Dining and drinking review: second looks

This week instead of reviewing a new restaurant, Ted Broussard decided to take a second look at some of the bars/restaurants previously reviewed on this blog. The restaurant and bar industry is in constant flux - old establishments close and new ones open; menus are updated; servers come and go. So every bar and restaurant, no matter how much we may enjoy it, always merits another look. Below, Ted updates three previous reviews.

Updates by Ted Broussard

Update 1: Hilltop Kitchen. See the original review HERE.
Just went back to Hilltop Kitchen two weeks after writing the review and learned that they stopped serving entrees all together. Turns out that their space is just not set up for it so they’re sticking to limited appetizers and delicious drinks. Still very dimly lit so either consider it mood lighting or wear a headlamp.

Update 2: Cafe Vincero. See Kurt Kwon's original review HERE, and a more recent update HERE.
Very pleasantly surprised with the delicious food at Cafe Vincero. Seems like they turned around the consistency and service issues they struggled with before. Delicious chicken cacciatore served over parmesan risotto and excellent Tortellini a la Matriciana—tortellini filled with six cheeses and tossed with a zesty pomodoro sauce with sautéed pancetta and onions. Service was friendly and helpful but fell apart a bit at the end of the meal when they got busier.











Update 3:  El Tufo. See the original review HERE.
Had another very good meal at El Tufo on St. Helen’s. They have a new chef since last review but many of the same dishes appear with a couple of new items. I was disappointed that the “spicy” tomato sauce for the Frito Queso was way short on the “spicy” and lost the little bit of bite it had before. Still a good dish but loses it’s zing without a little red pepper heat.  The Croquetas de Pollo were very good but again could benefit with a little personality from a touch of heat.  Excellent wine choice at reasonable prices.