[mersy]

So last spring/summer, I was convinced that Palo Santo had the best brunch in the neighborhood. Low prices (like 7 bucks for an omelet, about half the price of what most places charge at brunch), simple, delicious food, fresh squeezed juices in tall glasses, and of course the atmosphere and service was always top notch. Then they stopped doing brunch for a while. Since they started it up again, I've gone twice, and both times was really disappointed. For one thing, the prices have gone up, which I understand...I'm sure they need to charge more in order to sustain themselves, and I would pay it happily if the quality of the food/drinks/service was as high as it used to be. But (and I'm sorry to say this, because I've been a big supporter of Palo Santo and Jacques the chef/owner since the beginning) it was really bad. The omelet was way overcooked, and the mushrooms inside undercooked. Bacon almost all fat and really underdone. Just eh. And it was a 30 dollar meal, all told. Also, there seems to be a new guy doing the majority of the hosting and waiting duties, and its just a different vibe in there totally. Not the same sort of homey, friendly atmosphere.

I've worked in the service industry for the last ten years, so I understand that good places have their bad days. But I won't be back there for brunch. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Really don't wanna see that place going downhill! I haven't ever been for dinner, so I can't speak to that.

[pitu]

Did the new guy remind you of Stephen Cobert? He was a little wound up, but I liked him.

I haven't been to brunch, but since I just had dinner there this week . . .
It was pretty great (duck in a lightweight sort of mole, served with a delicious little corny cup full of black beans.) It was quite a bit better than a meal I had there a few months ago with an not-very-flavorful tough little steak and boring mariscos. I expect those quality ingredients to sing a little more...I love pan-latin upscale food!

They make the tortillas for the tacos to order, which I appreciate. Of course they are $9 tacos, so they really really better do it that way! From tasting a few different things, I find they have one flavor profile with the meaty stuff that they don't vary too much from. Is the same demiglace being used in everything? It's tasty, but I want variety.

Still, I think their tasting menu for dinner would be super fun/delicious.
I like that there's an open kitchen - you can sit at the counter and see everything going on, and the owner doing very tight quality control on a night I was there. Very tidy.

[schmoppa]

I go once in a while. About a month ago I went for brunch and had a delicious braised pork with manchego sandwich, with yucca fries.

[littlegal]

I've never been, but have been wondering about this place for awhile. I always walk by and then forget the name by the time I can look into it more. Please share more

[alafairnadia]

I want to go back for their tasting menu. haven't given them a chance since a not-so-awesome dinner.
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like a smoked meat with an earthy youth overnote