I was not quite sure if I should write this review since I see EVERYONE in City Search loves this restaurant. But, I decided to let people know about my recent dinner experience in Dali.
My fiance and I went there last month. We ordered Octopus Vinagrette, and several other dishes. When I put a octopus piece in my month, I knew immediately that it was from a can or a jar. They were extremely spongy soft chunks and had a texture of Styrofoam.
Since I grew up in a small fishing village in Japan, I know how fresh octopus tastes like. I know the difference between fresh and can octopus.
For the first time in my life, I asked the waiter to send the dish back to the kitchen. The waiter got very agitated and argued that fresh octopus was supposed to be soft when it was cooked well. I know, from bottom of my heart, octopus never gets SPONGY it if it were fresh.
He reluctantly took the dish away, but we felt really bad.
Later the restaurant manager came to our table and explained the octopus was frozen. I am doubtful about his explanation because, again, I know the difference between frozen and octopus from a can.
The manager took the dish out of our bill, so we were thankful.
Other dishes we ordered were OK. Stuffed squid (yes. it was fresh!) was acceptable, though it was extremely salty.
The dinning room was very pretty and romantic. For this point, I gave one star.
Once again, please do not order Octopus Vinagrette unless you like octopus from a can (or.. a jar.. I am not still sure as of today.)
Pros: Romantic atmosphere
Cons: Octopus Vinagrette
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