07/26/2011 - QC Foodie - The Phoenix
I was in New York last night. Alright, I was in Downtown Davenport, but with pianist Ryan Rogers playing some pop favorites as well as recent hits and the lush, classy decor of the Phoenix surrounding me, it was a different experience than the usual Quad City scene. The Phoenix' Facebook wall post states this about Rogers, The Phoenix is honored to present, all the way from Brooklyn, New York, by way of Colorado, classically trained pianist, Ryan Rogers who will amaze you with his talent and baffle your mind. I'm so impressed that added the Phoenix to my Foodie's Favorites list under the Live music with dinner.
From the elegant flooring to the
light fixtures, the ensemble of elegant furnishings and the contemporary
sconced, recessed and pendant lighting created a warm, sophisticated
ambiance. I had eaten here under the
previous management when they first opened and I have to honestly say we
weren't that impressed so we hadn't been back.
I don't quite remember our earlier visit, and I didn't see many changes
in the decor but I liked the window coverings that had been added. The building is gorgeous and the windows at
the end of the restaurant are fabulous, but unfortunately provide a great view
of the parking ramp, so the sheers are a nice touch. The embossed tin ceiling is magnificent and I
wished I had it in my kitchen rather than the incredibly plain tin-tiled
ceiling that I actually do have. I took
a tour from the previous management a couple of years ago, and was shown the
basement and reception hall upstairs.
The building interior looks great and I would consider hosting an event
in the upstairs hall.
We were served a small loaf of artisan bread with three dollops of butter; one was plain, one cabernet-flavored and the other was a spicy jalapeno butter. I thought that was a fun, unique start and the cabernet butter was fantastic! The jalapeno butter tasted much like nacho cheese and clashed with my wine but had I been drinking beer or tequila, it would have been perfect. I had a glass of Folie � Deux Menage � Trois California Red and it was good. My sister-in-law, CJ, ordered a gummy bear martini but told me she had a Nerds martini last time and she enjoyed them both. Nigel ordered a Maker's Mark bourbon whiskey and my fiance Ricardo ordered a gin seven. My brother Nigel approved of his and Ricardo thought the gin (Bombay) was weak but I tried it and thought it was proportionate to the drink.
For our entrees, I had a
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta. It arrived
with a toasted slice of bread covered with cheese. The grilled chicken was sliced laid atop a
bed of linguine in olive oil. The
chicken was flavorful. I found myself in
that happy state that feta cheese, tomatoes, and kalamata olives takes me. CJ had a side salad and Pineapple Teriyaki
Shrimp. Her salad looked good but her
kabobs were absolutely beautiful. I was
so regretful of forgetting my camera.
She said they were also tasty.
Nigel ordered the Toasted Pesto Chicken.
He was a bit disappointed because the pizza was different from his last
visit and not quite as fabulous as he remembered it. Again, his dish looked delicious and I wanted
to ask the rowdy birthday party a few tables away if they could please
photograph our food and send it to me, but didn't. Ricardo ordered the Grilled Chicken Marsala
and said he was pleased with the dish overall and especially liked the
sauce.
On our way out, I noticed the crowd near the front of the restaurant was a trendy, beautiful, twenty-something group at and near the bar. It appears nothing has changed in that aspect. It would seem the Phoenix has risen again; and how splendid it is.
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