02/09/08

Hip and good food

by Anucha

The decor is trendy and hip. Good choice of restaurant to hang out with freinds and enjoy the food and electric vibe of the restaurant. The plates are small so get ready to order couple to really enjoy different appetizers and entrees. The duck entree was a little raw for me but evertyhing else was excellent. However, service was a little slow.

• Pros: food and ambience
• Cons: service

01/24/08

Modern American fare, prepared in the Valencia corridor, swathed in industrial-chic.

by Contributor

The Scene
A fireplace adjacent to the hostess gives diners a warm welcome. Shiny metal piping crisscrosses throughout the spacious room. Counter seating is available at the cocktail bar and in front of an open kitchen running across the back wall. In the center of it all: Romantic dates and groups of gal-pals huddling around black wood tables.

The Food
A focused menu listing select ingredients from each offering takes its cues from the restaurant's less-is-more decor. For starters: Two pillowy pan-seared scallops arrive atop petite-yet-plump mushrooms that are dressed with sweet garlic puree. Another light starter, tri-colored beets, benefit from the sweet-and-savory balance of citrus vinaigrette, shaved fennel and a hint of horseradish. Entrees are appropriately proportioned and may include a grilled walu flavored with bacon-like guanciale that's complemented by simple cannellini. The lamb three ways will suit more adventurous eaters with its succulent chop, fatty rib, and house-cured spicy sausage.

Hits: The wine list has something for everyone--from $5 glasses of Austrian red to $150 bottles of Napa's Round Pond.

Misses: Dates might find the lighting on the bright side, especially with the way it reflects off the metal piping.

01/23/08

Excellent dinner in lively setting

by erikasf

I really enjoyed my dinner at Conduit. The oxtail tortelloni is not to be missed. The scallops were superb, and my duck entree was the best I have had in a while. The food also gets extra points for presentation. The service was friendly and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was lively without being too loud. The wine list was good and reasonably priced. The cocktails were also well-prepared. The only drawback for some diners may be the small portion sizes. Diners who only order an entree may leave hungry, but eating several courses will allow for a satisfying meal. I look forward to returning to Conduit.

• Pros: excellent food, service and atmostphere; good wine and full bar
• Cons: small portions may be a drawback for some diners