Baker Street

Baker Street

4820 N. Clinton Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46825

(260) 484-3300

bakerstreetfortwayne.com

FIRST IMPRESSION:
The entrance is perfectly picturesque.  It's adorable with tasteful decorations straight out of an HGTV special.  Flanking the main entrance are 2 large urns hosting wreath toppers complimented by diverse vegetation.  

Once inside, the foyer features a pair of  comfortable seating nooks.  On this visit we did not have to wait, but what a relaxing place to do so.  Just an example of how BS envelopes guests in luxury and comfort from the beginning of their visit to the end.

 We were promptly greeted and immediately seated in the section of the restaurant that we had requested  - the club chairs lounge area.  The chairs look more comfortable then they are, but it was a fun new place for us to dine. 

APPETIZERS:
We began our girls' night out with 2 appetizers - Brushcetta and Smoked Gouda Crab Dip.  The bruschetta is definitely an Elles FAVE!  The complexity of this appetizer blends nicely to give the consumer a palate pleasing experience.  It features goat cheese, olive tapenade, roma tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzerella atop the perfect bread!  No doubt, we LOVE everything about this starter!

Our second appetizer was  "new to us" - Smoked Gouda Crab Dip.  This large starter arrived inside a bread bowl topped with a cute (and delicious) hat!  The dip was served with pita bread chips.  The other Elles (not so much me) loved this dish, but caution consumers if they think they are about to eat a Spinach type dip, you're not!  They warn that you have to like seafood (and that "fishy" flavor) in order to enjoy this.   The creaminess of the melted cheese and thickness of the bread bowl, made this an extremely filling appetizer.

MARTINIS:
Martini Mondays = PARTY!  Allen L started off with the Vanilla Bean Martini (click HERE to read the previous review of this drink) with huge expectations for creamy vanilla goodness.  On this visit, Todd the bartender, prepared a more milky less creamy version of the drink.  The result was something in the neighborhood of watered down skim milk in flavor, texture, and alcohol content.  The disappointment was that it was so radically different than it had been on numerous other visits. 

Our server willingly returned the Vanilla Bean to the bar to have it remixed.  It returned a bit creamier but still a bit underwhelming and unimpressive. 

Adams L and I began with a Momo'Taro which arrived with a sugar rim and a pretty orange color.  Unfortunately, this Asti finished 'tini tasted exactly like watered down orange juice - turns out they didn't have one of the main ingredients, but went ahead and made it anyway and hoped "we wouldn't notice".  Yeah - we're 'tini drinkers - we noticed.  Our server offered to have it remade or to bring something different, but we just dealt with it.

Round 2 featured a round of Banyan Trees - delicious!  The toasted coconut rim starts the taste buds on a tropical journey that you never want to end.  YES - this is definitely the drink to try. 

We learned that there was recently a launch of a new Culinary Cocktails menu that features some hoity toity 'tinis.  We weren't overly impressed and wished that they would have kept the oldies but goodies.  We learned from the on-duty manager, Lysa, that they still make all the good ones like Key Lime Pie and S'More - hmmm, wish we would have been hip to that from the start.  May we suggest keeping a printed menu of the old stand-byes?


SOUPS, SALADS, AND BREAD:
Allen L was given a sample of the Seafood Gumbo that she shared with us.  First, how fantastic BS allows you to sample something before committing to a full portion of something that you may/may not enjoy.  The other Elles (me, not so much) really enjoyed the spicy sample.  I, like the Gouda dip, found it to be overly fishy tasting.  Sorry for the lack of photo.

Adams L selected a Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad which was presented with a starburst of super fresh strawberries and dotted with candied pecans.  Adams L said this salad made her happy as the mix of flavors played in her mouth like children at recess.  She highly recommends it!

Sorry for the dark photo

 Allen L selected the Greek Salad as her entree.  The rainbow of colors and freshness of the ingredients created a joyful eating experience.  Allen L said it was everything she loves on a salad - beets, loives, tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and red onions.  The salad came with a raspberry vinaigrette which she thought was an odd choice for a Greek salad and would have preferred more of an authentic Greek dressing.

 Allen L suggests getting the dressing on the side  because the wetness of the vegetables and amount of dressing resulted in having to wade through a pond. 

 My entree was paired with a side salad.  The freshness was evident by the crispness of the mixed greens.  The gourment additions on this anything but basic "side salad" included shaved parm, mandarin oranges, sliced red onions, fancy cut cumbers, and homemade croutons.  I opted for blue cheese dressing on the side - perfect!

The bread is unique and interesting at BS - the2 types of gourmet goodness is served warm with 2 types of butter to compliment each loaf.  In the breadbasket was the always awesome pretzel bread - YUM and another loaf that was new to me and not something that I enjoyed with dinner- might be great for a meal ender.  The coconut pineapple bread paired with cinnamon sweet butter was way too sweet to be enjoyed with my martini and salad. 

ENTREES:
Our server, in partnership with the kitchen, paced our meal perfectly so that we could maximize our enjoyment of each course.

Adams L selected her entree from the appetizer menu and opted for the Sashimi Tuna.  It initially arrived medium rare despite her request that it be prepared medium well.  Our server noticed this and returned it to the kitchen promptly-  such excellent service.  Once returned prepared to her likeness, the tuna was melt-in-your-mouth tender.  The cucumber slaw was not only beautiful on the plate, but created a contrasting palate punch with it's super spicy hot.

Just look at that beautiful presentation!

 BS was recently honored with having the best steak in Fort Wayne so I decided that is what I was going to have. With way too many delicious options to select from, I finally decided on the Blue Glazed Filet.  I'm not going to lie - it wasn't the best stake I have ever had at BS, but it was still very delicious.  The extreme blue cheese topping really tilts the overall flavor in one direction while the rock hard bacon wrap tainted the tenderness of the steak.  Baker Street's scratch kitchen is amazing with the details -such as the sauce - exceptional, incredible, delightful!  I selected grilled asparagus as my side - the.best.asparagus.I've.ever.eaten!!!!!!!!  They were perfect.  The other Elles enjoyed sharing them with me (though, they thought they had too much butter on them - I say, is that really such a thing?  I loved them!).  The onion straws were horrible -a tasteless grease pile that I left completely on my plate. 

DESSERT:

 Last year, we were treated to a special custom dessert (click HERE to read more about it) so with this visit, we thought we should just ask if it was possible to get it again.  YES.IT.WAS!  Holy cow - this meal ender is simply delicious!  The Puff Apple Pastry has so many different flavors and textures that it's impossible to identify which is your favorite.  The cinnamon ice cream scoops were rolled in spiced pecans which gave a  contrasting temperature, flavor, and texture to the overall dish.  

On the way out the door there is a bowl holding dark chocolate covered butter mints which were a light delight to the end of your meal.  Grab one (or 2) before leaving.

SERVICE:

Holly was our server and was amazing.  She had been there for nearly 3 years and provided us with tip-top rock star service.  We strongly believe that exceptional service makes all the difference -no doubt, BS also has this belief too because every aspect of our evening was well cared for.  Todd provided us with endless refills of water and chatted with us kindly.  Lysa, the manager on duty, was friendly and informative and so much fun.  

FINAL IMPRESSION:

For exceptional food, service and an overall experience that is both relaxing and sophisticated, make your next reservation at Baker Street!  It's simply heads and shoulders above all others!  We place it in to top 3 of our most favorite FW eateries and are confident you will too!!!

Until the next bite - 

Zianos Italian Eatery - Convington Location

Zianos

5907 Covington Rd
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone • (260) 444-4348
http://zianos.com

photo source

 A year and a half ago, Allen L changed my life when she introduced me to one of the greatest Italian restaurants ever.  Have you tried it?  It's an affordable causal family friendly restaurant serving up delicious Italian fare.


FIRST IMPRESSION:
We are greeted at the door with a genuine smile and a verbal welcome.  All of the servers are friendly and knowledgeable.  We were promptly seated with menus.  This clean, cafe-esque eatery was quite busy for a week night.  Dinner specials were written in chalk on a cafe style chalk board adding to cafe charm.

APPETIZER:
On a previous visit, we had enjoyed Brushetta, but wanted to try something different this time.   On this visit, we opted for a Mediterranean 10" pizza - PERFECT choice!  For $8.99 (adding black olives to half will cost you $1.50 more) we enjoyed 6 slices of Greek topping heaven.  The feta cheese packed a tasteful pizazz especially when it was paired with the plentiful kalamata olives and piled onto an exceptional crispy and chewy crust. 

The kalamata olives were suppose to be on the whole pizza - hmmm, didn't notice it at the time.

SALADS:
Unfortunately, salads are not included with entrees at Zianos but their small house salad is incredibly delicious and is only $1.99.  The plentiful portion of crisp lettuce, soft shredded mozzarella, and chopped veggies are embraced by a delicious homemade vinaigrette.   Standing guard over the small plate of goodness, is a garlic slice of crispy ciabatta bread.  Delicous - a must order!

Allen L opted for a large Greek Salad as her dinner preview.  Although the salad boasts a bold and beautiufl appearance, it will set you back $7.99 and is probably not worth the price - especially since the lettuce to topping ratio is definitely out of balance.  

 ENTREES:
Adams L and I opted to try something new, Fontanini Sausage and Peppers.   At Zianos, you'll find a staff more than willing to please you and as such, we learned that we could get any sauce on any pasta.  I opted to stick with the original recipe featuring Marinara sauce, but Adams L swapped it out for Romano sauce.  Most definitely follow Adam L's lead here - choose Romano - it's delicious and definitely makes the dish much better.  You must like bell peppers in order for this dish to be a home run for you!  I probably won't get it again, but I am glad that I did try it.

. . . with Romano sauce

. . . with Marinara

Allen L opted for my personal Zianos' fav - Lasagna.  The generous portion was served piping hot and boasts a multitude of complex Italian flavors and textures including gooey cheeses and large slices of sausage.

 Like many of the dishes, there is a noticeable layer of grease which is a bit offputting - cardiac patients be warned.

DESSERT:
Adams L and Allen L shared a dessert special - Cinnamon Caramel Sicks.  The breadsticks were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and topped with 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream bathed in a dreamy layer of caramel melt-in-your-mouth sauce and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.  It was delicious and the Elles enjoyed it.  

I opted for a creamy dish of spumoni.  The triad of flavors is a palate pleasing way to end a meal.  It's good, but not spectacular.     

SERVICE:
Most of the paper-topped tables were occupied and changed over guests while we were there.  Despite the patronage volume, we were provided with excellent service.  Our water glasses were continuously refilled  and  fresh diet cokes were endlessly delivered to the table.  Our server, Dawn, was fantastic.  She was friendly and knowledgeable.  She engaged in our friendly banter and genuinely took exceptional care of us including boxing up our left overs.  The manager on duty, Kristi, was our server on previous occasions, recognized us (editor's note:  this was the first visit we disclosed our blog or wrote up a review).  She came to our table to greet us and check in our experience.  Congrats to her for getting a well deserved promotion.  Want to be taken care of but not pay a high brow price?  Zianos is just the place for you.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Zianos is a comfortable casual Italian cafe where jeans are welcome and there won't be a need to break your piggy bank.  The service and food are outstanding and worthy of your attention in the near future. 

Until the next bite -