It's the Holiday Season...
POP! goes the cork of a nicely chilled bottle Veuve Clicquot as Jim,
Joanne, Kara and I toast to the holidays prior to heading out for our
dinner reservation.
We arrive promptly at 7 pm. We enter a small but cozy bar where two
people are enjoying their own pre-holiday libations. The host, who we
believe to be an owner, shows us in to our table. The 12-table dining
area is tight and the decor is honestly, not in good taste. They've
complicated things with noticeably under scale pictures of Italian
landscapes. However, kudos to them for not having gone the route most
Rochester Italian restaurants have gone, with the Trompe l'oeil of a
Mediterranean scene and faux arbor. The architecture of the space, with
its exposed brick walls and tin ceiling is enough to create a relaxing
atmosphere. However, with tonight's dinner company, any shortcomings in
the decor soon fade into the background and disappear.
Our waitress -- young, very casually dressed with several noticeable
tattoos possibly in need of a hair wash -- greeted us at the table and
asked for our beverage order. Although rough around the edges, she was
quite friendly, very knowledgeable about our wine selections and helpful
with dinner recommendations.
Kara orders a bottle of Argillae Sinuoso, a 50/50 Cabernet & Merlot
blend, and the evening is off to a great start and our second toast!
Along with the wine, we share an order of garlic and herbed assorted
olives and a double order of the evening's appetizer special - their
take on the classic carpaccio. Unlike traditional carpaccio, which is
paper-thin raw beef tenderloin, they quickly seared their beef, thinly
sliced it and served it traditionally with capers, Parmesan cheese and
light vinaigrette. Tasty and tender, but I would have preferred the beef
to be sliced thinner than it was, to avoid the ever-present choking
hazard...
Dinners and another bottle of Argillae Sinuoso arrive soon after our
appetizer. Kara orders one of the evening's specials: House-made cheese
ravioli with a lamb ragu. Joanne orders another special of the evening,
pasta cooked in red wine with braised beef. Jim ordered the slow-cooked
pork with polenta and rapini, and I, the linguini with white clam sauce
and a side of rapini.
All of our entrees are served piping hot and as we dig in, not a single
mention of how any of the dishes could be improved upon. Kara's raviolis
are tender and the lamb ragu delicious. Joanne's entree is very
innovative, the pasta itself cooked in red wine, coloring the pasta deep
red. It is delicately sauced so as not to overshadow the main player of
the dish: the wine. The braised beef falls apart at the touch of a fork.
Jim's pork is tender and mounded on the plate along with fried polenta
and the rapini. My clam sauce is light but bold in flavor. On the
recommendation from our waitress, I had ordered a side of rapini to mix
in with the entree and I'm glad I did. It makes a nice addition to the
meal.
In retrospect, the one thing that could have been improved upon would
have been the addition of fresh bread. In lieu of this there were
packaged breadsticks on each of the tables. With the abundance of
bakeries in town and the number of other restaurants in the area, if
they weren't going to make their own bread, at a minimum, they could
have it ordered in. But I digress.
With the dinner plates cleared, the waitress provides us with the
aperitif menu and describes the desserts to us. Kara orders a Di Saronno
and I, curious to try Cynar, order one. Most of the bars I frequented
when I lived in Switzerland had a bottle of Cynar on their shelves. I'd
never tried it, and this was the first place in the US I'd seen it
offered. It is a very bitter aperitif made predominantly of artichokes.
Let me tell you, one is all anyone ever needs. We ordered two of the
most fabulous butterscotch custards any of us ever had. The custards
were cool and served in glasses topped with a warm, hard sauce with
roasted almonds. It was by far one of the best desserts any of us had
tried in a long time.
In the end, what they say on their website is true.
"Uno non può pensare bene, amare bene, dormire bene,
se non ha mangiato bene."
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one hasn't eaten well.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Tavern 58 At Gibbs
Jim and I are out and about Friday night running some errands out in Victor and were throwing around some dinner options: Wegman’s Market Cafe? A selection from Victor's finest chains? Cook dinner at home? Then Jim suggests, Tavern 58 at Gibbs. We now head out of Victor for downtown.
We arrive at the restaurant and get the last parking spot out back and head in. We enter in through the bar, which is a bit quiet and went to the host stand, anticipating a wait. We are pleasantly surprised to be shown into a table immediately. We are seated at a table for two on a window overlooking the outdoor patio/seating area in the back of the restaurant. The space was appropriately lit for the atmosphere and time. The decor is nothing exciting, the same ol’ Rochester story, told over and over again: Trompe l'oeil on the wall, however, instead of a Mediterranean theme, their version depicts the Rochester skyline. Tables draped in white linen with white butcher paper overlay, brown linen napkin and votive candle centerpiece. I will however, point out the tastefully done ceiling treatment. Unlike traditional drop panel ceilings, the Tavern has suspended stained wooden slats, with the occasional ceiling fan and simple single-bulb strand lighting.
Sonya, our fun and playful waitress greeted us at the table and took our drink order. I, a creature of habit, as you may have already guessed, ordered my pal, Stoli (on the rocks, a bit dirty and of course, olives). Jim ordered some fruity little drink (cuz he can't shoot whiskey -- and I digress...) – but a tasty fruity drink at that - a Tavern-tini called PamaPolitan: Stoli, triple sec, Pama liquer, Sprite, lime juice and cranberry juice with lime garnish.
Sonya arrives with bread which consists of three smaller-than-slider-sized, house-made rolls on a plate with piped butter, rosemary, black pepper EVOO and balsamic reduction and a tasting of a tomato basil puree. Our drinks came soon after and we placed our orders. We both opt for steak. I ordered the 8oz. Filet Mignon medium rare and, torn between potato choices, I ask that Sonya surprise me. Jim orders the Hanger Steak and we also order the Tavern House Salad.
Still not shooting whiskey, Jim orders another fruity drink, this time, the French Connection: Chambord , Stoli, pineapple juice and Brut Champagne.
The Tavern House salad arrives, a mix of baby greens tossed with candied pecans, fresh berries (strawberry & blueberry) and gorgonzola cheese tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. The addition of the candied pecans and berries made it a refreshing change from the overplayed baby greens salad.
Our dinners arrive soon after salad. Mine, cooked a perfect medium rare, arrived with "Surprise!" bacon-horseradish mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach and tumbleweed onions (French fried onions). The potatoes were a perfect pairing... the horseradish flavor complemented the beef nicely and the bacon, well... what doesn't bacon make better? Jim's Hanger Steak is cooked medium as per his request. Also, upon his request is cocktail number three, but who's counting on a Friday evening? Nope, still no whiskey, another French Connection. Jim's steak was basted with Sam Adams, grilled and served over cheesy polenta fries and charred vegetables. The cheesy polenta fries were super duper yummy!
After dinner, we order coffee and split a dessert of grilled pumpkin bread with cinnamon ice cream. The dessert was let's say, interesting. A couple of bites were enough for me, but Jim seemed to enjoy it. Not sure if the three cocktails helped, but he said he enjoyed it.
I would definitely recommend Tavern 58 at Gibbs and if you decide to go, ask if Sonya is working and request her station, she has a fun sense of humor. And don't forget to leave a big fat tip - Mr. French Connection did.
Oh... by the way, I drove home in case anyone was wondering.
We arrive at the restaurant and get the last parking spot out back and head in. We enter in through the bar, which is a bit quiet and went to the host stand, anticipating a wait. We are pleasantly surprised to be shown into a table immediately. We are seated at a table for two on a window overlooking the outdoor patio/seating area in the back of the restaurant. The space was appropriately lit for the atmosphere and time. The decor is nothing exciting, the same ol’ Rochester story, told over and over again: Trompe l'oeil on the wall, however, instead of a Mediterranean theme, their version depicts the Rochester skyline. Tables draped in white linen with white butcher paper overlay, brown linen napkin and votive candle centerpiece. I will however, point out the tastefully done ceiling treatment. Unlike traditional drop panel ceilings, the Tavern has suspended stained wooden slats, with the occasional ceiling fan and simple single-bulb strand lighting.
Sonya, our fun and playful waitress greeted us at the table and took our drink order. I, a creature of habit, as you may have already guessed, ordered my pal, Stoli (on the rocks, a bit dirty and of course, olives). Jim ordered some fruity little drink (cuz he can't shoot whiskey -- and I digress...) – but a tasty fruity drink at that - a Tavern-tini called PamaPolitan: Stoli, triple sec, Pama liquer, Sprite, lime juice and cranberry juice with lime garnish.
Sonya arrives with bread which consists of three smaller-than-slider-sized, house-made rolls on a plate with piped butter, rosemary, black pepper EVOO and balsamic reduction and a tasting of a tomato basil puree. Our drinks came soon after and we placed our orders. We both opt for steak. I ordered the 8oz. Filet Mignon medium rare and, torn between potato choices, I ask that Sonya surprise me. Jim orders the Hanger Steak and we also order the Tavern House Salad.
Still not shooting whiskey, Jim orders another fruity drink, this time, the French Connection: Chambord , Stoli, pineapple juice and Brut Champagne.
The Tavern House salad arrives, a mix of baby greens tossed with candied pecans, fresh berries (strawberry & blueberry) and gorgonzola cheese tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. The addition of the candied pecans and berries made it a refreshing change from the overplayed baby greens salad.
Our dinners arrive soon after salad. Mine, cooked a perfect medium rare, arrived with "Surprise!" bacon-horseradish mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach and tumbleweed onions (French fried onions). The potatoes were a perfect pairing... the horseradish flavor complemented the beef nicely and the bacon, well... what doesn't bacon make better? Jim's Hanger Steak is cooked medium as per his request. Also, upon his request is cocktail number three, but who's counting on a Friday evening? Nope, still no whiskey, another French Connection. Jim's steak was basted with Sam Adams, grilled and served over cheesy polenta fries and charred vegetables. The cheesy polenta fries were super duper yummy!
After dinner, we order coffee and split a dessert of grilled pumpkin bread with cinnamon ice cream. The dessert was let's say, interesting. A couple of bites were enough for me, but Jim seemed to enjoy it. Not sure if the three cocktails helped, but he said he enjoyed it.
I would definitely recommend Tavern 58 at Gibbs and if you decide to go, ask if Sonya is working and request her station, she has a fun sense of humor. And don't forget to leave a big fat tip - Mr. French Connection did.
Oh... by the way, I drove home in case anyone was wondering.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Olives Greek Taverna
It was one of those evenings we just didn’t feel like cooking and delivery didn’t sound appealing so I suggested Greek and we headed over to Olives. Right around the corner from us in Northfield Commons (east end of Schoen Place ) – the food is tasty and the atmosphere quaint. Lesser known than Aladdins, which is right down the street on the canal, Olives offers a cozier atmosphere, fresher tasting food and the wait time for a table is generally less than at Aladdins. Don’t get me wrong -- I have nothing against Alladins, their menu is more robust and sitting on their patio overlooking the canal in the summertime always makes for a nice dinner atmosphere -- but sometimes simple and tasty wins the night.
You enter into Olives from their outdoor patio area at street level through what appears to be a smaller -than-normal-size door, and then down a few steps into the restaurant. Now below street level, the cozy atmosphere takes shape. A small wine bar is to your left, and to your right, the main dining area. The main wall which runs the length of the dining space is decorated with a trompe l’oeil of a Mediterranean scene, with a banquette running the full length of the wall. The space is small; the ceiling is low with wooden beams running across with simple single bulb light strands that run along the sides of the beams. Some walls have mirrors, and a terra cotta tile floor finishes off the décor. Although the tables are close together, you don’t feel like you are dining with the table next to you, but should you find yourself on a first date and it’s not as engaging as you had hoped, you can always liven up the evening by listening in on the neighboring conversations.
Keeping it simple, Jim ordered a glass of Pino Noir and I just had water. For dinner, Jim ordered the Santornini Pizza – kalamata olives with kasseri cheese -- and I had the Olives Gyro – classic Gyro meat, feta, tzatziki, tomatoes and onions with a side of Greek Fries – fries smothered in Greek dressing topped with feta cheese. As on our previous trips here, the food was hot, and tasty! No complaints with the service either, our waiter was nice on the eyes as well as in personality.
Next time you get the hankerin’ for some Greek food, I would definitely recommend Olives - but before you go, remember to bring your checkbook or cash, they do not accept debit or credit. They do have an ATM on site if you forget and are willing to pay the $1.75 ATM fee. I've heard they do accept IOUs if you're in a real pinch.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Perlo's Italian Grill
Still not able to get my hands on an iPhone 4S... to take my mind off of all the fun things I could be doing with it, I thought dinner would offer a nice distraction and since Jim and I were out and about we decided to head over to East Rochester to Perlo's for some Italian. Having been there several times in past, it has become one of our "go-to" restaurants when we want good, reasonably priced food.
When we arrived at the restaurant, there were no lines, no waiting, and we are taken directly to our table. We were seated in the back area of the restaurant which has recently undergone a remodel: They opened up what was once a banquet room to the rest of the main dining room to allow for more a la carte dining. The remodel really opened up the space and the once cozy atmosphere is now gone. Cozy has been replaced with a wide open space full of tables and a lack of decor. The newly appointed a la carte space has been left with bare walls and the only "decor" is the POS system computer screen mounted on a wall. The front room however, has not been touched and its cozy feel is still intact.
Not long after we sat down, I reunited at the table with my dirty old friend, Stoli, and Jim, trying to re-live his more youthful days living in the big city, got reacquainted with his old friend, Manhattan.
Our waitress was friendly and shared the evening's specials with us. I ordered what has become my "usual" here, Frank & Sally Trovato's Sausage, Broccoli and Rigatoni Italiano and Jim ordered Penne with Eggplant, one of the evening's specials, a cross between eggplant parmigiana and lasagna.
Our salads and bread arrived soon after our order was placed. The salads were simple -- mixed greens, a slice of tomato and house dressing, which is balsamic vinaigrette. Jim would have liked to have seen a few extras on the salad, specifically mentioning garbanzo beans and pepperoncinis. For $10-$12 entree prices, I'm happy a salad is included.
Following the salads, our entrees arrive. My "very old school Italian" dinner is hot and delicious! Lots of Italian sausage, broccoli florets sautéed in a dark veal demi-glaze tossed with rigatoni. Jim's entree, fresh spinach, ricotta cheese and roasted red pepper are sandwiched between lightly breaded eggplant, topped with marinara and pesto sauces on a side of pasta. However, it wasn't hot. When he cut into the entree, the middle was still cold. I asked him to send it back to the kitchen. He hesitated to do so, as he enjoyed it cold in the middle. I thought it was unacceptable to be served cold food, he decided to send it back, asking the waitress to just "pop it in the microwave" for a few minutes. At his request, that is what she did and about a minute or two later, the entree arrived back to the table now hot in the middle. When the waitress arrived back to see how everything was, Jim said, "I thought I liked it cold, but it's even better hot." Even with that opening, the waitress didn't bite back or even offer an additional apology. Following dinner we ordered coffee and shared a Tiramisu.
Overall, Perlo's is still a trusted "go-to" for good value and good food. Dinner for two, including cocktail, salad, entree, coffee and shared dessert, including tip, just over $50... you can't beat that! Next time, I will inquire about sitting in the front part of the restaurant -- for which sometimes there is a wait. Unlike what I have been told about the iPhone 4S -- which is another 2-3 week wait -- you can count on your wait to be far less here.
When we arrived at the restaurant, there were no lines, no waiting, and we are taken directly to our table. We were seated in the back area of the restaurant which has recently undergone a remodel: They opened up what was once a banquet room to the rest of the main dining room to allow for more a la carte dining. The remodel really opened up the space and the once cozy atmosphere is now gone. Cozy has been replaced with a wide open space full of tables and a lack of decor. The newly appointed a la carte space has been left with bare walls and the only "decor" is the POS system computer screen mounted on a wall. The front room however, has not been touched and its cozy feel is still intact.
Not long after we sat down, I reunited at the table with my dirty old friend, Stoli, and Jim, trying to re-live his more youthful days living in the big city, got reacquainted with his old friend, Manhattan.
Our waitress was friendly and shared the evening's specials with us. I ordered what has become my "usual" here, Frank & Sally Trovato's Sausage, Broccoli and Rigatoni Italiano and Jim ordered Penne with Eggplant, one of the evening's specials, a cross between eggplant parmigiana and lasagna.
Our salads and bread arrived soon after our order was placed. The salads were simple -- mixed greens, a slice of tomato and house dressing, which is balsamic vinaigrette. Jim would have liked to have seen a few extras on the salad, specifically mentioning garbanzo beans and pepperoncinis. For $10-$12 entree prices, I'm happy a salad is included.
Following the salads, our entrees arrive. My "very old school Italian" dinner is hot and delicious! Lots of Italian sausage, broccoli florets sautéed in a dark veal demi-glaze tossed with rigatoni. Jim's entree, fresh spinach, ricotta cheese and roasted red pepper are sandwiched between lightly breaded eggplant, topped with marinara and pesto sauces on a side of pasta. However, it wasn't hot. When he cut into the entree, the middle was still cold. I asked him to send it back to the kitchen. He hesitated to do so, as he enjoyed it cold in the middle. I thought it was unacceptable to be served cold food, he decided to send it back, asking the waitress to just "pop it in the microwave" for a few minutes. At his request, that is what she did and about a minute or two later, the entree arrived back to the table now hot in the middle. When the waitress arrived back to see how everything was, Jim said, "I thought I liked it cold, but it's even better hot." Even with that opening, the waitress didn't bite back or even offer an additional apology. Following dinner we ordered coffee and shared a Tiramisu.
Overall, Perlo's is still a trusted "go-to" for good value and good food. Dinner for two, including cocktail, salad, entree, coffee and shared dessert, including tip, just over $50... you can't beat that! Next time, I will inquire about sitting in the front part of the restaurant -- for which sometimes there is a wait. Unlike what I have been told about the iPhone 4S -- which is another 2-3 week wait -- you can count on your wait to be far less here.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Jojo Bistro & Wine Bar
As the 6-ton NASA satellite plummets to Earth with officials unable to pinpoint where it will make its final resting place, Jim and I figure the odds are against us that we would get hit by it, we decide to go out for dinner. Jim's only request was that he wanted to go somewhere that had some atmosphere. Thinking I'd like to stay close to home, I suggested Jojo's (as I describe it as the 2 Vine of the Eastside).
Just a hop, skip and jump from home, we walk into the restaurant and as usual, the bar is packed and full of fun energy. Instead of trying to struggle to the bar to get a drink, we approach the host stand to be seated and have a cocktail at the table. No wait, we head right in to the table.
We are seated at one of the crescent shaped banquettes in the back part of the restaurant. The dining area is appropriately lit, a little on the loud side from the bar, but certainly not a deal breaker. Our waitress approaches the table, I order my old and trusted friend, Stoli Martini (always on the rocks, a little dirty and of course, please don't skip or skimp on the olives) and Jim orders a Jojo house specialty cocktail. While we wait for our cocktails, we look over the menu.
Our waitress arrives with the cocktails then describes the nightly specials (and I didn't even have to ask if there were specials, we are off to a good start). We place our appetizer order and sit back and sip our libations. During this time, I notice the table next to us is about to be seated. The host seating the guests appeared maybe to be the dining room manager as he was dressed differently from the rest of the staff. Much like a mother duck, he was in front and the 3 guests followed behind to the table. The host presented the table, turned and walked away. The 3rd guest wasn't even at the table yet, and the host has now "passed" the guest as he walked back to the front of the restaurant. Ok... this wasn't my experience; I only observed the situation, but really? The host can't even wait at the table for all the guests to be seated or even pull a chair out for a guests? Again, not my experience, but it does goes to show that really good, consistant dining experiences are far and few between. Enough said, at this point, I am well into my cocktail.
Our appetizers arrive, Tuna Tartar and Figs. The Tuna Tartar, a generous portion of fresh, melt in your mouth Ahi tuna took center stage on the plate with alternating slices of cucumber and tomato surrounding it like a sunburst, drizzled with a refreshing Green Goddess dressing. Yum! Yum! The Figs, 3 to the serving, arrive warm, stuffed with Stilton blue cheese wrapped in crispy Prosciutto. I would highly recommend either for a starter. While enjoying the starters, we place our dinner order and grab a refill on the cocktails, no need to complicate things; we stick with our same cocktail.
Dinner arrives soon after the apps but not before our cocktails. Keeping it simple, I ordered the Chicken Cutlets. Two over-sized tender cutlets blanketed with shaved parmesan fill the plate along with Arugula greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Jim ordered one of the specials, NY Strip, prepared medium with mashed potato and broccolini. When the plate arrived, the broccolini was replaced with asparagus. Jim, preferring asparagus, did not mind the substitution. The steak was tasty and tender.
Following dinner, Jim, who would rather start with reviewing the dessert menu before the main dishes, accepts the waitress' offer to have a look at the dessert menu, we also order coffee. Ultimately, we decide to share a piece of carrot cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting. The cake was moist and the frosting not overdone with chocolate, more than a whisper of chocolate flavor, but not too much as to overpower the taste of the carrot cake. It was a nice combination of both flavors.
Overall, it was a great dining experience, the food was tasty and the service was excellent, a nice change from the past few experiences we've had recently. As for the satellite, we heard it landed somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
Date: Friday, September 23, 2011.
Just a hop, skip and jump from home, we walk into the restaurant and as usual, the bar is packed and full of fun energy. Instead of trying to struggle to the bar to get a drink, we approach the host stand to be seated and have a cocktail at the table. No wait, we head right in to the table.
We are seated at one of the crescent shaped banquettes in the back part of the restaurant. The dining area is appropriately lit, a little on the loud side from the bar, but certainly not a deal breaker. Our waitress approaches the table, I order my old and trusted friend, Stoli Martini (always on the rocks, a little dirty and of course, please don't skip or skimp on the olives) and Jim orders a Jojo house specialty cocktail. While we wait for our cocktails, we look over the menu.
Our waitress arrives with the cocktails then describes the nightly specials (and I didn't even have to ask if there were specials, we are off to a good start). We place our appetizer order and sit back and sip our libations. During this time, I notice the table next to us is about to be seated. The host seating the guests appeared maybe to be the dining room manager as he was dressed differently from the rest of the staff. Much like a mother duck, he was in front and the 3 guests followed behind to the table. The host presented the table, turned and walked away. The 3rd guest wasn't even at the table yet, and the host has now "passed" the guest as he walked back to the front of the restaurant. Ok... this wasn't my experience; I only observed the situation, but really? The host can't even wait at the table for all the guests to be seated or even pull a chair out for a guests? Again, not my experience, but it does goes to show that really good, consistant dining experiences are far and few between. Enough said, at this point, I am well into my cocktail.
Our appetizers arrive, Tuna Tartar and Figs. The Tuna Tartar, a generous portion of fresh, melt in your mouth Ahi tuna took center stage on the plate with alternating slices of cucumber and tomato surrounding it like a sunburst, drizzled with a refreshing Green Goddess dressing. Yum! Yum! The Figs, 3 to the serving, arrive warm, stuffed with Stilton blue cheese wrapped in crispy Prosciutto. I would highly recommend either for a starter. While enjoying the starters, we place our dinner order and grab a refill on the cocktails, no need to complicate things; we stick with our same cocktail.
Dinner arrives soon after the apps but not before our cocktails. Keeping it simple, I ordered the Chicken Cutlets. Two over-sized tender cutlets blanketed with shaved parmesan fill the plate along with Arugula greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Jim ordered one of the specials, NY Strip, prepared medium with mashed potato and broccolini. When the plate arrived, the broccolini was replaced with asparagus. Jim, preferring asparagus, did not mind the substitution. The steak was tasty and tender.
Following dinner, Jim, who would rather start with reviewing the dessert menu before the main dishes, accepts the waitress' offer to have a look at the dessert menu, we also order coffee. Ultimately, we decide to share a piece of carrot cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting. The cake was moist and the frosting not overdone with chocolate, more than a whisper of chocolate flavor, but not too much as to overpower the taste of the carrot cake. It was a nice combination of both flavors.
Overall, it was a great dining experience, the food was tasty and the service was excellent, a nice change from the past few experiences we've had recently. As for the satellite, we heard it landed somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
Date: Friday, September 23, 2011.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Peaches Cafe
Jim and I went into Peaches Cafe in Webster for a quick dinner Saturday night only because we had dropped Phoebe off at Pet Smart in the same plaza for her first haircut and we were hungry and it was convenient. Both Jim and I have been there before, Jim, a lesser fan of the place than I.
My past experiences with Peaches has been, OK with decent food. Wait staff isn't the sharpest but then again, it’s a Diner. Atmosphere is better than average for a Diner, which is typically old, tired looking. Color scheme is nice, the upholstery is new and overall generally clean looking, however, the lack of decor, bare walls and inkjet printed signs in the place really cheapens the look and feel of the place.
This evening's meal was simple; Jim ordered soup and the meatloaf platter (mainly because he needed something soft to eat due to having had a tooth extracted recently). I ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich with french fries instead of the standard potato chips it comes with, which I have had a few times before. Because I despise ketchup, I always order 2 sides of mayonnaise when I order fries, as this is what I prefer to dip my fries into. Our dinners arrive. Jim's was at best luke warm, and he sent it back with the request to "pop" it in the microwave quickly and mine arrived with potato chips and no mayo sides. As she sat my plate in front of me, I said, "I ordered fries with this" and she said, "I thought you did.... you can keep the chips and I will get you some fries." Well.... if you thought I did, then why would you deliver the dish without checking and I get to keep the chips?! Lucky me, a freebie! (At the end of the meal when we were presented with the check, I noticed on the guestcheck the waitress had not ordered the fries). Again, it's a Diner, but regardless, I still expect the basics of good service... anyway.... she took Jim's plate and returned back with a small bowl of fries and my mayo sides. She arrived back with Jim's plate in a timely fashion, nuked and now hot. My sandwich was tasty, well, I should clarify, the actual part of the sandwich that had chicken on it was tasty. The chicken portion in the past has always been plentiful, most times, larger than the bread it comes served on. Not tonight! The portion of chicken was enough for only half the sandwich.
If the food alone isn't enough to part friendships with this place, the owner is! The former owner of Charlie Brown's downtown on Goodman St which was know for its great breakfast's... this guy should have quietly gone into another line of business that does not include him being around or near customers after closing his downtown location. He is Creepy! (Yes, capital C!) When he greets you at the door, he extends his hand for a shake. I'm not against hand shaking; however, his delivery is awkward, creepy and not very genuine. I'm there to satisfy my hunger, not to add new names to my Holiday card list. Each time I go there, I make a point of never making eye contact with him as to avoid the shake. Guess it's a no-brainer... food: just OK, service: roll the dice, owner: Creepy. Much like Jose Cuervo, whom I parted friendships with years ago, I think I have added Peaches to my parted friends list. Sorry Charlie.
Date of tragedy: Saturday, September 17, 2011
My past experiences with Peaches has been, OK with decent food. Wait staff isn't the sharpest but then again, it’s a Diner. Atmosphere is better than average for a Diner, which is typically old, tired looking. Color scheme is nice, the upholstery is new and overall generally clean looking, however, the lack of decor, bare walls and inkjet printed signs in the place really cheapens the look and feel of the place.
This evening's meal was simple; Jim ordered soup and the meatloaf platter (mainly because he needed something soft to eat due to having had a tooth extracted recently). I ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich with french fries instead of the standard potato chips it comes with, which I have had a few times before. Because I despise ketchup, I always order 2 sides of mayonnaise when I order fries, as this is what I prefer to dip my fries into. Our dinners arrive. Jim's was at best luke warm, and he sent it back with the request to "pop" it in the microwave quickly and mine arrived with potato chips and no mayo sides. As she sat my plate in front of me, I said, "I ordered fries with this" and she said, "I thought you did.... you can keep the chips and I will get you some fries." Well.... if you thought I did, then why would you deliver the dish without checking and I get to keep the chips?! Lucky me, a freebie! (At the end of the meal when we were presented with the check, I noticed on the guestcheck the waitress had not ordered the fries). Again, it's a Diner, but regardless, I still expect the basics of good service... anyway.... she took Jim's plate and returned back with a small bowl of fries and my mayo sides. She arrived back with Jim's plate in a timely fashion, nuked and now hot. My sandwich was tasty, well, I should clarify, the actual part of the sandwich that had chicken on it was tasty. The chicken portion in the past has always been plentiful, most times, larger than the bread it comes served on. Not tonight! The portion of chicken was enough for only half the sandwich.
If the food alone isn't enough to part friendships with this place, the owner is! The former owner of Charlie Brown's downtown on Goodman St which was know for its great breakfast's... this guy should have quietly gone into another line of business that does not include him being around or near customers after closing his downtown location. He is Creepy! (Yes, capital C!) When he greets you at the door, he extends his hand for a shake. I'm not against hand shaking; however, his delivery is awkward, creepy and not very genuine. I'm there to satisfy my hunger, not to add new names to my Holiday card list. Each time I go there, I make a point of never making eye contact with him as to avoid the shake. Guess it's a no-brainer... food: just OK, service: roll the dice, owner: Creepy. Much like Jose Cuervo, whom I parted friendships with years ago, I think I have added Peaches to my parted friends list. Sorry Charlie.
Date of tragedy: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Lilian's Restaurant & Party House Penfield, NY
Located at 2200 Penfield Rd next to CVS, Jim and I walk into the restaurant and ask to see a menu. The fare offered Ukrainian and Italian specialties. Never having been here before, we decided to give it a chance. The hostess walked us into the over-lit main dining area where only 2 other tables were seated. The chairs were comfy and new but the style was something like you would see at the Rent-A-Center showroom. Overall, the space appeared clean, a few stains on the carpet, but I'm never a fan of carpeting in a restaurant. The decor looked like it was bought at the Dollar Store or maybe even a garage sale. Plastic flowers and fruit on a ledge that ran the length of the dining space, a large mural depicting a European landscape with plastic greens and grapes running along the top and finished with faux columns on either side. A few under scale framed pieces finish off the decor. I will however throw a bone to them, the wall colors and finishes were done tastefully.
Our table setting was basic: square table, linen napkin, white linen tablecloth and votive candle centerpiece, which was not lit -- I suppose it was already bright enough, didn't need to add to it. If only they had stopped there. Overlaying the white linen tablecloth, there is a .5mm white plastic covering -- maybe they had just finished some overhead painting and didn't want to get paint on the tables and just forgot to take them off. If laundering the linens is eating a hole in the expenses, try simple white butcher paper instead.
The menu offerings were uncomplicated and the prices fair. I couldn't help but notice they advertise on the menu that soft drinks only include 1 free refill (for selected beverages). I also couldn't help but notice on the menu under the Ukrainian Favorites offerings was Lilian’s Pork French. I had always been under the impression that "French" or egg batter dipped style cooking was primarily a western NY style of cooking, but I guess the Ukrainians beat us to it.
Our waiter, which was the only one working that evening, approached the table and took our beverage order. I just stuck with water; I assumed they were unlimited refills. Jim ordered a diet soda. The soda arrived in a timely fashion and we placed our order. We both decided upon the Combo Platter, three stuffed cabbage rolls and four potato pierogies. We asked if soup or salad accompanied the entree and they were included. I ordered a salad and Jim, the chicken soup. Hot rolls and butter arrived soon after the placement of the order. The salad was fresh and the soup really tasty. The entree's arrived quickly after. The portions appeared to be small but we didn't leave feeling unsatisfied. While eating our entrees a table of 7 was seated. A gentleman at the table asked the waiter if there were any specials, the waiter described the specials to the table... because the dining area was lacking in diners, you couldn't help but overhear. I found it rather interesting that the waiter did not share with us the evening’s specials. We didn't specifically ask if there were any specials, but I always expect that if specials are being offered, it is the responsibility of the waiter to communicate those. Lesson learned.... ask about specials.
Once the entree was placed in front of us, the waiter never approached the table again, except to clear our empty plates while asking if we would be interested in coffee. During the dinner, a woman who may have been the owner did refill Jim's soda, but sadly, I guess water was not on the free refill list. I never got a refill so I had to drink my partner’s water instead.
So, if you find yourself hungry in Penfield and don't mind poor service and atmosphere is not on the top of your list but you do want decent tasting food at an affordable price, you might consider Lilian’s. Or you could always check out CVS next door and ask what's on special in their frozen foods.
Our table setting was basic: square table, linen napkin, white linen tablecloth and votive candle centerpiece, which was not lit -- I suppose it was already bright enough, didn't need to add to it. If only they had stopped there. Overlaying the white linen tablecloth, there is a .5mm white plastic covering -- maybe they had just finished some overhead painting and didn't want to get paint on the tables and just forgot to take them off. If laundering the linens is eating a hole in the expenses, try simple white butcher paper instead.
The menu offerings were uncomplicated and the prices fair. I couldn't help but notice they advertise on the menu that soft drinks only include 1 free refill (for selected beverages). I also couldn't help but notice on the menu under the Ukrainian Favorites offerings was Lilian’s Pork French. I had always been under the impression that "French" or egg batter dipped style cooking was primarily a western NY style of cooking, but I guess the Ukrainians beat us to it.
Our waiter, which was the only one working that evening, approached the table and took our beverage order. I just stuck with water; I assumed they were unlimited refills. Jim ordered a diet soda. The soda arrived in a timely fashion and we placed our order. We both decided upon the Combo Platter, three stuffed cabbage rolls and four potato pierogies. We asked if soup or salad accompanied the entree and they were included. I ordered a salad and Jim, the chicken soup. Hot rolls and butter arrived soon after the placement of the order. The salad was fresh and the soup really tasty. The entree's arrived quickly after. The portions appeared to be small but we didn't leave feeling unsatisfied. While eating our entrees a table of 7 was seated. A gentleman at the table asked the waiter if there were any specials, the waiter described the specials to the table... because the dining area was lacking in diners, you couldn't help but overhear. I found it rather interesting that the waiter did not share with us the evening’s specials. We didn't specifically ask if there were any specials, but I always expect that if specials are being offered, it is the responsibility of the waiter to communicate those. Lesson learned.... ask about specials.
Once the entree was placed in front of us, the waiter never approached the table again, except to clear our empty plates while asking if we would be interested in coffee. During the dinner, a woman who may have been the owner did refill Jim's soda, but sadly, I guess water was not on the free refill list. I never got a refill so I had to drink my partner’s water instead.
So, if you find yourself hungry in Penfield and don't mind poor service and atmosphere is not on the top of your list but you do want decent tasting food at an affordable price, you might consider Lilian’s. Or you could always check out CVS next door and ask what's on special in their frozen foods.
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