Spago

11/22/09

my favorite restaurant

by dontgothereagain at Citysearch

This is definitely my favorite restaurant.

They change their menu every day that you can’t get bored of anything there.

Their customer service is the best of the best.

And their desserts are TO DIE FOR!

11/04/09

Great menu

by kurdelicious at Citysearch

I am a super picky maybe the pickiest eater ever yet I couldn't find a single thing wrong with anything I ordered here. Had a perfect anniversary dinner recently, wine menu is extensive and the somelier is very very helpful. Waiting staff is there when you need it but they don't bother you with constant stares. And most importantly the food is just beyond perfect.

However, I think It's time for them to hire an interior designer, the place kinda looks outdated.... Its almost 2010 guys....

• Pros: everything was beyond delicious
• Cons: decor

10/11/09

Past its prime

by eriklarsen at Citysearch

Spago was once an amazing dining experience. Now it seems like the last Bastion for a bankrupt Wolfgang Puck: the food is not very good at all. Consistently over salted and watery. Deserts are better. The Dobos torte is better than its Hungarian creators could ever make. Front door person had an attitude and made us wait at the bar even thought the restaurant was half empty.

• Pros: the history
• Cons: the food and the manners

03/03/09

Lived up to its reputation!

by Ilovetoeattoo at Citysearch

My 16 year old daughter opted for a trip to California (from NY) instead of a party. Spago was on her "Bucket List." After looking at the menu on line, I thought she would be disappointed. I was WRONG! I took her and two of her friends to dinner. They had NO problem choosing appetizers and dinner! One of her friends is in cooking school and was mesmerized by the view into the kitchen! The staff could not have been friendlier! The highlight of the evening was, of course, when Wolfgang Puck came over to the table and introduced himself and chatted with the girls. He graciously took a photo with them as well.

As for the food...I had the artichoke soup and it was beyond delicious! I can honestly say...I have never tasted anything quite like it! It is a MUST have! The girls all had the risotto - my favorite - and it was outstanding! You could definitely taste the wood fired brick oven! For an entree, we had the duck - very, very good!! - the salmon - excellent! But...by far, the best was the chicken with black truffles!

We shared the cookies for dessert and they were beyond incredible! I was worried that the restaurant wouldn't live up to our expectations but it exceeded them! DEFINITELY worth the trip! And...btw...it was the best $$$ we spent for a meal in California! Worth every penny!

11/29/08

Wolfgang is my food god.

by modeangel at Citysearch

Wolfgang Puck is my favorite chef! Spago is warm and friendly- never stuffy. The Food is wonderful, I keep getting the duck dishes when I go, they are just so amazing. The dishes are paired so nicely with unique sides. Also the walnut bread they pass out is yummy!

The best part is Wolfgang coming around to every table to talk to you. I have yet to come up with something interesting to say to him (he he)

Overall all it is a beautiful dining experience. My goal is to try every WP restaurant in my life ( or his, since I'm younger than him)

• Cons: beautiful in every way!

10/08/08

lovely place hits nearly every mark

by jdtinla at Citysearch

I had a lovely dinner at Spago the other night with a few friends. Fortunately, these folks like to share tastes of their food, so I had an opportunity to try everything brought to the table.

For starters, we had the cheese ravioli (which two loved, but I didn't like much), the gnocchi with veal ragu (which was a big favorite), the smoked salmon and sturgeon on blinis (which I loved and others liked), and a beet salad (which those who tried it loved). For entrees, we had the liberty duck breast (smokey and good), seared tuna (excellent), and the Kurobuta pork chop and belly (which all loved, and which I felt was extraordinary). Desserts included the raspberry souffle (very nice), the strawberry pancakes (tender and lovely), and the 12-layer chocolate tort (which was just okay).

Service was very good, though not exceptional. I don't like much fuss, so I was perfectly content.

Overall, I'd say I was slightly disappointed, in that neither the duck nor the ravioli were all that exciting, nor were the desserts. The pork, though, I must repeat, was amazing. I might go back, but I'd try other spots before doing so, including Cut.

• Pros: elegant casual decor, good service, some great dishes
• Cons: expensive, some dishes not as strong as expected

07/28/08

Very Questionable Establishment and OVER HYPED!!!!!!!!

by real_chef at Citysearch

I have never eaten there per se, but I have done a stage there. First off and before I begin I am a cook. I am also a graduate of the CIA in NY. I have staged or been in 1, 2 an 3 Michelin star restaurants in NYC. Therefore, I think I'm more of an authority than the average bag-o-douche who goes in there to eat.

.

The place was clean,Thats the first thing I notice when I enter any kitchen. The cooks were cramed in very close to each and had no elbow room between the cuttingboards. I was asked to clean and cut baby vegetables for the "fish Guy's" station. I helped him w/most of his prep and he was a real tool about everything and kept trying to discourage me from working there. I had to set him straight and it was all bad after that. Thomas, the Chef de Cuisine yelled at me for having an unopened can of soda,

I couldn't believe it, I never even had that happen in culinary school.

I helped prep several other stations and then service began. I looked at as many dishes as I can, and quite honestly nothing impressed me except for the Squab plate. Other than that, I was completely unimpressed. And the Shoemaker kid they had me work with. This sarcastic fool had a disgusting habit of using the same spoon to taste everything w/o ever once cleaning it. I saw him eating food off of plates he was finishing. That a big No in any kitchen . The sous saw it and said nothing. As a matter of fact I saw the sous drop tongs on the floor, pick 'em up and keep on cooking w/o ever cleaning them. Another huge No No! (Real cooks at Real restaurants don't use tongs anyway!)

I was offered a job as a line cook at the end of my trail, which I was all too happy to decline. You wouldn't catch me working with arrogant, cocky shoemakers. I left frusterated that the place has the rep that it doesIts proof that pople w/$ dnt always have good palates.

It was a learning experience. You should learn from mine. I'm sure there are better places to eat for your money.

• Pros: Lots of Stars, but whats that Have to do with my food or eating?
• Cons: Read and draw your own conclusion

07/27/08

HIGHLY Recommended

by LoveFAU at Citysearch

My friend and I just ate lunch here last Friday, 7/25 and really enjoyed everything about the restaurant. The prices were not terribly high and the food was fantastic. I ordered the Thai Chicken Salad and my friend ordered the Calzone, both of which we would definitely order again. Our server was prompt and the atmosphere is really pretty. We ordered the chocolate cake for dessert and it was scrumptious, though a little overpriced at $14. Great lunch spot!

• Pros: Food & Location
• Cons: nothing

06/04/08

Defines fine dining

by jenheidir at Citysearch

Wolfgang Puck?s restaurant is the epitemy of a world-class restaurant. Wait staff are incredibly attentive and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. You can dine in the indoor courtyard, but I recommend eating in the main, colorful dining with abstract art so you can watch the chefs cooking in the kitchen. My family went for lunch, since the menu prices were cheaper midday than during dinner hours. I had a delicious tuna salad and the apple strudel for dessert; both highly recommended. Spago is a worthwhile splurge for any special occasion.

04/14/08

wonderful experience

by RickRem at Citysearch

While not t he cheapest place to dine the food was excellent as was the service. The staff was more than helpful and very attentive. The food was to die for and every bit of what was expected. the scsallops were wonderful and the steak was perfect.