Review #12 - The Mongolie Grill

The Mongolie Grill
Variety: Mongolian
Address: 1645 Granville Street
Date Visited: Thursday, December 23, 2010
Orders: Two bowls of soup & stir-fries with miscellaneous vegetables, sauces and chicken

Taste: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Portion Size: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Presentation: 8 + 10 = 18/20
Value: 8 + 10 = 18/20
Service: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 96% (Excellent)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: The thing about critiquing this kind of restaurant is that you're critiquing your ability to make a meal. We think we did awesome. For those of you who don't know, at The Mongolie Grill, you get a bowl in which you pick whichever items you want (vegetables, meats, noodles, nuts, sauces, etc) and put how much of each you want in there, and you pay by the weight. What's cool is that you get exactly what you want, and exactly the amount that you want, but the cost can add up quickly. If you're not careful, you'll end up in their "Pile High Club" (when your food alone weighs in at over $30...yikes!). That's why it's best to stay on the modest side, and to avoid the heavier vegetables and all noodles (because you get a bowl of rice and mooshu wraps, which kinda negate the need for the noodles). When you're ready, they weigh your creation and tell you how much it costs, then they cook it up for you on a big metal hot plate, and bring it to you when it's ready. It's really fun to go in a big group, both to see what people get, and to see what people have to pay...but it's more fun when it's on someone else's dime. That's pretty much the only complaint - it ain't cheap. But, if you know what you want/like, you're gonna walk out of there satisfied!

Review #11 - Chabaa Thai Restaurant

Chabaa Thai Restaurant
Variety: Thai
Address: 1546 Queen Street
Date Visited: Monday, October 11, 2010
Orders: Spring Rolls, Rice, Pad Thai, Cashew Chicken, Padd See Eiw, Masaman Chicken

Taste: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Portion Size: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Presentation: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Value: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Service: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 100% (Exceptional)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: We both really like this place, and brought out-of-towners who were in need of some good thai. We all walked out of there pleasantly (but not uncomfortably) full. The food was excellent and the value was incredibly reasonable. It was our first time trying the Masaman chicken, and we'll definitely try it again!

Review #10 - Mr. Chang’s Chinese Food Emporium

Mr. Chang’s Chinese Food Emporium
Variety: Chinese
Address: 1304 Birmingham Street
Date Visited: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Orders: Lemon Chicken/Beef & Mixed Vegetables/Chicken Fried Rice/Egg Roll & Sweet & Sour Chicken/Mixed Vegetables/Chicken Fried Rice/Spring Roll

Taste: 6 + 8 = 14/20
Portion Size: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Service: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 77% (Good)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: Both of us were impressed at the start - the taste was pretty decent, but one of the meals got worse with every bite. The plum/lemon sauce was one in the same and tasted like very light lemon pie filling. The mixed vegetables were a bit soupy, and kind of tarnished the rest of the items. The egg rolls also left much to be desired. Good service, though.

Review #9 - Rogue's Roost

Rogue's Roost
Variety: Pub
Address: 5435 Spring Garden Road
Date Visited: Monday, August 16, 2010
Orders: California Wrap, Chicken Caesar Wrap

Taste: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Portion Size: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Presentation: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Value: 7 + 9 = 16/20
Service: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 85% (Excellent)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: Our first "Excellent" score to date! The pub fries are delicious vessels of mashed potato goodness and both wraps were tasty and filling. Slightly more expensive than it should be, but an overall enjoyable experience

Review #8 - Swiss Chalet

Swiss Chalet
Variety: Chicken and Ribs
Address: 3462 Kempt Road
Date Visited: Thursday, August 5, 2010
Orders: Classic Hot Chicken Sandwich, Summer Sensation (1/4 Chicken with Cucumber Tomato Salad, Fries & Ice Cream Sundae)

Taste: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Portion Size: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Presentation: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Value: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Service: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Bonus: 1
Minus: -1
Final Grade: 84% (Good)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: Always a good experience, and a nice portion size. Bonus point for the waitress paying attention to a friend's order before bringing it out and insisting that the cook prepare a new stir fry because the first one "didn't look right." Down a point, though, for my vegetables being served stone cold as a result.

Review #7 - The Italian Market

The Italian Market
Variety: Italian
Address: 6061 Young Street
Date Visited: Sunday, June 20, 2010
Orders: New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwich & Lemon Meringue Pie, PLT (Proscuitto, Lettuce & Tomato, we think) Sandwich & Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Taste: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Portion Size: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Presentation: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Value: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Service: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 75% (Good)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: More of a specialty grocery store with a cafe attached, the place still has a nice atmosphere and nice Italian foods. The lemon in the pie was a little bitter and the olive paste in the Muffuletta was a little strong, but overall, an enjoyable lunch.

Review #6 - Boston Pizza

Boston Pizza
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 1858 Granville Street
Date Visited: Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Orders: Garlic Fingers, Fettuccine Carbonnara, Fettuccine Alfredo

Taste: 6 + 7 = 13/20
Portion Size: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 6 + 6 = 12/20
Service: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Bonus: 1
Minus: -
Final Grade: 68% (Good)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: Not much to say here - it was an average meal. Not outstanding, not terrible, but the Carbonnara was a little on the weak side. Bonus point for sitting us near two sweet TVs showing World Cup soccer.

Review #5 - Athens Restaurant

Athens Restaurant
Variety: Greek
Address: 6273 Quinpool Road
Date Visited: Thursday, June 3, 2010
Orders: Chicken Parmesan, Fettuccine Alfredo

Taste: 8 + 4 = 12/20
Portion Size: 8 + 5 = 13/20
Presentation: 7 + 5 = 12/20
Value: 7 + 6 = 13/20
Service: 2 + 2 = 4/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 54% (Marginal)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: Usually a satisfying dining experience, this visit was very disappointing. They've seemingly changed the formula of their normally excellent Fettuccine Alfredo - the sauce was virtually tasteless. Perhaps the worst part of the dinner was the service. They weren't busy, yet the waiter was incredibly slow, and in no hurry to take the orders, deliver the food or bring the bill. To make matters worse, half of our group (we were there with others for a birthday) received their appetizers a full 20 minutes before anyone else received a scrap of food.

Review #4 - Victor's

Victor's
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 5657 Spring Garden Road
Date Visited: Friday, May 28, 2010
Orders: Sliders, Asian Nachos, Fries Combo, Pierogies, Meatloaf

Taste: 7 + 6 = 13/20
Portion Size: 9 + 8 = 17/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 8 + 7 = 15/20
Service: 7 + 9 = 16/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 75% (Good)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: T was unavailable, so M joined J as a guest reviewer. J ordered three appetizers instead of a meal and enjoyed them, but found the Asian Nachos (fried wontons covered in peanut butter sauce) a little weird. M said the mashed potatoes were a little bland and the meatloaf needed a bit more zip.

Review #3 - Cousin's Restaurant

Cousin's Restaurant
Variety: Diner
Address: 3545 Robie Street
Date Visited: Friday, May 7, 2010
Orders: Chicken Parmesan, Hot Turkey Sandwich, Carrot Cake

Taste: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Portion Size: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Service: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Bonus: 1
Minus: -
Final Grade: 71% (Good)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: A nice family-run diner, probably hasn't changed much in its 45 years in business. The food was good but not great. A little sparse on the home fries with the Chicken Parmesan, and the Carrot Cake was a little small, but we still left satisfied. Bonus point for bringing over a whole pitcher of water instead of having to refill the Dixie cup-sized glass every two minutes - nobody else had one, never hurts to ask!

Review #2 - The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Variety: Steakhouse
Address: 1712 Market Street
Date Visited: Thursday, April 22, 2010
Orders: Teriyaki Steak & Grilled Thai Chicken

Taste: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Portion Size: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Presentation: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Value: 6 + 9 = 15/20
Service: 7 + 10 = 17/20
Bonus: 2
Minus: -2
Final Grade: 83% (Good)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: We don't often make it to The Keg, mostly because they don't usually accept reservations on nights when we want to go, but we lucked out tonight. While it's a little pricey, we both enjoyed the experience for the most part - the Teriyaki Steak was given two Bonus points for being "most flavourful," but they were negated by the waiter's posterior being stuck in our face on numerous occasions as he attended to the table next to us, even making contact once. Yuck. Space out the tables a bit more, please!

Review #1 - Jean's Chinese Restaurant

Jean's Chinese Restaurant
Variety: Chinese
Address: 5972 Spring Garden Road
Date Visited: Thursday, April 15, 2010
Orders: Combo #1 (Egg Roll, Chicken Fried Rice, Jean's Sweet & Sour Chicken) & Combo #2 (Egg Roll, Chicken Fried Rice, Jean's Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls)

Taste: 4 + 3 = 7/20
Portion Size: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Presentation: 7 + 5 = 12/20
Value: 8 + 5 = 13/20
Service: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 63% (Satisfactory)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: We both actually really like Jean's, and usually find it to be one of the better Canadian Chinese restaurants in the city. Unfortunately, the rice was awful and pretty much ruined the meal. Simpson's quote "It tastes like burning" was the first thing that came to mind - it truly tasted of cigar ashes. Given our previous experiences, we'll give Jean's another chance in the future. In the meantime, let's hope they fix the problem!