Britt's

Britt's was the total experience, what a great evening!  We went on its 2nd week anniversary.  While we waited for our meal, the server/co owner gave us a historical tour of this tiny restaurant.  There are two sections, one side is a tasteful bar and the other side a quiet dinning room.

I ordered Curry Chicken, roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.  The order was not large, but most satisfying.  Why do we think lots is better.  Everything was cooked the way I enjoy my food; full flavoured meat, vegetables not overdone and fresh potatoes, mashed and flavoured with real butter.  For dessert I experienced the best apple pie ever.  When I sang its praises, another co owner arrived at our table to find out why.  Apparently his mother is the author of such good work; she uses gravenstein apples, never canned which does give the apples a leathery texture.

We received a lot of attention; this probably won't happen a lot as they become busy, but I totally enjoyed the attention and our evening out.

SERVICE: The server/co owner was great. He has lots of experience being in the industry for many years and knows how to treat a customer.

QUALITY:  Fresh and tasteful, lots of flavour. Needs a little more work on plate presentation.

ATMOSPHERE:  So many post 1877 Great Fire buildings provide a "step back in time" feeling, I love it. As a child, Miller Britton was a neighbour, so I was initially drawn to Britt's for this reason, but everything else will bring me back.

VALUE: Somewhat pricier than other restaurants but certainly worth the expense.

Would I pay a return visit: Absolutely, I'm booking now !!

Church Street Steak House

                                    

What a wonderful surprise.  I had been going through a bit of a bumpy patch in eating out and was beginning to think that I was being too picky.  Church Street served a great evening meal; we sat in the restaurant section but ordered from the Pub menu.  I ordered the Seafood Chowder; laden with shrimp, scallops, haddock and mussels; there was plenty of flavour.  The broth was creamy and not over watered and definetly not over salted.  And I wasn’t charged for the warmed mini loaf, as I have been in some eateries.

SERVICE: The server was friendly and efficient. I have discovered that Saint John has a lot of wonderful restaurant staff. Lucky us!!

QUALITY: The chowder tasted great, as chowder should taste.

ATMOSPHERE: Another restored Saint John landmark, with lots of character.

VALUE: The pub menu is great value for the price and quality.

Would I pay a return visit: Yes! This was a great experience.

Romano's Pizza

Pizza is another comfort food; something when you crave it you just have to have it. Romano's makes a great pizza. I love thick and thin crust, so the thick crust at this restaurant works for me. The Greeks love cinnamon and there is a comforting hint of it in the tomato sauce. I forgot to ask for romaine lettuce in my Greek salad and got stuck with iceberg. Usually their Greek salad is really good when made with romaine, this time it was just ok.

SERVICE: These servers are attentive and dedicated.

QUALITY: Great tasting traditional pizza.

ATMOSPHERE: Greek/rustic decor, tight space but warm and cozy.

VALUE: The prices are average and meals are good value.

Would I pay a return visit: Yes, I always have a pleasant visit.

Mediterranean

I like the Mediterranean Restaurant; the atmosphere, the people and basically the food.  But.....over the years the taste and presentation have become more "trucker stop" then high end meals.  I don't think the menu has changed in 30 years; well maybe a few add ons.  I thought I would be safe and go with an entrée that they have always been renowned for, Tenderloin Tips.  Thankfully the tenderloin is still  tasty and enjoyable.  “The Original”, as they tout, is pork medallions sauteed in a green pepper and mushroom sauce, served with both rice and greek lemon potatoes.  A big faux pas is serving the salad on the same plate as the main meal; either the entrée cools down or the salad heats up.  Also, I wish they would stop serving butter and ketchup packets and rolls in the same basket, a little hygiene please.

SERVICE: Our server was attentive, happy and efficient.

QUALITY: Good flavour but crowded presentation.

ATMOSPHERE: Greek decor, roomy and of course a Mediterranean festive feel.

VALUE: The servings are always generous and an average price.

Would I pay a return visit: Yes, it is a good place to enjoy friends.

Billy's Seafood Company

What a huge disappointment! If a restaurant is going to tout itself as chic, upper end, then produce something worthy of the boasting. An overpriced meal that tasted as if it went through the dish washer. I ordered Atlantic Salmon,  poached and drizzled with apple cinnamon glaze. I am still waiting for the drizzled glaze. Everything was bland; fish, rice and vegetables. The only saving grace was that the fish & vegetables were fresh and not overcooked. My friend, Pam, had the Traditional Fish & Chips and I got to taste it. The batter was not cooked through and the fries were heavy tasting; maybe the oil should be changed. If you love salmon, SJ Ale House is the best.

SERVICE: The server was sweet and had a great memory.

QUALITY: Everything was fresh, but "where was the flavour"? Little effort in presentation.

ATMOSPHERE: Small, cozy and a great environment.

VALUE: Way overpriced for this tasteless meal.

Would I pay a return visit: Not for a long, long time.

Swiss Chalet

People go to Swiss Chalet because of the chicken and so we went for that reason. Chicken is a comfort food and it doesn't matter how it is cooked it is always enjoyable; I love their roasted white meat with the dipping sauce. Three of us started with soup, it was burnt. The assistant manager quickly visited our table and replaced it with a cream soup. It was great, I wonder if it comes canned? It's a great place to for a family meal.

SERVICE: I find the servers always serious....hope they are happy at work.

QUALITY: The sauces are rich in flavour, dozens of spices. Vegetable are always just right. Presentation is always cafeteria style.

ATMOSPHERE: Clean, fresh, busy; it doesn't lend itself to quiet and relaxing.

VALUE: Cost is average and worth the purchase.

Would I pay a return visit: Sure, why not.

Alley Gria

              

I really do want to see a restaurant succeed and especially a  unique one as this restaurant. But our first visit to Alley Gria left a bad taste in our mouths. We ordered about 10 of the signature tapas and shared.

Albondigas (meat balls) gave me the impression that they had been freezer burned. Aliktas de pollo (chicken), the flavour was the same as any other restaurant. What I did like was the wrapped salmon, fried zucchinni, saffrone rice and the brushetta. But as much as I liked these items, I have had better. We spent more here, than for a meal, and left looking for McDonald's.

SERVICE: Our server was great, fun and attentive

QUALITY: Disappointed; flavours were not as intense as I had expected; nothing extraordinaire

ATMOSPHERE: Crafted from an old warehouse; well done, great place to relax

VALUE: High prices for finger foods; this visit was not worth the expense

Would I pay a return visit: Always give a place a  second chance; maybe it was a bad day....for me or the cook?

Vivaldi's

We always have a great meal at this restaurant. Last Friday night my husband ordered Tabbouleh Salad; chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, cracked wheat, spices, fresh lemon and olive oil. A really nice salad, I love salad and I love my husband for sharing. For the entrée I ordered Pollo Portobello; which is sautéed chicken breast with mushrooms in garlic parmigiano cream sauce topped with mozzarella, served over orzo pasta. The pasta was bland, maybe no salt in the water? The mushrooms and chicken were perfect, although a little too much cheese. Still very enjoyable.

SERVICE: The servers are great, always friendly and efficient

QUALITY: Made from fresh produce; great taste  and well presented

ATMOSPHERE: Small, intimate, clean and well designed; sometimes a pianist

VALUE: Average price and worth every cent

Would I pay a return visit: Again and again

The Wok Box

What a great experience. We've been there twice and both visits left us wanting to return. On our first visit I ordered a large bowl of Wonton soup. It was large. Filled with shrimp, celery, carrots, broccoli, water chestnuts, baby corn and snow peas. It took me an hour to eat , and I enjoyed every morsel. We did order a noodle dish, but I can't remember a thing about it, the soup had me mesmerized. On the second visit I again ordered Wonton soup!!! 
 

SERVICE: Self service, counter staff still learning to deal with customers

QUALITY: Flavours were excellent, not salty or sweet

ATMOSPHERE: New, clean, great brick interior

VALUE: Cost was average and worth the purchase

Would I pay a return visit: Can't wait until the next time and maybe I'll order a different dish.