Taste of Egypt

Mousaka

I love Moussaka, the Greek version. It is not easy to find an authentic style, so when Moussaka was on the menu here I got excited. Buttttttt, after a conversation with the server I discovered this was not going to be the Greek version. I decided to be adventuresome and ordered it anyway. Boy was I glad, a completely different dish that was yummy, yummy.

Made with green peppers, tomatoes, baked eggplant and ground beef. Served in a hotpot next to rice. The sauce has many spices (which the cook will not reveal) a beef base, thick and full of flavour.

SERVICE:  Paula is a wonderful server, paying lots of attention to our table.

QUALITY:  The food in this restaurant is always the best

ATMOSPHERE:  I love the atmosphere in this converted jewelry store. The display cases and floor layout are perfect for showing off Egyptian figurines and artifacts. Soft lighting, lots of gold colour and Arabic music.

VALUE:  A little higher in price than most locals but the value is certainly there!

Would I pay a return visit: I really enjoy this spot and plan to spend more time here.

GARLIC

What is it with Garlic?

I've delvelop a sensitivity to garlic and avoid eating it or cooking with it. Try to order a meal in this city and maybe anywhere that does not have an infusion of this spice. It is as if it is the only spice worth using in preparing food. Really, are there no other flavours worth sensing in meats or pastas or vegetables? How about thyme, cinnamon or cilantro; even good old ground pepper. All these have wonderful flavours. Oh wait! Garlic is a cheap spice and kills the rest of the bad flavours in a so,so prepared meal! 

Super Store Cooking Class

Spinach Salad; luscious Poached Salmon with Lemon Mint Tzatziki; and for dessert,  a decadent, diabetic safe Warm Chocolate Soufflé!

This was a different and fun activity; a cooking class at the Superstore.  This was a "watch and learn" and we were served each portion as it was cooked.  The chef was great entertainment and the food was yuuuuuuuummy! I even learned that asparagus does not have to stand when it is cooked.

QUALITY:  Everything was fresh, considering that the supply was only a few feet away.  And when an ingredent was missing....a quick jaunt to the store's various sections. 

ATMOSPHERE:  The classroom is located on the upper floor, with large bright windows.  A sunny evening and large room made for a relaxing and enjoyable class.

VALUE: The price of $18 may be a bit high but we were given 3 courses.  And we did not have to clean up.

Would I pay a return visit:  I will and have already signed up for the Italian night.

TEXAS ROAD HOUSE-Bangor

Ribeye steak, warm rolls and garden salads

SERVICE:  Fun, fun, fun. Dancing staff, visiting manager and sweet server.  There was a wonderful chemical reaction from all this attention.  You even got to pick out, from the display cabinet, your steak.

QUALITY:  The salad was tasty and full of fresh veggies.  My husband critiqued the beef; not over cooked and lots of flavour.  He was pleased.  The beef in the display cabinet was red and not over marbled.  Why do we think that meat has to be fat to have flavour.

ATMOSPHERE:  Relaxing, fun, rustic.  Lots of wood, logs, a great big lodge. Lots of peanuts on the floor;  great place to take the kids.

VALUE:  The prices are average and worth the money. The food was well prepared and served by happy staff.
 

Would I pay a return visit:  This was our first visit and am looking forward to another visit.  

Olive Garden (Portland Maine)

Chicken & Gnocchi

A creamy soup made with roasted chicken, traditional Italian dumplings and spinach. Warm rolls with creamy butter and and house salad. 

SERVICE: I've been here many Olive Gardens and always find the staff great. Very customer focused . As with a number of eating spots, fresh bread and butter are brought to the table to warm the spirit and welcome the guest. Love it!

QUALITY: I chose this meal because it is a staple at the Olive Garden. And bcause this is a busy spot the produce, etc always re-fresh quickly.

ATMOSPHERE:  The attention to cleanliness and decor lend to a fun and relaxing experience.

VALUE:  The prices are average. The meals are well worth this price.
 

Would I pay a return visit:  I don't get to the States that often, but when i do this spot is on my list.

LILY'S

Pear & walnut salad

The salad was mixed with greens, goat cheese and cranberry citrus dressing. Soup of the day was vegetable beef.

SERVICE:  This server was young and did a good job.

QUALITY:  This is my first visit back since the disastrous fish/steak meal. My choice this time was much better. Everything was fresh, fairly tasty and appetizing.  The salad used walnuts, and I knew that but found the taste too bitter, it would have been better to use pecans or almonds.

ATMOSPHERE:  We ate on the deck and what a great place to be on a summer evening. Overlooking the lake and enjoying those having fun swimming.

VALUE:  I find Lily's a bit high in price for the quality, but the surroundings balance off the price.

Would I pay a return visit:  I will but will be more conscience of what I order.

LEMON GRASS/PEPPERS PUB

Ginger Beef

Tender beef sautéed with green peppers, red onions and bok choy tossed with fresh ginger in a savoury sauce.

                      

SERVICE:  Oh my, was this guy funny! He had us in stitches. And the bonus was that he was a great server too. Thanks Mike.

QUALITY:  The presentation was most appealing. Veggies were fresh and tasty.   The beef full, full of flavour and tender.

ATMOSPHERE:  What a great job the developers did when renovating these old ware houses on the Saint John waterfront.  Sitting among bricks, planks and history is just too nostalgic.

VALUE:  The price was a high average and worth the money. The food was well prepared and well presented.
 

Would I pay a return visit:  Our last visit to Lemon Grass did not impress our group and so it was a long stretch between visits.  I'm not sure if there was a change in staff/management but this visit was one to bring us back again.