Comment Archives: stories: Restaurants: Dining Reviews
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Orange Glory Cafe”
Why would anyone even suggest that a vegetarian option would "benefit" from steak or chicken? That defeats the whole purpose. I would probably agree, taste-wise, with that suggestion, but I'm not a vegetarian and so I don't order vegetarian options. That's also why I'd make a crap food critic.
I get the cranberry chicken salad every time I go, because it's the best. Yeah, maybe sometimes chicken falls off the bread, but since when is "there's too much delicious filling in my sandwich!" a complaint anyone makes?
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Orange Glory Cafe”
I have to respectfully disagree with Mr Leach on this one. The cookies are not what I go for - the sandwiches are sublime! I've literally never had one I did not find absolutely delicious, and I tell people that Orange Glory is my favorite (non-alcoholic) lunch in the City. The lamb burger, when available, is knock-your-socks-off tasty, and even the veggie offerings satisfy this omnivore's cravings. I've never bothered with a soup there, so cannot comment on that. I generally agree with Mr Leach's tasting reviews, so he is no doubt right that it's bland. I do eat my OG sandwich with a knife and fork, since, as mentioned, the generous portioned fillings otherwise escape the bread. Other vehicles for the flavors may be a good idea, actually. In terms of the staff, I've found them friendly and approachable - no eye rolls even when I procrastinate about what to choose. Go try it for yourself, it's great!
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Orange Glory Cafe”
One needs to appreciate the 60's kind of "Alice's Reasturant" approach a la "soup Natsi" of this tiny jewel on East Avenue. And yes getting decent flavor into lentle soup is a challenge. It sure is not in the lentle s themselves. Several suggestions for this... As I tried making at home last week. 1) if you want flavor you must add more spice and salt than you might think 2) 2 onces of whiskey or if you preferr red Vermont goes a long way to improving bland lentle s 3) for spice there is the Mediterranean direction which Aladon's uses so well cumin and anise seed or I think true red have rain papricka works wonders and does not add unnesessary heat. Lentle s are not intended to taste like me I an so avoid the cayenne stick with other flavors. Peace
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Orange Glory Cafe”
I appreciate Orange Glory's non-traditional menu offerings (as reasonably-priced downtown lunch options are mainly limited to pizza, tacos, subs, felafel, or Chinese). However, I was quite turned off by their practice of microwaving their burgers at the short-lived Times Square Building location... not sure if this same practice goes on at East Avenue, but if so, there has GOT to be a better way! As far as I can tell, OG lives up to expectations of providing fresh, quality, well-made food... just please, spare me the nuke cycle.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Harry G's New York Deli & Cafe”
Haven't been to Harry G's yet, but I will offer an opinion or two on what Mr. Leach wrote. The real delis I've enjoyed on Long Island bring a bowl with both sour and half sour pickles and with sour pickled tomatoes and a bowl of cole slaw to the table before bringing water. A Kosher deli cannot, by definition, mix meat and cheese so it is misguided to refer to their proprietors as wrongheaded. IMHO excellent pastrami and corned beef should not be adulterated by cheese or by making them into reubens or their variations. The flavor of the meat is masked rather than enhanced. Nothing against reubens, I just like to savor the deep flavor of the meat. That said, I am looking forward to trying Harry G's pastrami on rye and thank Mr. Leach and City for telling me about the deli.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Harry G's New York Deli & Cafe”
comment on Gus's pickles. The former manager opened The Pickle Guys just down the street from the original location with many of the former employees and a second store in Brooklyn(Delish) I agree about the NYC comment buy the way. A real NYC deli does not just give hand out pickles on the table. Missing from this 'NYC Deli' are a Tongue sandwich, Kishka, and Knishe. This is not to take anything away from Harry G's. It is a great place to eat, just not a NYC Deli great place to eat.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Harry G's New York Deli & Cafe”
It is not "provincial" to write in a ROC-centric manner for a ROC media outlet. However, it is the height of provincialism to believe that your city/region has the best of something, or in the typical NYer's case, everything. I cringe every time I hear "real NYC deli" or "real NYC pizza" as if it is borne of a formula that is utterly irreplicable elsewhere. Okay, back to my garbage plate and Cream Ale...
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Harry G's New York Deli & Cafe”
I have often read your restaurants reviews, always finding something amusing about the fact that food writing exists in Rochester. Practically an oxymoron. As pedestrian as the City paper, or the art scene of Rochester.
The review of Harry G's was amusing as usual. It is nothing even remotely close to a deli in NYC. I suspect you've never been to Sarges. What does Harry G's offer that resembles anything at Katzs? The best part of your review, "real delis down in NYC only serve half-sours rather than the fully done garlic dills they hand out at Harry G's." I have to wonder if you've ever eaten at a real NYC deli. Have you ever heard of Gus's Pickles (sadly gone) or ever had a real pickle (which I think you're trying to say is a Kosher dill)? I realize that factchecking at City probably does not exist. But plenty of room for provincial attitudes.
Sorry, no pickle at that all-supreme public market even comes close.
I think you and City should stick to covering red hots and 2 Vines.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Harry G's New York Deli & Cafe”
I'm not normally a French Dip fan. My mother used to eat them all the time and for whatever reason, I never cared for them. That is, until I ate Harry G's excellent representation. It blew me away.
Re: “Tip Jar”
The caption underneath the beer tap pic mentions ""Brats & Tots" sandwich (left photo)", except there is no left photo.
(unless its just not loading on my browser for some reason)
Re: “La Casa Restaurant”
Yea this is a press release not a review.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Yummy Garden Hot Pot”
Things can get quite messy at your table. Don't wear your best clothes.
Re: “La Casa Restaurant”
Let me start by saying I have great respect for the reviews by James Leach (so much better than the reviews by the D and C) and I want La Casa to succeed. That said, I feel that the praise heaped on La Casa by Mr. Leach could create unrealistic expectations for the dining public who would then be disappointed after visiting La Casa. Again, I had a good meal when I went a couple Saturdays ago. I’m looking forward to going back. But it was hardly a flawless experience. I blame myself mostly for my food choices and there is always a learning curve when dining out at a new to you establishment. Our service was inconsistent and nonexistent at times, mostly I believe, from the staff being tied up making guacamole tableside. Which is great. But it does hinder the wait staff from giving attention to all their tables. I misunderstood that the appetizer specials of the night were 4 mini tacos as one appetizer and the Chili Rellano was another. Turns out the Chili Rellano was an entrée. So, between the two of us they tried to serve us 3 side plates of beans, rice and salad. We were already taking over the table next to us for all our food. So we sent one back. And all of our entrees were served to us while we hadn’t finished our nachos. I’m not complaining. It’s a learning curve with a new restaurant. You need to learn how to order, what to expect. The tacos were great. By the time I got around to eating my Chili Relleno it was cold and inedible. Even hot I don’t think it would have been very good. The batter had an off taste and I don’t think had been cooked in hot enough oil. So, would I go back? In a heartbeat. I live within walking distance and look forward to many summer nights on the back deck. But was it the heaven described by Mr. Leach. Not for us that night. But except for the Chili Renello, the food was very good and the service was friendly and informative but not always as attentive as it could be.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Brooks Landing Diner”
For breakfast, ask Sue to make Bulgogi hash to go with your eggs. It is not on the menu (I keep asking her to add it), but it is why I keep coming back for breakfast.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Yummy Garden Hot Pot”
Something pretty striking may be happening in Henrietta, but Yummy Garden Hot Pot is in BRIGHTON. Along with Vision Hyundai "Henrietta" and everything North of Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road.
Look forward to trying it out, nonetheless.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Yummy Garden Hot Pot”
The lead photo is nicely done, but it makes the food look more like a biology slide, not something I want to actually eat.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Yummy Garden Hot Pot”
I love Hot Pot. The best thing is that the prices are pretty decent.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Acanthus Cafe”
The breast feeding does not offend me. It shows a tolerant environment if done with discretion. On the loss of the cook, I have found another has been hired. The food is as good as it has always been... They always use fresh ingredients... And there are new menu items and soups being offered. Worth another try.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Acanthus Cafe”
Are you people serious? The notion of a baby nursing grosses you out? I feel it's crucial for a writer to set the scene, and the presence of a newborn can certainly affect any dining experience. And while that fact is obviously not of vital importance, many other details are probably irrelevant, too; why not harp on those? I have zero problem with breastfeeding being mentioned in this article. Grow up.
Re: “DINING REVIEW: Orange Glory Cafe”
I am puzzled by your luke warm review. I have never had a meal there that was anything less than excellent. Despite being an avid carnivore , the black bean burger is one the best things that I have ever eaten.