I have to remind myself sometimes where I am when I do my critiques on Anchorage restaurants and adjust the expectations. So if I put myself in those shoes, then Suite 100 is one of Anchorages' front running best in town restaurants. However, I do not care where a restaurant is located...it can still be world class, memorable, top notch in flavor, ambiance, and experience no matter how big, small, casual, fancy, near or far it is. A restaurant does not have to be in a big city or a prime location to be simply GOOD.
Ok here it is...if you are looking for a dinning experience that is nice and adequate then Suite 100 is the place for you. Located in south Anchorage off Dimond (not DiAmond) in a nice shopping strip area. The ambiance is trying for an uptown vibe as a bar lounge emphasis on wine. With an extensive menu and pricing ranging from $11 for a burger or sandwich to $36 for a pound of Alaskan King Crab. You will also receive a large special menu. As noted on their website, they want to give options "for every taste". OK this is my first critic...large menu is a sign that nothing is done to perfection...because there are too many things to think about as chef in the kitchen. Yes I get that it's a "larger" restaurant that may have the staff to handle many orders, but regardless I would suggest they reign in the menu and work to make signature dishes with a few specials for the week. They should keep the variety and the options...but there are a few menu items that can be cut and focus can be brought in. It's an easy thing to do and this will allow the kitchen to get a more solid handle on their menu and perfecting their dishes. Because at this time...the food is descent, but not mind blowing. And I eat out to make me think about it the next day.
I have been twice now. Each time I left filled and...adequate. First time I started with the steam clams and mussels. They were cooked just right and the simple spiced wine and garlic broth connected well with the clams and mussels. I would have liked a bit more garlic in the broth...just a bit more punch in the spice and the dish will be a full hit and become a never not order dish. For my entrée I ordered from the regular menu the Island Flank Steak. Good Pacific island flavor of soy-ginger mixed with pineapple and the steak was cooked just how I asked. That is a huge plus for them. The second time I had tried to ordered for a starter their popular Lamp Lollipops, but they ARE popular and were sold out. For my entrée, I went off the special menu and got their Filet Trio. Each came with a different compliment such as over cooked and creamed wild mushroom risotto ( love a good risotto so I was severally disappointed), perfect Yukon mash potatoes (praise God), and forgettable steamed veggies. Besides the perfect mash potatoes there are two things that were bravo, the steaks were seasoned well and cooked exactly as I asked and the shrimp that topped my filet was EXCELLANT...make a dish from that, please! Overall, the flavors and potions are good. Basically Suite 100 has high and down the middle notes. Which in my opinion is a great review for an Anchorage restaurant, BUT not for a restaurant that is trying to be a culinary hot spot.
Suite 100 is...just there right now. They have some good dishes that are just waiting to become great. They have a location just waiting to be tapped into a center for foodies. They have the space and the potential to do more events, such as tastings, pairing dinners, and food classes. And they have a menu just waiting to be pulled in so they can focus in doing well on the dishes and not be just adequate. Because Suite 100 is a good place for group dinners, girls' night out, a casual date night, or a working dinner. BUT it also has the ability with it's uptown vibe and clear desire to reach culinary summits to be an innovating, on the trend restaurant that can go from nice and acceptable to THE place in town to get a glass of wine and meal that will make you want to come back over and over. Right now they are just a player in the game, not the game maker.
Ok now get out there and find your favorite meal! Bon Appetit!
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