Jovi's

Jovi's
October 3, 2007

Overall: 3.7
Food: 3.5
Service:4.25
Atmosphere: 3.25
Overall Adjusted: 4.69
The service is this restaurant was very good. We arrived with a big group- Heidi, Bill and Laura joined. Ed also made a reappearance after a long hiatus. The readily accommodated us despite the fact that we did not have reservations.
The food was also tasty. Nice big servings. A great place to go "after bone". Don't forget your Entertainment Card.

Gabriel's Gate

Gabriels Gate
Sept 19, 2007

Overall: 3.6
Food:3.33
Service:3.6
Atmosphere:3.8
Overall adjusted 4.69
We enjoyed the evening at Gabriel's Gate. The weather was nice enough for us to sit on the patio. We hadn't seen each other in a while so it was nice to chit the chat.
The food, however was only fair. My steak was "chewy". The price is reasonable, that is why the the adjusted rating is so high.I probably would not go out of my way to visit this establishment again.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo
August 7, 2007

Food 3.4
Service 2.0
Atmosphere 2.4
Overall 2.6
Overall Adjusted 4.19

The overall adjusted rating was so high in part because of the reasonable prices. We however were a little disappointed in this restaurant.

Ilflorentina

July 25, 2007
Inflorentina
Orchard Park
Food 4.75
Service 5.0
Atmosphere 4.0
Overall 5.12
Overall Adjusted 4.6
Who would have guessed that this authentic Italian restaurant was nestled right behind Rich Stadium. One of our favourites! A must visit.

Canyon Creek

July 11, 2007
Canyon Creek
Fallsview Casino
Food 5.0
Atmosphere 5.0
Service 5.25
Overall 5.1
Overall Adjusted 3.99

One of our top rated favorites. Who could beat delicious food, friendly service and all while overlooking the spectacular Niagara Falls. The fireworks display was a great way to end a perfect evening.

Coyote Cafe

Coyote Cafe
Hamburg, NY
June 13, 2007

Food 2.8
Service 3.0
Atmosphere 3.0
Overall 2.8
Adjusted Overall 3.81

What can I say- the food is good, and the prices are even better. This is what we call a "positive Q". Meaning the reasonable prices improve the rating. The waitress was very friendly and kept the nacho chips coming. Although the dining area was clean, it was a little loud. Good place to take the kids.

Bacchus

Bacchus
June 6, 2007
Overall:4.4
Food:4.0
Service:4.6
Atmosphere:4.6
Adjusted Overall:3.98

We had a very nice experience at this downtown restaurant. The lighting, music, room temperature and decor were all "just right". A wonderful waitress who resembles Julia Stiles took good care of us. The food was tasty and the wine was so good that we shared two bottles.

Root Five

Root Five
May 30, 2007

Overall: 2.9
Food: 3.14
Atmosphere: 2.57
Service: 2.86
Adjusted Overall: 2.66

The Dock at the Bay

The Dock at the Bay
Overall adjusted 1.8

Despite the beautiful spring evening, the crystal blue skies and the majestic windmills we were disappointed in this restaurant. The service was slow, the food was only fair, and the prices were steep. It always surprises us when a waitress doesn't offer a dessert. There are plenty of other nice restaurants on our Lake Erie . Save your money, the Dock at the Bay is not recommended.

Sample

May 9. 2007
Food 3.0
Service 3.25
Atmosphere 2.5
Overall 3.25
Adjusted(Q factor) 3.10

A restaurant of appetizers, sounds like a great idea, you are able to try a wide variety of foods. Unfortunately the servings are so small we were still hungry after trying several foods. The prices were also steep when you see how little food you get.

Billy Ogden's

Billy Odgen's
William and Ogden
Buffalo, NY
May 2, 2007

Overall: 3.6/5
Food:3.6/5
Service:4.0/5
Adjusted overall:3.2/ 5

The friendly and casual atmosphere while serving gourmet food make this restaurant unique. The menu has so many interesting and delicious choices that it makes a revisit a must. The prices are a bit high, thus the lowering the overall adjusted rating. The stuffed banana peppers are one of their specialities and a great appetizer. Be sure however to have plenty of water on hand as they are spicy.

City Grill

City Grill
April 18, 2007
Pearl Street
Buffalo

Overall: 4.2 spoons
Food: 4
Service: 4.25
Atmosphere: 4.5
Overall Adjusted: 4.5

What a nice place this is, and we had never heard of it. The atmosphere is friendly and cozy. The food was excellent, and the prices were reasonable. The bottled wine is a little pricey- the cheapest bottle was $30. The do have certain special nights when you can bring your own bottle. Jess couldn't make it, we had a some tasty creme brulee in his honor.

Fiddle Heads

March 28, 2007
Allen and Franklin

Overall: 3.6 spoons
Food: 4.1 spoons
Service: 2.6 spoons
Atmosphere 4.6 spoons
Adjusted overall: 4.5 spoons

We had a wonderful time at this great location. The food was excellent. The price is a little steep, but was reasonable when we used our Entertainment Card.
Unfortunately, the waiter was not at all friendly. He was all business and never cracked a smile. It but a damper on the otherwise comfortable atmosphere.

Bettys

Virginia
Buffalo
March 21, 2007

Overall 4.2

Nestled the West Side of Buffalo is a great place to eat. We all enjoyed this meal. Even Jesse who had the flu. Love the bright decor and friendly staff. Wednesday night they offer free glass of wine with your meal. This certainly made the price very attractive. The food was also very good. Unfortunately the service was only fair, marred by a long wait. Perhaps as they get more popular they will add staff.

The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory
March 7, 2007
Walden Galleria Mall
Special guest: Pat Nolan

Overall 2.8
What can I say, we went to a Chain. We felt like we were in a factory, the tables are packed so tight that you can hear many other conversations. Unfortunately in a place so large, the intimacy is lacking. The food was good, perhaps a little salty. Our waitress was friendly and accommodating
The cheesecake, however was to die for. The servings are large and we shared two cheesecakes for 6 of us. The prices are fair.

The Colden Mill

February 28, 2007
Colden

Unfortunately we had technical difficulties this evening. All ratings for the evening were "lost".
Mike's palm pilot was misbehaving and apparently the numbers are in cyber space.

Overall we had a nice evening. The waitress was very accommodating. Many of us tried the special drink offer- a great Carmel apple martini. She even shared the recipe.
Food was great, however Jess did not care for the cordon-blue. The steak Joseph- the house speciality was very tasty. The atmosphere is always welcoming and comfortable. The price is also right, be sure to use your Entertainment Card.

Tantulas

February 21, 2007
Main Street
East Aurora

Overall 3.0 spoons
Overall adjusted 3.23
food 3.6
Service 2.6
Atmosphere 2.8


Well it has been one full year of restaurant ratings and this was our anniversary dinner. We started at Tantulas and wanted to return here for the special event. This year, however fell short from our previous experience. Is it perhaps that after a year of restaurant hopping we have become more critical? We now notice everything.! Location, comfort and food quality all play a part.

Overall our experience was "fair". The bouillabaisse was excellent and as usual the pizza did not disappoint. The decor is quite pleasant, but something was lacking with no music. The waitress used abbreviations such as "Soco" for Southern Comfort and "apps" for appetizers that made her appear as if she was trying too hard. She was, however efficient and attentive. The price is good, thus improving its overall adjusted rating.
Ml

Hemmingways

Hemmingways
Pearl Street
Theater District

Overall 2.8 spoons
Food 3.2
Service 3.2
Atmosphere 3.8
Overall adjusted 3.82 spoons

Despite being a very busy place, the service at this Theater district restaurant was quite accommodating. We enjoyed lively conversation as Frank Sinatra filled our ears. The food was just average, the New York Strip Steak was a little tough, but the Lobster Ravioli was to die for. Nobody went for dessert(spring break diets). The price was fair.
Is addiction a weakness?

Romeo and Juliet

January 31, 2007
Nice place, however cannot hold a candle to some of our previous eating establishments including "Chez Criscione". The Roman motif was ruined the piped in Top 40's music. The food was quite delicious, we especially enjoyed the pesto served with bread slices. The price is also attractive, as evidenced by the positve overall adjusted rating.
Overall 2.7
Food 3.2
Service 3.8
Atmosphere 2.0
Overall Adjusted Rating 3.39

January 24, 2007
Mackenzie's Restaurant
Hamburg, Ny
Overall Rating 2.7 spoons
Food 3.0
Service 2.2
Atmosohere 2.8
Adjusted overall rating 2.4 spoons

The food is good, the view is pleasant. The price is fair. Unfortunately the atmosphere was less than stellar. Cheesey 80's love rock filled the otherwise empty "hall". Furthermore the unclean carpet odor reeeked diminished the dining experience.

The Friar's Table

Special Dinner Guest:
Ms. Elizabeth Nolan, "DCCG"

Plainly placed, this well-established institute of fine dining did not disappoint; however, bring a full wallet.

Overall rating: 3.9
Food: 3.66
Service: 4.33
Atmosphere: 3.66
Q Factor: -1.3

Adjusted Overall Rating: 2.6 out of 5 Spoons

Meet the Cast!

What a unique cast of characters...



Brenda Criscione

" food quote " -

Bio









Ed Connors






Mike Criscione









Mary Lou Nolan






Tim " Jesse" Nolan