Edgar's Review

Longhorn Steakhouse ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:00:00 PST

I went to the Longhorn and have to say that they serve some of the best food I have ever tasted. The Porterhouse steak was to die for - so tasty and cooked perfectly for me. This meal was ($25.49) and worth every penny.

The staff had a smile on their faces and I was treated with great hospitality. The manager even walked up and asked me how my meal was and if I had any suggestions. I told him not to change a thing.

I will definitely be back for a visit. This place also has a very nice atmosphere which makes it pleasant for a date night with your significant other. My date had the Longhorn Salmon ($18) which I had to try. It too was delicious! Now I know what to order on my next visit...so good. Also a great place to take the family for a good night out.

-Contributed by: Boris Peguero

Cuisine: American, Traditional

Ambience: Upscale, but very relaxed

Parking: Free and adjacent parking area

The Good:

Portions: Large
Service: Great!
Cleanliness: Impeccable!
People: A bit of everything!
Handicap Accessible

The Bad:

Price of Entree $20-$30 - expensive! The chicken dishes are affordable ($14-15) and the steakhouse sandwiches too.

Date Rate: I'm impressed!

Overall Value: 4

Longhorn Steakhouse
39 Walker's Brook Drive
Reading, MA 01867
(781) 942-4801
www.longhornsteakhouse.com

Aikia Steakhouse ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:00:00 PST

I shared a Chicken and Shrimp combination plate with my girlfriend. The food was pretty good, it cost around $22 for both of us. The combination plate comes with fried rice and a salad and soup on the side.

-Contributed by: Peter Vourloumis

Cuisine: Japanese

Ambience: Casual, Upscale

Parking: Accessibility Street, Public transportation, Adjacent lot

The Good:

Service: They went out of their way!
Cleanliness Impeccable
People: A bit of everything!
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Portions: Average

The Bad:

Price of Entree: $16-$25 Expensive! Stick to the more affordable lunch menu.

Date Rate: Not on a first date, but maybe a second or third.

Overall Value: 4

Aikia Steakhouse
447 Paradise Road
Swampscott, MA 01907
www.aikiasteakhouse.com

Arties Place ***

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:00:00 PST

I've frequented this establishment many times over the years, enjoying their unique hash browns home fries prepared with garlic, spices and potatos with skinny along with massive omelettes. Although I'm not a fan of their pizza, they also serve ice-cream, if memory serves - from Richardson's!

We had the Spanish omelette with cheddar cheese, no feta cheese, and salsa on the side ($6.95), a side of chocolate chip pancakes, eggs over hard with sausage links and bacon ($6.95) and two large orange juices ($1.95 each). I can't speak enough about the hash browns!!

Cuisine: American

Ambience: Casual

The Good:

Parking: Accessibility Adjacent lot
Price of Entree: $10 Cheap
Portions: Large
Service: They went out of their way!
People: Family, Kid Friendly
Handicap Accessible: Yes

The Bad:

Aesthetics: needs updating - feels like the 1970s...and get new menus!

Date Rate: Nah!

Overall Value: I'll be back!

Artie's Place
117 Lynnfield Street
Peabody, MA 01960
www.artiesdiner.com

Over Easy Restaurant ***

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:00:00 PST

I figured I'd try another breakfast place; some place closer to home. Awkwardly located on Boston Street at a somewhat busy intersection, once there, all is fine. Having gone there a couple times now, I can say I've had over all positive experiences in this former bar.

We had the Greek omelette ($6.59) and the Over easy special ($8), both good portions. The special has two sausage links, two eggs, two bacon and side of French toast. All great, but the French toast were nothing special and bit dry.

It's definitely worth a try! Check out their menu.

Cuisine: Breakfast, Brunch

Ambience: Casual

The Good:

Portions: Average
Cleanliness: Very tidy.
People: A bit of everything
Parking: Adjacent lot, (the entrance is in the rear)
Price: Cheap! The club sandwiches are (grilled chicken club is $9 - so $10 covers it!

The Bad:

Service: Below average, slow - it was not a full house when I went, but still had to flag down the waitress. Also, no one tells you you have to pay at the register like at IHOP.
Hours: Limited hours - always a bad thing!

Overall Value: 3

Over Easy Restaurant
55 Boston Street
Lynn, MA 01904
www.overeasyrestaurant.com

Radici Ristaurante ***

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:00:00 PST

Located in the Courtyard Marriot in Danvers, we entered to almost empty dining area and a few hotel guests chatting by the fireplace. It was obviously a slow night, but once the waiter appeared, things ran smoothly. We sat down at a table for two and were presented the three-page menu consisting of some delicious sounding entrees - to my pleasant surprise.

We ordered the pan-seared Atlantic salmon ($17) and the grilled black Angus tenderloin with red wine demi-glazed onions, roasted-garlic mashed potato and grilled asparagus ($24). The salmon came with cider reduction, polenta cake, and vegetables.

For a hotel restaurant, the food was excellent! Some other dishes were the Orrechiette pasta ($16) and grilled honey-brined pork chop ($17). I did feel the restaurant looked generic and had no personality, but you can't expect much from a hotel restaurant.

Cuisine: American, Italian, International

Ambience: Casual, Intimate

The Good:

Service: Excellent
Cleanliness: Spotless
People: Quiet, only a few other adults dining.
Parking: lot

The Bad:

Portions: Average
Location: inside the Marriot with no signs outside letting you know it exists
Price: Expensive (thank goodness for my restaurant.com gift certificate) - really affected my rating

Date Rate: I'm impressed!

Overall Value: 3

Radici Ristorante
275 Independence Way
Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 777-8630
www.marriott.com

Omelette Headquarters ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:00:00 PST

We entered and were instructed to sit down anywhere in this casual, but quaint establishment. The portions were so big, I practically couldn't finish the dish! The Mediterranean is full of sausage, tomato, onions, oregano, feta cheese, and mozzarella! The vegetable supreme was full of mushrooms, spinach, tomato, broccoli, and more!

We sat down and ordered almost right away. We got the vegetable supreme ($6.75) and a Mediterranean ($8.50). Both were made with 3-6 eggs and were over-sized! They came with the sides we ordered: a wheat English muffin and hash browns too. A definite great eat! Try them out next time you're in Beverly! Next time: the meat lovers!!

Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch

Ambience: Casual

The Good:

Service: Great
Portions: Large!
Price: Nothing over $9.50
Cleanliness: Can eat off the floor!
People: A bit of everything

The Bad:

Parking: Street (metered)
Hours: They close at 2 PM - need I say more?

Overall Value: 4

Omelette Headquarters
342 Rantoul Street
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 922-0494
www.omeletteheadquarters.com

Olympic Gardens ***

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:00:00 PST

I was invited to eat at Olympic Gardens one day for lunch and have been back twice since. A very new, and clean, pub and grill has appetizers from $2.95 - $7.95, sandwiches range from $5.95 - $6.95 (club sandwiches being about another dollar). What I liked is that they do have a kid's menu. Also, their chicken and pasta dishes don't exceed $13.

I tried the free buffet at their grand opening and had their chicken, broccoli, and ziti Alfredo along with pork sausage and green bell peppers - I quite enjoyed it. On another occasion I had ziti with stuffed peppers and sampled the chicken cacciatore ($10.95).

Stuffed Peppers

Overall, I have enjoyed all I've tasted although they have yet to develop signature dishes. They've only recently opened, but a slightly lower price point lunch menu is missing to help bring in the local business crowd more frequently. Their portions versus cost is fine for the weekend warrior or weekly crow and The staff is very friendly and accommodating. I see a lot of potential for the new and fine establishment.

Cuisine: Greek, Italian, American

Ambience: Casual

The Good:

Parking: Street, Adjacent lot
Price of Entree: $10-$15 Affordable
Service: Good
Cleanliness: Impeccable
People: Family and Kid Friendly
Handicap Accessible: Yes

The Bad:

Price of Entree: $10-$15 Affordable, but limits those would be daily patrons
Portions: Average

Date Rate: We can do better!

Overall Value: 3

Olympic Gardens Pub and Grill
41 Buffum Street
Lynn, MA 01902
(781) 595-0016

Antique Table ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:09:00 PST

I noticed Antique Table a couple years ago, driving by it often on my way to Swampscott. The exterior has a strong Mediterrenean look and the inside, well, a bit smaller than anticipated. The entire restaurant probably sits no more30 people. We sat down and asked for a suggestion from the waitress. She suggested an Antique pizza ($8.95).

Full of peppers - both green and red - mushrooms, onions, and chicken breast - it was delicious. The pizza itself was a bit small, but was tasty. Appetizers range $7.50-11.95 with entrees ranging $13.95-$19.95 (most about $15). Sides are all under $5.

Cuisine: Italian

Ambience: Casual, Intimate

The Good:

Price: Average
Portions: Average
Service: Excellent
Cleanliness: Spotless
People: A bit of everything, but mostly thirty-somethings or older

The Bad:

Parking: Awkward parking in rear lot and if it's full, good luck on the street

Date Rate: I'm impressed, too bad it was too noisy

Overall Value: 4

Antique Table
2 Essex Street
Lynn, MA 01902
(781) 477-9778
www.antiquetableonline.com

Casa Molina ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:30:00 PST

I frequent Casa Molina whenever I want to satisfy my Mexican food graving I get often. It's also become a favorite lunch stop since I work a short drive from there. Authentic Mexican, this family-owned establishment has become quite popular in Lynn for it's well-sized burritos! As far as pricing, all items are under $10.

In fact, the most expensive thing on the menu is the chicken wings and grilled chicken plates for $9.50. The burritos range from $5.50-$7.50 and the average entree is $8.50. Although there are a few tables, it is a definite casual atmosphere and not a place for a serious date. I would stop by for a quick bite or casual and informal good experience or use them for a catered event.

Cuisine: Mexican

Ambience: Casual

The Good:

Price: Cheap
Portions: Large
Service: Excellent
Cleanliness: Spotless
People: A bit of everything!

The Bad:

Parking: Street, hard to find a place to park

Date Rate: We can do better!

Overall Value: 4

Casa Molina
183 Lewis Street
Lynn, MA 01902
781-581-0100
www.casamolinalynn.com

The Tiger's Den ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:00:00 PST

I've often frequented this hidden gem for lunch. After discovering the cheap prices versus the good food, it's a definite thumbs up! This student run restaurant, located at Lynn Vocational, is run well by the high schooler's.

Located in the school, you have to ring the bell at the front of the building so they buzz you in. Once inside, you'll find The Tiger's Den to your right.

With selections such as prime rib, stuffed peppers, fettuccine Alfredo and deserts like chocolate pudding with whip cream, strawberry turnover and more - and nothing is over $7!! The hours are limited from 11-1 everyday, closed Monday's. Friday is fish day! I had the haddock!

Cuisine(s): American, Italian

Ambience: Casual

The Good:

Price: Cheap
People: A bit of everything
Accessibility: Handicap
Parking: Street Parking, Free Parking
Cleanliness: Good
Service: Average
Portions: Average

The Bad:

Cash only
Limited hours (open 11-1, T-F)

Date Rate: We can do better

Overall Value: 4

The Tiger's Den
Lynn Voc Tech Instit Annex
90 Commercial Street
Lynn, MA 01905
(781) 268-0519

Sapporo Ramen *****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 07:00:00 PST

Very small place, around 8 tables to sit at in the whole place. The whole restaurant is about the same size as my kitchen (you know, Edgar). I wouldn't go here on a romantic date, I'd prefer to go here for lunch. The food is amazing in my opinion.

I haven't been to another Japanese restaurant almost entirely dedicated to ramen, so I can't really compare. Located AT Lesley college, there is a parking lot in the back that is monitored. If you ever find yourself in the area you should definitely try it.

-Contributed by: Peter Vourloumis

Cuisine: Japanese, Korean

Ambience: Casual

The Good:

Parking: Garage, metered, and public transportation nearby
Price: Cheap
Portions: Large
Service: Very good
Cleanliness: Eat off the floor

The Bad:

Not much to say here!

Date Rate: We can do better!

Overall Value: 5

Sapporo Ramen
1815 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140

Howling Wolf Taqueria **

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:00:00 PST

When I saw this new Salem restaurant, I was immediately interested - especially with the Mexican theme! I was hopeful to find a new place I could regularly go to. The theme, colors, and décor is definitely fresh and unique. "Wolf" also has a well-done (no pun intended) website.

The place was packed, so the wait was anticipated. What I was not, was what I call the "flow". There was no host to be found and the check-in was about 20 feet away from the entrance!
It took walking over to the rear of the dining room to find someone to tend to my party. After that, the wait was a reasonable 10-15 minutes. Once seated, we were able to order our dishes, and did; although they messed up our orders twice.

There also seemed to be a bit of confusion in how service was conducted. Perhaps the next several months will "oil" their machine. Either case, we ordered the fish taco's and quesedilla, without the rice. The order came back with rice and the other side items ordered never came. The fish tacos were over priced in my book too - despite being cheaply priced. I'm sure they'll improve with time, but I did not have a pleasant time. There is plenty for under $10, so price is not an issue.

Ambience: Casual

Cuisine(s): American, Mexican

The Good:

Accessibility: Handicap
Cleanliness: Good
Other: Free Wi-Fi, Delivery (Salem only), Live music
Price: Cheap
Parking: Free Parking, Metered Street Parking

The Bad:

Service: Unattentive, definitely not paying attention to what we asked for
People: College Crowd - Okay, if that's what you want
Portions: Slight too small even for the cheap price

Date Rate: Ew! - not romantic

Overall Value: 2

Howling Wolf Taqueria
76 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-9653
www.feedyourwolf.com

Yan's China Bistro ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:00:00 PST

I frequent Yan's for lunch almost every Friday for the last year. I've also gone there a couple times for dinner and typically get a non-spicy General Gau on the lunch menu for $5.25 (I try to not pay much for lunch). The lunch menu gives you 17 different dishes for that low price everyday! They're always friendly and willing to make your experience a pleasant one!

Yan's entrees are under $15 with little exception (A Pu Pu Platter for two is $17.95), making this an affordable dinner destination. Located near Swampscott Beach across from Red Rock, the atmosphere is tranquil. Yan's also offers frequent coupons. For dinner, they will prepare dishes off-menu as well. I feel Yan's has a lot of potential to be more romantic, but it's still a pleasant experience. Their approach to food preparation is a healthy one with gluten free dishes and only vegetable oil when necessary. The vegetarian selection is ample as well, boasting of dishes such as tofu with broccoli & garlic sauce ($8.25).

Ambience: Casual

Cuisine(s): Chinese

The Good:

Parking: Free parking across the street
People: A bit of everything
Accessibility: Handicap
Cleanliness: Very Clean
Other: Delivery, Gluten free dishes
Service: Average

The Bad:

Parking: Metered parking out front

Date Rate: I'm impressed

Overall Value: 4

Yan's China Bistro
146 Humphrey Street
Swampscott, MA 01970
(781) 593-3308
www.yansbistro.com

Red's Sandwich Shop ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:00:00 PDT

We arrived on a cripsy, but nice morning last weekend to a long line of tourists and locals dying to get into Red's! Lucky for us some friends had already been waiting the 30-40 minutes before we arrived. It almost felt like we were cutting the line!

We sat down and were attended to almost right away! The long wait in line is the only wait you have to suffer… although, it speaks highly of the popularity of this ageless establishment. I ate the Red's Everything On It with cheese special ($6.95) and it was more than enough to fill me up. I didn't even finish my hash browns. Everyone else I was with thoroughly enjoyed their breakfast as well. My understanding is that they now serve dinner too!

Ambience: Casual

Cuisine(s): American

The Good:

Portions: Large
Price: Cheap, mostly under $10
People: A bit of everything
Cleanliness: Very Clean
Accessibility: Handicap

The Bad:

Parking: Street Parking (Metered)
Service: Average

Date Rate: We can do better! It's not really a date place, more for those that love American history. For this and the large portions, I give it an extra star!

Overall Value: 4

Red's Sandwich Shop
15 Central Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-3527
www.redssandwichshop.com

Toscana Ristorante***

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 03:00:00 PDT

We arrived and were almost immediately seated at a cozy booth. Aesthetically pleasing, with arches and Italian themed décor, everything was looking great!

Once seated, we found it a bit noisy, mostly due to a group of women in the corner thinking everyone wanted to hear their conversation! I feel that's an exception that can happen anywhere. Besides, it's not Italian if it's not loud sometimes! Either case, our overall experience was positive.

We got the Fettuccini Carbonara, $13.99, Parmigiana Presidente, $14.99. Both tasted superb; the parmigiana was a larger portion though. They have plenty to choose from, but all Italian. Call ahead for nights with live entertainment! A bit more than I'd like to spend, but definitely a great meal!

Ambience: Casual, Romantic

Cuisine(s): Italian

The Good:

Parking: Free Parking
Accessibility: Handicap, Public Transportation
Service: Average
People: Great for couples
Other: Live music

The Bad:

Cleanliness: Very Clean, except the bathroom could've used a looking at

Date Rate: I'm impressed

Overall Value: 3

Tuscana Ristorante
3 Bourbon Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 535-0731
(978) 535-0775
www.toscanarestaurant.com

Kasbah Restaurant****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 03:00:00 PDT

I had been to the Kasbah a couple times before, but this last time I finally got around to trying out a couple of sampler dishes. I went with a group of mostly relatives and we had mostly opted for ordering tapas (Spanish for appetizers). The night was fun as we enjoyed the belly dancer and Moroccan motif. In addition, they offer a Greek and a ladies night along with live music on Friday nights.

In order to get the most bang for my buck, I stuck with the tapas that can be $5.50 each or $16.95 for four smaller sized portions of almost any of their dishes. I included the chicken Tangiers on my order of four. Entrees are a bit pricier, $16-19 range. Please, don't expect to fill up if you're sharing with a couple of friends or have a huge appetite. It's better for one or two people!

Ambience: Casual, Romantic

The Good:

Cuisine(s): Moroccan, Arabic
Other: Belly dancing, Live music
Service: Average
Cleanliness: Good
People: Great for couples,A bit of everything

The Bad:

Parking: Free, but limited, parking
Accessibility: Limited

Date Rate: I'm impressed

Overall Value: 4

Kazbah Restaurant
59 Putnam Street
Winthrop, MA 02152
(617) 539-4484
www.kasbahrestaurant.com
info@kasbahrestaurant.com

Sophia's Garden Court****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 03:00:00 PDT

Tonight we thought we'd try a coupon from Restaurant.com and eat at Sophia's in Peabody. It's located inside the Marriot of Peabody, making it a great place for meetings. It was not a particularly busy night, as we were greeted by the host.

After being seated, we ordered the entrees George's Bank Cod, $20, the Pan Seared Salmon Filet, $21, and appetizer, Crispy "Boom Boom" Shrimp, $13. All were to die for - so delicious!!

We went with a $25 certificate from Restaurant.com and the shrimp was not part of the plan... so overall, we would have spent $40 on the two entrees, including tip. My insatiable appetite brought it closer to $60. Pricier, but the tastes explode in your mouth and the ambiance was romantic enough.

Ambience: Romantic, Casual

Cuisine(s): Italian / American

The Good:

Parking: Free Parking
Cleanliness: Impeccable
Accessibility: Handicap
People: A bit of everything, Great for couples

The Bad:

Service: Average, took a bit to be seated considering the place wasn't all that busy
If you don't know it's in the Marriot, you may not find as there are no signs from the street

Date Rate: I'm impressed

Overall Value: 4

Sophia's Garden Court
8A Centenniel Drive
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 977-9700

Great Escape****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 03:00:00 PDT

Last night's choice was Great Escape! The newly renovated jail has character and class for those on a budget… sort of. The slightly higher price point makes it a little uncomfortable for those of us on budgets for dinner, but worth the occasional night out. Escape has indoor and outdoor dining with live entertainment - excellent!

To save an average of $10 per meal, try their lunch menu. It may not have the same selections, but much more affordable if what you want to check it out! The Escape has an array of standards, including pasta and chicken dishes ranging from $16-19 (the veal is $18-23); along with popular choices, such as the Black Angus Steak Tips for $17. Appetizers are pricier at the $9-11 range, about the same as the salads.

The serving sizes and presentation are worth the price. You can find a souplce chicken dishes for $16. In addition, they offer a kids meal with servings ranging from $6-9. We had the Lemon Chicken ($18) (awesome) and the Mafia Steak ($24) that comes wtih cranberry port reduction sauce - yum."

Ambience: Romantic, Casual

Cuisine(s): Italian

The Good:

Accessibility: Handicap Parking: Adjacent Parking Area, Valet Parking, Free Parking

Service: Very Attentive

Cleanliness: Impeccable

People: Families, A bit of everything, Great for couples

Other: Delivery, Gluten free friendly, No MSG, Live music

Portions: Large

Price: Affordable at lunch time, dinner is fine for less frequent dining

The Bad:

If you're comfortable with paying slightly more for dinner and a great experience, then go for it. Would go again!

Date Rate: Let's get googly-eyed

Overall Value: 4

Great Escape
50 Saint Peter Street
Salem, MA 01970
P: (978) 745-5022
F: (978) 745-5066
E: greatescaperestaurant@yahoo.com

La Esquina del Lechon****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:00:00 PDT

Recently, while visiting family in Miami, I had the opportunity to go by a Cuban restaurant my cousin's husband had taken me the last time I was down there. The last time was for breakfast, but this time was for dinner.

We asked for the off-menu Pan con Bistee with onions, of course. It came with sides of mash potato and mixed, steamed vegetables. We also enjoyed the Taco Salad, which came in the more-than-you-expect package! Overall, you can expect to have a good experience at this plaza restaurant, although not typically romantic.

Ambience: Casual

Cuisine(s): Cuban / Latin

The Good:

Accessibility: Handicap

Parking: Free

Service: Very Attentive

Cleanliness: Impeccable

People: Families, A bit of everything

Other: Delivery, Gluten free friendly, No MSG

Portions: Large

Price: Affordable

The Bad:

Not a typically romantic place - but what the heck - there has to be a bad!

Date Rate: We can do better

Overall Value: 4

La Esquina del Lechon
Doral/Miami Springs
8601 NW 58th St.
Doral, FL 33166
P: (305) 640-3041
www.esqlechon.com

Fat Cactus Mexicali Cantina***

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Fri, 07 May 2010 03:00:00 PDT

Following my most recent quest for local Latin flavors, we tried the newest Mexican place in the area - at least the one with a highly visible location.

Appealing and very much cantina style as far as décor goes. We were seated relatively quick and given our drinks and chips for free due to a minor confusion. Regardless, our food was good but the service was slightly below average. It was quite obvious they are still ironing out the logistical kinks of handling a busy night. We asked for something not on the menu, a breaded chicken breast with a side of roasted vegetables. It was tasty, but slightly over priced for the amount of food. We also enjoyed a El Revolucion Chocolat for $6.49. Cactus has potential, but until then, Border Cafe is just down the street.

As I like to say, everything has an intrinsic value. People are always willing to pay and wait for what's worth paying and waiting for. Cactus has a great potential and is only a few beats away from that goal. The problem is they're not there yet.

Ambience: Casual

Cuisine(s): Mexican / Latin

The Good:

Cleanliness: good - except in the bar area; other people's left overs hung out for far longer than should be allowed

Portions: Average

Price: Affordable - but wishing slightly more food for my buck

Accessibility: Handicap

Parking: Free Parking

People: A bit of everything

The Bad:

Service: Average - but slower due to circumstances beyond the waiter's control. There seems to be a systemic communication problem between wait staff, kitchen and front area

Date Rate: We can do better

Overall Value: 3

Fat Cactus Mexicali Cantina
215 Broadway (Route 1)
Lynnfield, MA 01940
P:(781) 592-0077
www.facebook.com - Fat Cactus

La Casa de Pedro ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:00:00 PDT

I was excited to finally find a Latin American restaurant that not only provides authentic entrees true to its origins - Venezuelan in this case - but some dishes from other countries south of the border as well. Our waiter Fernand brought us some Tequeños for an appetizer and we ate the pollo asado and pabellon criollo - all delicious.

We walked in to find a dimly lit dining area and bar with Latin décor throughout. With big ample tables and soft Latin music, this visit made for a unique and colorful experience full of "salsa". Next time you need a place to take a date for any reason, think of La Casa de Pedro.

Ambience: Casual

Cuisine(s): Venezuelan / Latin

The Good:

People: Great for couples and just about everyone else

Accessibility: Handicap

Other: Live music, Delivery

Portions: Average

Parking: Street Parking, Free Parking in the garage about 2 minutes walking distance

Cleanliness: Very Clean

The Bad:

Service: Mediocre - he was nice, but not as attentive as I would have liked

Price: Expensive, but great for special occasions and worth it!

Date Rate: Let's get googly-eyed

Overall Value: 4!

La Casa de Pedro
343 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472
P:(617) 923-8025
F:(617) 923-8205
E: info@lacasadepedro.com
www.lacasadepedro.com

China Buffet ***

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:00:00 PDT

As I entered the personality-lacking dining area over done in marble, it was nice enough to not distract me from food and conversation. Unfortunately, probably because they were closing in an hour, the waitress continuouly pushed the buffet offering a 10% and later and 20% discount to order the buffet special.

I took the offer, my date did not. Sadly, the food was nothing extraordinary or outside of the typically offered selections from most Americanized-Chinese restaurants. It is also evident, that this local chain of four is looking for something other than to push the culinary arts. I suggest going when you are truly strapped for cash (go within an hour of closing - you may be offered a discount as I did) or with friends since this is not a necessarily romantic place for a date.

Ambience: Casual

Cuisine: Chinese

The Good:

Parking: Metered Parking, Street Parking, Free Parking

Service: Average

Portions: Average

People: College Crowd, A bit of everything

Cleanliness: Very Clean

Other: No MSG

Accessibility: Handicap, Public Transportation

The Bad:

The waitress, as nice as she could be, appeared to be under pressure to sell the buffet, discounting it twice in the process. Great for the wallet, but insistent people can ruin the experience sometimes.

Price: Cheap

Date Rate: We can do better

Overall Value: 3

China Buffet
314 Cabot Street
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 922-1216

Jack's Ristorante****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:00:00 PDT

From the street, Jack's Ristorante is un-assuming, but inside there is a romantic restaurant serving some well-made Italian standards - request them to your liking. A friendly wait staff is sure to make you feel at home. Take your significant other out and enjoy the dim lighting with dark and rich mediterranean colors scattered through out the dining and bar areas with décor reminiscent of Italy.

Dishes with that home-made taste and feel served hot from the stove. We tried the Four-Chese Lasagna for $7.99 and the homemade Cheese Manicotti for the same price and both delicious with layers of cheese and the sauce on both leaned slightly towards the sweet; something I enjoy.

Ambience: Casual, Romantic

Cuisine: Italian

The Good:

Service: Very attentive

Other: Take Out

Accessibility: Handicap

Parking: Adjacent Parking Area, Free Parking, Adjacent Parking Area

Cleanliness: Good

People: Great for couples, Families

Portions: Average

The Bad:

Parking might suffer on a busy night

Exterior aesthetics could be worked on, although limited due to location

Price: Affordable, but be careful, many items on the menu can edge up into over $15 for an entree

Date Rate: I'm impressed

Overall Value: 4 Stars!

Jack's Ristorante
655 Eastern Avenue (Route 60)
Malden, MA 02148
(781) 377-0005
www.jacksinmalden.com

Old Tyme Italian Cuisine ****

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:00:00 PDT

Being on a committee that used to have its meetings at a different location every couple of months has its perks. One such place is family-owned Old Tyme Cuisine. Somewhat romantic, this place is quite hidden although it's on a main street. It has only the parking sign (see picture) with its name on it.

More recently, my date and I had an early dinner, much to our enjoyment. The kind waitress served us with a smile and checked on us quite frequently. We ordered the Chicken A La Armando and Chicken Saltinbocca (not a typo:), both on ziti and both delicious. The Chicken A La Armando came with eggplant on top of roasted peppers, mozzarella cheese, oven baked and covered with marinated tomatoes. My saltimbocca came sauteed with mushrooms stuffed with imported brosutto cheese and spinach.

Ambience: Casual, Romantic

Cuisine: Italian

The Bad:

Parking: Adjacent Parking Area, Free Parking - but small lot. May not be easy to find parking.

The front of the building is unmarked

The Good:

Cleanliness: Good

People: Great for couples, Families

Accessibility: Handicap

Other: Take Out

Service: Very attentive

Price: Affordable

Date Rate: I'm impressed

Overall Value: 4 Stars!

Old Tyme Italian Cuisine
612 Boston Street., Lynn, MA 01905
(781) 596-1111
www.oldtymeitaliancuisine.com

Grassfields Bar & Grill ***

noreply@blogger.com (Edgar) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:00:00 PDT

Same owners, new name, Nick & Tony's Saltwater Café is now Grassfields. Altering their menu to include more American food. I tried the Cordon Blue, which I found a bit small. I liked it, but did not love it. The chicken parmigiana was better and bigger. The dining room design has not changed much, except for the new bar. As you can see in the picture, the marquee is much bolder with its colors and size - very good!

I found enough of a disparity between the lunch menu and dinner menu to warrant going for lunch if I were to go regularly or if you're on a budget. Overall, it's nice, but not great and I feel Nick & Tony's had better portions and food cuisine selections.

Ambience: Casual, Romantic

Cuisine: American, Italian, Seafood

The Bad:

Portions: Small

The Good:

Service: Average

People: Great for couples, Families

Accessibility: Handicap

Parking: Adjacent Parking Area, Free Parking ...you still cannot exit left to Peabody when leaving :( You must, unless no one is looking ;), exit right and turn around at the next intersection or in another parking lot further west on Rt. 114.

Cleanliness: Very Clean

Other: Take Out

Grassfields Bar & Grill
29 Andover St., Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 750-6630
www.grassfieldsdanvers.com