Sunday, May 14, 2006

 

Duce: Trendy hot spot to watch!

Updated Post: 6/3/06

After having a great first impression at Duce (see previous review below), FWJoey and I had high hopes and were eager to revisit it for dinner. Well, we went for dinner and....as much as I hate to say it...we were very disappointed with our experience.

Perhaps, we are partly to blame because instead of ordering a Main entree, we decided to try a number of the "tapas" on the menu. We tried the following tapas: (1) yellowfin tuna, $4 (2) giant shrimp with crawfish salad, $5 (3) goat cheese wrapped in grape leaf, $2 per slice of cheese(4) lobster ceviche $6 (5) halibut sausage, $5 (6) house cured wild salmon, $3.50 (7) rabbit manchego ravioli, $3 (8) grilled lamb chop, $4 (9) wild boar empanada (10) duck prosciutto, 3.

We were disappointed in the following tapas: (1) yellowfin tuna (2) giant shrimp with crawfish salad(3) goat cheese wrapped in grape leaf(4) lobster ceviche(5) halibut sausage(6) house cured wild salmon(7) rabbit manchego ravioli(8) grilled lamb chop(9) wild boar empanada(10) duck prosciutto.

Believe me, we wanted to be impressed by all the inventive flavors and combinations, but we just were not pleased. None of the tapas were memorable and some of them was just plain bland and dislikeable. FW's Joey's favorite was the grilled lamb chop and my favorite was the rabbit manchego ravioli. The portions are very small - usually one bite (I have had "tapas" at many other restaurants, including restaurants in Washington, DC and none of their portions are this tiny). Many of the tapas we tried, our server suggested that we order more than one of them because otherwise only one of us would get to try it because it only offered one bite. The menu should actually warn that patrons that they are paying $5 per bite. We racked up a bill of $100 (this included two inexpensive glasses of wine and two shiner bocks for FWJoey), yet we left feeling like we had not even eaten dinner.

We were highly disappointed for two main reasons: (1) we did not enjoy our food and (2) we felt like we got ripped off because the prices were so high yet the portions so small. Those that know us know that FWJoey and I do not mind spending money on a nice meal so long as it is tasty. Duce...was not tasty.

We do not anticipate returning for a meal; although we still think it is a nice place for a cocktail and socializing.
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5/14/06

After dinner at Sapore, FWJoey and I stopped by Tim Love's new restaurant "Duce" located in the Village at Camp Bowie on the 6333 block (same center where Baker Street Pub is located). The vibe at this hotspot was trendy and chic - definitely something Fort Worth needs. Duce opened on Friday, May 12 and on Saturday, May 13, the crowd was impressive.

Since we were only having an after dinner drink, we walked through the restaurant's main dining room to the uber chic patio area which was unlike any other patio in Fort Worth. Lots of tables, lots of seating and a full bar. It reminded me of a more current and upscale version of Cafe Aspen's patio.

I predict this to be a quick favorite for young professionals and expect the crowds to roll in. FWJoey enjoyed a beer ($4.50) and I enjoyed a split of Jacob's Creek champagne ($6). We did not try the food, but we caught glimpses of it and it looked good. People looked like they were thoroughly enjoying their meals.

According to the website, www.lovestyleinc.com, the menu consists of tapas and requires that patrons purchase three of them at a minimum. When I read that, I was turned off, but I was informed last night that there is not a three purchase minimum. That was an idea they decided to "86" which was probably a good decision. The menu sounds over inventive and adventurous, but do not let it scare you. I suspect there is something for everyone!

We are looking forward to dining at Duce and hope to see you there!

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