Restaurant Reviews

[Spokes]

Restaurant Reviews

A place to post restaurant reviews by forum members. If you've gone to a new restaurant (or bar, pub, etc.) or somewhere that's just new to you, post a quick review so the rest of us can heard about it and check it out. Or not.

[Spokes]

Reviewed by JCollins on October 3, 2009

--

Northern Thai is at 95 Queen st S, almost on the corner of Queen and Charles.

We had the Thai spring rolls, the pineapple curry, and the sweet basil chicken. Everything was really good, the prices were good, pretty inexpensive (~$35 for the two of us I think)

The service was pretty good, not super fast, but not super slow either. The couple that owns the place however were incredibly nice. They chatted with us a bit after dinner and were even as kind as to give us free dessert.

They said they plan on taking over the unit above them to add more seating and then to renovate the entrance to the restaurant.

http://www.northernthai.ca/

[Spokes]

Went to the Spring Rolls at Conestoga Mall on Wednesday for drinks. The place is really nice. When you walk in there is a bar area to the right and a "lounge" to the right. Past that is the main dining area. The all of the areas look really good, a very modern, upscale look. Their drinks/cocktails were quite good. The beer selection however was not great. I forget all of the options, off the top of my head though Heineken (I think) and Sleeman Honey Brown.

We didn't have dinner, but I took a look at the menu, it looked good. A full review will follow soon.

[Spokes]

Great article about Spring Rolls was just published in the Chronicle. It can be found here (http://www.wonderfulwaterloo.com/showthread.php/124-Spring-Rolls-Waterloo)

[Spokes]

Went to Bauer Kitchen for drinks last night and I was quite impressed. It's not huge, but not small. I like that it's not big though, gives more of an intimate feeling. Its quite different from the Charcoal Group's other restaurants. It's got exposed brick, open piping in the ceilings, re-bar decorations. I liked all of that, it added a lot of character.

Good beer on tap. Creamore, Waterloo Dark, Heineken, Canadian, Coors (I think), Rickards White, Palm (anyone had this?)

Looking forward to having their food, the menu looked good.

Definitely plan on going back. Especially during the summer for that patio! (Already suggesting this for a July WW meet)

[TripleQ]

Hopefully the images work this time.. if not, here's the link to the original

http://sapphiremartini.blogspot.com/2010/03/bauer-kitchen.html

The Bauer Kitchen
187 King St. South
Waterloo, Ontario

I really wanted to like this restaurant. It has a long and successful pedigree (Charcoal Group - owner of Charcoal and Wildcraft, amongst other local places), it's participating in the urbanization of Uptown Waterloo which I heartily support, and it has a great industrial chic vibe to it inside. The decor is interesting and it seems to have less of a focus on the bar compared to Wildcraft; however, after a couple of visits I was ultimately disappointed with the single most important aspect of a restaurant - the food.

My first visit (sorry, no pictures from this one) was quite acceptable - duck confit spring rolls with a spicy orange sauce were fried crispy and had a generous filling of shredded duck, and the braised short rib gnocchi was also a generous and flavourful meaty offering. It was the aftermath that wasn't so nice - a severe case of food poisoning that had me up all night. Now, one can never be 100% certain of the cause but I had nothing else strange that day so it seems that it was the likely culprit.

The second visit was a lot better from my stomach's perspective, but not for my tastebuds. (Apologies for the dark pictures - it is difficult to take good pictures by candlelight with a point and shoot - but in this case it's somewhat appropriate as the flavours match the lighting).

To start off, we were offered the usual bread. It was purported to be freshly baked that day, but judging from the texture, it seemed at least a day old. It set the tone for the evening though, as what followed was almost a complete disaster.

First appetizer: Hand made beef short rib ravioli, truffled leek cream, red wine jus and fried shallots. ($11.95)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yohsVylY_yg/S3wU3f0P3MI/AAAAAAAAEhA/LiP2AI6TMQk/s400/IMG_0814.JPG

This was literally one big ravioli and looked a bit odd especially with the sauce running all over the plate. It was under seasoned and bland. Beef ribs should have a deep, meaty flavour but this was just completely flat and a touch dry. Same with the red wine jus, which added no punch to the flavour. The best part was the pasta which was fresh and cooked properly. I should have stuck to my vow never to order pasta at a restaurant, but was fooled by the promise of the beef short ribs this time.

Second appetizer: Steak tartare with quail egg, shallots, lemon zest, capers, garlic and crostini. ($9.95)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yohsVylY_yg/S3wU34MPQQI/AAAAAAAAEhI/lY2Qnq2dzaE/s400/IMG_0817.JPG


Sapphire had the steak tartare. It had a fairly unique presentation with the spices laid out separately on the side and the egg on top, so one could presumably mix them together in a proportion that would please their palate. It wasn't a very generous serving of steak and Sapphire said the spices reminded her of the flavouring packet from instant noodles. Although considering she sometimes eats the dried noodles straight up, that might be a compliment.

First main: Duck confit pizza with honey roasted pears, thyme, caramelized onions, stilton cheese and roasted garlic ($14.95)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yohsVylY_yg/S3wU3_a1LyI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/brUaTRGwDko/s400/IMG_0822.JPG

On paper this seemed to be a fairly straight-forward flavour combination, but the duck was dry and tasteless, the pears tasted like styrofoam (and not even honey roasted styrofoam), and there wasn't enough cheese to pick things up. The crust was crispy and well done though, and it appears they have a stone oven to cook pizzas in.

Second main: Pan-seared Ontario duck with grilled sweet potato medallions, red pepper, wilted spinach, thyme and pear relish. ($23.95)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yohsVylY_yg/S3wU4XIlsNI/AAAAAAAAEhY/PkiYf8j6img/s400/IMG_0825.JPG

We'll often try to order dishes that we wouldn't normally cook at home - and as you might guess, duck is one of them. So we've had a lot of experience eating duck in restaurants, and this dish missed on many aspects. A well seasoned and properly seared duck breast should have a meaty, smoky flavour. This one was missing all of that, plus the fat wasn't rendered off sufficiently, ruining the texture as well as the flavour. As with all the other dishes, this was underseasoned. We thought perhaps this was for health reasons - cutting back on sodium? But alas, the spinach was swimming in butter. Other items were unremarkable, although I'm not sure quickly grilling thick slabs of sweet potato was the best idea.

Dessert: Chocolate walnut brownie with silken chocolate mousse and raspberry sorbet. ($7.45)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yohsVylY_yg/S3wVkG7QF0I/AAAAAAAAEhs/ZhD5fZfEnj0/s400/IMG_0828.JPG

There is a separate pastry chef listed on the menu, and the dessert reflected it. While it was not particularly outstanding or innovative, we were simply happy at this point to be served a well executed dish. The brownie was rich, dense, and very chocolately. It paired nicely with the mousse for texture, and the raspberry sorbet for flavour contrast. It was, unfortunately, the highlight of the evening.

Service was up to the standards we expected from a place like this. The front desk was overstaffed (a good thing) and we didn't have to wait for our jackets to be taken or our table. The kitchen was a little on the slow side (might explain things drying out?) but nothing outrageous.

Overall, I have very mixed feelings about the dinner we had and this review. I'd really like to chalk it up to a bad day (by either the kitchen or our tastebuds) but there were so many things wrong with both visits that we'll have a hard time going back to give them a third chance. I'm sure many customers and readers will disagree, judging by the buzz and the crowds they are still attracting, but with all the options available in Waterloo now I have a hard time wanting to return.

[uptownfoodcritic]

I was wondering what the Sapphire Martini duo would think of the Bauer Kitchen. I was really hoping it was just my group that has had bad food experiences there since I do really like the design of the space and the location is great.

Sadly, this has confirmed to me that we were not crazy in our opinions of the BK. At least I haven't had food poisoning from eating there. I can't believe you went back after that!

[TripleQ]

I probably have a relatively weak stomach.. also had it from Sole once. I had a pretty bad case but Sapphire only had a minor one. Unless it's a recurring thing (never happened before) it wouldn't stop me from returning anywhere.

[FancyNancy]

Has anyone gone to Janet Lynn's Restaurant, or Encore Restaurant? Let me know what you think of their food? Thinking about going there next weekend.

[IEFBR14]

Has anyone gone to Janet Lynn's Restaurant
We've been to Janet Lynn's on special occasions when we weren't particularly price conscious. The food was great and the service attentive. No complaints. Just be prepared to spend well over $100 for two people plus tax and tips.

We had some guests staying over the weekend. We took them to Cora's at around 13:30 this afternoon hoping that the lunch/brunch crowd would be gone by then. Unfortunately there was a queue of perhaps 30 people. As Yogi Berra put it many years ago, "No one goes there any more because it's too crowded."

[jay]

I ate at Encore last night and the food was great, although, the menu could be a little larger. It has been re-done quite a bit since they switched from the Ali Baba.

Haven't ate at Janet Lynn's for awhile. I find you do not get a lot of food with you meal, but the food is good. Also nobody ever seems to be in the restaurant, which I don't really like. That could have changed now as it's been awhile since I've been.

[FancyNancy]

Thanks for the information.

[Spokes]

Angie's Kitchen
January 3, 2011

So I've heard lots about Angie's Kitchen for a long time now, but I've never been, so I decided to go for lunch today. When we got there we waited for quite a while to be seated, employees looked at us but did nothing, eventually we were seated. I ordered the fish and chips, and it came with coleslaw. As far as coleslaw goes, it was hands down the worst I'd ever had. It didn't just taste bland, but it tasted bad. Then my fish and chips arrived. Lots of fries that were nothing special, but the fish (I ordered the two piece) was tiny. The two combined weren't even as big as a typical single piece. Maybe 2/3 the size. Upon biting into the piece of fish I realized that the small piece was even smaller as more than half of it was breading. Now I understand that fish and chips is by no means a gourmet meal, but I still expect a half decent meal. Any regular pub would be significantly better than this any day of the week. The waitress ignored us the entire time until we asked for our bill, and even that took a long time. While waiting I saw many others waiting for bills, to pay, etc.

I was just so surprised by not only the bad service, but the bad food too. Couldn't understand the hype that I'd always heard about Angie's.

[Shawn]

It's been quite a while since I've eaten at Angie's Kitchen.

Back in the autumn I dropped in for "brunch" on a Sunday, but it was either closed or we were ignored. I honestly can't specifically remember because we actually tried to find breakfast at several places that day and were unsuccessful. I don't think I'll be rushing back after this review.

[IEFBR14]

I don't think I'll be rushing back after this review.
FWIW I've eaten there about once a decade since the 1970s. That's about four times as often as I should have. I didn't understand how they stayed in business back when I was a student. I'm at least ten times as baffled today.

Anyone been to Angie's West [in St Agatha]? Any different?

[taylortbb]

I've never been to Angie's in Waterloo but I have to been to the St. Agatha one (makes a google middle point meeting people from Stratford, or at least would if the food was good). I've never had any problems with the service there, but the food was bland at best. My experience with the fish and chips pretty much matches Spokes' experience.

[Shawn]

Arabesque Cafe & Family Restaurant
http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af306/shawnwm/Arabesquelogo.jpg
http://www.arabesquecafekw.com/
869 Victoria St.
Kitchener, ON
(519) 954-2212


I just had the most amazing meal at Arabesque Cafe. I've been meaning to try it out every since I saw that the renovations were complete. You "may" remember the location as the old Pizza Hut on Victoria street, but after a renovation make over, you'd hardly recognize it if it wasn't for the Pizza Hut style roof.

The food was flavourful and plentiful and there was something for just about everyone. You could even order pizza with an Arab spin to it!

I will definitely be returning and would recommend you try it out.

[benjaminbach]

Arabesque Cafe & Family Restaurant
http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af306/shawnwm/Arabesquelogo.jpg
http://www.arabesquecafekw.com/
869 Victoria St.
Kitchener, ON
(519) 954-2212


I just had the most amazing meal at Arabesque Cafe. I've been meaning to try it out every since I saw that the renovations were complete. You "may" remember the location as the old Pizza Hut on Victoria street, but after a renovation make over, you'd hardly recognize it if it wasn't for the Pizza Hut style roof.

The food was flavourful and plentiful and there was something for just about everyone. You could even order pizza with an Arab spin to it!

I will definitely be returning and would recommend you try it out.

The falafel is spectacular, and our office is next door. Let me know if you're dropping by!

[Shawn]

The falafel is spectacular, and our office is next door. Let me know if you're dropping by!

I could definitely do with a lunch there! You're ON!

[panamaniac]

I don't know if anyone has commented on it already, but I tried the new Borealis in the Sportsworld Power Centre the other week and came away fairly impressed. The menu is varied and everything we tried was tasty, especially the duck (a special that night), which was first rate. Mains were priced in the $14 to $25 range, if I recall correctly. The emphasis on Ontario/local ingredients added some interest to the menu. The space itself, focussed on the renovated old schoolhouse, was very pleasant, although a bit too noisy in the main dining room. The downside for me would have to be the location in a strip mall and the fact that they don't take reservations (the place was crammed the night we went - expect a wait at the bar). You could tell the place was new - we had to show our waiter how to open a bottle of wine! All in all, I would say it is a good addition to local dining options.

[Section ThirtyOne]

I don't know if anyone has commented on it already, but I tried the new Borealis in the Sportsworld Power Centre the other week and came away fairly impressed. The menu is varied and everything we tried was tasty, especially the duck (a special that night), which was first rate. Mains were priced in the $14 to $25 range, if I recall correctly. The emphasis on Ontario/local ingredients added some interest to the menu. The space itself, focussed on the renovated old schoolhouse, was very pleasant, although a bit too noisy in the main dining room. The downside for me would have to be the location in a strip mall and the fact that they don't take reservations (the place was crammed the night we went - expect a wait at the bar). You could tell the place was new - we had to show our waiter how to open a bottle of wine! All in all, I would say it is a good addition to local dining options.

Thanks a lot for the review.

This is yet another place on my list of new restaurants to try out. I need to stop going to the old standbys and try something different for a change, as the list just keeps getting longer. :RpS_tongue:

[mpd618]

We went last night to a newly opened Ethiopian or Eritrean place called Lovenest African Restaurant (http://lovenestafricanrestaurant.com/). It's at 183 King St. E. in Kitchener, across from Scott Street. The place is pleasantly cozy, and has regular tables as well as some traditional low seating. They offer a coffee ceremony, which we didn't try. I'm not much of a restaurant reviewer, so I'll just say that we enjoyed what was on the meat+veg platter and the tibs (though that turned out to be too much food for the two of us), and that the service was good. It didn't take very long for what we ordered to be served, either. There's a decent variety of meat dishes available (not always the case at such restaurants). The default level of spice appears to be moderate, not mild.

For the uninitiated, Ethopian food is all about spicy (or at least strongly spiced) stews that are served on — and eaten using — what is essentially a special sourdough pancake called injera. With East African Cafe and A M Africa, Kitchener now has three places to get your fix.

[panamaniac]

It is interesting to see the gradual growth in the number of dining establishments offering international cuisines in K-W. I've only tried Ethiopian food once, but thought it was very good.

[BuildingScout]

Bad service at Bima's Warung

Today we had dinner at Bima's. There were only two of us, but we decided to order an expensive bottle of wine and since we were unlikely to finish it we would take home the rest.

When we asked for this the server refused claiming that they needed a special license which is not the case. We didn't press the issue any further, since we didn't want to make a fuss. When we got home, we consulted the GO web site, and as we suspected no license is needed. We contacted them to inform them of their error and still they insisted a license is needed.

THTR allows all licensed establishments the option of allowing patrons to remove an unfinished bottle of wine.

From: http://www.agco.on.ca/pdfs/en/guides/9020_a.pdf

What gives? Was there a recent change in the law or is the staff just misinformed?

[panamaniac]

I don't know what the rules say, I'm just struggling with the idea that two people wouldn't polish off a good bottle of wine. Not a problem if I were one of the two! :RpS_wink:

[IEFBR14]

I'm just struggling with the idea that two people wouldn't polish off a good bottle of wine. Agreed. However, if one of you is driving they might want to resist the temptation and be responsible. Besides, I'd rather enjoy the rest of the bottle when I get back home rather than rush to drink it before I leave the restaurant.