Originally reviewed on July 12.

Sandi and I went for a follow up visit today, and the restaurant seems to have had its service take a turn for the worse. Our server, “Jill” should not have been surprised to only receive a 10% tip — it took her 10 minutes to come to our table to take our drink orders, another 10 minutes to come back to take our food order, and after delivering the food, we saw her once before practically having to flag her down to get the bill. Maybe she was new. It certainly wasn’t becuase the restaurant was busy; there were plenty of empty booths and tables.

We both ordered Creole Romano which was hot, zesty, and wonderful as normal. The food quality has remained top notch. At $7.95 a serving (half of which each of us took home), it’s a bargin by any standard.

We’ll have to drop back by unannounced at least once more. Fellini’s has the potential to be a top notch eatery with a bit more attention to detail.

Food: (4.5)
Service: (1)
Price: (4)
Overall: (3)

Tokyo Japanese Steak House (http://www.tjsh.com), Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA.

TJSH was chosen for a blind review this evening; the location has only been open for 2 weeks. Situated between Goodman & Son’s Jewelers and Bank of America, this storefront eatery is the second restaurant (the first being in Alexandria) to be associated with the name.

Randy and I decided to give it a try; I had the (Teppanyaki) Hibachi Steak, while he had the (Teppanyaki) Hibachi Chicken. Our server was “Kim” (whom we later found out was from Korea, as one of the diners at our station spoke Korean), and our Teppanyaki chef was “T.K.”

Bearing in mind the location had only been open a short period, and that it appears that “T.K.” was the only chef working this evening, both Randy and I came away somewhat impressed. T.K. will be able to grow into the show of the Teppaynaki Chef, making it his own. The egg acrobatics were wonderful, as were the slicing of shrimp to make “bunnies”.

Randy found the “clear soup” to be bland and not to his liking. I, on the other hand, relished the spicy bite of the broth, with the thinly shaved mushrooms and scallions. Next, the regular salad with sesame dressing, and then the show. There were eight of us at T.K.’s station; one ordered shrimp; one steak and shrimp; one scallops, four of us steak, and one chicken.

The fried rice and vegetables were cooked (along with the accompanying knife work) and dished out. Unfortunately, the vegetables only consisted of zucchini and onion. (Other Japanese steak houses have started including yellow squash, carrot, etc. to add a little zip and extra flavor — it might be something TJSH should consider.) The main courses were served up, then sautéed cabbage.

Randy’s chicken was prepared two different ways for him – Hibachi Style, and Terriyaki style. All the main courses came with mushrooms unless you specifically asked for them not to be included (as one of our diners did). If you opt not to add the fried rice, you will be brought a small bowl of steamed rice with a dash of toasted sesame seeds on top.

The Chicken ($11.95 in Hampton Roads) and the Steak ($14.95 in Hampton Roads) were both very good deals. The website only mentions prices from the Alexandria location.

With the loss of decent Chinese food on the Peninsula, the addition of a Japanese Steakhouse fills the void quite nicely. Once the restaurant works out some minor kinks (such as the fact that we went without silverware, napkins, or plates for the first 15 minutes we were there … even after the salads had been delivered), Tokyo can provide a much sought-after dining experience.

Food: (4)
Service: (3)
Price: (3.5)
Overall: (3.5)

Meskerem Restaurant (2434 18th Street, NW Washington, DC [202-462-4100])

Ethiopian dining is an experience, so when a friend of mine offered to take me to what he called “the best Ethiopian restaurant within 50 miles”, I was intrigued.

Located in the heart of the Adams Morgan district, Meskerem is a storefront restaurant that offers three levels of dining — the main floor, a sub dining area, and a balcony.

My host and I were seated on opposite sides of a low table. Ethiopian food is served “family style”, off one large dish. We both ordered iced tea ($2 each) which was very heavy on the lemon flavoring. My host ordered the Tomato Salad, which was diced tomatoes tossed with onions and green chili on a dressing of olive oil and lemon. ($5). The tomatoes were plentiful, looked quite fresh, and came in a large bowl. Interestingly enough, it also came with a fork. More on that in a minute.

I ordered the Alitcha Watt (extra lean chopped beef, simmered in a mild and flavorful onion and herb sauce) [$11] while my host ordered the Sigana Atkilt (lamb meat slowly cooked with string beans, carrots, and potatoes in mild sauce) [$10.50]. The server brought out this huge plate/bowl combination, lined with a piece of injera (which is akin to a crepe, made from grain of the Ethiopian region, or you could request it to be made of wheat, which has fermented). On the injera were three sauces: one made of chiles, one made of lentils, and one that tasted to be made of potatoes. The Alitcha Watt and Sigana Atkilt were brought out in bowls. The Sigana Atkilt was poured out of the bowl into the middle of the injera, while the Alitcha Watt was divided between the two sides of the injera.

The restaurant has this to say about Ethiopian dining:

Dining in Ethiopia is characterized by the ritual of breaking injera and eating from the same plate, signifying the bonds of loyalty and friendship. The quintessence of those bonds are often demonstrated in the form of gursha-that is, the placing of food in the mouth of another diner from one’s own “hand.”

Injera, the traditional Ethiopian bread, is part of every entrée. It is a large crepe/pancake upon which the various stew-like dishes are served. The traditional way of eating is with the fingers, which is in itself a delicate art. In this manner, a bite sized piece of injera is broken off to pick up a mouthful of the chosen dish.

As you can tell, by reading, standard Western utensils are not provided — which made for (1) a more sociable dining experience and (2) perhaps a more “authentic” dining experience.

My beef was wonderful — in almost a curry sauce. While I’ve never been a fan of lamb, the Sigana Atkilt could change my mind. Lamb cooked to perfection with carrots, green beans, and potatoes in a very light sauce — nothing overpowering each other. A delight to eat.

My one complaint was that our beverage glasses sat empty for 10 minutes after our main course had arrived. That could have been because a party of 15 had arrived and the restaurant was scrambling to get them set up upstairs. Other than that, it was a very pleasant dining experience… one I hope to have again in the future.

Food: (5)
Service: (3)
Price: (4)
Overall (4)

China Garden (Pembroke Mall, Town Center, Virginia Beach, VA)

Has anyone else noticed how difficult it is becoming to find a Chinese restaurant that isn’t (1) a poor buffet or (2) overpriced as heck?

China Garden has many restaurants in the Hampton Roads area — it’s almost like a local chain.

Sandi and I dropped in this evening. Buffet dinner was $8.95 per person (add $3 per person if you wish to add Snow Crab legs — which we opted not to do). Something has happened to China Garden, and it’s not good. They’ve stopped offering their Mongolian BBQ (even though the cook top is still there — though contractors were there this evening to discuss its removal). Their food quality was not up to snuff. Let’s examine:

1. Almost all the food (including the General Tsao’s chicken) was just bland. No pop, no zing, no fire. The ribs tasted as if they had basted in ketchup. The green beans had a certain amount of crunch, but no flavor.
2. Most of the food had the taste of being on the steam table too long…or fried too long (or even in the case of the sweet and sour chicken, the texture of being re-fried to heat it back up).
3. Food, such as the Coconut Battered Shrimp, had a rubbery texture which wasn’t pleasing to eat.
4. The sushi/California rolls were the best part of the meal. They tasted fresh.
5. The ice cream machine was not producing ice cream. Ice milk perhaps; or maybe something had happened to the mix. But the overly large ice crystals gave the a granulated texture instead of a smooth, creamy texture one expects of soft-serve ice cream (this was true of both the Chocolate and Vanilla ice cream)
6. China Garden used to offer cheese cake (Sara Lee) but have stopped. Dessert consisted of questionable looking pudding, jello, bananas cut up in a glaze, two types of custard pastries, and the aforementioned ice cream.

Our server was helpful, and we never needed to ask for refills or to have plates taken away.

If you’re in Pembroke Mall and have to have a buffet, go to China Garden. Otherwise, perhaps you might be advised to look elsewhere.

Food: (0.5)
Service: (3)
Price: (3)
Overall: (2)

Stack ‘Em High (Outer Banks, Nags Head, NC 2 Locations)

Known throughout the Outer Banks for breakfast, Stack Em High is located at Mile Post 9 and also at Mile Post 4.5.

Randy and I swung in the Mile Post 4.5 location, as it was on our way out of town.

He ordered the Country Ham omelet with hash browns and toast. I ordered the Short Stack, 2 eggs, and country ham.

Stack ‘Em High is not a buffet, in fact, when you enter the restaurant, there is a sign telling you as such; what I didn’t expect, however, was the manager to be as rude as he was. There was an older couple ahead of us who had a couple questions about menu items. The manager flat out said (and this is a direct quote): “What, you can’t read and understand a menu? I became manager here so that I wouldn’t have to answer people’s questions. I have people who work for me that do all that.”

Excuse me? Sounds to me like business could be falling off if this attitude prevails.

Next, the food. While the servers were helpful, the food was less than desirable. The omelet was runny in the middle, with the minced country ham left almost floating in either grease or egg by-product. It was hard to tell which it was. The “hash browns” weren’t. They were potatoes that had been cut into coin shapes, and tasted as if they had been boiled briefly and then tossed on the griddle. Think “mushy cottage fries” and you’ll get the idea. The toast, however, was thick cut and crunchy.

The short-stack (3 pancakes) were tasty, the eggs done perfectly, but the country ham was a bit of a let down. For the extra money it costs for the ham, one does not expect more than half the slice to be fat, which this one was. Discounting the fat and the bone, there was less than 1/3 of the “country ham steak” that was actually consumable.

While we may have caught the restaurant on a bad morning (the manager seemed to be busy text-messaging someone on his cell phone, and was consistently abrupt, not only with customers, but with his employees as well), I think if we are to try “Stack ‘Em High” again, it will be at Mile Post 9 — perhaps their food is better, along with their atmosphere.

Food: (2)
Service (1.5 – the servers were standard, but the manager ruined the experience)
Price: (3)
Overall: (2.25)

Red Dog Saloon (1421 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA [757.625.0259])

Trying to find a decent Prime Rib in Tidewater can be a daunting task. The former wearer of the crown, the Restaurant at Lake Wright, went under then the Clarion chain decided to “renovate”. That was supposed to take six months to a year. The restaurant closed December 28, 2002, never to reopen. Supposedly in Fall 2005 they will be opening a new restaurant, “Damon’s”, but that’s for a different review.

Back to the Red Dog Saloon. Formerly “The Maxx” and formerly “Elliot’s”, Co-owner Steve De La Cruz has a wonderful bar and dining experience. Weekends see “Burgers at the Bar” for $5. Tuesdays are $2 Nathan’s 1/2 beef hot dogs. Sunday and Monday is $10.99 12 ounce Prime Rib special, served with salad, potatoes, and garlic bread.

The salads were a bit nondescript, being iceberg with cherry tomatoes. The potatoes were mashed, red-skinned, and quite good. The spotlight shines, however, when it comes to the beef. The prime rib is slow roasted to retain its juicy flavor. It’s then seared on a grill, covered in a minced garlic sauce, giving a perfect, delectable flavor, even for those who aren’t garlic fans. (Suggested hint: offer horseradish with the prime rib). The garlic bread was crunchy and well seasoned.

Our server was a bit overwhelmed (it was her first night) but made sure our drinks were kept full and checked on us often. Even with as busy as the Red Dog was (there is both indoor and outdoor seating), we never went wanting for anything.

Hampton Roads: You have a new crown holder and dining place for Prime Rib. Visit the Red Dog Saloon. Often.

Food: (5)
Service: (3.5)
Price: (4.5)
Overall: (4.25)

New Garden Buffet (1062-A W Mercury Blvd., Hampton, VA 23666 [757.825.8777])

Attempting to fill a niche for good Chinese food, New Garden Buffet moved into the old Good Wood Store in Riverdale Plaza (the plaza formerly home to Mongolian BBQ and soon home to Pho” 79).

A word to the restaurant: While I understand you may be trying to raise extra funding by having candy and toy machines at your front door, you really need to rethink the machine with the containers of “slime and maggots” which is largely printed on the card. While it may be a fun toy for the children, it’s hardly appetizing for your guests.

The buffet is reasonably priced at $7.99 (not including your drink). Options such as General Tsao’s chicken are spicy; Peanut Butter Chicken is cooked just right so that you don’t get a “burnt” nut taste. The green beans were good, as were the cheese wonton. The “Fried Dumplings” (also known as pot-stickers) however, were disgusting. They had the appearance of sitting out under a heat lamp too long, and the pork filling had developed a soured taste.

Over 100 items are on the buffet, including a salad bar, a small sushi/california roll offering (with wasabi and pickled ginger), as well as an entire buffet line devoted to desserts. What we thought was vanilla pudding turned out, in fact, to be banana flavored. A nice surprise.

Our server kept our plates cleared and our glasses full. Considering this Chinese buffet is still the new kid on the block, with a few minor changes, they stand a good chance of going up against the other two major Chinese buffets in the area (China Garden and Szechuan Inn) and coming out the leader.

Food: (3)
Service: (4.5)
Price: (3)
Overall: (3.5)

Warrior Grill (401 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach [757.498.0323])

Located in a rather non-descript strip mall, behind a Ruby Tuesday’s and beside a Cold Stone Creamery, the Warrior Grill encompasses the necessary ingredients to make a fine Mongolian BBQ. There is a philosophy of “know one thing and do it well.” Warrior takes it to heart.

Beside the various veggies, thinly sliced meats and sauces, there is a very small salad bar. They know what they know, and their intentions are to keep them as fresh as possible.

Lunch or dinner starts off with egg drop soup or hot and sour soup. Fresh, hot sesame bread is delivered to the table and you’re on your own when it comes to what you desire in your Mongolian BBQ. Remember: it’s all you can eat, so try a variety of veggies, try the chicken, try the pork, try the beef (if your dietary regulations allow it). Try the garlic water, ginger water, lemon water, oyster sauce (I’m not quite sure what is in it, but it’s wonderful).

The servers are efficient and do not interfer with a good dining experience, though on a recent visit, we had to ask more than once for a refill on water.

Still, it’s a nice break from the norm if you appreciate Asian influenced foods.

Your meal is concluded with cookies, delivered with the bill. Normally chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin.

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

Cracker Barrel (Power Plant, Mercury Boulevard, Hampton, VA)

A group of four of us decided to venture to Cracker Barrel on a Sunday evening around 6. Putting our name on a list (even though the place didn’t appear that packed), it was a 30 minute wait – not bad, as we were able to wander through the store (which, I do believe, is intentional planning on their part).

Once seated, our smiling server (Andrea, I do believe her name was) took our drink orders and the difficult part – choosing what to order.

Doug ordered the Cajun Catfish; Sandi, the kid’s shrimp plate; Randy ordered the Barbequed meatloaf; I ordered the Sunday special, the double battered fried chicken.

The portions were excellent; the food (and biscuits and rolls) came out hot and steaming. Doug’s Cajun Catfish was a bit smallish for a catfish fillet, but unlike most places that say their food is spicy, this one actually had a welcome burn to it. The fries were crisp, but the cole slaw was standard fare. Sandi’s kid’s shrimp plate came with a side of hashbrown casserole, a cheesy concoction that was quite good.

Randy’s barbequed meatloaf could have used a bit more barbeque sauce, and it was served with homemade mashed potatoes, corn and beans. My double battered fried chicken was two nicely sized boneless chicken breasts, fried to perfection. It, too, came with too sides that were freshly prepared.

All of us had saved room for dessert, but that’s another food location for a different review. Overall, from start to finish, we were there about 75 minutes, which given that 30 minutes of that was pre-dining wait, was quite reasonable.

A downside of Cracker Barrel restaurants is that they are noisy by nature. VERY noisy. So if you’re wanting an intimate dinner, go elsewhere. If you want good country cooking, and don’t mind a place that can put the “DIN” in dining, check them out.

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