Dali

03/15/09

Octopus incident!!

by ytube at Citysearch

I was not quite sure if I should write this review since I see EVERYONE in City Search loves this restaurant. But, I decided to let people know about my recent dinner experience in Dali.

My fiance and I went there last month. We ordered Octopus Vinagrette, and several other dishes. When I put a octopus piece in my month, I knew immediately that it was from a can or a jar. They were extremely spongy soft chunks and had a texture of Styrofoam.

Since I grew up in a small fishing village in Japan, I know how fresh octopus tastes like. I know the difference between fresh and can octopus.

For the first time in my life, I asked the waiter to send the dish back to the kitchen. The waiter got very agitated and argued that fresh octopus was supposed to be soft when it was cooked well. I know, from bottom of my heart, octopus never gets SPONGY it if it were fresh.

He reluctantly took the dish away, but we felt really bad.

Later the restaurant manager came to our table and explained the octopus was frozen. I am doubtful about his explanation because, again, I know the difference between frozen and octopus from a can.

The manager took the dish out of our bill, so we were thankful.

Other dishes we ordered were OK. Stuffed squid (yes. it was fresh!) was acceptable, though it was extremely salty.

The dinning room was very pretty and romantic. For this point, I gave one star.

Once again, please do not order Octopus Vinagrette unless you like octopus from a can (or.. a jar.. I am not still sure as of today.)

• Pros: Romantic atmosphere
• Cons: Octopus Vinagrette

01/16/09

Don't Miss Out on the Experience!

by pavtwo0575 at Citysearch

Whether eating at the bar or one of the dining rooms, Dali is always a wonderful experience. From the moment you walk in the door the authentic Spanish music and decor will captivate your eyes, while the succulent aroma tantalizes your senses. Highly recommended: the stuffed squid in its own ink, Lobster/Crab ravioli, broiled herb and garlic quail, and of course.... the Sangria! Plan to wait for a table on a Friday or Saturday night but be assured the wait is worth it! The atmosphere is very comfortable and the staff is always friendly and comedic. So don't be shy, go alone and start up a conversation with the staff or enjoy the eclectic experience with a group of friends!

12/09/08

Authentic Tapas

by vmpitcher at Citysearch

If you want to experience authentic Spanish cuisine in a quaint, unpretenscious setting, Dali is the setting for you. The trick is you need a reservation. We showed up when they opened, reservation in hand, and there was a line already forming 20 deep. Some of my favorites include:

- Queso de Cabra Montañes | Baked Goat Cheese w/Tomato & Basil

- Lomito al Cabrales | Pork Tenderloin w/Blue Goat Cheese & Mushrooms

- Costillas de Vaca | Beef Short Ribs in Rioja Wine Sauce

The paella is fantastic and they offer an all seafood version, as well as traditional.

The best thing about Dali is that you can't wait to go back. And, if I had to pick a drawback, I would say that the food came out a little too fast. Afterall, tapas are built around conversation and I would have liked a few more pauses in between the delicious meal to have a longer one.

• Pros: Great service. Wide variety of hot and cold tapas.
• Cons: Reservations are a must.