Shango

the group had an opportunity to visit Shango last night. some of us enjoyed a few beverages from the bar before sitting down. note: they only serve beer and wine (and ryan's soda).
the restaurant crowd was loud which was bolstered by live music; a pianist who started his set with 'the girl from ipanema' (it got better from there though with some diversity: some jazz, some beatles and stones etc.)
the group started with sweet potato and parmesean fries - both were excellent. i also tried the goat cheese salad which was excellent as well.
i started with the gumbo which was awesome and ordered the creole meatloaf as my entree which i enjoyed but sdisappointed as i really liked the buttermilk fried chicken entree that i tasted - tender and well-spiced. i also sampled the ahi tuna (good), mac & cheese (good), penne (excellent) and i think the grouper (good).
i didn't hear any complaints except that the tuna steak should have been ordered rare.
all meals were reasonably priced.
i would definitely give Shango the thumbs up and would like to visit there again.

Curly's

i ordered the fish brettone, curly's fresh fish entree sauteed with mushrooms, capers and a white wine and butter sauce. it was very rich and, unfortunately, after having some of the ricotta or goat cheese-stuffed pablano hot pepper and the recommended black bean soup (both excellent) i was in no position to make much of a dent in my entree. but what i did have and what i shared was enjoyed by everyone. i also enjoyed a sample of the chicken ochee entree. i would recommend both.
curly's has a caribbean slant to it and considers itself to be fine dining which is supported by the the price of the meal.
i was not too fond of the dining room music (from the get-go which started with a jimmy buffett ditty) but the companionship and conversation minimized it.
i would definitely like to go back and try some of the other entrees.