Indochine Banh Mi
Variety: Vietnamese
Address: 1551 South Park Street
Date Visited: Thursday, June 14, 2012
Orders: Spicy BBQ Chicken Tacos, Buddha Bowl
Taste: 8 + 6 = 14/20
Portion Size: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Presentation: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Value: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Service: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Bonus: 1
Minus: -
Final Grade: 76% (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: Neither of us had ever had Vietnamese food before, but this was a decent start. T's Buddha Bowl didn't have much flavour, but made her feel good (and healthy), hence the bonus point. J's tacos were interesting and tasty, but could have used a little extra sauce. Both meals were a little heavy on the bean sprouts, but otherwise, not a bad start. We look forward to another visit!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Review #38 - Cantina Mexicana
Cantina Mexicana
Variety: Tex Mex
Address: 1551 South Park Street
Date Visited: Monday, June 11, 2012
Orders: Pork Burrito, Beef Burrito with chips & salsa
Taste: 7 + 3 = 11/20
Portion Size: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Service: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -1
Final Grade: 69% (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 one is probably going to end with vomit. I don't see how it can't." This is what T said after her first burrito. It certainly didn't help that they didn't take her onion allergy seriously (hence the negative point). To be fair, the Pork Burrito was tasty, but the Beef Burrito was nasty, even to a burrito connoisseur like J. The rice was nothing more than Uncle Bens and they didn't mesh well with the beans. Would have benefited greatly from some nice Mexican Rice. It also didn't help that the chips were totally stale. The place is only a few weeks old, so maybe they'll improve with experience, but they're off to a pretty rough start, by our account.
Addendum: The proprietor, via Twitter, has taken exception to my statement that his staff did not take the onion allergy concern seriously. To be clear: his staff did attempt to guide us through onion-free options, but unfortunately, they made a mistake. I stand by the statement, score, and negative point - people with dietary sensitivities need to be able to trust that the people who make their food know what they're talking about, or at least to admit when they're not sure so that the onus it put on the customer.
Variety: Tex Mex
Address: 1551 South Park Street
Date Visited: Monday, June 11, 2012
Orders: Pork Burrito, Beef Burrito with chips & salsa
Taste: 7 + 3 = 11/20
Portion Size: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Service: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -1
Final Grade: 69% (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 one is probably going to end with vomit. I don't see how it can't." This is what T said after her first burrito. It certainly didn't help that they didn't take her onion allergy seriously (hence the negative point). To be fair, the Pork Burrito was tasty, but the Beef Burrito was nasty, even to a burrito connoisseur like J. The rice was nothing more than Uncle Bens and they didn't mesh well with the beans. Would have benefited greatly from some nice Mexican Rice. It also didn't help that the chips were totally stale. The place is only a few weeks old, so maybe they'll improve with experience, but they're off to a pretty rough start, by our account.
Addendum: The proprietor, via Twitter, has taken exception to my statement that his staff did not take the onion allergy concern seriously. To be clear: his staff did attempt to guide us through onion-free options, but unfortunately, they made a mistake. I stand by the statement, score, and negative point - people with dietary sensitivities need to be able to trust that the people who make their food know what they're talking about, or at least to admit when they're not sure so that the onus it put on the customer.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Review #37 - Brewdebaker's Tap & Grill
Brewdebaker's Tap & Grill
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 287 Lacewood Drive
Date Visited: Friday, May 18, 2012
Orders: Sweet Potato Fries, Great White North Burger with Kettle Chips, Hot Chicken Caesar Salad, Mini Oreo Sundae & Mini Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
Taste: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Portion Size: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Service: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 76% (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'd never visited this particular establishment before, having visited previous restaurants in this location, but never Brewdebakers, as it conjures up images of beer-battered fish and only beer-battered fish (which, to be fair, is on the menu, but is far from the only item on, uh, tap). Because nothing in particular jumped out at us, we took advantage of the the three-course menu, which was a decent value compared to the regular cost of the mains alone. The food was...also decent. Nothing mind-blowing, but good enough. The Great White North Burger was ok, the Chicken Caesar was ok, the sweet potato fries were also ok, and the desserts were small but also ok. All in all, it was nothing special, but nothing terrible either. The service was pretty good and the waiter was kind enough to put our doggie bag behind the bar when we accidentally left it behind - nice touch. We're not in a hurry to rush back, but we won't avoid it all cost, either.
Variety: Casual Dining
Address: 287 Lacewood Drive
Date Visited: Friday, May 18, 2012
Orders: Sweet Potato Fries, Great White North Burger with Kettle Chips, Hot Chicken Caesar Salad, Mini Oreo Sundae & Mini Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
Taste: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Portion Size: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Service: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 76% (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'd never visited this particular establishment before, having visited previous restaurants in this location, but never Brewdebakers, as it conjures up images of beer-battered fish and only beer-battered fish (which, to be fair, is on the menu, but is far from the only item on, uh, tap). Because nothing in particular jumped out at us, we took advantage of the the three-course menu, which was a decent value compared to the regular cost of the mains alone. The food was...also decent. Nothing mind-blowing, but good enough. The Great White North Burger was ok, the Chicken Caesar was ok, the sweet potato fries were also ok, and the desserts were small but also ok. All in all, it was nothing special, but nothing terrible either. The service was pretty good and the waiter was kind enough to put our doggie bag behind the bar when we accidentally left it behind - nice touch. We're not in a hurry to rush back, but we won't avoid it all cost, either.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Review #36 - Thai Ivory Cuisine
Thai Ivory Cuisine
Variety: Thai
Address: 1067 Bedford Highway
Date Visited: Sunday, April 29, 2012
Orders: Spring Rolls, Cashew Chicken, Vegetarian Pineapple Fried Rice, Chicken Pad Thai
Taste: 10 + 9 = 19/20
Portion Size: 10 + 9 = 19/20
Presentation: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Value: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Service: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Bonus: 2
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: Our anniversary plans were hindered by a nasty cold, so we delayed our soiree a couple of days. Instead of heading downtown, J suggested that we try this establishment on the Bedford Highway, as he'd heard good things about it. We braced ourselves, as we were aware that it was attached to the Stardust Motel - one of the many drive-in crash pads along the Bedford Highway. Entering the restaurant, however, we immediately felt as though we were somewhere far away. The decor and tranquil atmosphere was wonderful - from the beautiful water fountain topped with a stone Ganesha statue and filled with water and dry ice, the gorgeous ivory tusks and charming Indian Barbies adorning the walls, and hell, even the floor was impressive. This place deserved two bonus points right off the bat for silencing our initial skepticism. The menu was solid, and contained photos of many of the unfamiliar dishes. The spring rolls were very tasty, and the addition of corn seemed both unusual and delightful. Our three mains were delightful, particularly the Cashew Chicken. - the only thing we would have appreciated would have been some tofu in the Chicken Pad Thai, which is fairly common at every other Thai place we've visited. Still the fresh vegetables were a very nice addition - the crispness of the green beans went very well with the dish. If Chabaa Thai is the gold standard, Thai Ivory Cuisine is going to give them a run for their money. We'll be back!
Variety: Thai
Address: 1067 Bedford Highway
Date Visited: Sunday, April 29, 2012
Orders: Spring Rolls, Cashew Chicken, Vegetarian Pineapple Fried Rice, Chicken Pad Thai
Taste: 10 + 9 = 19/20
Portion Size: 10 + 9 = 19/20
Presentation: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Value: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Service: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Bonus: 2
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: Our anniversary plans were hindered by a nasty cold, so we delayed our soiree a couple of days. Instead of heading downtown, J suggested that we try this establishment on the Bedford Highway, as he'd heard good things about it. We braced ourselves, as we were aware that it was attached to the Stardust Motel - one of the many drive-in crash pads along the Bedford Highway. Entering the restaurant, however, we immediately felt as though we were somewhere far away. The decor and tranquil atmosphere was wonderful - from the beautiful water fountain topped with a stone Ganesha statue and filled with water and dry ice, the gorgeous ivory tusks and charming Indian Barbies adorning the walls, and hell, even the floor was impressive. This place deserved two bonus points right off the bat for silencing our initial skepticism. The menu was solid, and contained photos of many of the unfamiliar dishes. The spring rolls were very tasty, and the addition of corn seemed both unusual and delightful. Our three mains were delightful, particularly the Cashew Chicken. - the only thing we would have appreciated would have been some tofu in the Chicken Pad Thai, which is fairly common at every other Thai place we've visited. Still the fresh vegetables were a very nice addition - the crispness of the green beans went very well with the dish. If Chabaa Thai is the gold standard, Thai Ivory Cuisine is going to give them a run for their money. We'll be back!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Review #35 - Boneheads BBQ
Boneheads BBQ
Variety: BBQ
Address: 1014 Barrington Street
Date Visited: Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Orders: Beef Brisket Plate with Dirty Rice & Chili, Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs with Salad and Fries
Taste: 9 + 8 = 17/20
Portion Size: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Presentation: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Value: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Service: 7 + 7 = 14/20
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: T was busy again, and longtime friend A was in town before heading around the world again, so we went out for some Southern BBQ. I'd been to Boneheads before and did not leave disappointed, and was pleased that the experience was similar today. Whereas it was dinnertime, I decided to pick a plated meal instead of just a sandwich - beef brisket, which came with cornbread, coleslaw, and a couple of sides (I picked Dirty Rice and Chili). It was a good thing I was hungry, because it was a TON of food - borderline Man Vs. Food quantity. The brisket was incredibly tender and very well seasoned, and all three of Boneheads' signature sauces worked well on it. The Dirty Rice was a little bland and the chili was pretty salty, but across the board, it was a solid feed. The "vinaigrette" on A's salad was suspiciously thick, but the food was enjoyable and his ribs were "Finger Lickin' Good." Interestingly, as I posted on Twitter the following morning, I actually had a really rough night after scarfing down the BBQ - meat sweats, night terrors, and T didn't exactly appreciate the nasty smells that were emanating from my pores throughout the night. I'd call that one hell of a brisket!
Pardon the soap box rant, but here's my only complaint about this dining experience: "service" is not really an applicable category at Boneheads - you have to go up and get your food (or stand around waiting for it), which to me equates it to a fast food restaurant or indoor food cart. That's fine, but you're not expected to leave a gratuity at Taco Bell or Bud the Spud. Nobody has a gun to your head, but whereas you have to pay when you order, it always feels awkward to hand the credit card machine back with no tip. I know that these folks work hard, and I'm notoriously frugal as is, but tipping at a place where you're not actually served or even checked on is like tipping at a buffet - you don't have to, but if you're like me, you feel like a jerk when you don't, and I don't think that's fair. I'll still be back again - T wants to try it - but that's the one reservation that I have about this place.
Variety: BBQ
Address: 1014 Barrington Street
Date Visited: Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Orders: Beef Brisket Plate with Dirty Rice & Chili, Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs with Salad and Fries
Taste: 9 + 8 = 17/20
Portion Size: 10 + 10 = 20/20
Presentation: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Value: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Service: 7 + 7 = 14/20
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: T was busy again, and longtime friend A was in town before heading around the world again, so we went out for some Southern BBQ. I'd been to Boneheads before and did not leave disappointed, and was pleased that the experience was similar today. Whereas it was dinnertime, I decided to pick a plated meal instead of just a sandwich - beef brisket, which came with cornbread, coleslaw, and a couple of sides (I picked Dirty Rice and Chili). It was a good thing I was hungry, because it was a TON of food - borderline Man Vs. Food quantity. The brisket was incredibly tender and very well seasoned, and all three of Boneheads' signature sauces worked well on it. The Dirty Rice was a little bland and the chili was pretty salty, but across the board, it was a solid feed. The "vinaigrette" on A's salad was suspiciously thick, but the food was enjoyable and his ribs were "Finger Lickin' Good." Interestingly, as I posted on Twitter the following morning, I actually had a really rough night after scarfing down the BBQ - meat sweats, night terrors, and T didn't exactly appreciate the nasty smells that were emanating from my pores throughout the night. I'd call that one hell of a brisket!
Pardon the soap box rant, but here's my only complaint about this dining experience: "service" is not really an applicable category at Boneheads - you have to go up and get your food (or stand around waiting for it), which to me equates it to a fast food restaurant or indoor food cart. That's fine, but you're not expected to leave a gratuity at Taco Bell or Bud the Spud. Nobody has a gun to your head, but whereas you have to pay when you order, it always feels awkward to hand the credit card machine back with no tip. I know that these folks work hard, and I'm notoriously frugal as is, but tipping at a place where you're not actually served or even checked on is like tipping at a buffet - you don't have to, but if you're like me, you feel like a jerk when you don't, and I don't think that's fair. I'll still be back again - T wants to try it - but that's the one reservation that I have about this place.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Reviews #34 - Jerusalem Cafe
Jerusalem Cafe
Variety: Mediterranean
Address: 6015 Lady Hammond Road
Date Visited: Saturday, April 14, 2012
Orders: Kufta, Makluba, Kunafa
Taste: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Portion Size: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Service: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 76% (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 busy working (on a Saturday), so I recruited my lawyer friend, S, to join me for lunch at the Jerusalem Cafe. T and I lived just around the corner from this place but never got around to going - which is a shame, because it was pretty good. Walking in, this former video store had a great atmosphere - it didn't really feel like we were in Halifax anymore. Unfortunately, the restaurant was pretty empty, perhaps because it was gorgeous out, and also maybe because there was no lunch menu. As a result, the prices were pretty steep. The food, however, was very tasty and unlike anything we'd ever had in Halifax before. The Kufta was a soupy meat and potato tahini broth served with rice. Wasn't much to look at, but it was pretty tasty. The Makluba was an interesting looking rice, chicken, potato and peanut pile served with a tomato and cucumber salad, which was also very tasty. The server/chef recommended that we alternate rice/Kufta and salad/Makluba, which was a great idea. We also tried the Kunafa for dessert - a bright orange shredded dough and cheese dessert. "Interesting" pretty much sums it up. Much like local Indian food restaurants, the portion sizes weren't massive, and again, the prices were a little steep for lunch, but it was definitely worth a try! Will bring T back for a visit someday.
Variety: Mediterranean
Address: 6015 Lady Hammond Road
Date Visited: Saturday, April 14, 2012
Orders: Kufta, Makluba, Kunafa
Taste: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Portion Size: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Presentation: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Value: 7 + 7 = 14/20
Service: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Bonus: -
Minus: -
Final Grade: 76% (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 busy working (on a Saturday), so I recruited my lawyer friend, S, to join me for lunch at the Jerusalem Cafe. T and I lived just around the corner from this place but never got around to going - which is a shame, because it was pretty good. Walking in, this former video store had a great atmosphere - it didn't really feel like we were in Halifax anymore. Unfortunately, the restaurant was pretty empty, perhaps because it was gorgeous out, and also maybe because there was no lunch menu. As a result, the prices were pretty steep. The food, however, was very tasty and unlike anything we'd ever had in Halifax before. The Kufta was a soupy meat and potato tahini broth served with rice. Wasn't much to look at, but it was pretty tasty. The Makluba was an interesting looking rice, chicken, potato and peanut pile served with a tomato and cucumber salad, which was also very tasty. The server/chef recommended that we alternate rice/Kufta and salad/Makluba, which was a great idea. We also tried the Kunafa for dessert - a bright orange shredded dough and cheese dessert. "Interesting" pretty much sums it up. Much like local Indian food restaurants, the portion sizes weren't massive, and again, the prices were a little steep for lunch, but it was definitely worth a try! Will bring T back for a visit someday.
Reviews #33 - Vinnie's Pasta Bar
Vinnie's Pasta Bar
Variety: Italian
Address: 5361 Inglis Street
Date Visited: Monday, April 9, 2012
Orders: Sicilian Sausage, Garlic Chicken
Taste: 6 + 8 = 14/20
Portion Size: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Presentation: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Value: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Service: 6 + 8 = 14/20
Bonus: -
Minus: 1
Final Grade: 74% (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: The Sicilian Sausage should have been called the Saltilian Saltsage. There was a lot of potential there, and the sausage itself was quite good, but the sauce was difficult to enjoy. The host seemed very uninterested in serving us, and their bread knife was barely passable as a knife at all, making it pretty tough to get at the delicious pastry. The Garlic Chicken was pretty good, and nobody left hungry.
Variety: Italian
Address: 5361 Inglis Street
Date Visited: Monday, April 9, 2012
Orders: Sicilian Sausage, Garlic Chicken
Taste: 6 + 8 = 14/20
Portion Size: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Presentation: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Value: 7 + 8 = 15/20
Service: 6 + 8 = 14/20
Bonus: -
Minus: 1
Final Grade: 74% (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: The Sicilian Sausage should have been called the Saltilian Saltsage. There was a lot of potential there, and the sausage itself was quite good, but the sauce was difficult to enjoy. The host seemed very uninterested in serving us, and their bread knife was barely passable as a knife at all, making it pretty tough to get at the delicious pastry. The Garlic Chicken was pretty good, and nobody left hungry.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
