Osaka Hibachi (Moncton)

Sukiyaki 

 

Marinated rib eye beef, miso soup, salad, grilled vegetables and fried rice

SERVICE: The server was sweet but a little busy for much attention. The fun was in the cook/entertainer who "performed" our food directly in front of us. This is a teppanyaki grill and it was great fun.

QUALITY:  Every thing tasted great.  The beef must have been marinated because it was easy to eat without much cooking.  The veggies were perfect, my perfect, a little crunch with lots of flavour.

ATMOSPHERE:  Bright, friendly, a different set up for the customer.  The seating was a bar style surrounding a grill.  We had a great time.

VALUE: The price was on the higher end but not highest. Lots of food and a great taste. Yes, go for good food and good value. 

Would I pay a return visit:  For us, this was a different experience and we will do it again.

Saint John Ale House

 Lamb Bolongnese

 Cavatelli Pasta, Fresh Mint, Parmesan Reggiano

SERVICE:  We have great luck with our servers and the same was so last night.  Personable, attentive and quick to our needs.

QUALITY:  The dish was dry, not enough liquid added to the tomato paste.  The lamb was reduced to lamburger; what a waste of good meat and very little of it.  The flavour was good but not worth $18.  Who cares if it is cavatellie or macaroni, it is still an inexpensive filler. There was little presentation, just a cup of carbs with a mint leaf on top.....I can do that.

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:  I found the price high for what was on the plate. 

Would I pay a return visit:  I think the Alehouse needs to pick up their socks. Pay the cook more, get a new menu and stop serving second best. This used to be the best place to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LILY'S

LILY'S CAFE

This evenings meal was a big disappointment.  I had asked for my steak to be well done, it was medium done; I don't like seeing "red".  Thankfully the meat was tender and was easy to chew, but the temperature was only warm.  The scallops and shrimp smelled like a barn yard and was cold to eat.  So the dilemma was do I return the meal and take a chance on what may happen to it or do I suffer through and eat it.  I did keep the food and thoroughly didn't enjoy it.

I have to learn to slow down when reading the fine print; the dessert and starter that were listed on the same menu board did not belong to this special.  My conclusion is that as much as I enjoy Lily's it should be for the lunch meals not the supper meals.

SERVICE:  The server was sweet, but not attentive.

QUALITY: Cold and smelly are not qualities.

ATMOSPHERE:  Love the feel of this restaurant; large fireplace, large windows, clean.

VALUE:  I found, for what I got, it was very over priced. 

Would I pay a return visit:  Not soon, after this meal.

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.