Review #52 - Stayner's Wharf Pub & Grill

Stayner's Wharf Pub & Grill
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 5075 George Street
Date Visited: Sunday, September 15, 2013
Orders: The Louisianan, Almond Cashew Chicken, Granny Caesar Smith Salad

Taste: 7 + 7 + 7 = 21/30
Portion Size: 8 + 8 + 9 = 25/30
Presentation: 10 + 9 + 7 = 26/30
Value: 4 + 9 + 9 = 22/30
Service: 7 + 9 + 7 = 23/30
Bonus: -
Minus: 1
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: P was in town for a visit from Britain so after a day trip to the south shore, we showed him around the waterfront before dinner. We decided to stop by Stayner's Wharf for dinner. We opted to sit outside and in hindsight were very glad that we chose to do so - the jazz from Jeff Goodspeed & Friends was great, but it was very loud inside which would have made it difficult to chat. The service was okay - a little slow despite a relatively light customer base (it was about 7:30pm when we arrived), and the tables around us were all pretty dirty, so it's possible that they were short-staffed. We were also a little freaked out by the plastic owls hanging above us, undoubtedly to scare pigeons away (might do the same to some customers!) - hence the negative point. By and large, the meals were good, and we invited P to join in the review (after all, he insisted on paying!). None of us were overly impressed by the taste - good, not great - but the portion sizes were reasonable. J's "Louisianan" was a bizarre crunch breaded chicken served over some garlic corn and other stuff - it looked like the big claw from U2's 360 tour, hence the 10 for presentation. T and P appreciated the value, but J felt that his was far too expensive for what it was, presentation be damned. P's Caesar Salad with Granny Smith apple was unique but not mind blowing. Of the lot, it's fair to say that T was the most satisfied with her meal, but none of us walked away disappointed. Overall, not a flawless meal, but a good one.

Final Verdict: Who knew glorified chicken fingers could be presented in such an interesting fashion?

Review #51 - Bramoso Gourmet Pizzeria

Bramoso Gourmet Pizzeria
Variety: Pizzeria
Address: 6169 Quinpool Road
Date Visited: Thursday, August 15, 2013
Orders: Patio Pizza with Garlic Fingers, Pepperoni & Pineapple Pizza

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: 2
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: Out-of-town friend L was looking for a good place to eat. Neither of us had tried Bramoso before but we'd heard good things, and we were all in the mood for pizza. It was a gorgeous afternoon and we were thrilled to be able to get space in the comfortable chairs on the patio (hence the bonus point from each of us). In honour of this score, J ordered the Patio Pizza, featuring mango, prosciutto and avocado, while T preferred pepperoni & pineapple. J also ordered some garlic fingers for the table (they were decent). T & L went in to order first while J stood guard on the patio, and found the staff fun and engaging. When J went in afterwards, he found the staff kinda aloof. No matter. The pizzas arrived fairly quickly. T found hers to be tasty but nothing overly special. J took a risk - mango and avocado on a pizza? - and quite honestly, it was neither good nor bad. It just didn't seem like he was eating pizza, more like some vegetables on baked dough with a little bit of oil and cheese. All said, it was a nice meal but nothing spectacular. Not our favourite pizza in town, but certainly not our least!

Final Verdict: Awesome patio but pass on the patio pizza!