Rock Bottom Brewery
Variety: Pub
Address: 5686 Spring Garden Road
Date Visited: Friday, April 15, 2011
Orders: Beef, Pork & Bacon Burger, Panini Club
Taste: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Portion Size: 9 + 10 = 19/20
Presentation: 9 + 8 = 17/20
Value: 9 + 8 = 17/20
Service: 9 + 7 = 16/20
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: A solid meal. Wasn't sure how to grade the Beef, Pork & Bacon Burger - definitely enjoyed the principle of it, but it was really salty, and actually too big to be able to fit all of the fixings into a single bite, which was kinda annoying - having it on a soft kaiser instead of tough ciabatta might have helped. The panini was quite good, but a key condiment was omitted and it took a while to get it.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Review #16 - botaniCa restaurant
botaniCa restaurant
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 1960 Brunswick Street
Date Visited: Saturday, February 26rd, 2011
Orders: Roast Beef Dinners with baked potatoes & vegetables
Taste: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Portion Size: 6 + 6 = 12/20
Presentation: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Value: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Service: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 78% (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: This is a restaurant inside the Citadel Hotel. It was surprisingly small, and as a result, kinda intimate, which was a nice surprise. Our Roast Beef Dinners were billed as "Just like Mom used to make!" - a pretty accurate description. Not the fanciest meal in the world, and certainly a little small portion-wise than Mom would have served, but it was good and the service was quite good. A nice experience.
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 1960 Brunswick Street
Date Visited: Saturday, February 26rd, 2011
Orders: Roast Beef Dinners with baked potatoes & vegetables
Taste: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Portion Size: 6 + 6 = 12/20
Presentation: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Value: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Service: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 78% (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: This is a restaurant inside the Citadel Hotel. It was surprisingly small, and as a result, kinda intimate, which was a nice surprise. Our Roast Beef Dinners were billed as "Just like Mom used to make!" - a pretty accurate description. Not the fanciest meal in the world, and certainly a little small portion-wise than Mom would have served, but it was good and the service was quite good. A nice experience.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Review #15 - Gatsby's Bar & Eatery
Gatsby's Bar & Eatery
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 5675 Spring Garden Road
Date Visited: Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
Orders: Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Pizza, Nachos & Chocolate Milk
Taste: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Portion Size: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 6 + 6 = 12/20
Service: 4 + 4 = 8/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -3
Final Grade: 59% (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: To us, casual dining does not excuse lazy and inept service (hence the three minus points). The food was ok (prosciutto + goat cheese + asparagus on a pizza worked well, and pineapple on the nachos was a nice touch), but the service was beyond bad. The chocolate milk was clearly haphazardly prepared (we're convinced that it was Nesquik mixed with the expired milk of a rabid kangaroo), and although we mentioned that we were in a bit of a hurry and promised that the food would be ready in 15 minutes (seemed reasonable, given that the restaurant wasn't busy at all), it took closer to 35 and we had to rush through the meal, then practically beg the server to not only bring the bill, but then to come back so that we could pay. We probably would have enjoyed the experience more had the service been better. Instead, just like the milk, our palate is soured toward this joint.
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 5675 Spring Garden Road
Date Visited: Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
Orders: Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Pizza, Nachos & Chocolate Milk
Taste: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Portion Size: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 6 + 6 = 12/20
Service: 4 + 4 = 8/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -3
Final Grade: 59% (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: To us, casual dining does not excuse lazy and inept service (hence the three minus points). The food was ok (prosciutto + goat cheese + asparagus on a pizza worked well, and pineapple on the nachos was a nice touch), but the service was beyond bad. The chocolate milk was clearly haphazardly prepared (we're convinced that it was Nesquik mixed with the expired milk of a rabid kangaroo), and although we mentioned that we were in a bit of a hurry and promised that the food would be ready in 15 minutes (seemed reasonable, given that the restaurant wasn't busy at all), it took closer to 35 and we had to rush through the meal, then practically beg the server to not only bring the bill, but then to come back so that we could pay. We probably would have enjoyed the experience more had the service been better. Instead, just like the milk, our palate is soured toward this joint.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Review #14 - It's All Greek To Me
It's All Greek To Me
Variety: Greek
Address: 6196 Quinpool Road
Date Visited: Saturday, February 12th, 2011
Orders: Spanikopita, Pastichio, Chicken Souvlaki
Taste: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Portion Size: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Presentation: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Value: 8 + 9 = 17/20
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: A nice experience. The spanikopita wasn't the best we've ever tasted, but the mains were great - particularly the rice, which was simple yet perfect. We recommend making a reservation, especially if you're trying to make the early evening movie at The Oxford!
Variety: Greek
Address: 6196 Quinpool Road
Date Visited: Saturday, February 12th, 2011
Orders: Spanikopita, Pastichio, Chicken Souvlaki
Taste: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Portion Size: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Presentation: 8 + 9 = 17/20
Value: 8 + 9 = 17/20
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: A nice experience. The spanikopita wasn't the best we've ever tasted, but the mains were great - particularly the rice, which was simple yet perfect. We recommend making a reservation, especially if you're trying to make the early evening movie at The Oxford!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Review #13 - Argyle Bar & Grill
Argyle Bar & Grill
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 1575 Argyle Street
Date Visited: Saturday, January 29th, 2011
Orders: Chicken Cobb Sandwich & Chicken Cashew Stir-Fry, Chocolate Explosion cake
Taste: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Portion Size: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 5 + 6 = 11/20
Service: 4 + 5 = 9/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 62% (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: Our worst review so far. The food was extremely average - nothing special - and the service was very poor, particularly for such a slow night with plenty of staff on-hand. While the food came out relatively quickly, the waitress never returned to refresh the drinks, left the table full of empty plates for a very long time, took forever to come back to inquire about desserts, and we had to literally go and find her to try and get our bill - she was busy talking to her friends. I doubt we'll be back anytime soon.
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 1575 Argyle Street
Date Visited: Saturday, January 29th, 2011
Orders: Chicken Cobb Sandwich & Chicken Cashew Stir-Fry, Chocolate Explosion cake
Taste: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Portion Size: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 5 + 6 = 11/20
Service: 4 + 5 = 9/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 62% (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: Our worst review so far. The food was extremely average - nothing special - and the service was very poor, particularly for such a slow night with plenty of staff on-hand. While the food came out relatively quickly, the waitress never returned to refresh the drinks, left the table full of empty plates for a very long time, took forever to come back to inquire about desserts, and we had to literally go and find her to try and get our bill - she was busy talking to her friends. I doubt we'll be back anytime soon.
Friday, December 24, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, November 19, 2010
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!
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!
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