JEFF KORBELIK / GZO | Posted: Sunday, August 27, 2006 7:00 pm
I recently noted in a column that the Green Gateau was my favorite place to eat for breakfast.
The restaurant is pretty good for lunch and dinner, too.
That’s why it’s among the top five of the 49 places Ground Zero featured in 2005.
Below is a rundown of those five. Please note, this is NOT a favorites list, but rather a list of the best restaurants we visited in the past year.
Eateries were evaluated on food quality, service and presentation and are listed in the order they were featured.
Green Gateau (May 20) — Eric Lemke and Kelli Kerns took over the Green Gateau from her parents, William and Beverly Livengood, on July 1, 2004. Since then they have expanded the menu, added outdoor patio dining and begun selling beer and wine. The restaurant does a nice job with steaks and chicken entrees. The service is some of the best in town.
Eighth Street Ironworks (June 17) — One of the best places in town is now closed. Owners Jason Ables and Shannon Raymer gave it their best shot (twice), but couldn’t find enough support to make a go of it in the Haymarket. I enjoyed their unique takes on old favorites. I wish I had their meat loaf recipe.
El Rancho (Aug. 19) — Several new Mexican places opened this year, and the best of the bunch was El Rancho. Owner Alex Preciado of Los Angeles has a menu that differs greatly in presentation and ingredients from the fare found at other Mexican restaurants. Even the refried beans are atypical.
Scrumpy Jacks (Oct. 28) — The new place has a lot going for it, from the menu to the black box lounge to the “frost” bar. Scrumpy is big on steaks and seafood. Much of the food is spectacular, including the steaks and mushroom encrusted scallops. I recommend starting your meal with one of the restaurant’s delicious appetizers.
Krem Le Bistro (Nov. 18) — I like the concept: Walk-up sandwich shop for lunch and full-service restaurant in the evening. So far, Krem is keeping it simple with limited menu items, but all of them are fabulous. I recommend the roast beef roll-up, the beef stroganoff and Armenian chicken and vegetable pizza.
Honorable mention:
Firethorn Golf Club (March 4) — Normally, this would make my top five, but membership is required to eat here. The food, however, is worth the monthly dues. Firethorn does a great job with steak and seafood.
Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.