Restaurant Round-Up: Visaggio’s, Miyako Sushi & Houlihan’s

There are certain times that you really need a restaurant to step up, none more than when you're going out to eat for a special occasion. Like it or not, even the most carefully planned evening can be derailed by an expensive dinner that fails to meet expectations. Last weekend, Restaurant Round-Up contributor Winton celebrated his 5-Year Anniversary with his girlfriend, Ann, at Visaggio's (congrats, guys!), and happily, they had a fantastic meal. Visaggio's website features glowing recommendations from the pages of the Philadelphia Inquirer and from George Will, so it's not a surprise that the meal was good. I mean, if George Will says so...

This week, in addition to Winton's report on Visaggio's, Fran gives the pros and cons of Miyako Sushi and Dave talks about his favorite chain restaurant, Houlihan's. As always, let us know what you think in the comments section.

Visaggio’s Ristorante
Name: Winton
When: Saturday, Oct. 4 at 6:30pm
Been Before: No
Ordered: My girlfriend and I were celebrating our five-year anniversary, so I had Filet Mignon served with mushrooms and onions. Most dishes are served over pasta, but I purposely chose the filet so I could get the hand-rolled gnocchi. Amazing! The entree followed homemade Italian bread and salad. To drink, I had a glass of Pinot Grigio, water and a cup of coffee with dessert. My girlfriend, Ann, had the Elena Maria, which is medallions of prime Filet Mignon sauteed and four jumbo shrimp in garlic butter. The filet and shrimp are on a bed of linguine laced with garlic butter and topped with Pecorino Romano cheese. To drink, Ann had a glass of Riesling. We were both stuffed by this point, but we had to at least share one of the desserts. We decided to have the Cioccolata Al Forno which is a collection of soft brownie chocolate with a filled core and topped with whipped crème or ice cream.
The Food: 10 out of 10
The Ambiance: The exterior isn’t anything special, but as soon as we entered the lobby, the tone for the evening was set. The atmosphere is very romantic and relaxing. The tables are a fair distance apart so there is a sense of seclusion.
Did Others Like Their Meals: Ann loved it!
Cost: $55 per person including alcohol.
The Service: Excellent service. Our waitress was very unobtrusive while keeping drinks refilled and the table clean.
Notes: Definitely rank Visaggio’s up there with Alfred’s Victorian in Middletown as one of my favorites in the area.
Recommendation: Yes

Miyako Sushi
Name: Fran L.
When: Friday for Dinner
Been Before: Yes
Ordered: Sushi Deluxe, Tropical Eel Roll, Spider Roll, Clear Soup and Green Tea.
The Food: Probably the most consistently good sushi you will find in this area. You could fly to Santa Monica and feast on a $100 sushi experience at Sushi Roku, but if you want nicely prepared Maki and fresh Nigiri at a reasonable price, head over to Miyako. The specials are often quite unique and tasty. In addition to Sushi, they offer a selection of hibachi-style entrees as well. Also notable is their delicious small-plate appetizers—two or three of which could serve as a full meal. Personally, I also tend to guzzle three or four cups of their delicious green tea before I finish my appetizer.
The Ambiance: Their recently remodeled interior is simple and elegant. I don’t think it tries to be something it’s not—it’s a sushi bar on 2nd Street in Harrisburg. It’s not trying to masquerade as a New York sushi bar, where you walk in and wonder when someone will hand you a card that tells you how you’re supposed to feel. I often find myself chuckling at their music selection—you never know whether you’ll be basking in the magic of Yanni, swilling some Saki to Chuck Berry or elevating your soul to a musak rendition of Chariots of Fire. Maybe I’m such a regular that it has become endearing.
Company: My wife
Did Others Like Their Meals: Yes
Cost: $15 each
The Service: Service is very inconsistent if you sit in the dining area in the back. If you sit in the back, you have to let go a little and just expect sketchy service as you enjoy your meal, and not be afraid to get someone’s attention if you need something. Personally, I recommend sitting at the bar. Not only do you get better service, but you also get to see the chef make your dinner and meet new people.
Notes: In conclusion, Miyako delivers just-above-average-but-don’t-worry-it-won’t-kill-you tasty sushi dishes at a reasonable price. They have some good Sakis—try Zen. Not the perfect restaurant, but it works and you’ll enjoy the food.
Recommendation: Yes

Houlihan’s
Name: Dave B.
When: Sunday, Oct. 5th, lunch
Been Before: Yes, plenty of times
Ordered:I ordered the Asian Chop Chop Salad with chicken tortilla soup. My friend ordered the steak fajitas. My other friend ordered the calamari salad with baked potato soup. My girlfriend ordered the portabella mushroom enchilada with chicken tortilla soup, and my daughter had the corndog with fries, applesauce, carrot sticks and ice cream.
The Food: For a chain restaurant, 9 out of 10.
The Ambiance: Again, for a chain restaurant Houlihan’s is always pleasant, very trendy and very professional looking. It was pretty quiet at the time. Some baseball and football games were on in the bar area.
Did Others Like Their Meals: Yes, everyone thought it was delicious.
Cost: $13 per person; no alcohol.
The Service: the service was a 10 out of 10. Our server also has a 3-year-old daughter, so she was all over it, and was very, very attentive to us.
Notes: Houlihan’s is a great place to eat with friends and family or to go for a few drinks. It’s very family- and kid-friendly.
Recommendation: Yes, always.