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.