Michelle's Life in La-La Land

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I've been wanting to try the Stinking Rose for years.  For some reason it never got picked as the venue for any of my social gatherings. (I guess you can probably figure out the reason.  It's not the nicest thing to have garlic breath when you're with a group of people and you still have to talk to them.)  But still, everytime I drove by after eating at somewhere else in the area, I always told myself I had to try this place someday because I LOVE Garlic!

Finally on a regular Friday night, I worked late and it was alreay 9:30 when I got home and ready for dinner.  Countryman felt like some pasta, so I did a quick search on Yelp.  The Stinking Rose popped out and drew my attention.  I know Countryman loves garlic, too.  As I expected, "Screw Pasta!  Let's go to the stinking rose!  Anything with garlic is good!", Countryman said.  Luckily the Stinking Rose opens til 11pm, so we could still make it.

Bagna càuda - Garlic soaking in a hot tub : My fave! I think I can be content if I come in here, order only this one dish, and finish the whole thing by myself.  Luv luv it!  It has the aroma that makes garlic-lovers addicted, but it doesn't make you feel that spicy or hot like it's gonna burn your tongue or stomach.  It goes well with the garlic bread, too.  But as an appetizer(is it?), the taste and smell are probably too strong.  It's so perfect, but ,I have to admit, it does actually make the entrées taste nothing like garlic. 

Garlic Bread: complimentry bread, goes perfectly with the Bagna càuda

The Stinking Rose House Salad: just mediocre salad.  Neither the veggie nor the dressing is anything near special and worth the $7.95.  I think I'll just skip salad next time. 

Garlic Steamed Clam: Clam has been my favorite food since I was a kid.  I even gave it a nickname, Tzui-Tzui, and tried to persuade everyone I know that its real name is Tzui-tzui, not clam. haha...  The steamed clam was perfectly cooked.  The soup was so sweet and delicious.  I was just afraid my body couldn't handle the sudden high volume of cholesterol intake, so I only finished 3/4 of it and had the rest of it to go.  

Filet Mignon: I only had a bite of it.  It was not bad.  I am not so much a steak person, so I'm definitely not qualified to give any comments on the steak.  Countryman liked it thouh.

Overall, I liked this place a lot.  I'll definitely come back for the "Garlic soaking in a hot tub" and the steamed clam.  I'll skip the salad and try something else.