12/28/08

Potential...but will it be realized?

by leslielv

I did not have a meal at Vox but instead went to investigate the wine list. I was pleased with the selection and particularly that there was a decent sparkling wine by the glass.

I will definitely return to sample the food as the menu looks interesting albeit a bit uncoordinated with some flavor combinations that could be big hits or huge misses.

On that note, I must say that with just a general overview of the bar and restaurant there's a serious danger to the long term success of Vox. They appear to be trying to be all things to all people without knowing who they are.

The bar is average but the lounge and dining area are very plush...yet there's a pool table and constantly and annoyingly changing music that has the same effect as fingernails on a chalk board.

This should be an establishment with good, consistent jazz, blues and beautiful melodious music to match the decor and should attract an older, more affluent crowd.

I didn't see that but to be fair, I will have to return on a busier night, have dinner and try to get a more balanced perspective.

• Pros: wine list, good service at bar
• Cons: bathroom in need of maintenance, music

11/16/08

Predatory Bar Lizards

by thedoctorswife

This place attracts the wrong crowd at the bar, but if you are looking for classy cheap piece of asParagus you've found the place!

10/14/08

Attempting to reinvent itself

by westie2

Vox is another upscale video poker bar offering excellent food. The formal dining room an adjoining lounge area were very impressive, but the night was comfortable so we dined on the terrace. The chef?s pedigree is equally impressive having most recently served as the executive sous chef at San Francisco?s Aqua. Both he and the pastry chef have experience working at the Bouchon restaurant in Napa Valley so we had high expectations and were not disappointed. Ms. wife ordered the seared ahi tuna over garlic noodles with red cabbage and carrots. My entree proved to be the best of the trip ? miso glazed black cod with bok choy and wasabi pommes puree. We also shared a rather pedestrian dish of steamed rapini. The highlight of the evening for my wife was a hazelnut chocolate mousse with shortbread and hazelnut creme.

12/08 revisit - On our arrival the bar was reasonably active, but the dining room virtually empty. Since our prior visit, the owners have attempted to reinvent the restaurant and the menu is now less adventuresome (read appealing). We began with what was described on the menu as a grilled Caesar salad, but I pulled out a magnifying glass and could detect no grill marks. The salad dressing was flavored with a tinge of smokiness and the overall salad was satisfying. Ms. Westie ordered Angel Pasta which was penne and chicken tossed in a tomato vodka sauce. My garlic noodles with prawns entree was excellent though I suspect the crustaceans were actually shrimp. We also shared a delicious butter scotch creme brulee. Our waiter, the only waiter, informed us that he and pastry chef would soon be departing.

• Pros: Food
• Cons: None