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.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please take a moment to let me know you have read my review and please comment if you have eaten here before and your experience. Eat, Drink and be Mary! Cheers!