Royal Buffet (952 E. Columbus Street, Kenton, OH 43326 [419.673.0882])

Located in part of the old Kmart building (also previously occupied by and Town and Country), Royal Buffet opened in the summer of 2004.

I do believe they are the only buffet game in town — and they’re not too bad. The buffet, coming from a larger city, was kind of smallish, but the food was diverse.

The General Tsao’s chicken had a hint of welcomed spiciness. The honey chicken, however, was overpowered by a ketchup taste. The sauteed green beans were perfect; the mongolian beef was tender, but the sweet and sour chicken tasted as if it had been sitting under a heat lamp a little too long. The cheese wontons had also been a little overcooked, but the wonton and eggdrop soups were wonderful.

There were crab legs on the buffet which, if eaten immediately off the buffet were tolerable (this is Ohio, people, fresh isn’t an option) but if they sat, even mere minutes, they became rubbery. It’s a nice touch, however.

Royal Buffet provides a full service menu for those who want to take away.

If I had to criticize one thing, however, it would be the service. One of our dining members ALWAYS had to ask for a refill on their coffee, while another had to prevent an over-zealous server from removing the plate they were trying to eat out of.

The fortune cookies were humorous, but stale (there’s an old wives-tale that if you eat the fortune cookie, the fortune will come true).

If you’re passing through Hardin County, stop by the Royal Buffet. Keeping what I said in mind, you too can have a great meal.

Food: (4)
Service: (1.5)
Price: (4)
Overall: (3)

Romano’s Macaroni Grill (Town Center, Virginia Beach)

Randy and I ended up at Romano’s Tuesday evening for a dinner. Carrie was our server; she was friendly and efficient. We both ordered sweet iced tea ($1.99 each) (which could have been sweeter, but was tolerable). Randy ordered “Mama’s Trio” ($12.99), while I ordered the Veal Saltimboca (also $12.99).

Carrie brought us a loaf of steaming hot bread to go with the olive oil and cracked black pepper. Some grated Parmesan cheese would have made a nice addition, but the bread was tasty.

Randy’s dish consisted of Lasagna, Chicken Cannelloni and Chicken Parmesan. The plate had just come out of the oven, which meant it was piping hot, just the way Randy enjoys his pasta. The Lasagna was served in a individual bowl, and appeared to be quite good, as it quickly disappeared, as did the chicken Parmesan. The Chicken Cannelloni was a bit too heavy in garlic and spinach for Randy’s liking, but I found it quite pleasing.

My veal saltimboca was perfect. The prosciutto was crisp, the veal tender, the angel hair perfectly al dente, and the bed of spinich with the garlic cream sauce that covered it all was, to use a cliché, simply to die for.

The restaurant was hopping with customers, but luckily for us, we didn’t have a wait, and we arrived around 6:30. This was one of the times when lots of customers ensured fresh, good food — it did mean that the time it took for the food (and the bread) to arrive at the table was longer than normal, but that was acceptable.

It may be a chain, but the warmth exuded by the servers and the quality of the food make Romano’s a destination slightly out of the ordinary.

Food: (4)
Service: (4.5)
Price: (3.75)
Overall: (4.25)

Ryan’s Steakhouse/Buffet/Bakery, Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA
(This restaurant has since gone out of business)

Sandi and I are leery of buffets ever since Golden Corral instituted the “mortgage your house for dinner” routine. Simply put, the prices were too high and the quality was too low.

Enter Ryan’s. Located in Chesapeake and in Newport News, Ryan’s is one of the original “buffet” houses in the area. They used to have a full menu about 7 years ago, but that went by the wayside.

Tonight, even though it was Kid’s Night with Sally the Clown, we ventured out in search of food. The Buffet is $8.89 a person, which does not include a drink. Add tax, and it’s $10.02 a person before you tack on your drink.

Our server, Jody, was attentive, friendly, and wonderful. She really made dining a pleasure and made sure that two of my pet peeves of a buffet (where one’s beverage stays empty, or the dirty dishes pile on the table) never had a chance to be realized. Jody was perhaps the best server we’ve had in months.

As far as the buffet goes, it was rather hit and miss. The Mac & Cheese was great, as was the shrimp, but the steak on the buffet was mostly overcooked and dry. The “marked as” garlic mashed potatoes were in fact just regular mashed potatoes. There was no tartar sauce for the shrimp (of course, the markers also said there was grilled salmon on the buffet, but that was noticeably missing. Perhaps that’s why no tartar sauce …. no fish!)

The hot, fresh yeast rolls offered a bit of a surprise as one of them was wheat — a bit heavier in texture and more chewy, but good nonetheless.

The buffet, however, was extra clean and stocked with freshly made food. The salad and fruit bar was replenished several times during our visit, and while some of the sliced pineapple had passed its peak, the strawberries were wonderful. The only downside was the “whipped topping” provided for the fruit — it left a greasy taste in your mouth.

The dessert bar was rough. The frozen yogurt machine was not functioning, it looked like a hurricane had blown throw the brownies and pies, and the banana pudding was more like banana soup. The no-bake cheesecake was ok, and the chocolate soft-serve ice cream (with available sprinkles) was nice and firm (and held the sprinkles nicely).

Food: (3.5)
Service: (5)
Price: (2.5)
Overall: (3.25)

Kelly’s Tavern (Various Southside locations, Pembroke Mall location reviewed, Virginia Beach, VA)

Located in the former Annabelle’s restaurant (bits of Annabelle’s history, from signs to the stained glass still remain), Kelly’s Tavern offers comfort food at a comfortable price.

On a recent visit we had their Baked Potato Skins which were served piping hot and filled with gooey, delicious cheese and bacon. ($5.49). I ordered the Layered Ground Round ($6.29) which is a pile of mashed potatoes topped with a 1/2 pound hamburger steak (cooked to your specifications) and covered in onions and gravy. It comes with a side of steamed veggies. Sandi ordered the Chicken quesadilla ($5.29), which is oversized.

Kelly’s at Pembroke Mall offers two levels of seating, the bar and smoking area downstairs, non-smoking is upstairs (which has its drawbacks, as smoke rises…), and also, sitting upstairs tends to make service a bit more sparse (like getting drinks refilled, etc.)

The Layered Ground Round was steaming, tasty, and not overly salty. The onions had been sautéed to perfection before being put in the brown gravy. The mashed potatoes would have been bland on their own, but combined with the ground round, the gravy and the onions, it was the perfect combination. The steamed vegetable medley (broccoli, cauliflower, carrot coins) were pretty much non-descript.

The chicken quesadilla was also served hot, and was of such size that it had cooled considerably by the time it was finished. Unfortunately, however, the cooler it became, the drier the chicken was, so much that the last piece and a half remained, uneaten, on the plate.

Kelly’s at Pembroke Mall has basically the same menu as Ghent, Greenbriar, Chesapeake Square, Granby Street, Hilltop, Strawbridge and Suffolk.

Food: (3.5)
Service: (2.5)
Price: (3)
Overall: (3)

County Grill and Smokehouse (1215 , Suite A George Washington Memorial Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23693 (757) 591-0600)

My dining partner has been telling me how good the County Grill is since I met him. We made it there about 8pm on a Saturday night. My partner said that this was a good time because earlier in the evening there would have been a waiting line. We were seated right away, at a big comfortable booth. Our server, Vince came out and asked for drink orders almost as soon as we sat down. Our iced teas came out, and a basket of corn muffins and honey butter. I could have had a very good meal on just the muffins alone. They were so hot when the muffins reached the table, we had to blow on them to cool them down. After devouring the corn muffins, our food quickly arrived. We both ordered the pulled barbeque sandwich with cole slaw and French fries. Also on the menu were ribs and chicken choices. The meat on the sandwiches overflowed the bun, and we had a choice of 6 sauces to put on our dry rubbed, smoked pork. I chose a somewhat middle of the road sauce with some spiciness of the Louisville, and my partner, who likes really spicy things, chose the Southwestern. I tasted all of the sauces and they were all good, each having a nuance of the area it was named after. The cole slaw was good, not drowning in a dressing and nice mix of cabbage and carrots. The fries were crispy without being greasy. About half way through our meals, Vince came back to the table to try to talk us into more barbeque or dessert. We both knew there was no way dessert was going to find a place in our stomachs. Vince told us the banana pudding came in a plate as big as our meal plates. One dessert would definitely serve 2 or more. For 2 of us for iced teas and the sandwiches, the bill including tip came to $22. A very good price for the quality and service.

Food: (4.5)
Price: (4.5)
Service: (5)
Overall: (4.75)

City Deli (450 South Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake, VA – Open Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm, Sat 7am-2pm, Closed Sundays 757.482.5554)

My friend Deb had decided I should try a small store-front restaurant that has been serving Great Bridge for over 12 years…assuring me that if I liked Deli (which I do), I’d love the City Deli.

The City Deli exists in a storefront, with an adequate seating area for dining in. There were two waitresses working the floor, and they were running. That could be why they didn’t see us at first, but once they did, they made sure that we knew we weren’t being ignored.

The Deli serves up a variety of breakfast specials, as well as selling Boar’s Head Meats and Cheeses by the pound, and doing catering and box lunches.

Since it was lunch time, however, I glanced over the menu…lots of burgers, all beef hot dogs, knockwursts, soups, cold plates, salads, subs, and specialty sandwiches — precisely what a Deli should be known for. Deb recommended I get a sandwich called “The Bridge Lift” — Rare Roast Beef (which they will put on the grill to make well done if you like), Breast of Turkey, Provolone Cheese, Cole Slaw and House Dressing.

Sandwiches are served on Marble Rye, Wheat, White or Kaiser Roll (and may be ordered plain or toasted), with a side of either home made potato salad, black bean salad, or chips, and a pickle spear.

Deb opted for the toasted Bridge Lift on white, with her roast beef well done (and extra dressing on the side) and potato salad. I opted for the Bridge Lift on white, also with potato salad.

We chatted briefly and the food arrived. Unpretentious in delivery. I was concerned because I’ll be honest — I’m not a fan of cole slaw. One bite, however, and I was hooked. The fresh made cole slaw consisted of finely minced cabbage and carrot, and was crunchy, and added a layer of flavor that was welcomed to an already delicious sandwich. The potato salad, mustard based, had small-diced potatoes just large enough for a good mouth feel without (1) being too large to eat comfortably or (2) turning to mush the minute it hits your tongue.

This is a hidden jewel in the Great Bridge area, and my only regret in posting this review is that it may make them busier, therefore harder for me to get in to get some of their dynamic food.

Food: (5)
Service: (4)
Price (5)
Overall: (4.75)

Rockola Grille (Newport News, VA, Jefferson Avenue)

Back in the day, two of the most popular restaurants on the Peninsula were Applebees and the Rockola Cafe. Times change, of course, and while Applebees is still around, the Rockola Cafe is but a passing memory.

In its place is the one remaining Hampton Roads location of the Rockola Grille — gone are any nuances to the “Rock N Roll” theme the Rockola Cafe used to have. Eating in the Rockola Grille is like eating inside any other bland decor restaurant.

But people don’t come for decor, normally. They come for the food. So, when PR and I found ourselves in the vicinity (upon finding the Mongolian BBQ in Riverdale has closed its doors (that review has been updated)), we headed to new territory: Jefferson Commons. Rockola Grille has been there since day one, and the shopping has started springing up around it.

A smiling hostess escorted us to our table — the place was rather busy for a Friday evening at 7:15 (and a non-payday Friday at that). Our waitress took our drink order and left us to ponder our menus. I decided on the 1/2 pound beef fajitas, while PR opted for the Santa Fe Chicken sandwich.

The “fixin’s” for my fajitas arrived even before the bread did. Strange, I thought, but I simply set them to the side. The bread was hot yeast rolls served with a cinnamon/brown sugar butter. Wonderful.

Our dinners arrived about 10 minutes later. My fajita steak was perfect, but onions and green peppers are supposed to be sautéed or grilled, not just sliced thin and put on a sizzling cast iron plate. They never were able to be cooked enough to taste right on the fajita. The salsa was tasty, the guacamole was spicy and not slimy (which for most restaurants is a major problem, but not here), while the sour cream tasted like it had been mixed with cilantro, driving it to a bit of an off taste. Shredded lettuce covered with grated cheese rounded out the “fixin’s” plate. The tortilla shells that held the guac, salsa, and sour cream were inexcusably stale, however. The fajitas came with four soft tortilla wrappers, steaming and delicious.

PR’s Santa Fe Chicken consisted of a BIG HONKIN chicken breast with sauce and covered seasoned corn. Crinkle cut fries accompanied it. PR said the sandwich was “ok”, but that the breast was so thick that it killed the taste of the food. It would have been better had they butterflied the breast, pounded it, cut it in half and made two sandwiches out of it, something.

PR had iced tea, while I had Pepsi.

The menu covers lots of ground, from seafood (maybe it’s just me, but when did jumbo shrimp become something you’d have to take a second mortgage out for? An appetizer of 6 jumbo shrimp was $7.99, while another 6 jump shrimp dish was around $8.50, both listed on the sign on the table) to steak to chicken, to burgers. Appetizers are available as well, ranging from cheese sticks, to chicken wings and more.

The managing partner was making his rounds and wanted to make sure all was being taken care of. With a little more attention to detail, Rockola (now part of a conglomerate including Tripp’s Restaurant (Formerly T.K. Tripp’s Restaurant and Tavern)) may be poised for greatness once again.

Food: (2.5)
Service: (4)
Price: (3)
Overall: (3)

Olive Garden (Jefferson Ave. Newport News, VA)

My dining partner and I entered the Olive Garden on a Sunday afternoon about 5. There was no line and we were seated right away. We were also greeted and offered water momentarily.

Our drink orders were promptly taken and iced tea delivered. Our orders were then taken. The salad was made nice fresh lettuces, olives and pepperoncini, but needed a little more dressing for me. Not every piece of lettuce was coated. The bread sticks were warm and covered in just the right amount of butter and seasoning.

Our orders of portobello mushroom ravioli and a sausage ziti arrived before we had finished our salads. My Portobello ravioli came in a light cream sauce and the pasta was done al dente. The portion was a little small, I could have eaten a few more pieces. The sausage ziti came with cooked vegetables and had a marinara sauce with it. Both my partner and I commented on how good the food and service were. The wait person was attentive but not overbearing. We did not get dessert as both of us were too full for it.

Food: (4.5)
Price: (4.5)
Service: (5)
Overall: (4.75)

Clyde’s of Reston (Reston TownCenter, Reston, VA)

My boyfriend, another couple and I went to see a band and get some dinner in Northern Virginia at the Reston Town Center. We arrived and figured out where to park (no clear directions or signs). The TownCenter looks like an area that has been dedicated to office building and some boutique type stores.

We arrived at approximately 6:30 and started to look for a place to eat before our concert. We saw outside seating and decided to look at the menu. It looked ok, and the place was busy so we went in. We were abruptly told that outside seating had it’s own waiting line and sign in.

After getting outside and seeing another line, we waited and signed in for a table. As luck would have it, the concert started at 7:30 so we would be able to sit in real chairs throughout dinner. It was about 7:10 when were seated. Someone threw a pitcher of water on the table and then left. We waited about 5 minutes before anyone came to the table to take our drink order. The person who came was a manager who said our waiter was really busy. It looked like the outside was not prepared for the crowd that wanted to eat and see a concert. The manager brought the wrong drinks out, what was supposed to be 3 iced teas and a Sprite, was a cola, and some other things. The manager then brings back the correct drinks. About 5 minutes later, the manager comes back to take our menu orders. Annette and I ordered the Chicken club, Doug, orders the buffalo burger and Reed orders the pork barbeque. Our orders came out as the music was starting at 7:30. To this point we still have not seen our waiter. The orders were brought out by another person. Our waiter finally shows up to ask if we need refills, the Sprite drinker had needed one for a while. Our iced teas were getting low also. The food was good, the pork barbeque and buffalo burger were inhaled, although the potato salad that came with the barbeque was not eaten as Reed did not like it. My chicken was a little dry. I asked for a cucumber salad and it was just the right combination of vinegar and sweet for the thinly sliced cucumbers. Annette’s fruit cup had a very nice combination of melons and blueberries in it.

Our waiter brings dessert menus. Both couples decide to split Dark Chocolate Mousses. These were a very good combination of mousse, cake and whipped cream. It was just the right size for 2 of us after our meals.

Food: (4)
Service: (2.5)
Price: (3)
Overall: (3.25)

Taco Palace (Virginia Beach, Pembroke Mall Food Court)
(This restaurant has since gone out of business)

I should have known something wasn’t going to be right when I approached Taco Palace and read a sign on their counter that read something along the lines of “We do not offer refunds. If you are not happy with your food, we will replace the item, but no refunds are provided.”

Not something you’d expect to read in a mall’s food court. Taco Palace is more expensive than the also-in-the-area Taco Bell (outside of the Mall), and since I was doing business in the mall anyway, I figured I’d give it a chance.

I ordered the Fiesta Platter (Burrito, Beans, Rice, Nacho chips with cheese).

Now, those who know me know that I can eat just about anything. Except this. I tried. Really. But the ground beef in the burrito tasted grainy, “off” in flavor, and just plain yuck. The beans and rice tasted like they had been cooked last week and were reheated daily and held — and developed that “burnt” flavor that permeated throughout the food. The nachos and cheese were the worst I’ve ever had — the only way to describe it is to take processed cheese sauce, mix it with an equal amount of water, let it sit, over heat for 24 hours, and then ladle — sparingly — over stale chips. Not what I expected for a food court meal that cost me $7.18.

Needless to say, I won’t be going back to a return visit.

After mentioning how bad this place was, several mall employees confirmed what I’d already found out: if you want the worst meal possible, eat at Taco Palace.

Food: (0)
Service: (0) (due to the “refund” sign — they KNOW that they serve inferior products)
Price: (0) ($7.18 for a meal that is inedible?)
Overall: (0) Definitely NOT recommended.

Katana Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi Grill & Sushi Bar, 520 W. 21st Street, Norfolk, VA 23518 (757.640.8898)

Katana’s is a restaurant with few contemporaries. Upon entry, you are in the sushi bar, where fresh sushi (from 3.00 to 5.00 for 2 pieces)s and specialty rolls (from 2.95 for the cucumber roll all the way up to 9.95 for the Futo Maki (fish egg, crab stick, cucumber, avocado egg, kampyo, pickle) ) are made and served.

Through a dark wooden archway, you’re lead to one of 8 seating areas — as is with most hibachi grills, you sit with a variety of people and the chef comes out and prepares your food fresh in front of you.

Today, Sandi and I ventured in at noon. We were seated with 3 other individuals — Sandi ordered the Hibachi Chicken (6.95) while I ordered the Hibachi New York Steak (7.95) we both ordered fried rice, which was an extra dollar each.

The server brought out our clear soup — with paper thin mushrooms shaved into a clear broth, and thinly sliced scallions floating inside. It had a deep, woodsy taste from the mushrooms. Next came the salad, which was nondescript bag salad (iceberg, slivered carrots) which cucumber and a wedge of tomato. The sesame dressing was creamy and delicious.

Next came the show. The chef came and verified our orders (all of us had ordered fried rice except for one, whose steamed white rice came out in a bowl). The chef then drew a smiley face in oil on the cook surface, added some rice alcohol, and POOF. Instant fireworks. (It’s also a great way for them to get the cook top oiled up for the food, so it really does serve a purpose!)

Next came egg tricks. Up in the air, catch it on the spatula. Up in the air, flip the spatula, catch the egg. Up in the air, catch it in your hat. We all laughed. The fried rice consisted of finely chopped vegetables, white rice, two eggs (including the one caught in the hat), and some wonderful ginger sauce. (I can’t help but wonder if that ginger sauce is packaged for sale…I’ll have to ask the next time I go back, it was so delicious!). When the rice was done, it was served up to our plates by large, flat spatula fulls.

Next came the vegetables: mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, squash, celery, and large slices of onions. (Of course, the chef made a flaming volcano out of one of the onion slices — including pepper fireworks.) Three at the table ordered the chicken, while the other two had ordered steak. We both ordered it “Medium” — which is a test of any chef’s capabilities, especially on an open cook top. A few minutes later, after the vegetables had been served up, we were asked to taste the steak to verify it was cooked the way we liked it. It literally melted in my mouth. So, out it came; everyone had been served a small dish with two “dipping sauces” — the aforementioned ginger sauce, and some of the sesame dressing that was used on the salads. This added a layer of flavor that was greatly appreciated — one one you don’t want to miss!

Sandi (and the other two who had ordered chicken) were not disappointed either. While it appeared the chef was putting terriyaki sauce on the chicken (and an whole lot of it at that), the flavor mellowed out tremendously, leaving a nice, crisp flavor on the tender chicken, without a hint of saltiness.

From start to delicious finish, we were there about 65 minutes — not bad when you know how fresh the food actually is — and the bill came up to a very affordable $18.93 after tax.

Katana’s is open Monday – Thursday, 11:30-2:30pm, and 4:30-10:00pm. Friday, 11:30-2:30pm, 4:30-11:00pm. Saturday from 4:30-11:00pm, and Sundays from 12:30pm-10:00pm.

Food: (5)
Service: (5)
Price: (4.5)
Overall: (4.75)

Vito’s Italian (Aberdeen Road, Hampton, VA 757-838-4671; closed Sundays)

Vito’s is one of those unassuming hole-in-the-wall restaurants, in a converted gas station serving up quality Italian food fast.

Geared more toward the “carry out” than the “dining in” crowd, Vito’s offers subs, pizza, pasta, and salads. Having been a patron for a great number of years, you learn to call ahead so that your order will be ready for pickup (delivery to a limited area is available).

The signature sub, “Vito’s”, is an Italian sub with a combination of meats (ham and salamis), cheese, toasted, served with onions, lettuce, tomatoes and oil & vinegar. The cheeseburger sub is overflowing with ground beef, cheese, fried onions, lettuce and tomatoes.

Pasta includes lasagna, spaghetti, and the newly introduced chicken (or shrimp) Alfredo. All piping hot, fresh, and zesty.

Greek salads, while semi-freshly made (I think they use precut lettuce), are delicious. The olives are fresh, cheese and salami are tasty, and onions are in whole rings. Dressing comes on the side, but could use a bit more Balsamic to give it a zing.

Speaking of onions in whole rings, you’d have to search far and wide to come across onion rings that could top those at Vito’s. Never oily, these things are huge rings of onions, batter dipped, and fried to perfection.

A true test of any place that prides itself on pizza IS their pizza. From the basic cheese pizza (perhaps the only place I’ll eat this normally non-descript pie from) to their supreme (loaded with sausage, ham, pepperoni, peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives and more), the “fresh out of the oven” taste is unattainable at home, unless you are fortunate enough to have one of those giant pizza ovens.

The price for a large cheese pizza and Greek salad was somewhere in the range of $20 after tax — and when they say one of these large pizza could feed four, they’re not kidding. Robin (one of the BEST pizza makers I’ve ever encountered) ensures that the cheese, sauce and any toppings are distributed so that there are no “skimpy pieces” (you know, where all you get is bread….)

Give Vito’s a try…you’ll be glad you did!

Food: (5)
Service: (4)
Price: (4)
Overall: (4)

Plaza Azteca (Monticello Avenue, Norfolk review; various locations Southside and Peninsula).

Filling the shoes of the former Spaghetti Warehouse would have been impossible for most restaurants; Plaza Azteca has attempted to rise to the challenge.

A family owned chain in the Hampton Roads area, the Monticello Avenue location in Norfolk has a lunch buffet that the other restaurants do not. Sandi and I went today with nachos on our mind.

The place was busy — which is always good for the quality of food. There’s an old Chinese proverb that says “The fresher the food, the better the business. The better the business, the fresher the food.”

We were seated almost immediately, and chips and salsa quickly met the table. So did an undesirable aroma from the menus. It seems that the plastic coated menus had been wiped down with a bar towel that had soured, making the menu smell like urine.

Previous dining experiences had been marred by the lack of service; you’d see the server at the beginning of the meal and practically have to hunt them down in order to get the check. We hoped things would be different this time.

Lucy showed up at our table, full of smiles, and took our drink order (just plain water), as well as our orders (I did the Beef Nachos Super, while Sandi did the Chicken Nachos Super, no beans).

Plaza Azteca has a variety on their menu of quesadillas, tacos, nachos, enchiladas, etc. that would make any Mexican food lover pleased. Prices (averaging $6 per entrée) are reasonable.

Lucy came back with our water, and left us to our chips and salsa. About 10 minutes later, a different server came and delivered the nachos. Mine were fresh, hot and crispy, while Sandi found hers to be more than a bit soggy and difficult to eat. I don’t know if there was too much moisture in the chicken or if perhaps the beans on my nachos were helping to absorb some of the extra liquid.

Lucy came back by the table one more time, about 3 minutes after the food was delivered, but then 15 minutes later, when we had finished, she dropped off the check — our water glasses had been empty for about 8 minutes by that time.

So…the service is improving…SLIGHTLY. Plaza still has a way to go before they can claim excellent service in all their restaurants (such as their Haygood location — which we’ve NEVER had a bad meal in!)

Food: (3)
Service: (2)
Price: (4)

Overall: (3)

Il Giardino Ristorante, 910 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, Va. 23451, 757-422-6464. Reservations Accepted (and recommended for holidays and special occasions).

Having dined at Il Giardino’s for several years, it was a pleasure to return and review some of my favourite dishes.

The restaurant is normally very busy (it’s located toward the upper end of the busy Virginia Beach Boardwalk, near 9th Street), and offers indoor and outdoor dining. Upon entering, you’ll find the piano bar to your left, and the dining room to your right. Be sure to look for the large piece of Prosciutto on the meat slicer – shaved so thin you can almost read through it, this delicacy is not to be missed – so it is well worth looking for a dish that includes it. Servers are dressed in tuxedos. Beyond the dining room is the wood-fired oven, and the kitchen.

After being escorted to our seat, my dining companion and I ordered an appetizer, Mozzarella Caprice ($9.95), sliced homemade mozzarella served with fresh tomato and basil. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are served at your table. The tomatoes were at the peak of perfection, the mozzarella silky in texture but able to stand up to the pungent basil and tangy balsamic vinegar. The appetizer comes with four slices of the cheese, four of the tomatoes, with a chiffonade of basil over it. The server dresses the appetizer with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar (with as little or as much as your taste buds can appreciate.)

Also sampled were the Mesculin Salad ($7.95), an Italian garden salad containing mixed greens, onions, olives and freshly shaved Parmigian cheese. Dressed with the same type of dressing (oil and vinegar) the flavors seem to erupt in your mouth. The Carpaccio con Parmigiana ($10.95) pairs chilled, thinly sliced tender fillet mignon, arrugala, and shaved Parmigian cheese.

If you’re not full by this point, bringing on the entrées will certainly help out. I chose the Pollo alla Sorrentina ($16.95) which is fillet of chicken, spinach, zucchini, prosciutto, mozzarella cheese & white wine. The chicken was tender, the prosciutto was crisp, and it was covered in melted mozzarella, served over sautéed spinach and zucchini. Every bite was savored (and the plate returned to the kitchen empty). The dish reminded me a lot of one I used to have at the now-closed Hampton “Carmella’s” Italian restaurant, where they would wrap a chicken breast in prosciutto, stuff that in a breaded slice of eggplant, fry, cover in fresh mozzarella and serve with marinara sauce. The flavors of both dishes evoke fantasies of warm summer days in the Italian country side. (On a future visit, I plan on trying the Veal Saltimboca ($22.95) which the next table was having, and the patron was raving over.)

My dining companion chose the Pollo alla Francese ($14.95), consisting of fillet of chicken, lemon, butter and white wine (served with pasta). Both their dish and mine would have comfortably fed two people each (if you were in the mood to share), or you could relish in the moment and stuff yourself, which we did.

Remember, however, to save room for dessert – especially the crème brulee ($6.95) and a cup of their house coffee … the perfect way to end what was perhaps one of the best Italian meals I’ve had in my life.

Food: (5)
Service: (5)
Price: (4.5)
Overall (4.75)

(Wine and alcohol also available, but not reviewed)

Denny’s Restaurant (Mercury Blvd., Hampton)

While it’s a chain that has a pretty good reputation, my experiences with Denny’s have been less than stellar. In one, the waitress who took our order never put it in; she went in the kitchen, got her jacket, and left via the front door without telling anyone she quit. At another, after 30 minutes of waiting for our food, the waitress came and apologized; it seemed the cook had quit, so she was going to have to go back in the kitchen to cook.

So, at 9pm at night (and with some trepidation), I ventured out. Every place had plenty of parking (probably due to all the rain we’d had that day), so I knew it wasn’t going to be crowded.

I ordered their $5.99 special (2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage links, hash browns and a pancake filled with your choice of fruit).

The waitress was friendly, the food timely and hot. Not bad for a return visit.

I’ll have to go there again before giving them their stars, however.

The Circle II, Elizabeth City, NC (US 17)

While it’s been a few months since my last visit to The Circle II, I hope that what happened this evening is no indication as to where the restaurant is headed.

On previous visits, the food was fresh, hot, and tasty. This evening, four meals were ordered to go: two chicken strip meals, two hamburger steak meals with onions and gravy.

The menu mentions that it takes 15 minutes for the meals to be “freshly prepared”, so while we sat and waited, we got to hear far too much from the cashier as she discussed, with her male friends who came in and out, mascara and eyeliner. More mascara and eyeliner. Someone’s left-behind sunglasses at her place. (P.S., we’re not through with the mascara and eyeliner discussions yet.)

So, the atmosphere has suffered. After 33 minutes (I was timing it), the hostess popped in the back once more and the food was finally ready. The total: just over $30.

Meal one was chicken strips with mashed potatoes and fried okra. The chicken strips were cold, and had been fried so hard they were inedible. The mashed potatoes were bland (and the gravy far too salty tasting), while the fried okra was almost slimy in texture.

Meal two was chicken strips with mashed potatoes and corn. See above, only substitute room temperature corn for the slimy okra.

Meal three was hamburger steak with mashed potatoes and corn. The hamburger steak was tepid, covered in the aforementioned salty gravy and onions.

Meal four was hamburger steak with mashed potatoes and gravy. ‘Nuff said.

Now, I understand if business is hopping that it’s going to take time for food to get out of the kitchen; I also understand that good hamburger steak (as well as good chicken strips) takes time to cook.

Unfortunately, though the restaurant was busy, the food was not good. None of the four of us were able to finish our meal, it was that poor.

Let’s hope this was a one-off night for The Circle II, which normally has piping-hot food and excellent service. We’ll be dropping by for another unannounced visit soon.

Food: (0.5)
Service: (0.5)
Price: (3)
Overall: (1)

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (Various locations including Town Center, Virginia Beach and Richmond, Virginia [Richmond location reviewed])

Review of dinner held in March 2004.

The first rule of real estate is location, location, location. Ruth’s Chris has taken this to heart (yes, it’s Ruth’s Chris, and not Ruth Chris’ – see their corporate site for details) choosing to position themselves in the Bellgrade Plantation on Huguenot Road. The old Plantation house serves as a museum of sorts to the home’s former owners and as an elegant backdrop to dine.

Reservations are a necessity, as the demand for fine, elegant dining is high. That kind of dining, however, does come at a price. Most everything at Ruth’s Chris is served a la carte. You order a steak, that’s all you get. No sides. Not that the steaks aren’t worth their price. Just know what you’re getting yourself into.

Ruth’s Chris has their menu (with prices) online, and while it may seem their menu items are pricey, the quality and service more than justify the price.

A group of 20 of us dined that particular evening in March 2004 – and while I don’t exactly remember the precise date, it was something that I’ll never forget. Our server (in a tuxedo, as all servers both male and female were dressed) came and described the specials (the catch of the day, the lobster, the cut of steak), took our drink order, and left us to ponder the menu.

Returning with the drinks and bread, he took our order. I ordered the Ribeye (around $33), while my dinner companions dined on Petit Filet Mignon ($28); others at the table chose the steak and lobster combination (lobsters were going for $19.95 per pound, averaging 2-3 pounds each) and a smaller cut of steak (the menu marks that at “market price”, due to the fluctuation in the cost of lobster), as well as t-bone steak. Appetizers included Shrimp cocktail ($9.95), and Steakhouse Salad ($6.95).

My dining companion and I split a side of mashed potatoes ($6.95) and broccoli (also $6.95).

When the steak arrived, literally sizzling on its plate from the time spent under the specially designed 1800 degree broilers, it had a pat of seasoned butter melting over its goodness. I’d heard rumours that you could cut one of Ruth’s Chris steaks with a spoon, so I tried it. The spoon went through the beef as a hot knife makes quick work of butter. The taste, as the beef melted in my mouth (don’t get me wrong, there was plenty to sink your teeth into) was some of the best aged beef I’ve ever been privy to experience.

As for the sides, the menu states the potatoes are mashed with a hint of garlic. That they are. Just enough so that you know they’re special, without overpowering the flavor of the smooth, creamy potatoes. The broccoli was steamed just enough to make it tender, without becoming mushy. Butter was served on the side so that if you didn’t want it on the vegetable, you did not have to have it.

As far as service goes, I might add the waiter was rarely seen, but always present. Glasses never went further than ¾ full before they were either refilled or replaced. Using a small V shaped tablecloth scraper, breadcrumbs were whisked away. It was top-notch dining, the kind I could grow comfortably used to.

For dessert, I had the Crème Brulee ($6.95), while my dining companion had the Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce (also $6.95). We both had coffee (which comes with a stirrer made of Rock Candy on a stick). The wine cellar and choice of alcohols, while not indulged in, appeared also not to disappoint even the most discerning palate.

All too soon (2 and a half hours had passed, I later found out), the experience was over, and it was time to rejoin the outside world. The fantasy that had been created by the meal at Ruth’s Chris was complete.

For dinner, I spent a little over $50. Was it worth it? Unequivocally, yes. While Ruth’s Chris is not a place to dine at every day (unless you have that kind of disposable income, and in that case, please email me so we can start adoption proceedings), it is a wonderful place to celebrate.

The family of four who ordered the steak and lobster combination for their two daughters, as well as steaks for themselves and appetizers, iced tea, a couple glasses of wine, and two frozen virgin drinks spent over $500 before tip – hence what I say about knowing what you’re getting into before you sit down to dine.

Food: (5)
Service: (5)
Price: (4)
Overall (4.75)

Welcome to Dining-Reviews.com, where we hope to bring you reviews of various restaurants in the Hampton Roads, Virginia region, and where ever our travels may take us! I’m currently going in and filling in the reviews from my main blog (Ramblings of Silver Blue) and more reviews will be online as soon as I’m able.

A Restaurant Review: Kin’s Buffet, Granby Street, Norfolk, VA

It’s a Chinese Buffet, what’s not to like right? Normally, I’d agree with you, but unless things change, and in a hurry, the empty parking lot at Kin’s isn’t going to change. After all, there are many different Chinese buffets in Norfolk.

It’s not that the quality of the food is continuously poor. It fluctuates between top-notch and scraped off the bottom of the wok. What kills the dining experience is the crappy service.

Let’s get this straight: it’s an all you can eat buffet. All the waiters or waitresses have to do is clear off plates and make sure your beverage doesn’t run dry. Seems simple enough right? Uhm… then someone know a way to clue them in on it? Ahh yes: 请改进您的服务。(That is SUPPOSED to be Chinese Simplified for “Please improve your service.” (Translation used by AltaVista/BableFish.)
Tink and I often go out for lunch — it’s a nice break from the office, and since they have a variety of foods (including spring rolls, sushi, pepper chicken, General Tsao’s chicken, four types of soups, pot stickers (or steamed dumplings), dim sum, and more, as long as you enjoy Americanized Asian cuisine, you’re more than likely going to find something that will tickle your tongue. Just steer clear of too much wasabi or hot peppers, because nine times out of ten, you’ll never get a drink refill.

Pay close attention, or you’ll miss out on your fortune cookies as well. Today, the green beans were dynamic, but the pot stickers were bland. The pepper chicken was to die for, but the sushi (according to Tink) tasted “off”. They have a cooler where you can dip out your own choice of six types of ice cream — except that it’s always (at least for the last four visits) been down to the last half scoop of any of them (except the cotton candy flavor, which, even today, was out).

Food: (2)
Service: (0.5)
Price: ($6.70 per person, if they drink water)
Overall: (2)

Fellini’s (3910 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA) Reservations accepted for dinner, but normally not required.

Fellini’s opened in 1988 and has quickly (thanks to the consistent quality of their food) become the place to go in Norfolk for gourmet pizza.

Upon arrival, 99% of the time, it’s seat yourself. The décor is over the top with a mish-mosh of antique lighting, fabric panels, mirrors, two fireplaces (one double-sided), and a bar placed slightly off centre of the dining area.

The menu is a delight to behold: large, hand-made burgers; crisp, thin foccacia; large fresh salads, pasta dishes, and of course, the pizza.

Depending on how busy the restaurant is, depends on how the service is. Also, don’t choose the booth that’s “around the corner” – it hides you away, yes, but also tends to hide you from service.

On a recent visit, I had the Creole Romano, while my dinner guest opted for the Greek Salad. The Creole Romano is a pasta dish served with a pink alfredo-like sauce, andouille sausage and shrimp (and a side of garlic bread). The lunch portion is more than enough for a hearty eater, yet is smaller than the portion served on their dinner menu. The Greek Salad was crisp, crunchy, with olives and chunks of feta cheese.

After lunch, the server brought the dessert menu (which, if you haven’t planned for, you won’t have room for…) including several types of cheesecakes and regular cakes – all on display in the cooler at the end of the bar.

Service: (3)
Food: (4)
Price: (3)

Overall: (3.5)

“Gustos” mentioning Pizza, Pasta and more (their website at www.BelGustos.com is under construction and has no information online), 271 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA.

When Tink and Blonde Boss told me about a place that delivered Italian food, my ears perked up. They had a menu — that’s always a plus, even if the menu was a bit heavy on the pizza side for even an Italian restaurant.

I ordered an Antipasto Salad and an order of garlic bread. We called in the order at 11:15am for delivery (the restaurant is approximately 10 minutes from the office). Tink, Blonde Boss, and Kenya Topthat also ordered. (So, 3 salads, 2 orders of garlic bread, 1 order of garlic bread with cheese.)

We waited. And waited. Completed three or four lengthy tasks to stay busy and to try not to think about food delivery taking so long.

Finally, at 12:55pm, the food arrived. I’m not quite sure what my expectations were of this restaurant, but I was let down. The lettuce in my salad (basic iceburg) had more than just the beginnings of “rust” (the brownish tinge that lettuce gets after being cut (or torn) and left to oxidize over time. The one tomato wedge was too large to eat comfortably, and was practically uncuttable with the included disposable plastic knife. Heat had gotten to the salad as well, as the cheese which was supposed to be sprinkled over the salad had melted into several larger, unappetizing clumps.

The garlic bread that accompanied the salads would better be called what it is: toasted, buttered sub roll. If there was supposed to be garlic on the bread, it obviously called in sick. In fact, the bread was at less than room temperature when it arrived. (Not an easy feat when it’s 88 degrees outside).

Tink called and asked to speak to a manager as to why it took almost 2 hours to get our food and she was rewarded with a song and dance routine: they were short help; it was rush hour for lunch; one of their managers was out doing deliveries. Tink is supposed to receive a call back, but that’s questionable.

As most readers know, I’ll give a restaurant a second chance; Gustos, however, may be the exception to that rule. Bad food is inexcusable, and attempting to make excuses for poor service (including delivery and denial that it took almost 2 hours, regardless of what the ticket said) is unacceptable.

Overall rating: Poor.

Update: They did indeed call Tink back, and presented her with a $10 credit toward her next order (that equates to a 50% reduction in cost of the meal). If and when the credit is used, I’ll re-evaluate the restaurant.

Jack’s Family Restaurant (Corner of Pembroke Ave. & Woodland Road, Hampton, VA)

Established in 1966, Jack’s is one of the last remaining family restaurants in Hampton that make you feel at home (or at least in a very comfortable place). The décor is non-pretentious – so much so, you’d swear it hasn’t been updated much since they opened their doors. The large, deco neon sign outside still beckons patrons to enter and eat. And they do.

One of the pleasant things about eating in a small town (which Hampton is NOT), is that the servers tend to know their customers. Such is the case at Jack’s, where, at least on the restaurant side of the house (there is a bar attached, but you’d never know it from the restaurant side), you’re made to feel like part of the family.

If you’re expecting to eat on china, go elsewhere. If you want a good, homecooked meal at a reasonable price, come to Jack’s. Most entrées are priced between $6.95 and $11.95.

The hamburger steak with onions and gravy (served with two sides) is perhaps the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s difficult to get a brown gravy that isn’t overly salty – but somehow, Jack’s is able to make it. The bourbon marinated sirloin is cooked to order, tender, and served with two sides. Meatloaf, when it’s on the menu, is to die for. Sides include: green beans, corn, sweet potato, baked potato, greens, mashed potatoes, beets, mac and cheese (all depending on what is available, and listed inside your menu on the “daily special” page).

Both rolls and cornbread are served with your meals.

Not all meals are up to snuff, however. The lemon-pepper chicken was dry and overly salty. The cold plate contained cole slaw, potato salad, and chicken salad, but the salads were a bit runny, as if too much mayo was used.

Dinners come with dessert – as long as you enjoy pudding. It varies from chocolate to vanilla, and is served with out without whipped cream.

The only thing that would prevent me from classifying Jack’s Family Restaurant as “good ol’ Southern cookin’” is their lack of sweet tea. Everyone knows you can’t sweeten cold tea.

Please note for the “sensitive” that there is no “non-smoking” section available, and that the City of Hampton has not designated restaurants/bars as non-smoking.

Service: (4)
Food: (4)
Price: (4)
Overall: (4)

Mongolian BBQ (Riverdale Shopping Center, Mercury Blvd., Hampton, VA)

Positioned in a non-descript storefront, between a liquor store and a clothing store lies one of the hidden gems of Chinese cuisine. Simply called “Mongolian BBQ”, walking inside is like walking back into the 70s. The décor, however, is the only thing that is (possibly) outdated.

The restaurant has a smaller Chinese buffet available (sweet & sour chicken, General Tsao’s chicken, green beans, sautéed shrimp, steamed rice, peanut butter chicken, pepper beef, potstickers, as well as other dishes, and egg drop soup), as well as a smallish salad/dessert bar. The main star of the show, however, is the Mongolian BBQ. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, here’s how it goes: You get a bowl, place noodles, vegetables (onions, scallions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, and the like) – how much of any of them is up to you. Then it’s on the to meat (if you choose to be a carnivore) consisting of turkey, chicken, beef, pork, lamb and imitation krab. Then, on to the sauces (garlic, sherry, ginger, lemon water, bbq, oyster, chili oil, and sesame oil). If you so desire, you can also add soy sauce or additional hot chili flakes.

The “chef” cooks your meal on a large, round, hot, stainless steel cook top, walking round and round until the food is ready to be “whooshed” into a clean bowl and delivered to you. (Tipping the “chef” is appreciated.) A word of caution: if the “chef” hasn’t scraped down the cooktop recently (they normally will do it after every 5th dinner cooked (or so), if someone before you has gone heavy on the chili oil, and you don’t like hot stuff, the residual heat from the oil will carry over into your dish.

Back to the table, your server will bring you hot, fresh steaming sesame flatbread. If you’ve never indulged, prepare for a bite of heaven.

The restaurant serves Pepsi products, as well as a variety of beer and wine. Make any dining experience a little nicer with this step back in time.

Lunch prices are slightly cheaper than dinner prices, with the most expensive ($8.95 or so per person) reserved for Sunday diners.

Service: (4)
Food: (4)
Price: (5)
Overall: (4)

NB: As of July 22, the restaurant is no more. Went to dine there this evening, to find it closed for remodeling, and plans to reopen as Pho” 79. A definite loss for those who loved this restaurant.