25 for $25, Bitches!

It's the most wonderful time of the year: 25 for $25, in which you can get inexpensive three-course meals at some of the best restaurants in town during the month of November (and March). We don't care if you're unemployed, if you're a starving artist/student, if you're saving up for that kidney operation---there is no good reason for you to not take advantage of this deal at least once a week (Sunday through Thursday, that is).

Election night, Seattlest went out with one of our fags to discuss politics at Tulio. During last year's 25 for $25, we had dined there and were less than impressed, but...y'know, we'll try anything twice. On our previous visit, we had ordered the linguini with clams. While the clams were fine, the linguini was downright bland. This time around, that dish was still on the menu, so we knew to avoid it. Instead, our party started with the mozzarella/tomato/pinenut/currant salad (which was edible but not transcendent) and then ordered the other two entrées offered: the lavender rack of pork with creamy polenta and the chicken with carmelized garlic and lemon risotto. Out of the two, the pork was the better dish, with the polenta smooth and rich like mashed potatoes, but both entrées were way too salty. Considering that we generally like the salt, that's saying something. Out of the three desserts, we got the warm chocolate cake and the spoon cheesecake. The latter, while crustless and tasty, felt as if it was missing an ingredient. Pistachios, perhaps? Meanwhile, the warm chocolate cake was the embodiment of gooey chocolatey goodness, and probably the highlight of the meal.

So don't go to Tulio. Check out some of the other twenty-five instead. We've never had a bad meal at Brasa or Campagne, and Zoe is quite good as well. Do not let this month pass you by without dining out at least a few times. After all, there's plenty to celebrate.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Audrey in Food, News on November 9, 2006 8:15 AM

Comments [rss]

seadevi

I agree that some of the 25 meals are so/so. But, I really liked the mozzarella pinenuts appetizer at Tulio. The roasted chicken wasn't all that memorable. But, the spoon cheesecake was good. We paired our meals with a nice primitivo and a good time was had by all.

cook at large

25 for 25 is a scam. it sucks for the restaurants that don't participate and it sucks for the ones that do. either you're getting a meal sub-par to one you would receive any other time of the year, or the restaurant is losing money to provide the same level of service through this event. servers get stiffed. kitchens are over-extended.

how many diners visit these restaurants other than for the cheapo meals? how many people complain they end up spending waaaay more than $25? how many freaking molten chocolate cakes do people really want to eat? they're on every 25 for 25 menu.

SeanO

mmm. burping frog here we come.

El Cheapo

Went to Brasa with my wife last night. The service was excellent, and the food made me want more, for sure. While portions were small (they announce that on the menu), the food was great- we especially loved the short rib. Of course 25 for 25 may not be the best way to go, even on a budget. With 2 glasses of wine each plus tip, it came to over a c-note.

Matt Silvie

I hit the 25x25 action at serafina also on election night and can tell you the garlic soup kicks ass. Buy a gallon of that shit

Bjorn

I'm a big fan of 25 for 25, but don't waste your time at Nell's. We went there last night. The food was so-so, but the service was unforgivably bad. It started before I even sat down at the table -- one of the waitresses literally shouldered me aside without a word of apology; another actually dropped several pieces of cutlery on my girlfriend. They waited an hour between each of the three courses -- we got there at 7:30 and didn't make it out till almost 11. Then when they finally came around to serve the dessert course they put a few desserts down in front of us -- and then promptly came and took them away again, as they had decided to serve our desserts to another table. We were then informed that the desserts we had ordered had been ruined by the chef (most of us ordered the lavender creme brulee, which apparently fell) and that they would not be able to serve us. This after said desserts had been placed in front of us, and then given to another table!

On top of all that they actually had the nerve to charge an 18% mandatory gratuity for service. I had never been so embarrassed to pay for "service" in my life. This was truly one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had.

Audrey

Josh: Mayhaps. That second child totally did not save my second marriage.

James: I went to Zoe during 25 for $25 in March and had fantastic service and a great meal. Of course, it probably didn't hurt that I had a couple gays with me.

MvB: I have actually never done 25 for $25 lunch, so it's good to know that it's also well worth it.

MvB

The prix fixe lunch option for $12.50 is worth mentioning, too. Torchy's at the WAC is doing it - I enjoyed a cup of lentil soup, a salmon fillet entree, and a peach/raspberry crisp. Mmm!

James Callan

Hell! I was going to do a 25 for $25 post. We're going out tonight and I wanted a recommendation.

I've had mixed experiences with 25/$25, though, ever since we went to Zoe one year. Usually we love that restaurant, but during 25x25 service was alternately rushed and really slow -- half an hour between a couple of courses -- and they were out of two of the menu items I wanted.

I've read similar complaints about the 25/25 experience at Chowhound -- basically, that it's not the best way to experience a restaurant at its best.

Then again, we've had good 25/25 experiences at Earth & Ocean, Brasa, and Eva, so we're happy to give it another whirl. Where to go tonight...?