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| - I've been to The Weary Traveler twice now and it's something of a mixed bag. The food and service are good on the whole despite the fact that the place is wall-to-wall with people. It's managing that wall-to-wall crowd that is preventing them from being a really good, possibly great place. I can't help but feel that its a victim of its own success. Just so you're aware, both my visits were made with different friends on Saturday evenings in winter.
Food was fine but sort of inconsistent on both visits.
On both trips, my friends and I had the south of the border platter as an appetizer. The pico was good, chips just fine, and the pickled vegetables tasty and crisp, with the right amount of bite and spice. The guacamole was good, but may need a shake of salt...taste it and be the judge. However, both tips resulted in vastly different amounts of the items on the spread. The escabeche pickled vegetables were almost non-existent on the second visit, and my dining partner was the first to express her disappointment as that was her favorite part. I agreed, as on my first visit I was served at least 3 times the amount.
On one trip, I enjoyed a cup of good tom kha tofu. the soup was evenly spiced, the vegetables fresh and tofu firm to the tooth. Very nice. I alomost ordered a bowl again on my second trip, but wanted to try something new.
Instead, I took a chance and ordered the special on my second visit. Fried smelt with parsnip pancakes, arugula*, and chile-blood orange syrup. This is a very Great Lakes-oriented dish that has been given a world flair that had a ton of potential. Unfortunately, it worked out to be an assembly of elements rather than a complete meal. I ate less than half of it.
I was served a plate that was the rough equivalent of pasta bowl in size and shape. , The smelt were fine but a bit flavorless, most likely a result of a batter that was too thin (and probably lacked beer). The parsnip pancakes were not pancakes in the sense of potato pancakes. Instead, they were large croquettes of puree with some chunks, nicely friend on the outside and about 3 inches in diameter and 1 inch (!!!) thick. The arugula was fresh and crisp, but lacked any touch of the chile-blood orange syrup, which instead was an afterthought put on the potato cakes. The only indication it was there was a tiny spot of red color; it provided no discernible flavor to my meal. Total disappointment.
My dining partner told me she ordered the chicken dijionnaise every time she was there, and after a bite of it I couldn't blame her. The chicken was cooked marvelously and the sauce more of a light mustard cream sauce than a thick mayo-mustard sauce I had expected. The green beans looked bright and fresh and I sampled the garlic mashed potatoes and found them mild and well-made. I could see why she liked it so much!
Still, despite the crowd, we were seated quickly and treated to attentive service by out waiter. The host was a little rude on both visits, but I put it down to him being harried dealing with the crowd. When he seated us, he was very polite. Bartenders were pleasant and quick on both visits once you grabbed their attention. Be aggressive, but don't wave money. =o)
A couple of miscellaneous sparks: a good selection of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian items are called out on the menu. There are some interesting alcohol-free drinks on the drink menu. Also, both time I was there it was the winter, and they had some hot drinks on a small menu as well -- nice touch!
I'll certainly be back; I think my order on my second visit was just poorly executed. I'm presupposing the carne asada would be good, as would be a few other items. A third visit in spring should yield a different menu and a final measure.
Looking for a recommendation? From me personally, I'd say it's inconclusive. From the crowds and the number of bad breath burgers coming out of the kitchen, I'd say give it a try.
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