On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the sushi bar at Formosa is transformed. As the raw fish and the fresh vegetables are cleared from underneath the glass windows, crowds of people begin to gather around the bar. Across the restaurant at the main bar, the bartender fills pitchers with Kirin beer. The bottles of sake have already been prepared. The anticipation is mounting. When the sushi chefs have cleared all the fresh fish from the bar and cleaned the now barren countertops, the bartenders bring the pitchers of beer and the warm sake to the sake bar. The crowd of people cheers. It's 10:30 p.m. $2 sake bombs.
The first rounds go slowly. The bartender fills the small glasses with beer and pours out each shot of sake separately, placing the shots on the rims of each of the glasses which are lined up on the bar. The bartender instructs the anxious drinkers, "1, 2, 3, ichi, ni san." The crowd of sake bomb enthusiasts screams "ichi, ni, san" and the bartender knocks each shot into the small glasses of beer. Each drinker grabs his or her respective glass and slams the drink to their mouth, chugging the liquid down as quick as he or she can. High-fives are exchanged between the men and women, and the bartender moves on to the next group of eager drinkers.
After the first rounds are consumed, the crowd grows ever drunk, with a combination of enthusiasm and alcohol. The bartender becomes less about the show and more about the sake. The shot glasses are thrown aside and the sake is shot directly into the small glasses of beer. "Ichi, ni, san." Another group of sake bombs is downed. 10, 15, 20 sake bombs at a time. The crowd grows larger and the bartender is filling glass after glass with beer, than sake, beer, than sake. The young men and women are now drunk and another night in Iowa City flows on.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Atmosphere of Los Portales is Alive!
There are many Mexican restaurants in Iowa City, like Diamond Dave's, El Ranchero, Panchero's, or Taco Bell. But many of those don't have quite the atmosphere as does Los Portales.
Between the familiar faces or the lively crowd, going to Los Portales is always an enjoyable experience. Last Thursday I made it out to Los Portales with a friend and was expecting to have my usual, the best item on the menu (in my opinion), the "quesadilla special." This plate of goodness comes with two buttered and fried tortillas, encasing savory steak, with other ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. I also knew that I was going to see some of the same waiters who are always smiling and having a good time. The hostess is also very pleasant to speak with, she's upbeat, which is exactly what Los Portales is like.
After getting to our seats, I realized that there was quite the party going on. Karaoke was in play and a big group of people were running to the microphone and back to their seats every other song. I knew that I wasn't going to need a menu, but I didn't realize that lime margaritas were on sale for $2.50. (Now this is a deal, considering that they are very generous about keeping the drinks worth your money, even if they are $6) Note: Try getting a splash of grenadine in your lime margarita, my friend introduced me to the combination, and I believe that the waiters might now be used to the addition.
Throughout our meal the karaoke kept up. The music was lively and our waiters even braved the microphone and entertained the crowd. We were told that karaoke is at Los Portales every Thursday and Friday, with the possibility of Saturday in the future. The deals are also plentiful. The $2.50 lime margaritas aren't always the case, one waiter said. But they try to have a special very often, it just depends on what their customers are asking for the most in a given evening.
*Also, if you ever happen to know that someone's birthday is coming up, Los Portales is the place to take them. Bringing the birthday girl/boy to Los Portales should guarantee them fried ice cream, possibly in their face. Though this ritual may be a thing for "regulars," I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem to request the embarrassment, since it has been done before (twice to my observations). Either way, they will get serenaded while wearing a giant sombrero.
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Between the familiar faces or the lively crowd, going to Los Portales is always an enjoyable experience. Last Thursday I made it out to Los Portales with a friend and was expecting to have my usual, the best item on the menu (in my opinion), the "quesadilla special." This plate of goodness comes with two buttered and fried tortillas, encasing savory steak, with other ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. I also knew that I was going to see some of the same waiters who are always smiling and having a good time. The hostess is also very pleasant to speak with, she's upbeat, which is exactly what Los Portales is like.
After getting to our seats, I realized that there was quite the party going on. Karaoke was in play and a big group of people were running to the microphone and back to their seats every other song. I knew that I wasn't going to need a menu, but I didn't realize that lime margaritas were on sale for $2.50. (Now this is a deal, considering that they are very generous about keeping the drinks worth your money, even if they are $6) Note: Try getting a splash of grenadine in your lime margarita, my friend introduced me to the combination, and I believe that the waiters might now be used to the addition.
Throughout our meal the karaoke kept up. The music was lively and our waiters even braved the microphone and entertained the crowd. We were told that karaoke is at Los Portales every Thursday and Friday, with the possibility of Saturday in the future. The deals are also plentiful. The $2.50 lime margaritas aren't always the case, one waiter said. But they try to have a special very often, it just depends on what their customers are asking for the most in a given evening.
*Also, if you ever happen to know that someone's birthday is coming up, Los Portales is the place to take them. Bringing the birthday girl/boy to Los Portales should guarantee them fried ice cream, possibly in their face. Though this ritual may be a thing for "regulars," I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem to request the embarrassment, since it has been done before (twice to my observations). Either way, they will get serenaded while wearing a giant sombrero.
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Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Intronaut and High on Fire
The Picador is notorious to some as being a "dirty" bar that many people have never even ventured to try. Though seemingly small the Picador has more to offer than meets the eye. The establishment has a bar, pool table, juke box, and photo booth downstairs and also a small bar and stage upstairs. By having an eccletic musical schedule it succesfully brings out every music scene in Iowa City, even those that no one knew existed. Such a scene was out at the picador last night, the Metal Scene.
The Atmosphere
Last night was the real thing. A real metal show. The concert goers were a mix of college students to 40 year olds, mostly male, and mostly sporting either long hair, a beard, tattoos, piercings, or black clothes. The majority had all. This was not the type of metal show for mosh pits or hardcore dancing. A few times it got somewhat roudy, but mostly these fans stood with arms crossed and heads bobbing. Most threw back a few pabst's in between sets.
The Metal
I will say I am not a fan of the growls and screams that are associated with many metal bands, but one can not deny their musical talent. The first band to play was Intronaut who describe themselves as progessive expiermental metal. They had some great songs that were more instrumental than vocal. The next band worth mentioning was the headliner, High on Fire. They are by far one of the best intrumental bands I have ever heard play live. The band only consists of three members. The lead guitarist/vocalist played a nine string guitar, which is very unusual and takes a lot of discipline. It allows the band to have more unique sounds than other metal bands.
Check out High On Fire and Intronaut on myspace.
If you want to see who else is coming to the picador go to http://thepicador.com/
The Atmosphere
Last night was the real thing. A real metal show. The concert goers were a mix of college students to 40 year olds, mostly male, and mostly sporting either long hair, a beard, tattoos, piercings, or black clothes. The majority had all. This was not the type of metal show for mosh pits or hardcore dancing. A few times it got somewhat roudy, but mostly these fans stood with arms crossed and heads bobbing. Most threw back a few pabst's in between sets.
The Metal
I will say I am not a fan of the growls and screams that are associated with many metal bands, but one can not deny their musical talent. The first band to play was Intronaut who describe themselves as progessive expiermental metal. They had some great songs that were more instrumental than vocal. The next band worth mentioning was the headliner, High on Fire. They are by far one of the best intrumental bands I have ever heard play live. The band only consists of three members. The lead guitarist/vocalist played a nine string guitar, which is very unusual and takes a lot of discipline. It allows the band to have more unique sounds than other metal bands.
Check out High On Fire and Intronaut on myspace.
If you want to see who else is coming to the picador go to http://thepicador.com/
Some Country & Some Competition
Most Wednesdays are easy to plan. Bo James + country night + $2 big beers = great idea. But little did I know that last Wednesday was going to have a little twist to the ritual of drinking cheap beer, playing cards, and listening to country music.
Bo James usually has a nice feel to it on Wednesday nights. The country music and the big beers brings a lot of people in and ends up giving the atmosphere a chill and cheerful mood. However, having a Rock/Paper/Sissors contest aparently entices the crowd more than normal. The bar was having a contest to see who could be the ultimate champion at the easiest game in the world. And the grand prize was...2 free tickets to Las Vegas! Wow, talk about great timing! With Spring Break coming up and me having no plans, I could resist to participate.
First the group who was sponsoring this event came around to different tables and booths around the bar, asking if they would like to have a game amongst friends. And the winners within the pairs you made with your friends, would get a mark on their hand, designating them to the next round. Then the sponsors came around for the "marked" individuals and brought them up to the front entrance at an intimidating game table. (Not really, come on--its Rock/Paper/Sissors) I know what you're thinking, how hard could it be?
Well, I found out after my 3rd and final round that there were still around 50 people in the game and I was sent back to my table to rant to my friends about how my competitor rubbed it in my face that he had won. Though I was ridiculed (somewhat) and lost a free trip to Vegas, the contest spiced up country night and gave country night at Bo James even more of a twang!
Bo James usually has a nice feel to it on Wednesday nights. The country music and the big beers brings a lot of people in and ends up giving the atmosphere a chill and cheerful mood. However, having a Rock/Paper/Sissors contest aparently entices the crowd more than normal. The bar was having a contest to see who could be the ultimate champion at the easiest game in the world. And the grand prize was...2 free tickets to Las Vegas! Wow, talk about great timing! With Spring Break coming up and me having no plans, I could resist to participate.
First the group who was sponsoring this event came around to different tables and booths around the bar, asking if they would like to have a game amongst friends. And the winners within the pairs you made with your friends, would get a mark on their hand, designating them to the next round. Then the sponsors came around for the "marked" individuals and brought them up to the front entrance at an intimidating game table. (Not really, come on--its Rock/Paper/Sissors) I know what you're thinking, how hard could it be?
Well, I found out after my 3rd and final round that there were still around 50 people in the game and I was sent back to my table to rant to my friends about how my competitor rubbed it in my face that he had won. Though I was ridiculed (somewhat) and lost a free trip to Vegas, the contest spiced up country night and gave country night at Bo James even more of a twang!
The Saloon: Downtown Iowa City's Southern Experience
When my friends came into town this past weekend, they told me to find something new, fun, and unique for us to do on Saturday night. Since all three of them had graduated from the University of Iowa, and, thus, had lived in Iowa City for the past four years, I was initially struggling to come up with something exciting and, at the same time, unique in downtown. I knew the three girls would not be up for some wild and overly drunk evening, so I had to find something that would be a little calmer than the typical bar in Iowa City. I decided to take them to the Saloon, even though I had never actually been there myself, and we were all presently surprised.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in is the long, wooden bar that extends from the front of the restaurant all the way to the back. The facing wall is lined with large booths that comfortably seat six people. The atmosphere is relatively dark, and, besides the lack of smoke, I almost felt like I was in an old Western film. The walls were decorated with artwork and other objects that added to the southern, Wild West theme. When the waitress brought the menus, the girls and I were initially confused with all the different choices for tequila and the flavored margaritas. With over fifty different kinds of tequila, and with the little knowledge I have of tequila, I was not sure where to begin. We decided to start off with margaritas.
Besides the original, house margarita, the Saloon offers infused margaritas which come in flavors like black raspberry and lime-orange. The waitress recommended the black raspberry if you like sweet drinks. Two of the girls with me ordered the lime-orange and one ordered the black raspberry. I wanted to get a full experience so I told the waitress to bring me an original, classic margarita.
As the drinks arrived, I was happy to see the glasses were tall. The Saloon does not offer blended margaritas, so all the drinks are served on the rocks, with ice and a lime or orange, depending on the drink you order. After our initial tastes, I was happy I chose the classic margarita, because it was by far the strongest margarita of the three. The black cherry was sweet and fruity and it had a real nice and smooth taste. I figured the lime-orange margarita was going to be very similar to the classic, but I was surprisingly wrong. The orange was very distinct in the drink, but not overly fruity, and the drink was very tasty, but not nearly as strong as my classic.
When I say my drink was strong, I don't mean it was undrinkable, but, when I drink a margarita, I want to taste the tequila, which I could, much to my pleasure. The larger chunks of salt around the rim of the glass were a nice accompaniment to the drink as a whole. After finishing the first round of drinks, the consensus at the table was that the classic was by far the best tasting of the three margaritas. We had to order a second round, which we did.
While waiting for our second round of drinks, we decided we each had to order a shot of their special, infused tequila.
I am not a tequila connoisseur, but I do know the difference between your well tequila and a nice shot of Patron. On Saturday night, the infused tequila was offered in three flavors, watermelon, apricot, and pineapple-pepper. The pineapple-pepper sounded strange at first, but, upon further deliberation at our table, we figured we might as well try something totally new since it was the theme of the night, and we were delightfully happy that we did.
The shots were large and the waitress recommended not taking the entire shot at once, but, instead, taking it slow and enjoying the flavors, almost like a wine. As I raised the shot glass to my mouth I could smell the bold, almost tobacco like aromas from the dark tequila. The tequila gave off a smell almost like that of a cigar, but with a subtly hint of sweet citrus. And the tequila tasted exactly the same way. The taste was exceptional. The tequila was strong but smooth at the same time. The pineapple-pepper was a great choice, and I think it is a great alternative if you are looking for something new. Now, it is important that you drink the infused shots slowly, for they are $9 per shot, but well worth the price.
When the bill came, I was surprised to find that each of my margaritas was priced at $9 as well. I asked the waitress why my margarita was so expensive and she said that I since I had ordered the classic margarita, it was made with Patron which is the reason for the price. If you are not are not a tequila connoisseur, like I am not, then I would chose wisely and order the house margarita, which is served just the same, and has no noticeable difference to the classic. Overall, the Saloon was a great experience for something new in downtown, and, despite the price of the shots and the confusion with the margarita, the place is great if you are looking for a quieter, less smoky evening.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in is the long, wooden bar that extends from the front of the restaurant all the way to the back. The facing wall is lined with large booths that comfortably seat six people. The atmosphere is relatively dark, and, besides the lack of smoke, I almost felt like I was in an old Western film. The walls were decorated with artwork and other objects that added to the southern, Wild West theme. When the waitress brought the menus, the girls and I were initially confused with all the different choices for tequila and the flavored margaritas. With over fifty different kinds of tequila, and with the little knowledge I have of tequila, I was not sure where to begin. We decided to start off with margaritas.
Besides the original, house margarita, the Saloon offers infused margaritas which come in flavors like black raspberry and lime-orange. The waitress recommended the black raspberry if you like sweet drinks. Two of the girls with me ordered the lime-orange and one ordered the black raspberry. I wanted to get a full experience so I told the waitress to bring me an original, classic margarita.
As the drinks arrived, I was happy to see the glasses were tall. The Saloon does not offer blended margaritas, so all the drinks are served on the rocks, with ice and a lime or orange, depending on the drink you order. After our initial tastes, I was happy I chose the classic margarita, because it was by far the strongest margarita of the three. The black cherry was sweet and fruity and it had a real nice and smooth taste. I figured the lime-orange margarita was going to be very similar to the classic, but I was surprisingly wrong. The orange was very distinct in the drink, but not overly fruity, and the drink was very tasty, but not nearly as strong as my classic.
When I say my drink was strong, I don't mean it was undrinkable, but, when I drink a margarita, I want to taste the tequila, which I could, much to my pleasure. The larger chunks of salt around the rim of the glass were a nice accompaniment to the drink as a whole. After finishing the first round of drinks, the consensus at the table was that the classic was by far the best tasting of the three margaritas. We had to order a second round, which we did.
While waiting for our second round of drinks, we decided we each had to order a shot of their special, infused tequila.
I am not a tequila connoisseur, but I do know the difference between your well tequila and a nice shot of Patron. On Saturday night, the infused tequila was offered in three flavors, watermelon, apricot, and pineapple-pepper. The pineapple-pepper sounded strange at first, but, upon further deliberation at our table, we figured we might as well try something totally new since it was the theme of the night, and we were delightfully happy that we did.
The shots were large and the waitress recommended not taking the entire shot at once, but, instead, taking it slow and enjoying the flavors, almost like a wine. As I raised the shot glass to my mouth I could smell the bold, almost tobacco like aromas from the dark tequila. The tequila gave off a smell almost like that of a cigar, but with a subtly hint of sweet citrus. And the tequila tasted exactly the same way. The taste was exceptional. The tequila was strong but smooth at the same time. The pineapple-pepper was a great choice, and I think it is a great alternative if you are looking for something new. Now, it is important that you drink the infused shots slowly, for they are $9 per shot, but well worth the price.
When the bill came, I was surprised to find that each of my margaritas was priced at $9 as well. I asked the waitress why my margarita was so expensive and she said that I since I had ordered the classic margarita, it was made with Patron which is the reason for the price. If you are not are not a tequila connoisseur, like I am not, then I would chose wisely and order the house margarita, which is served just the same, and has no noticeable difference to the classic. Overall, the Saloon was a great experience for something new in downtown, and, despite the price of the shots and the confusion with the margarita, the place is great if you are looking for a quieter, less smoky evening.
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