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.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
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!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, August 23, 2010
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
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
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