LOCATION: 114 South Avenue Rochester, NY
TYPE OF FOOD: Breakfast (French/American)
REVIEW: Restaurants can be in any place, in any climate, in any building, anywhere in the world. Some restaurants are plain old solitary buildings. Some are not. Some restaurants location make a big impression on your experience. Some don't. Libraries, if they have any food whatsoever, have a Starbucks (or some other chain running out all of the family run ones, take your pick), or a dumpy, half-put together cafe. So you would probably have the same amount of surprise I had-which was "huh" leveled-when I discovered this place was in the middle of a public library. One question-who wants crepes with C.S. Lewis (think of it as the Crepe, the Library, and the Really, Really Bad Joke)?
I looked at the menu. There was nothing on the menu in which I could eat without changing it. As my drink I ordered tea. My tea came back before I ordered my food. The tea came with tea bags, as they usually do. What I didn't know is that I had plenty of variety (no more Democrat-or-Republican decisions, I'm going with the zillions of other third parties which get two votes each). They were at least six different types of tea. I took rooibos. The tea, sadly, was quite weak, although I believe that was my fault. Finally I ordered my food. I took the Specialty Fruit crepe without the whipped cream, brown sugar, and maple syrup that they had. I asked the sauces to be on the side.
After at least twenty minutes, I got my crepe. The crepe had bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. The fruit was fresh, but the crepe was slightly cold, but I think that was because of the fruit. The crepe was hard to cut (it was like cutting through silly putty-but who does that?), but when the fruit fell off my fork, I tasted the crepe itself, which was good. Shortly after I finished my meal, I noticed that I was filled to the brim. The crepe, I now realize, was quite filling. I lifted myself out of the seat, walked through the doorframe that was there (no door), walked through the library, and left.
SERVICE: The service was nice, but spend nearly all of the time behind the counter. In fact, when I was there, there were only three staff. And they were arguing. They also for the regular breakfast crepes went overboard on the eggs (at least three eggs in that artery clogger). I kind of felt bad for them because I don't really think many people come. But alas, for what I don't know, I cannot do commentary on.
ATMOSPHERE: The floor was spotless. No wrappers, no footprints, nothing. And the view into the library was quite nice, as they wasn't much noise coming from it. However the air smelled like bacon, and I noticed one persons' hair smelled like it. I can finally declare to all bacon-holics that it is now raining bacon (or at least the smell)
PRICE: My crepe cost eight dollars. It was smaller than the regular crepes, but because my crepe was fruit and so cut down, and I can't hold this against them. Most likely, three friends can eat here for twenty-five dollars (according to my "formula"). Four friends with thirty dollars? Don't push it.
RATING: Simply Crepes is a cute little place. The food is pretty decent, and the tea has plenty of options. However the food is just decent, and it smells like bacon. And if you talk too loud you lose your "rights to the library". No, just kidding. But don't say that to your elementary school librarian. Simply Crepes gets a simple four out of five.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Wok With You
LOCATION: 300 Park Point Drive Rochester, NY
TYPE OF FOOD: Asian
REVIEW: The name of a restaurant can be a large indicator of what food the place serves and/or what the food is like and/or what the service is like. If a place has a title like, "Terrific Bites!", then the service are probably something similar to some cocky jerk you had to work with for a science project in sixth grade (and he kept saying, "OH! This is SO right! Aren't I SO smart?"). If a place's name is similar to "Mexican Food", then the place serves Mexican food, and the manager is very, very, VERY lonely. But if the place's name is a Michael Jackson reference... walk through the door.
After a little bit I reached my seat. The server handed me a menu, which happened to be the menu with the lunch specials. I went down a few foods, finding nothing. Finally I found chicken with broccoli. I continued on, trying to find my favorite Chinese food, chow foon (not chow fun, fun is an adjective to describe an experience, not a food), but alas, they did not have it. So I ended up ordering the chicken with broccoli, with brown rice.
The food was so hot that it burned my mouth a little. However, once it cooled down, it was delicious. The rice matched the main entree perfectly. I ate the entire thing. It also had some other vegetables in it, and then went along with it quite smoothly. After about twenty minutes of happy eating, I got up, grabbed a magnet (which had the address, hours, etc.), and left.
SERVICE: The service was nice (as for 90% of the other places I go to). However, when I sat down and decided my order, I waited about ten minutes for the server to come over. They were quite busy, though, so I cannot hold this against them. They also seemed from time to time disappear into a room in the back, which I believe is a kitchen...
ATMOSPHERE: Asian music was playing in the dining room, loud enough so that you can hear it, but quiet enough so that you can hear the person to the left of you talk about the lazy river that is on the nearby RIT campus (Rochester Institute of Technology, yes it is a college, and yes it has a lazy river). On the floor is (quite visible) footprints and some trash on the floor. Sadly no servers seemed to notice it, and no one sadly cleaned it up.
PRICE: The price is fine. 5 people can be fed with 50 dollars, but that is two appetizers and everyone ordering entrees. Every lunch special comes with rice, except for noodles. As long as you don't have a craving for octopus, you'll stay under your budget.
RATING: Wok With You is a great restaurant. As long as you keep your eyes off the floor (and somewhat the check), you'll live. Just make sure you can get the references (after this go to Rochester and eat it, eat it, eat it). Wok With You gets a five out of five.
TYPE OF FOOD: Asian
REVIEW: The name of a restaurant can be a large indicator of what food the place serves and/or what the food is like and/or what the service is like. If a place has a title like, "Terrific Bites!", then the service are probably something similar to some cocky jerk you had to work with for a science project in sixth grade (and he kept saying, "OH! This is SO right! Aren't I SO smart?"). If a place's name is similar to "Mexican Food", then the place serves Mexican food, and the manager is very, very, VERY lonely. But if the place's name is a Michael Jackson reference... walk through the door.
After a little bit I reached my seat. The server handed me a menu, which happened to be the menu with the lunch specials. I went down a few foods, finding nothing. Finally I found chicken with broccoli. I continued on, trying to find my favorite Chinese food, chow foon (not chow fun, fun is an adjective to describe an experience, not a food), but alas, they did not have it. So I ended up ordering the chicken with broccoli, with brown rice.
The food was so hot that it burned my mouth a little. However, once it cooled down, it was delicious. The rice matched the main entree perfectly. I ate the entire thing. It also had some other vegetables in it, and then went along with it quite smoothly. After about twenty minutes of happy eating, I got up, grabbed a magnet (which had the address, hours, etc.), and left.
SERVICE: The service was nice (as for 90% of the other places I go to). However, when I sat down and decided my order, I waited about ten minutes for the server to come over. They were quite busy, though, so I cannot hold this against them. They also seemed from time to time disappear into a room in the back, which I believe is a kitchen...
ATMOSPHERE: Asian music was playing in the dining room, loud enough so that you can hear it, but quiet enough so that you can hear the person to the left of you talk about the lazy river that is on the nearby RIT campus (Rochester Institute of Technology, yes it is a college, and yes it has a lazy river). On the floor is (quite visible) footprints and some trash on the floor. Sadly no servers seemed to notice it, and no one sadly cleaned it up.
PRICE: The price is fine. 5 people can be fed with 50 dollars, but that is two appetizers and everyone ordering entrees. Every lunch special comes with rice, except for noodles. As long as you don't have a craving for octopus, you'll stay under your budget.
RATING: Wok With You is a great restaurant. As long as you keep your eyes off the floor (and somewhat the check), you'll live. Just make sure you can get the references (after this go to Rochester and eat it, eat it, eat it). Wok With You gets a five out of five.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Staybridge Suites Breakfast Buffet
LOCATION: Rochester, NY (no exact location, although it is a hotel)
TYPE OF FOOD: Breakfast (American)
REVIEW: There are certain things that are interesting to smell in hotels. For instance, when I entered the hotel for the first time, I smelled instantly pool water. The smell of certain hotel soaps can be either a pleasant experience or an experience similar to meeting Carrot Top (do I need to say anything?). But one thing stuck in my mind as I walked towards the elevator doors on my floor. I smelled bacon-from four floors up.
The buffet was near the corner of what is called "the Great Room". There was very little options, even though I read something in my room saying, "... at the buffet you'll see somethings out of the ordinary." Well, let's see this assorted table spread: eggs, sausages, potatoes, cereal, oatmeal, fruit, bread. Even the pickiest eater will find something!
The eggs were most likely sitting for quite a bit of time. They were average, but edible. The bread was fine, but I think that was sitting, too. The fruit was old. Once again, it was still edible, but a word of advice to hotel managers: don't serve five days plus old fruit. Finally, after finishing an elderly orange, I got up, left the room(?), went to the elevator, and went it reached the fourth floor, walked to my room.
SERVICE: The only service person there was a 60's plus woman. While she was nice, she was clearly a bit crabby. In fact I went for my food when she was not around. I found an unused cup and placed it back. She then threw it away. I think she might be afraid of germs.
ATMOSPHERE: There is really nothing of note here. The floors were clean, but this is a hotel-the floors have to be clean. Other than that, the atmosphere failed to impress. Because there was absolutely nothing else. Not even music.
PRICE: The breakfast was free. That's it. No jokes. No references. Just one solitary fact that is used in every hotel, motel, and inn in the United States. That's that.
RATING: With mediocre food, one crabby service person, and no atmosphere, the only saving grace is the price. But if it cost one cent, I wouldn't even stare at it for a brief period of time (if I did, I would then say, "My eyes, my eyes!). Staybridge Suites breakfast buffet gets a two out of five.
TYPE OF FOOD: Breakfast (American)
REVIEW: There are certain things that are interesting to smell in hotels. For instance, when I entered the hotel for the first time, I smelled instantly pool water. The smell of certain hotel soaps can be either a pleasant experience or an experience similar to meeting Carrot Top (do I need to say anything?). But one thing stuck in my mind as I walked towards the elevator doors on my floor. I smelled bacon-from four floors up.
The buffet was near the corner of what is called "the Great Room". There was very little options, even though I read something in my room saying, "... at the buffet you'll see somethings out of the ordinary." Well, let's see this assorted table spread: eggs, sausages, potatoes, cereal, oatmeal, fruit, bread. Even the pickiest eater will find something!
The eggs were most likely sitting for quite a bit of time. They were average, but edible. The bread was fine, but I think that was sitting, too. The fruit was old. Once again, it was still edible, but a word of advice to hotel managers: don't serve five days plus old fruit. Finally, after finishing an elderly orange, I got up, left the room(?), went to the elevator, and went it reached the fourth floor, walked to my room.
SERVICE: The only service person there was a 60's plus woman. While she was nice, she was clearly a bit crabby. In fact I went for my food when she was not around. I found an unused cup and placed it back. She then threw it away. I think she might be afraid of germs.
ATMOSPHERE: There is really nothing of note here. The floors were clean, but this is a hotel-the floors have to be clean. Other than that, the atmosphere failed to impress. Because there was absolutely nothing else. Not even music.
PRICE: The breakfast was free. That's it. No jokes. No references. Just one solitary fact that is used in every hotel, motel, and inn in the United States. That's that.
RATING: With mediocre food, one crabby service person, and no atmosphere, the only saving grace is the price. But if it cost one cent, I wouldn't even stare at it for a brief period of time (if I did, I would then say, "My eyes, my eyes!). Staybridge Suites breakfast buffet gets a two out of five.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sofra
LOCATION: 1 Belmont Street Cambridge, MA
TYPE OF FOOD: Mediterranean (I guess)
REVIEW: Sometimes you just have to wonder how a restaurant gets its location. Some restaurants have a nice location, with no restaurants or no restaurants good enough for competition. Some restaurants have a nice area around it, which is also good. Why do I bring this up, you ask? Well, the area around Sofra is not that beautiful and I passed by three of the tourist-trap "family pizza places". Eventually I snapped out of my thoughts and entered.
The second I entered the place I saw what I wanted. A sign for "Soup of the Day" had lamb stew. There was no deliberation, no one arm punching the other arm like they are having an argument, no tug-of-war between two fictional characters in my mind. Just me saying, "I would like the lamb stew, please." For my drink I had mint tea.
The tea tasted like minty milk. It had the same exact quality of milk. After struggling through the first few sips, and ten-twenty minutes, I received the food. The stew came with sesame crackers. The stew was fine. Just fine. In the middle. It wasn't good, yet wasn't horrible. In fact, the crackers were better than the stew. I didn't even finish my stew. I put my dishes away (still effected by the "tea"), took a catering menu (the closest they had to a takeout menu, oh well, better than Steve's), and exited.
SERVICE: This is one of the places in which only 1% of your time is spend with the service. The service is nice and friendly, but that's just the counter service. The food service are the people who call out your order. And they do it by number, like at a 95% put together grocery store deli. And they have accents. Thick accents. My number sounded like three, when it wasn't three. In fact, I hardly differed it from the other numbers.
ATMOSPHERE: At first glance the place would look comfortable. Well, it isn't. Odds are, you will have to sit on one of the IKEA stools that they have. The stools are not comfortable. And you will have to sit close to the trash-can like tables that they have in order to prevent food from falling on your lap. Which means you will be cramped close. Quite close.
PRICE: Cheap. Very, very, very cheap. My stew was only 6 dollars. In fact, you could probably feed you and another person on twenty dollars. Maybe even you and two other people. Three other people? Um... twenty seven dollars. Probably.
RATING: People told me good things about Sofra. Very good things. For me, my experience was not good. However for twenty dollars, you could feed your friends. But as pessimists say all the time, the negatives always win. Then why would they be pessimists? Sofra gets a three out of five.
TYPE OF FOOD: Mediterranean (I guess)
REVIEW: Sometimes you just have to wonder how a restaurant gets its location. Some restaurants have a nice location, with no restaurants or no restaurants good enough for competition. Some restaurants have a nice area around it, which is also good. Why do I bring this up, you ask? Well, the area around Sofra is not that beautiful and I passed by three of the tourist-trap "family pizza places". Eventually I snapped out of my thoughts and entered.
The second I entered the place I saw what I wanted. A sign for "Soup of the Day" had lamb stew. There was no deliberation, no one arm punching the other arm like they are having an argument, no tug-of-war between two fictional characters in my mind. Just me saying, "I would like the lamb stew, please." For my drink I had mint tea.
The tea tasted like minty milk. It had the same exact quality of milk. After struggling through the first few sips, and ten-twenty minutes, I received the food. The stew came with sesame crackers. The stew was fine. Just fine. In the middle. It wasn't good, yet wasn't horrible. In fact, the crackers were better than the stew. I didn't even finish my stew. I put my dishes away (still effected by the "tea"), took a catering menu (the closest they had to a takeout menu, oh well, better than Steve's), and exited.
SERVICE: This is one of the places in which only 1% of your time is spend with the service. The service is nice and friendly, but that's just the counter service. The food service are the people who call out your order. And they do it by number, like at a 95% put together grocery store deli. And they have accents. Thick accents. My number sounded like three, when it wasn't three. In fact, I hardly differed it from the other numbers.
ATMOSPHERE: At first glance the place would look comfortable. Well, it isn't. Odds are, you will have to sit on one of the IKEA stools that they have. The stools are not comfortable. And you will have to sit close to the trash-can like tables that they have in order to prevent food from falling on your lap. Which means you will be cramped close. Quite close.
PRICE: Cheap. Very, very, very cheap. My stew was only 6 dollars. In fact, you could probably feed you and another person on twenty dollars. Maybe even you and two other people. Three other people? Um... twenty seven dollars. Probably.
RATING: People told me good things about Sofra. Very good things. For me, my experience was not good. However for twenty dollars, you could feed your friends. But as pessimists say all the time, the negatives always win. Then why would they be pessimists? Sofra gets a three out of five.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Paparazzi
LOCATION: Wellesley, MA (no exact location, sorry guys)
TYPE OF FOOD: Italian (casual-pizza, pasta type place)
REVIEW: After watching at least 250 people run about seven feet in front of me in what is called the Boston Marathon, I got hungry. So what did I do? I walked probably half a mile to Wellesley, a nice little town next to the highway. Once again, I had to note the somewhat unfortunate location of the place, as a popular Chinese restaurant-C.K. Shanghai-was right across the street (it was closed, though). I also noticed another one of the zillions of "family pizza places" across the street, too.
I sat down and was given a dinner menu-at noon on a Monday. I instead chose from something on the lunch menu, a Vegetariano (I believe that's how it's spelled) panini-grilled eggplant, basil and tomato- which came with a salad. I asked for a drink, which was iced tea. I noticed the waiter going over to some mysterious container, pressed the top thing (you know, the thing that you press down to get the drink), and the tea flowed out. After quite a bit of time I received-free of charge-a piece of focaccia. The focaccia was freshly baked, covered in herbs. It was absolutely delicious. I took the spicy oil that was on my table, poured (with some force) the oil, and ate it. It made it even more delicious.
Finally I received my food. I was distracted at the time by a grilled cheese sandwich (on focaccia-how the heck did they do that?), so when I noticed the food, I pulled back. The panini was absolutely amazing, and I used my good old friend Mr. Spicy Oil to dip my sandwich into it. The salad was amazing, too, but simple-probably the simplest salad I ever had. It was lettuce with a lemon vinaigrette. But still, it was amazing. I savored every atom of each bite. Finally, I got up, pondered the possibility of the magic grilled cheese sandwich (is David Copperfield the chef?), and left.
SERVICE: The service was nice, friendly, patient, and attentive. The service was either slow on the focaccia or it wasn't baked yet-I want to say the latter. Nothing was in their mouths, and they were not crowding around in one area. In fact, they were all doing something and not just standing there. However, as I left, I saw through the windows two employees standing and watching the Marathon go by. But I cannot at all hold that against them.
ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere is vibrant and very much alive. You can see photos of different people, some of which are celebrities (Whoopi Goldberg is near the bathrooms). The floors are nice, clean, and tidy. The bathrooms are in terrific condition. The air in there has a slight hint of soap, and the floor in there is also very good. In fact, I can say that it was one of the best public restrooms I have ever been in.
PRICE: My meal cost $9.50. The tea cost (I believe) $2.50. In fact, they increased the price of the panini by one dollar, from $8.50 to $9.50. However, it still is worth every penny. I cannot give you any other prices, as they did not have a take-out menu (but what restaurant like that has one?).
RATING: The restaurant is a gotta see place, if you like Italian and don't like Chinese (or mediocre "family pizza"). The kids will like it, the parents will like it, Nanna will like it, every one will. And maybe you too will fall under the spell of the magic grilled cheese sandwich (how is it possible? It didn't have any grill marks! It's magic, I say, MAGIC!). Paparazzi (in Wellesley) get a five out of five.
TYPE OF FOOD: Italian (casual-pizza, pasta type place)
REVIEW: After watching at least 250 people run about seven feet in front of me in what is called the Boston Marathon, I got hungry. So what did I do? I walked probably half a mile to Wellesley, a nice little town next to the highway. Once again, I had to note the somewhat unfortunate location of the place, as a popular Chinese restaurant-C.K. Shanghai-was right across the street (it was closed, though). I also noticed another one of the zillions of "family pizza places" across the street, too.
I sat down and was given a dinner menu-at noon on a Monday. I instead chose from something on the lunch menu, a Vegetariano (I believe that's how it's spelled) panini-grilled eggplant, basil and tomato- which came with a salad. I asked for a drink, which was iced tea. I noticed the waiter going over to some mysterious container, pressed the top thing (you know, the thing that you press down to get the drink), and the tea flowed out. After quite a bit of time I received-free of charge-a piece of focaccia. The focaccia was freshly baked, covered in herbs. It was absolutely delicious. I took the spicy oil that was on my table, poured (with some force) the oil, and ate it. It made it even more delicious.
Finally I received my food. I was distracted at the time by a grilled cheese sandwich (on focaccia-how the heck did they do that?), so when I noticed the food, I pulled back. The panini was absolutely amazing, and I used my good old friend Mr. Spicy Oil to dip my sandwich into it. The salad was amazing, too, but simple-probably the simplest salad I ever had. It was lettuce with a lemon vinaigrette. But still, it was amazing. I savored every atom of each bite. Finally, I got up, pondered the possibility of the magic grilled cheese sandwich (is David Copperfield the chef?), and left.
SERVICE: The service was nice, friendly, patient, and attentive. The service was either slow on the focaccia or it wasn't baked yet-I want to say the latter. Nothing was in their mouths, and they were not crowding around in one area. In fact, they were all doing something and not just standing there. However, as I left, I saw through the windows two employees standing and watching the Marathon go by. But I cannot at all hold that against them.
ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere is vibrant and very much alive. You can see photos of different people, some of which are celebrities (Whoopi Goldberg is near the bathrooms). The floors are nice, clean, and tidy. The bathrooms are in terrific condition. The air in there has a slight hint of soap, and the floor in there is also very good. In fact, I can say that it was one of the best public restrooms I have ever been in.
PRICE: My meal cost $9.50. The tea cost (I believe) $2.50. In fact, they increased the price of the panini by one dollar, from $8.50 to $9.50. However, it still is worth every penny. I cannot give you any other prices, as they did not have a take-out menu (but what restaurant like that has one?).
RATING: The restaurant is a gotta see place, if you like Italian and don't like Chinese (or mediocre "family pizza"). The kids will like it, the parents will like it, Nanna will like it, every one will. And maybe you too will fall under the spell of the magic grilled cheese sandwich (how is it possible? It didn't have any grill marks! It's magic, I say, MAGIC!). Paparazzi (in Wellesley) get a five out of five.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Steve's
LOCATION: 316 Newbury Street Boston, MA
TYPE OF FOOD: Greek/American
REVIEW: After visiting the Boston Marathon expo (man, did I get free stuff!), and walking around Boston, I decided to stop at Steve's, close to the finish of the marathon. As I walked in, I noticed the size of the place, which is pretty small (do all of the places I go to have to have size restraints?). I was noticed by one of the staff, who led me to a table, and gave me a menu.
After examining the enormous menu (from steak sandwiches to octopus), I finally decided on an item-chicken kabob, which came with Greek salad-and asked for tap water. After a few minutes, the server came back and asked if I wanted bread. I replied yes, and they came back a few minutes later with bread and butter. I bit into the plain unbuttered bread (I don't like butter) and liked it. I then did something that kind of confused me-I rolled the bread up into a log and ate it like that. I ended up hurting my jaw.
After a bit, eventually I got my food. I was disappointed. It was not a kabob, period. It looked like a stir-fry, and served on the same plate as the salad. The salad had dressing on it, which I thought would be a vinaigrette. The "kabob" was good, the onions were nice as were the peppers that came with it. The dressing seeped quickly to the bottom and took over the bottom of the salad. About 40% of the salad was drenched in it (and I don't really like dressing). Finally I got up, grabbed a "take out menu" (which is a photo-copied piece of paper badly folded), and left.
SERVICE: The service is very nice and friendly. They are very attentive, and are not rude and do not have anything in their mouths. They seem to crowd in the front of the place, near the cash-register, and stare at the people who happen to be there. It's not weird or anything, but I kind of wish they could just work behind the counter or do something else.
ATMOSPHERE: There are two parts in the restaurant. One part is up front, where I can assume that people come in to take-out, and the other is the main part. The floor is covered in quite a few straw covers, which lie on the floor, not even glanced at by the staff. The floor is slightly dirty, but not dirty enough not to come.
PRICE: My meal cost $11.95. All of the appetizers cost $3.95 to $10.95, so you should avoid overdoing those. The seafood costs $12.95 to $15.50, so once again, be careful if you want Greek pizza (eww, eww, eww) and fried scallops.
RATING: The food is pretty fine, and there's nothing that is Greek that isn't served here. But the Olympic pool-sized dressing amounts will leave your salad filthy stinkin' wet. And the prices are a bit high. And the floors aren't the greatest. But let's put emphasis on the salad. Steve's gets a four out of five.
TYPE OF FOOD: Greek/American
REVIEW: After visiting the Boston Marathon expo (man, did I get free stuff!), and walking around Boston, I decided to stop at Steve's, close to the finish of the marathon. As I walked in, I noticed the size of the place, which is pretty small (do all of the places I go to have to have size restraints?). I was noticed by one of the staff, who led me to a table, and gave me a menu.
After examining the enormous menu (from steak sandwiches to octopus), I finally decided on an item-chicken kabob, which came with Greek salad-and asked for tap water. After a few minutes, the server came back and asked if I wanted bread. I replied yes, and they came back a few minutes later with bread and butter. I bit into the plain unbuttered bread (I don't like butter) and liked it. I then did something that kind of confused me-I rolled the bread up into a log and ate it like that. I ended up hurting my jaw.
After a bit, eventually I got my food. I was disappointed. It was not a kabob, period. It looked like a stir-fry, and served on the same plate as the salad. The salad had dressing on it, which I thought would be a vinaigrette. The "kabob" was good, the onions were nice as were the peppers that came with it. The dressing seeped quickly to the bottom and took over the bottom of the salad. About 40% of the salad was drenched in it (and I don't really like dressing). Finally I got up, grabbed a "take out menu" (which is a photo-copied piece of paper badly folded), and left.
SERVICE: The service is very nice and friendly. They are very attentive, and are not rude and do not have anything in their mouths. They seem to crowd in the front of the place, near the cash-register, and stare at the people who happen to be there. It's not weird or anything, but I kind of wish they could just work behind the counter or do something else.
ATMOSPHERE: There are two parts in the restaurant. One part is up front, where I can assume that people come in to take-out, and the other is the main part. The floor is covered in quite a few straw covers, which lie on the floor, not even glanced at by the staff. The floor is slightly dirty, but not dirty enough not to come.
PRICE: My meal cost $11.95. All of the appetizers cost $3.95 to $10.95, so you should avoid overdoing those. The seafood costs $12.95 to $15.50, so once again, be careful if you want Greek pizza (eww, eww, eww) and fried scallops.
RATING: The food is pretty fine, and there's nothing that is Greek that isn't served here. But the Olympic pool-sized dressing amounts will leave your salad filthy stinkin' wet. And the prices are a bit high. And the floors aren't the greatest. But let's put emphasis on the salad. Steve's gets a four out of five.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
La Rotisserie
LOCATION: 17 Boylston Street Chestnut Hill, MA
TYPE OF FOOD: "Authentic French Style Roasting" (according to the take-out menu)
REVIEW: As I drove towards La Rotisserie, I had to point out the unfortunate location in where the place was. I passed by three other places (one of which was a Legal Seafood's), each with different cuisines-all within about three miles. This place was in a strip mall, with a movie theater, a kid's hair cut place, a Star Market, and a bakery. But finally I got through the door marked with different names of meats.
There was a line when I got in there. And this place is narrow. Very, very narrow. Three average size people would barely stand right behind one another right-to-left in this place. When I finally got to a person behind the counter, I stated my order-a half chicken plate-and the two sides that came with it-roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables-. The person put it on a plastic plate divided into three parts. I asked for tap water, and sat down.
The potatoes were first. I had a few potatoes, noticing that they had onions with them. I then went for the chicken. The chicken clearly was roasted and plenty juicy. I'm not sure if they put seasoning on it, but if they did, it was a good addition. I ate the chicken quickly as if someone was about to steal it. I then went for the vegetables. They really were nothing special. No seasoning, no oil, nothing. I went back for the potatoes, finished them, threw the trash away, and walked out the meat-named door.
SERVICE: The major problem of the place. I saw a person behind the counter clearly roll his eyes at an order. As I was eating, I saw a worker with something in his mouth. I realized that that something was gum. He was chewing gum. I was shocked. Do I need to say anything else? If Gordon Ramsey was there, do you think he would have gotten an earful? As a word of advice, make sure to check your mashed potatoes.
ATMOSPHERE: Nothing of note. It was clean, I guess. But nothing, absolutely nothing, to note. Besides bathrooms. No bathrooms. And a mysterious section of the place towards the back. 65% of the back is taken up by some room, blocked from floor to about three feet from the ceiling....
PRICE: My meal was $9.95. It's a good amount of food, for that price. A one side meal is between $6.50 and $8.25, depending on the main meat (or if you get the vegetarian plate).
RATING: The food is not to miss. If you don't like seafood, Chinese, burgers, cookies, or pommes frites, go here. But try to limit your time with the service. Because they might roll your eyes at you. Or gum could fall in your mashed potatoes. Just saying. La Rotisserie gets a four out of five.
TYPE OF FOOD: "Authentic French Style Roasting" (according to the take-out menu)
REVIEW: As I drove towards La Rotisserie, I had to point out the unfortunate location in where the place was. I passed by three other places (one of which was a Legal Seafood's), each with different cuisines-all within about three miles. This place was in a strip mall, with a movie theater, a kid's hair cut place, a Star Market, and a bakery. But finally I got through the door marked with different names of meats.
There was a line when I got in there. And this place is narrow. Very, very narrow. Three average size people would barely stand right behind one another right-to-left in this place. When I finally got to a person behind the counter, I stated my order-a half chicken plate-and the two sides that came with it-roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables-. The person put it on a plastic plate divided into three parts. I asked for tap water, and sat down.
The potatoes were first. I had a few potatoes, noticing that they had onions with them. I then went for the chicken. The chicken clearly was roasted and plenty juicy. I'm not sure if they put seasoning on it, but if they did, it was a good addition. I ate the chicken quickly as if someone was about to steal it. I then went for the vegetables. They really were nothing special. No seasoning, no oil, nothing. I went back for the potatoes, finished them, threw the trash away, and walked out the meat-named door.
SERVICE: The major problem of the place. I saw a person behind the counter clearly roll his eyes at an order. As I was eating, I saw a worker with something in his mouth. I realized that that something was gum. He was chewing gum. I was shocked. Do I need to say anything else? If Gordon Ramsey was there, do you think he would have gotten an earful? As a word of advice, make sure to check your mashed potatoes.
ATMOSPHERE: Nothing of note. It was clean, I guess. But nothing, absolutely nothing, to note. Besides bathrooms. No bathrooms. And a mysterious section of the place towards the back. 65% of the back is taken up by some room, blocked from floor to about three feet from the ceiling....
PRICE: My meal was $9.95. It's a good amount of food, for that price. A one side meal is between $6.50 and $8.25, depending on the main meat (or if you get the vegetarian plate).
RATING: The food is not to miss. If you don't like seafood, Chinese, burgers, cookies, or pommes frites, go here. But try to limit your time with the service. Because they might roll your eyes at you. Or gum could fall in your mashed potatoes. Just saying. La Rotisserie gets a four out of five.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
King's Famous Roast Beef & Seafood
LOCATION: 145 North Street Salem, MA 01970
TYPE OF FOOD: Sandwiches/Seafood
REVIEW: The first time you enter King's, you might not be so excited as I was. In the entire place there is only three tables, a large counter, and one of the biggest menu boards I have ever seen. But for me, it was amazing.
It was only my fourth time there, but I was excited. Because it is April, tourists are not pouring into Salem as they do in October. In fact there were very few people there considering the time (12:45). I walked up and ordered my sandwich-a Super Beef (on onion roll) with lettuce and onion-and asked for tap water also. Probably 5 minutes passed before I got it, and sat down.
As I turned back the foil surrounding the sandwich, I knew I was into something good. The sandwich was overflowing with meat and veggies. Biting into it was absolutely heavenly. The meat was fresh, warm, and the vegetables added to the carnival of flavor. I ate it slowly, savoring every last crumb. Finally it was finished, and I got up, threw away the trash, walked to the door, grabbed a take-out menu, and left.
SERVICE: The service was nice, and did not take much time taking my order. He simply turned around and shouted "Super with lettuce and onion". After literally five minutes (whew, they're fast!), he gave me the sandwich on a paper plate.
ATMOSPHERE: Like I said before, the atmosphere is not a five star French restaurant. There are no rugs, no elaborate tablecloths, and no napkins on the lap. It's not messy, just not 100% clean. It's fine, but not mind-blowing. And it's a takeout place. You take your sandwich and leave.
PRICE: How's 5.50 sound for a sandwich overflowing with meat and vegetables? How about 8.99 for that sandwich, plus fries, onion rings and salad? Yeah, I think it's the right amount of food, for the right price.
RATING: King's is a place that you would most likely miss driving by on your way to see animatronic witches. But if you are able to catch this place on your way into the Witch City, you'll be left with a belly full of meat and a vow to come back. King's Famous Roast Beef & Seafood gets a five out of five.
TYPE OF FOOD: Sandwiches/Seafood
REVIEW: The first time you enter King's, you might not be so excited as I was. In the entire place there is only three tables, a large counter, and one of the biggest menu boards I have ever seen. But for me, it was amazing.
It was only my fourth time there, but I was excited. Because it is April, tourists are not pouring into Salem as they do in October. In fact there were very few people there considering the time (12:45). I walked up and ordered my sandwich-a Super Beef (on onion roll) with lettuce and onion-and asked for tap water also. Probably 5 minutes passed before I got it, and sat down.
As I turned back the foil surrounding the sandwich, I knew I was into something good. The sandwich was overflowing with meat and veggies. Biting into it was absolutely heavenly. The meat was fresh, warm, and the vegetables added to the carnival of flavor. I ate it slowly, savoring every last crumb. Finally it was finished, and I got up, threw away the trash, walked to the door, grabbed a take-out menu, and left.
SERVICE: The service was nice, and did not take much time taking my order. He simply turned around and shouted "Super with lettuce and onion". After literally five minutes (whew, they're fast!), he gave me the sandwich on a paper plate.
ATMOSPHERE: Like I said before, the atmosphere is not a five star French restaurant. There are no rugs, no elaborate tablecloths, and no napkins on the lap. It's not messy, just not 100% clean. It's fine, but not mind-blowing. And it's a takeout place. You take your sandwich and leave.
PRICE: How's 5.50 sound for a sandwich overflowing with meat and vegetables? How about 8.99 for that sandwich, plus fries, onion rings and salad? Yeah, I think it's the right amount of food, for the right price.
RATING: King's is a place that you would most likely miss driving by on your way to see animatronic witches. But if you are able to catch this place on your way into the Witch City, you'll be left with a belly full of meat and a vow to come back. King's Famous Roast Beef & Seafood gets a five out of five.
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