumph in exceeding all of the expectations one hopes for in a gourmet dining experience.

The inventive Chef Russell has boldly mated unusual and unfamiliar food combinations and triumphantly created a dining experience that has all of the Dynamism, Passion and Grace of those evocative Tango dancers that color the promenades and public squares of Buenos Aires. The wide array of flavors ranging from subtle to intense do their splendid, dramatic dance on the pallet. The fine Wine and unique Beer selections are second to none. The cozy, relaxed atmosphere and quality service are the perfect compliment to the fine fare.

My personal favorites are the Goat Cheese Soufle w/ Organic Baby Beets (Appetizer) and the Lamb Entre, but during my two visits I have stolen a taste many of the other options and I get the sense that they are all winning combinations

I have been salivating over the thought of a Brewery just a short walk from my Oceanside Pier Condo ever since the Notice of Intent was posted in the window of the Coast Highway establishment. It has been a long wait, but after much massaging of the City’s bureaucratic red tape, Breakwater has finally concocted its first batches of brew. The first pour just happened for me this weekend.

They have started on the lighter side and made a wonderful IPA and Hef and a most unusal Hybiscus blend that I have tabbed their “Breakfast beer” because of the refreshing, grapefruity taste. I am looking forward to the heavier end of the beer specrtrum, like the Porter, that are currently in the cooling stages

But the real surprise came when we ordered off the bar menu. From the modest prices ($7 -$10) my expectations were not exceptionally high. But the small pizza my friend ordered was thick with flavorful toppings. The Chicken Panini that I chose was scrumptious. The ample chicken breasts were cooked to tender, juicy perfection. Garnished by sweet red onion, a hint of basil and a tangy Chipotle mayo it was then smothered in mozzarella and pressed between generous slices of crisp toasted, tasty bread. The portions were huge and ½ of the Panini would have been plenty to satisfy most appetites…but the beautiful blend of flavors kept me poised for the next bite…and then the next, until the entire Panini was devoured.

If the Breakwater brewers continue to mate quality, affordable food with their brilliant Beer recipes I suspect you will find me there bellied up to the bar on a regular basis!