Binghamton’s Lost Dog Cafe Offers a Tantalizing Menu [REVIEW]

I always remember my Mom and Dad saying you can tell a good local restaurant when you have to wait a bit for a table.  That may be the case with Binghamton's popular Lost Dog Cafe but rest assured, they do their best to seat everyone in a timely manner, even with Binghamton Restaurant Week.

The ambiance is New York chic, the presentation is Food Network and the taste is out of this world.  Lost Dog Cafe prides itself in taste and using quality healthy ingredients, many of them organic and gluten free in nature.

While it has been a few years since I have visited Lost Dog Cafe, my return yesterday had me asking myself why I don't eat there more often.  If you haven't been to "the Dog" in a while, Restaurant Week is a good opportunity to return as they have a nice selection of seafood, meat and vegetarian options.

I had a hard time choosing 3 courses on the four course menu, as everything sounded so good.  I was in the mood for fish so I started with the crab, avocado and corn lettuce wrap, which is glutton-free by the way.  Dressed with peppers, cilantro, corn and lime vinaigrette, every flavor comes out and makes for a nice appetizer.

The second course was a generous portion of a Lost Dog Salad complete with mixed greens.  I do recommend the homemade mango dressing.  For the main course, I had a hard time choosing between their signature rigatoni ala-vodka with a choice of shrimp or chicken or the grilled ma hi with gazpacho salsa over basmati rice.

I'm so glad I went with the ma hi.  Again, flavorful, a great portion and grilled to perfection.  I would get this again in a heartbeat.  Healthy and wonderful.

Our server Julian was very attentive and always made sure my water glass was full.  It's always the little things that impress me when I dine out.  Julian is a great waiter.  My friend was impressed by their wine and brew menu.  I was doing water as I gave up alcohol (and all sugars) for my regular Lent ritual.  But if you're doing beer, plan to sample a nice selection of micro brews in addition to the standard tap beers.

In all a perfect 5 star evening at the Lost Dog Cafe.  I will make the Lost Dog Cafe on my list of favorite Binghamton restaurants. I also plan to make this a regular stop to meet friends for lunch and dinner.

Binghamton Restaurant Week is April 1-10, 2014.