Today I was reminded of how important service is and that quality is not all. I usually value quality over service. By that I mean is that I am willing to be inconvenienced if I get good value out of a particular product. In the case of food, how it taste, smells and is presented will any day make up for a rude waiter and otherwise bad service. However, when the food is delivered exceedingly late that can just destroy the entire experience and its very difficult for quality to make up. Here is my review of a restaurant we dined at this evening in the Murray Hill section of Manhattan:

The humus was one of the tastiest I have ever had . the herbs and feta cheese were very fresh , unfortunately even these were delivered to our table unbearably late. Eventually, the food would once on our table turn out to be good and the portions were ample, the price quite reasonable but the wait had spoiled the dining experience.

The name of the restaurant is: Jasmine Persian Cuisine at 11 E 30th Street. Again, the food was good and the prices were good as well. Perhaps. an off-night.

If ever in New York City, per chance at a Smalltalk conference or not, and if you like Thai food or always wanted to try it then you must checkout the Lemon Grass Grill chain of restaurants. Like my taste in music my taste in foods leans toward a fusion of styles. I have heard it commented that the food at the Lemon Grass Grill is not authentic but my

wife and I can vouch that it is delicious. I can especially vouch for the location at 138 East 34th Street, which we visit frequently. The restaurant is decorated in all wood paneling and is lit by orangy light fixtures. The long kitchen line is in plain sight. A typical dinner for us consists of:

1. Appetizer – Basil Lime Leaves Fish Cake
2. Appetizer – Steamed or Crispy Fried Vegetable Dumpling
3. Entree – Chicken String Beans Basil
4. Entree – Chicken Thai Fresh Green Chili
5. Dessert – Green Tea Ice Cream
6. Dessert – Coconut Pudding

I must also note that the Green Tea Ice Cream is of the darker more bitter nature almost dark chocolate like but not. The other Green Tea Ice Cream which one most often sees in Japanese restaurants is very bland almost vanilla like and to our taste lame.

The bill for the above without tax and gratuities comes out to approximately $35.00 USD and the portions are large enough to take home for seconds. A real treat and a great deal.

Enjoy.