A Taste of Egypt

 Shawarma Chicken

Thin slices of savoury chicken, cooked on  slowly revolving rotisserie, served on a bed of basmati rice with house dressing.

SERVICE:  Our server was new at her job, but she was eager to take care of us.  It was not busy and she got to take the time to keep us happy.  We were very happy.  Monday is a great time to eat out.

QUALITY:  We spoke with the owner and I tried to pry out of him his cooking secrets.  What I did get was that the meat marinates for 24 hrs in citrus juices and many many spices.  This was the best chicken I've ever had, the spices were not overwhelming and the meat melted in my mouth.  The menu is comparable to Greek food.

ATMOSPHERE:  This restaurant has recently opened.  The building was a former jewelry store and the new owner has incorporated that design into an Egyptian Theme, well done.  A soft gold paint on the walls, many ornaments and lots of Arabic music and videos.  Wonderful setting for an evening out.

VALUE:  I found the prices very reasonable.  What does drive your bill up are the appetizers and soft drinks.  We should not mix entrees and appetizers, the appetizers block the flavours of the main dishes.

Would I pay a return visit:  I am excitedly waiting to return again next week.

BOAZ

 

-Asparagus rolled in beef & Salmon Teriyaki-

You have got to try  these dishes, they are packed with flavour.  I love salmon and the sauce truly enhance this fish.  A few days later we returned and had the same experience, great service and food.  I did have a noodle dish, it was as chewy as gummy bears, not my thing. 

SERVICE:   As usual the service was great; 99% of Saint John has wonderful service.  We arrived before rush hour and were treated to extra attention, conversation and calm. 

QUALITY:  The food was a surprise.  I was expecting more Chinese style dishes, not so at all.  Something true to the Culture.

ATMOSPHERE:  Boaz is using an existing restaurant and the atmosphere is not much more than a lovely cafeteria; this did not take away from the service or quality.  Hopefully in time the decor will reflect Korea and Japan.

VALUE:  The price is in the middle, more than Vito's and Swiss Chalet but is less then Decimal 81.  The meal was worth every cent.

Would I pay a return visit:  We did return 3 days later. Good food, nothing cafeteria in this menu.

PEDDLER'S CREEK

-Change of Season-

4 Ace Ribs with Caroline Sauce, Top Sirloin Steak with Demi Glaze.

Roasted squash, asparagus, potato salad and cornbread.

SERVICE:  The server was friendly, informative and attentive.  This is a new restaurant and its beginnings are well done....as in a good impression....not as in over cooked meat.

QUALITY:   Ordering steak is not something I usually do but in keeping with being adventuresome, I did so and was well pleased.  I asked for the steak to be well done and that is how I got it; not tough, gristly or overdone.  The ribs we tender but not as tender as my friend MaryLee's ribs.  The sauces were fun; sweet and spicy.  The potato salad was different; tiny red potatoes boiled but not mushy (if that is a word) and lightly flavoured with a cream dressing and a hint of herbs.  The potatoes were not drenched in mayonnaise like so many salads are; a great change.

ATMOSPHERE:  Peddler's has a relaxing setting, new and fresh but rustic.  A large log cabin with the scent of pine still strong.

VALUE: We each had the special at $17.99.  Good price for a good meal.  Free refills also make a difference in the bill.

Would I pay a return visit:  I will come back again to try more of the menu.  An enjoyable time.

Decimal 81

Duck confit with caramelized onion, this was amazing.  The duck was so tender it melted in your mouth.  Shredded romaine salad with chopped pecans and chopped beets as a topping for the sliced beet and goat's cheese.   Orange Glazed Halibut with Florentine Style Potatoes.  If you have to eat, this is the way to go.

SERVICE:   We received the best service we have ever had.  The extra pampering, changing out of silverware, the complimentary tasters; all were a wonderful experience.

QUALITY:  Decimal 81 is an upscale establishment and lives up to that status.  Our meal was superb; everything cooked fresh and tasted so.  The flavours were rich, full and new.  It was obvious that there was time, knowledge and pride taken in its preparation.

ATMOSPHERE:  An older turn of the century (2 centuries ago) building decorated simply. Clean lines, subtle colours, cloth napkins and table clothes.  And, I am so happy, soft music which allowed for a conversation.

VALUE:  Don't go expecting to fill up with fries, no fries here.  The servings were the apropriate sizes to eat.  The prices are not for the "faint of heart", well at least for us that watch our dollars, but our meal was worth the price. 

Would I pay a return visit:  I'm saving for the next visit.

St Hubert

Club Sandwich

- 1 club sandwich with white meat, served with fresh lettuce, tomato and bacon...some of it looked white
- 2 packet of mayonnaise...this was entertaining
- 1 side dish of your choice...where did my side dish go?
- 1 serving of Bar-B-Q sauce (if applicable);
- 1 serving of coleslaw.

SERVICE:   This is a self serve restaurant. Hurry up and place your order, give me the money and get out of here....well maybe not quite that bad.

QUALITY:  The sandwich was nice, the fries were a cheap filler, I wasn't offered a side dish.  The best part of the meal was the mayo in blister packs; you have to add the mayo yourself.  How do you take apart a Club Sandwich so you can add a condiment?

ATMOSPHERE:  This restaurant is new to Saint John so everything is clean.  Lots of stone on the walls, I got a sense of being in Montreal.  "There is that load music again."

VALUE:  A very over-priced take out.  My sandwich was $13, a few fries and some coleslaw. I had to serve myself and there was no way I was going to clean the table too; I could have stayed home for less money and less work.

Would I pay a return visit:  I'll drive by hurriedly.  But I do love the St Hubert's in Moncton.

Montana's

BBQ Rotisserie Chicken

Slow roasted chicken with herbs and spices to lock in the tender, succulent juices.  Served with baked potato, corn niblets, sauces and corn bread.

SERVICE:  Our server was great, personable and attentive. Opps, the appetizers were forgotten.  It wasn't an issue with us, but the manager did stop by our table to apologize and offer complimentry dessert.  Montana's have turned over a new leaf, because this would not have happened in the past.  Rumor is that the restaurant is under new management.

QUALITY:   I liked that the chicken was well cooked, no slimmy parts through the middle.  The corn niblets were the best I've ever had; I could go back just for them.

ATMOSPHERE:   I love the laid back, country decor.  Very relaxing, except for the music; are my ears aging or do the young have a hearing deficiency?

VALUE:  Fair price for a nice meal.

Would I pay a return visit:  In the past I have had my issues with Montana's but I am liking this place more and more.

Pizza Delight

Chicken, Cranberry & Goat Cheese Salad & Super Donair

Grilled chicken on a bed of fresh baby spinach, romaine and iceberg, topped with tomatoes, sun dried cranberries, walnuts, red onion and goat cheese.

The Super Donair is made with meat, onions, diced tomatoes and a signature sauce.

SERVICE:  The service was professional and efficient.  A very pleasant, sober man took care of us.  I guess we wouldn't want it any other way.

QUALITY:   The meal was very tasty and we all enjoyed what we ordered.  As for nutrition, other than the salad, this was after all, fast food.

ATMOSPHERE:  Nice surroundings and decor.  Well maintained and clean.

VALUE:  I found this an expensive meal.  Donair and salad at a fast food place for nearly the price of an upper end restaurant.  I'd rather spend a few more dollars and have a more extravagant meal.  Well actually for what this meal cost, I wouldn't have had to spend more to get a more extravagant meal.

Would I pay a return visit:  Only if I am in a hurray.

Grannan's

DIGBY SCALLOPS

Broiled, bacon wrapped or simply deep-fried.  Try a tase of each with the scallop combination. Served with garlic potatoes and vegetables of the day.

SERVICE:  This is my first visit to Grannan's.  And Grannan's is suppose to be a premier spot to eat,  I guess I was expecting  more.  The server was great and treated up with lots of attention.   

QUALITY:  The meal was made fresh and had good flavour, but not more than any good restaurant in Saint John.  Everything was clean, but maybe a little more presentation was needed, the meal was just a little blah looking.  My order came with three types of scallops; the bacon wrapped were soooo delicious.

ATMOSPHERE:  The surroundings were as all Market Sq restaurants, historical, and I love it.  But if you are choosing a spot in Market Sq then choose food, service and price first.

VALUE:  The price was slightly higher than most places.  Was it worth it, not really.  I've eaten in many places that can compete easily for less money.

Would I pay a return visit:  Sure.

CHURCH STREET STEAK HOUSE

Apple Pecan Sensation Salad

Fresh sweet red apples, cranberry raisins, pecans roasted red peppers & feta cheese. Tossed in our poppy seed dressing top with grilled blackened chicken

SERVICE:  The service was off tonight, my bad timing.  We took with us, visitors to Saint John and our choice of restaurants was a poor one tonight.  We waited a little too long for drinks and to order.  We didn't receive much attention throughout the evening and then some of our requests were forgotten.  I hope this was a one off because I usually like Church Street.

QUALITY:  This is the same salad that BP serves, at least in name.  I'm not a big fan of BP but they win hands over heads on this dish.  The presentation reminded me of serving a 5 year old, trying to get him to eat his veggies.  The blackened chicken was smothered in pepper, what were they trying to hide? 

ATMOSPHERE:  The surroundings were the only thing that was positive about our visit.  Rustic, historic, soft lighting, our heritage.

VALUE:  I did not pick a winner tonight. High price, very small portion.

Would I pay a return visit:  I'm on sabbatical for awhile.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

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A Tour of Greece at Vivaldi's

Greek Salad, lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cucumber, creamy Greek dressing, feta cheese and olives. Souvlaki Platter, marinated chicken breast on a skewer, red rice pilaf, more greek salad, tzatziki sauce and grilled pita bread. Moussaka, with bechamel sauce, and Tiropita.  Rice stuffed green pepper and stuffed cabbage leaves with lean ground beef, rice and seasonings, rolled up in a cabbage leaf and cooked in tomato sauce.  Maybe a little too much rice.

SERVICE:  Either the servers are well trained or Vivaldi's has great luck when hiring, we have always had a wonderful sever.  Tonight was no different.

QUALITY:  The moussaka was done well. Some restaurants use spaghetti sauce instead of the bechamel sauce, this is a big no no.  You can be sure that what you eat is fresh and has been prepared with care.

ATMOSPHERE:  We sat in the back portion of the restaurant, it was perfect. Cosy and private and great for just us.   Always clean and beautifully decorated.  Love the new chandelier

VALUE:  You definitely get your moneys worth.   I had enough for lunch the next day at home.  Great taste, quality preparation and great surroundings.

Would I pay a return visit:  I'm looking forward to the next time.

Reversing Falls

Seafood Chowder

SERVICE:  Lovely server, friendly, attentive, and efficient.

QUALITY:  This dish tasted fresh, not a heavy fish flavour. What was heavy was the creamy sauce; too much flour.  I never fail to be disappointed with the meal; it usually taste more like cafeteria food, rushed to be served. 

ATMOSPHERE:  The Falls is a great place to visit for scenery, the view is fascinating.  Sitting, gazing and drifting in and out of imagination.  Everyone has a window.  Whether it is day or evening the atmosphere is always inviting.

VALUE:  I wish the food would equal the view.  The prices are average but the food is only average.  So if you aren't a fussy eater, go and enjoy the surroundings.

Would I pay a return visit:  How many more visits do I pay before I can say "you've got it right".