NNTP-Posting-Date: Sun, 13 May 2001 23:38:31 EDT Organization: Road Runner - NC Xref: usenet.INS.cwru.edu triangle.dining:10765 We tried Elaine's today for Mother's Day Brunch. Really a lunch or dinner menu. Entrees were about 17.50-19.50. We had two appetizers-- their caesar salad which had a very anemic dressing and really was not special, and a shrimp ravioli which was much better. The three main courses we had were much better...rare tuna over a creamed corn base and arugula, pork loin (far too rare--was too chewy) and shrimp (three shrimpy shrimp) and carmelized onions over very smooth grits (Crooks is MUCH better and doesnt bother with the pork) and a great grouper over scallops and saffron risotto. the last of the three was the best. truly excellent. Two problems with Elaine's-- One, it is VERY noisy. Pretty crummy looking decor with not much to deaden sound. The secont problem is even more problematic. they had nothing for kids on the menu...not the half portions half price some other fine dining establishments have or more kid directed things. Now, before the miscreants on this NG get on their high horse about some restaurants not having kids...this was Mothers Day...quite a few kids in attendance. and they did advertise widely their Mothers Day brunch. Not only would I stake my 11 year old who has dined throughout the US and Italy against any 'mature adult' in palate and table manners, but heck, kids just don't eat the portions adults do. Very short sighted on the part of the owners. Bottom line, pretty good place, but if i wanted a top meal with $20 entrees, I would go to Nana's, Washington Duke, Magnolia, and even Parizade over Elaine's. bon apetit mark
Raleigh-Durham, NC