Opinions on 231 Ellsworth

Ken W. wrote:
>
>The atmosphere is kinda stuffy for me, and we were stuck in the
>"undesirables" section, since neither of us were "dressed for success".
>First place south of San Francisco I'd found that actually acted snooty
>based on the clothing customers were wearing.  Not that I was in jeans and
>a t-shirt, I was wearing dockers and a button down shirt, just not a
>jacket and tie.  Well, actually, just the matre'd acted that way, the
>waiter, who was the one plugging for the tip, was quite friendly.  And, we
>enjoyed being snubbed, and played it up as well, so it was actually pretty
>fun.
>

Funny, we've been there a few times, never wore suits, and were treated just great.

>I hear the food is good, but not exceptional, especially for the price.
>
>But the dessert.  Well, it's some of the finest I've ever eaten in my life.
>

Yes, the food is to die for (whoops - that quote's already been used in this thread - sorry.)

> Thinking about trying 231 Ellsworth in San Mateo for a special dinner.
> Anyone have any experiences there?

I highly recommend it.  We ate there in May with two other couples. They offer a four-course fixed price menu for $30.  The a la carte menu is much more expensive, so we all ordered from the fixed price menu.  There were many attractive choices.

The food was excellent--good ingredients, well prepared, more than we could eat.  The service was excellent--attentive without being cloying.  For example, our water glasses were always filled before they were half empty.  We spent three or four hours for dinner and never felt that we were being pushed out.

Our dinner was for a special occasion, and 231 Ellsworth certainly helped us.  Have a wonderful time.