I am not one to rain on someone's parade... unless it is called for. Well Al Dente... it is about to pour.
This locally owned restaurant is located in the plaza near Whitney Field Mall in Leominster,MA. It has a medium menu selection and is closer to Americanized Italian than the advertised authentic Italian. The decor is simple and the restaurant comfortably sits 40-60 people. I find the service to be inconsistent by the waitstaff. They seem to be more interested in chatting in the kitchen than watching the dining floor. I used to be a waitress and I know under-par service when I see it.
The LAST time I went there I never got my water refilled until I was about to ask for the check. The food was luke warm and the sauce was partially congealed when I got it.
You can expect to pay $35-$60 for 2-3 people for appetizer and entrees. The entrees are $11-$25 and the portions are ranging from little for a lot of $ to generous. The ingredients in a dish tend to differ from visit to visit depending on the cook so overall they are inconsistent.
Also BEWARE to look over your check before you write in tip, they INCLUDE gratuity for you on the check NO MATTER the party size and undeserving "service", AND you are expected to pay that gratuity or you will be considered default of payment.
So ... my verdict is that this place is NOT worth the hassle and there are plenty of local Italian restaurants worthy of your patronage. I have no menu item recommendations since I do NOT recommend this place.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
NORTH END DINER (Leominster,MA)
A locally owned diner atmosphere that always has a line out the door and a 10-30 minute wait. It is well staffed and the prices are very kind to a budget. There is counter service, booths and tables fitting quite a crowd.
The owner is always present to greet you and seat you. The waitresses are quick and attentive even with a full house. Food comes surprisingly fast using fresh ingredients with more for your money portions.
I enjoy the minimalist decor, the atmosphere that is laid back and family friendly. You know it's good when you see the same people bringing more different people with them each week.
Known for their board specials and omlettes, if you order pancakes order butter on the side, unless you REALLY like a lot of butter on your cakes.
You can feed a family of 4 for under $30 and be full. I suggest to try everything on their menu and to show up before 8am or after 11am to get a seat in under 5 minutes.
CASH ONLY, they do have an ATM on site.
The owner is always present to greet you and seat you. The waitresses are quick and attentive even with a full house. Food comes surprisingly fast using fresh ingredients with more for your money portions.
I enjoy the minimalist decor, the atmosphere that is laid back and family friendly. You know it's good when you see the same people bringing more different people with them each week.
Known for their board specials and omlettes, if you order pancakes order butter on the side, unless you REALLY like a lot of butter on your cakes.
You can feed a family of 4 for under $30 and be full. I suggest to try everything on their menu and to show up before 8am or after 11am to get a seat in under 5 minutes.
CASH ONLY, they do have an ATM on site.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
BLUE MOON DINER (Gardner,MA)
Located in central Gardner,MA in the same diner that was used in the movie School Ties when it was originally located in Worcester,MA. It is literally a time capsule of a better time in the 50's & early 60's. Table top juke boxes and memorabilia from the era is seen in every nook and cranny. You can even sit at the counter, reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting.The prices and menu choices are not far from what it was back then as well, which is very welcome to wallets now a days.
The food is simple diner fare and is made to order on a traditional table griddle serviing breakfast and lunch. It is well staffed and it is always "hoppin" and you may have to wait 10 minutes max for a table or booth. You typically get your food fast, but allow time when you come at peak times on weekend breakfasts. Take out is also available.
Expect to pay $10-$20 for 2-3 people, including 15% tip!
I recommend trying their HUGE omlettes and the home fries! Their menu items are cleverly named after celebrities of the time and I love the Chubby Checker.
Open daily 6 am - 2 pm M-Fri
6 am - 1 pm Sat-Sun
978 632 4333
102 Main St.
Gardner, MA
The food is simple diner fare and is made to order on a traditional table griddle serviing breakfast and lunch. It is well staffed and it is always "hoppin" and you may have to wait 10 minutes max for a table or booth. You typically get your food fast, but allow time when you come at peak times on weekend breakfasts. Take out is also available.
Expect to pay $10-$20 for 2-3 people, including 15% tip!
I recommend trying their HUGE omlettes and the home fries! Their menu items are cleverly named after celebrities of the time and I love the Chubby Checker.
Open daily 6 am - 2 pm M-Fri
6 am - 1 pm Sat-Sun
978 632 4333
102 Main St.
Gardner, MA
SEAN PATRICK'S (Lunenburg,MA)
The casual yet sophisticated atmosphere of this local restaurant makes dining fun again. I look forward to our quarterly visits and anticipate the new items they add seasonally. They offer a full menu and a Tapas Menu in the Lounge.
For the dining room you don't have to be dressed to the nines, but it is not a t-shirt and jean establishment. Casual dress is encouraged, but a nice shirt , clean jeans/slacks and shoes is fine.
The lounge is more laid back.
The decor in the dining room is very European meets subtle art deco. There are high back private booths and a few long tables for large parties. The lounge is Italian cafe meets neighborhood pub. Full menu is available in both rooms, but Tapas Menu is only available in the Lounge.
The service is usually quite friendly and is well staffed. But do expect a 30 minute wait to be seated on Thursdays - Sundays 5pm-7:30pm. Typically 7-10 minutes for your appetizer and 7-10 minutes after that for entree. Reservations are suggested for large parties (6 or more).
Expect to spend for 2 people $45-$70 with appetizer, 2 entrees and drinks.
Entrees start at about $11 , most being $14-$18 and ends at $24. The portions are just right and served with salad and side. I usually have to bring some home. Fresh,warm rolls greet you after you order. All ingredients are fresh, and when in season predominantly local.
A few suggestions:
Appetizer: Flannagans Four - Tequila Mussels - Fresh Calamari - Boneless Buffalo Tenders (they make their own sauce recipe!)
Entree: Fried Seafood Platter (half) - Tenderloin Tips (melts in your mouth like butter) -
Lime Ginger Tips - Smoked Turkey Panini - Veal Kathleen
We have yet to try their Tapas which varies depending on the night of the week. Catering services also available.
494 Electric Ave
Lunenburg, MA
978-345-2000
For the dining room you don't have to be dressed to the nines, but it is not a t-shirt and jean establishment. Casual dress is encouraged, but a nice shirt , clean jeans/slacks and shoes is fine.
The lounge is more laid back.
The decor in the dining room is very European meets subtle art deco. There are high back private booths and a few long tables for large parties. The lounge is Italian cafe meets neighborhood pub. Full menu is available in both rooms, but Tapas Menu is only available in the Lounge.
The service is usually quite friendly and is well staffed. But do expect a 30 minute wait to be seated on Thursdays - Sundays 5pm-7:30pm. Typically 7-10 minutes for your appetizer and 7-10 minutes after that for entree. Reservations are suggested for large parties (6 or more).
Expect to spend for 2 people $45-$70 with appetizer, 2 entrees and drinks.
Entrees start at about $11 , most being $14-$18 and ends at $24. The portions are just right and served with salad and side. I usually have to bring some home. Fresh,warm rolls greet you after you order. All ingredients are fresh, and when in season predominantly local.
A few suggestions:
Appetizer: Flannagans Four - Tequila Mussels - Fresh Calamari - Boneless Buffalo Tenders (they make their own sauce recipe!)
Entree: Fried Seafood Platter (half) - Tenderloin Tips (melts in your mouth like butter) -
Lime Ginger Tips - Smoked Turkey Panini - Veal Kathleen
We have yet to try their Tapas which varies depending on the night of the week. Catering services also available.
494 Electric Ave
Lunenburg, MA
978-345-2000
SHIRO (Japanese Cuisine) Berlin, MA
We had found this place completely by accident on the internet when I was having an overwhelming craving for sushi. I have not been that impressed with the local in-town selections and wanted to find something out of town ... but not too far. If you live in or near Leominster, MA it is about 20 minutes to 30 minutes travel time to Shiro, which is located in Berlin,MA.
As we pulled up to the restaurant, which the only indication of its location is a modest white sign with black lettering lit by two flood lights... it was a house! A large house, but nevertheless... a house. As we went in I was surprised to find a warm and home like atmosphere. The woman who greeted us was a little old Japanese woman and I immediately wanted to put her in my pocket. The entire bottom floor was the restaurant and the family lived on the second and third floors. It was very clean and simple in its decor. There was no "flashy" stereotypical Japanese touristy decor... it was really just nice. There is a sit-at sushi bar and a 5 seat lounge. The dining rooms collectively could fit 20-30 people at a time which gave it a very intimate atmosphere.
If you are someone who wants quick and fast service this is NOT the place for you. Each item is individually prepared and is served as such. Expect to wait 10-15 minutes before the first item arrives if it is busy. They are open Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-9pm and we suggest arriving 5 minutes prior to opening since the parking is limited and they fill fast. Especially Thursday-Sunday nights. They do have take out available an accept all major credit cards.
The menu selection is quite surprisingly large and tends to seasonally change, but they keep there most sought permanently. Specials change weekly and you can request special orders as well. They have everything from traditional Japanese cuisine which is NOT Americanized and very FRESH selection of Sashimi/Sushi/Maki.
-Sashimi : usually raw fish/sea food displayed on a ball of white rice with little or no additions.
-Sushi: hand rolled or roll raw fish/sea food in seaweed or soy wrap with rice and vegetable.
-Maki: cooked fish/seafood rolled in sea weed soy wrap with rice and vegetable
Our suggestions for appetizers:
- Green muscles : cooked muscles in half shell toasted with a spicy cheese sauce.
- Shumai: fried or boiled dumplings
- Tempura fried veggies and shrimp.
Our suggestions for Sushi/Maki:
- Passion Maki - I Like Eel Maki - Dragon Roll Maki - Spicy Salmon or Spicy Tuna Roll
-Sea Devil Maki - Philadelphia Roll
My husband loves their Hot Pots which is a hearty soup with hand made noodles, fresh veggies and meat or seafood.
Though we do love A LOT more that is offered, these were just a few that first came to mind.
For 2-4 people you can expect to spend about $45-$95 if you include the purchase of alcohol items.
Enjoy ... and do tell us what you think.
As we pulled up to the restaurant, which the only indication of its location is a modest white sign with black lettering lit by two flood lights... it was a house! A large house, but nevertheless... a house. As we went in I was surprised to find a warm and home like atmosphere. The woman who greeted us was a little old Japanese woman and I immediately wanted to put her in my pocket. The entire bottom floor was the restaurant and the family lived on the second and third floors. It was very clean and simple in its decor. There was no "flashy" stereotypical Japanese touristy decor... it was really just nice. There is a sit-at sushi bar and a 5 seat lounge. The dining rooms collectively could fit 20-30 people at a time which gave it a very intimate atmosphere.
If you are someone who wants quick and fast service this is NOT the place for you. Each item is individually prepared and is served as such. Expect to wait 10-15 minutes before the first item arrives if it is busy. They are open Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-9pm and we suggest arriving 5 minutes prior to opening since the parking is limited and they fill fast. Especially Thursday-Sunday nights. They do have take out available an accept all major credit cards.
The menu selection is quite surprisingly large and tends to seasonally change, but they keep there most sought permanently. Specials change weekly and you can request special orders as well. They have everything from traditional Japanese cuisine which is NOT Americanized and very FRESH selection of Sashimi/Sushi/Maki.
-Sashimi : usually raw fish/sea food displayed on a ball of white rice with little or no additions.
-Sushi: hand rolled or roll raw fish/sea food in seaweed or soy wrap with rice and vegetable.
-Maki: cooked fish/seafood rolled in sea weed soy wrap with rice and vegetable
Our suggestions for appetizers:
- Green muscles : cooked muscles in half shell toasted with a spicy cheese sauce.
- Shumai: fried or boiled dumplings
- Tempura fried veggies and shrimp.
Our suggestions for Sushi/Maki:
- Passion Maki - I Like Eel Maki - Dragon Roll Maki - Spicy Salmon or Spicy Tuna Roll
-Sea Devil Maki - Philadelphia Roll
My husband loves their Hot Pots which is a hearty soup with hand made noodles, fresh veggies and meat or seafood.
Though we do love A LOT more that is offered, these were just a few that first came to mind.
For 2-4 people you can expect to spend about $45-$95 if you include the purchase of alcohol items.
Enjoy ... and do tell us what you think.
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