Restaurant review from the past week (Mike's on the Avenue, Apolline, Mr Johns)

This is just a short review with some opinions and recs from the following places. Excuse my writing skills.

Mike's on the Avenue last week. This is an under the radar restaurant that has one of the best atmospheres/views in the city. I have found several entrees I like and several that were just decent. I recommend going for cocktails and getting a bunch of apps. Tuna Napoleon, redfish pate are two of my favorites. You can find better food at some surrounding places but the prices are pretty cheap and the view of Lafayette square and St Charles is nice enough that I would tell anyone to try it at least once. I also hear they have a pretty good lunch special.

Apolline (Formerly Dominique's on Magazine) I went here on Friday night and was curious how the food was going to change with the loss of the chef. I believe the chef is still involved in the operation of the restaurant but I am not sure of the capacity. The layout and cocktail menu seemed to be the same. They infuse their cocktails with homemade syrups and use ingredients from a garden that I think is in the back of the restaurant. We started with a beef carpaccio app which was great. For entrees I had the duck pastrami and my SO had the black drum. I really enjoyed both of the dishes but it just wasn't as good as Dominiques. But it is important to note that the best meal I have had in the last year was there so I had very high expectations. I do feel it is one of the top 10 uptown restaurants and a must for anyone looking to try something new.

Mr. John's last night. Best Steak in the city- end of conversation. We had a 12 top and that was the opinion of everyone that had a steak. I am friends with the chef so he had a special app layout for us. Sweetbreads, foie gras, and bone marrow which were superb but not on the normal menu. The fish special was a redfish that several people really enjoyed. For me it is hard to get past the steak if I am there. I know many on the board share my opinion but this place is a must for anyone who hasn't had their steaks.