Unfortunately, this rather large restaurant had very few people in it when we showed up, which is…read moreoften a bad sign, but it was a bit early for dinner, and way late for a lunch, and it looks like a good family restaurant, so we decided to give it a chance.
We entered and were almost immediately greeted by a host, who seated us us near the north side dining area, in full view of a large bay of windows facing the traffic artery of Walker road. Our waiter arrived quickly, asked us if we wanted drinks, and then gave us a rundown of the specials, which I already knew since they were handily scrawled on a easel-style chalkboard, just inside the entrance.
I asked what Beers they had, and she knew the on-taps and varieties. We obviously needed some time, and she sensed that, offering to bring us some bread while we decide, and so we began to peruse the menu choices, of which their many.
I zeroed in on a House Specialty Half-Rack of Ribs, which is actually quite difficult to get right for me, since I've eaten quite a few ribs in my day. Others had Veal Parmigiana and Stuffed Chicken with Pasta. Prices are reasonable, but this is not a fast food joint, and they are charging what they should be for the dishes. Note: The Stuffed Chicken came with TWO Chicken breasts.
We drank our drinks and waited a fair while, I can imagine the kitchen is not expecting many early diners. The decorum is not great, and the fact that they have a full bar on the other end portends of conflicted interests behind the scenes, but I hold out hope for the food.
It arrives, all at ounce, three rather large plates, each with a sizable amount of food. My Half-Rack looks good, and I have a nice portion each of mashed potatoes and beans to go with them. Others are mildly impressed with their portions and presentation, and both like to eat plenty and often.
The Ribs were moist, probably boiled, but seasoned well and though I've had much better meat, the way they were cooked was good. I would only hope for more higher quality ribs. The side dishes were also seasoned very well, both with what we all in the party seemed to agree was a European influence, perhaps Hungarian.
The Stuffed Chicken was "impressive enough" and when I was offered some I felt the flavours were balanced well, and we all thought the portions were generous for that dish. The Veal Parmigiana was very good when I tried it, and our other friend thouhgt "it's probably better than my mothers, and I love hers A LOT!"
So, needless to say this is a good restaurant. It's not the best in the world, but it would probably be a lot better if they had a few more customers.
Cheers!