A Gentle Sting

Fat Udon, you would love this place. Everything from the live jazz band to the "classy hat" theme party that night just screamed your name. Miss you~

The Beehive (5 stars)

No pictures unfortunately, only tantalizing descriptions. The funky decor and mood lighting spoke of a hipster scene but the friendly staff, delicious food, and extensive wine list made us feel right at home. We started with truffled potato and cheese pierogies with caramelized onions and sour cream that literally melted in your mouth. The amount of potato and cheese in each bite was just enough to have you salivating for more without overpowering your senses and sending you to an early food coma.

For the main course, I had a Moroccan couscous with chicken and lamb. The couscous was perfectly seasoned with a depth of flavor that spoke of unknown amounts of careful preparation. The chicken and lamb were also delicious and cooked well without being dry. The one oddity of the dish was, I think, a lamb liver sausage but don't take my word for it. The combination of too much salt and a very strong lamb taste made it the only thing left on my plate at the end of the course. My date had the grilled Zatar-spiced tuna with couscous, candied carrots, and harrisa aioli. I only had a taste but it was delicious with the tuna perfectly cooked and the flavors well-balanced.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable meal. Unfortunately we were too full to round out the meal and sample their desserts. It will have to be saved for another time. Beehive also receives extra points for the excellent live music, although the chatter was a bit loud and drowned out the music (it's a delicate balance, I'll give them that), and for not rushing us out on a busy Saturday night as we enjoyed our wine and listened to the music after our meal.

- Fizzy