Last weekend, for the first time, I boarded Newport Majesty for a dinner cruise that started at 7pm. It was a cool night for early September and I was pleasantly surprised by how warm it was inside the boat.
Inside decor was average. Round tables that sat up to eight people weren't overcrowded. Plain white table cloths, carpets clean, shiny woodwork but smaller compared to other dinner cruise ships I've been on in the area. They also offered dancing, however the dance space is outdoors on the second floor and is very small. 50 people dancing would be elbow to elbow so if that is your plan for the evening, beware. The bathrooms were horrible! Small is OK.. dirty, run down, doors that barely shut, is not good. When the bathrooms look like that, it makes you seriously wonder about the kitchen. Big turn-off!
Food service was offered about 45 minutes into the cruise leaving ample time for pre-dinner drinks. Unfortunately, no appetizers, bread, crackers, or other tidbits were out for people to munch on during the cocktail hour. The bar is not extensive but had enough to offer most people drinks that are most commonly ordered. A little expensive but not outrageously priced.
Dinner consisted of chicken in a white sauce, small pieces of fish, pork with veggie sauce, rice pilaf, summer squash mix, and bread. The chicken was tasty. The fish was previously frozen and had not been thoroughly cooked so it was still partially frozen. The pork was tough. It was not a stellar meal at all and for $51 per person based on our party size, it was not worth the money. Dessert consisted of still half frozen plain cheesecake and carrot cake with coffee and tea. The coffee service was slow and many had to wait for the refills to come out. Again, a disappointment.
The music/dancing was all fast paced songs typically of a DJ at a wedding composed mostly of newer hits with a few tried and true old dance hits. It was disappointing that one or two slow songs weren't thrown in the mix since most of the people on board were couples.
The boat circled around the harbor and since it was night time, not much was to be seen except for the lights of the Newport Bridge.
Overall, I can not recommend this cruise to anyone. It was mediocre at best and for the price, I'd hoped for slightly better than small, cramped, and lack luster food. In fact, a survey revealed that in our party of close to 20 people, not one person would repeat the experience.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
H2O Newport, RI
I visited Newport, Rhode Island yesterday and had dinner at H2O at Christie's Landing off Thames St right next to 41o North. It offers an unobstructed though small view of Newport Harbor. We were lucky enough to have seats in the front porch area which held nice views and a cool breeze.
The restaurant porch is a little too cramped. I understand the desire to fit as many tables in the front viewing area as possible but if you took out just one table per row, sitting would be comfortable. There is nothing I hate more than sitting back to back with someone and being afraid to move because you can feel every move.
We started with a tuna tartar, a bowl of clam chowder, and an order of calamari. The tuna tartar was fantastic, melt in your mouth, and flavorful. Nice portion size as well. The chowder was OK but there were some hot spots and some cold spots suggesting that this was nothing more than a microwaved dish. Very disappointing given that we are sitting ocean view with lots of local seafood available. The calamari was well cooked and well seasoned but the portion size was on the smaller end.
Dinners ordered were swordfish, blue fin tuna, rare, grilled rib-eye steak and a shrimp scampi. Again, disappointment for 3 of the 4 dishes. The swordfish was dry and the roasted potatoes lacked seasoning. The tuna was cooked right but the overall plate was lacking. The grilled rib eye was perfect but it was a small steak, 6-8oz with 5 asparagus and a small mound of bland potatoes. At $32 for the plate, it took away from the appeal of the dish. The shrimp scampi was the biggest failure of the night. They used three colossal shrimp with chewy wheat pasta. Most colossal shrimp are fairly bland in taste. These were overcooked and tough in addition to having no flavor at all. All portions were relatively small for the big prices.
Service was another disappointment. You'd think that being an upscale restaurant right on the water at a huge summer destination, they'd at least offer to fill your water glass. No. We had to ask. A water server might be a nice addition! I get that at low end restaurant...c'mon! No salt or pepper on the table. No pepper service offered. Nothing. Even empty glasses sat for some time even after refills were brought to the table. No one working there was dynamic or looked like they wanted to be there.
In the end, with the addition of a two glasses of wine, two glasses of champagne, one beer, and one cocktail, no desserts...A little over $200 was spent. Absolutely outrageous for the lack of service and the lack of selections, lack of flavor, lack of inspiring cuisine, and lack of portion sizes. I expect to pay more for a waterfront restaurant. I expect to pay more for being in Newport. I do not expect to walk away feeling like I was robbed of my money. Half the price would have been right for this restaurant.
I do not recommend this restaurant. One fork out of five rating.
The restaurant porch is a little too cramped. I understand the desire to fit as many tables in the front viewing area as possible but if you took out just one table per row, sitting would be comfortable. There is nothing I hate more than sitting back to back with someone and being afraid to move because you can feel every move.
We started with a tuna tartar, a bowl of clam chowder, and an order of calamari. The tuna tartar was fantastic, melt in your mouth, and flavorful. Nice portion size as well. The chowder was OK but there were some hot spots and some cold spots suggesting that this was nothing more than a microwaved dish. Very disappointing given that we are sitting ocean view with lots of local seafood available. The calamari was well cooked and well seasoned but the portion size was on the smaller end.
Dinners ordered were swordfish, blue fin tuna, rare, grilled rib-eye steak and a shrimp scampi. Again, disappointment for 3 of the 4 dishes. The swordfish was dry and the roasted potatoes lacked seasoning. The tuna was cooked right but the overall plate was lacking. The grilled rib eye was perfect but it was a small steak, 6-8oz with 5 asparagus and a small mound of bland potatoes. At $32 for the plate, it took away from the appeal of the dish. The shrimp scampi was the biggest failure of the night. They used three colossal shrimp with chewy wheat pasta. Most colossal shrimp are fairly bland in taste. These were overcooked and tough in addition to having no flavor at all. All portions were relatively small for the big prices.
Service was another disappointment. You'd think that being an upscale restaurant right on the water at a huge summer destination, they'd at least offer to fill your water glass. No. We had to ask. A water server might be a nice addition! I get that at low end restaurant...c'mon! No salt or pepper on the table. No pepper service offered. Nothing. Even empty glasses sat for some time even after refills were brought to the table. No one working there was dynamic or looked like they wanted to be there.
In the end, with the addition of a two glasses of wine, two glasses of champagne, one beer, and one cocktail, no desserts...A little over $200 was spent. Absolutely outrageous for the lack of service and the lack of selections, lack of flavor, lack of inspiring cuisine, and lack of portion sizes. I expect to pay more for a waterfront restaurant. I expect to pay more for being in Newport. I do not expect to walk away feeling like I was robbed of my money. Half the price would have been right for this restaurant.
I do not recommend this restaurant. One fork out of five rating.
Monday, May 30, 2011
George's of Galilee
George's of Galilee in Narragansett, RI has been a staple in the area for longer than I have been alive. It is located right on the beach overlooking the Block Island Sound. I happily go there about once a year for clam cakes after I take the kids clam digging. I have been there to eat in the restaurant off and on for over 30 years.
My last visit was a severe disappointment. George's interior has not changed much over the years. Typical sea-fare decor, almost cheesy but comforting like visiting grandma's never changing home. You know what to expect and it never fails to give one a sense of continuity. The food, however, failed to live up to the once famous standards.
First, for fresh from the ocean seafood, it was a little on the expensive side. For a place so family friendly that also serves food from a beach front window to folks wearing flip flops and bathing suits, you don't expect to go in and pay about $16 per plate. Even appetizers were about $1 to $2 more on average than most sit down family restaurants. I know it's on the beach but with kids that only pick at a meal, $10 for a burger plate is getting high. We were six in our party and not a single dish stood out as exceptional, portions were full plates but not overly so, and we had a huge bill for the lackluster food. Greasy, low seasoned, and overcooked where the words of the day. From the baby back ribs to the clam strips, clam chowder, clam cakes, and shrimp, nothing lived up to the famous George's of Galilee name.
When speaking with friends that travel to the beach area often, they reported the same exact thing. George's of Galilee has fallen out of favor with locals. There are plenty of folks to line up at the beach front window for a quick lunch on a hot day. There are plenty of summer visitors to keep the place going strong but those that know, know! Pick another fresh seafood place on the Galilee strip. I've heard Aunt Carrie's in Point Judith is now the place to eat. I've never been there. I am going to try it!
To the management at George's, please do not rest on your reputation and location! Bring back the flavorful food that gives credit to the waters right outside your door that provides that tasty bounty. And do it at reasonable prices. Stay true to your roots and you will once again be the special must not miss summer spot!
My last visit was a severe disappointment. George's interior has not changed much over the years. Typical sea-fare decor, almost cheesy but comforting like visiting grandma's never changing home. You know what to expect and it never fails to give one a sense of continuity. The food, however, failed to live up to the once famous standards.
First, for fresh from the ocean seafood, it was a little on the expensive side. For a place so family friendly that also serves food from a beach front window to folks wearing flip flops and bathing suits, you don't expect to go in and pay about $16 per plate. Even appetizers were about $1 to $2 more on average than most sit down family restaurants. I know it's on the beach but with kids that only pick at a meal, $10 for a burger plate is getting high. We were six in our party and not a single dish stood out as exceptional, portions were full plates but not overly so, and we had a huge bill for the lackluster food. Greasy, low seasoned, and overcooked where the words of the day. From the baby back ribs to the clam strips, clam chowder, clam cakes, and shrimp, nothing lived up to the famous George's of Galilee name.
When speaking with friends that travel to the beach area often, they reported the same exact thing. George's of Galilee has fallen out of favor with locals. There are plenty of folks to line up at the beach front window for a quick lunch on a hot day. There are plenty of summer visitors to keep the place going strong but those that know, know! Pick another fresh seafood place on the Galilee strip. I've heard Aunt Carrie's in Point Judith is now the place to eat. I've never been there. I am going to try it!
To the management at George's, please do not rest on your reputation and location! Bring back the flavorful food that gives credit to the waters right outside your door that provides that tasty bounty. And do it at reasonable prices. Stay true to your roots and you will once again be the special must not miss summer spot!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Diamond Hill Vineyard
Yesterday, I was whisked away for one of those "this is something we've never done" yet is only 20 minutes from where we live adventures. I was taken to Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland, RI.
I have to admit that I did not hold super high hopes for this vineyard. They specialize in creating custom label wines to give out as favors for weddings and other festive occasions. I remember having some 20years ago that did not impress me at all. Was this due to my lack of wine experience at the time or have they gotten better over time, crafting wines that suit today's wine lover? I can not say. I've had no experience with their wines in all that time.
As we drove there, we took the turn where we saw the sign. This took us down a windy dirt road into the woods. It was surprisingly quaint. When we arrived, parking lot was small, the house looked old, but the grounds were well kept. On closer inspection, the house had that wonderfully charming appearance of being around so long, it is part of the landscape. Overhanging trees, stone steps that look like they were since the beginning of time, worn paths, lush plants all around the porch. Turns out that the house is 200 yrs old and they have over 30 acres of land while the vineyard was established in 1976. An incredible little jewel of a place that needs to be discovered by more wine lovers!
Inside was a small room for sales and tasting. There were a few wine lover trinkets, a few cheeses/crackers/food items, and racks for the wines. Our host was very pleasant and knowledgeable. The tasting is free and we were able to sample all the wines available.
We started with the Pinot Noir which is a favorite varietal of mine. This one is aged for one year in oak and then cellared for an additional two years. This gave the pinot noir an added layer of complexity but less fruitiness than others I have sampled. Very dry but I liked it.
The Scarlet Run, he said was a Merlot. It was unlike any merlot I have ever had. I wonder if it is a blend. It does not state the grapes used on the bottle. In any case, it was much more full bodied with less tannins and less dry than most merlot's I've sampled. It was unique enough to warrant a purchase and I think would be a great intro into reds for those who want to venture into stronger/less sweet wines.
The River Valley White was a Chardonnay blend. It is unoaked, with steel barrel processing. It was light, crisp, and clean but unremarkable. But I realize that others might like it better. I prefer my chardonnays to be oaked because I find them to be flat without it.
The Cranberry-Apple was another big hit. Some fruit wines taste like the fruit, some don't. This one does taste like cranberries and apples. A nice blend. Just enough tart and just enough sweet. Great for summer or even better with turkey dinner, I suspect. Yes, we bought this one too!
The Blueberry wine was another wine that tasted as the name suggested: blueberries. I've had several from dry to semi-dry to sweet. This one is on the sweet side. I think that it is one of those great party wines that almost everyone can enjoy because it is like having a spiked juice. I believe it would be great for spritzers as well.
The Blackberry wine was another full bodied, great fruity, and dessert like sweet wine with just a hint of that blackberry bitter to keep it from feeling like your teeth would fall out if you drank too much. Wonderful! Another great party wine, sangria mixer, or spritzer mixer. Our third bottle bought!
The Peach wine tasted more like apricots which I happen to like. It was light and not as full bodied as the blackberry or blueberry but tasty none the less. My partner in crime did not enjoy it but I would definitely take it to a picnic, bbq, or other summer event where something lighter would be enjoyed.
Finally, the Spiced Apple. Almost like apple pie in a glass. They recommend serving it warm with a little brown sugar in the winter. Yum. I think I will try it when the fall rolls around.
The wines were reasonably priced ranging from $12.50-$25. People can sit out on the porch with a picnic lunch with wines being sold by the glass or bottle. They let people host garden parties under a tent in season. I will be going back. We have plans to invite some friends to have lunch there one sunny summer afternoon. Even better is having fresh locally produced wines within close driving range that we can share with family and friends. And to think that this treasure was so close by all along. I want to spread the word but not so much as to spoil the quite and relaxing atmosphere that was also a part of my positive experience at Diamond Hill Vineyard. Currently they are open for tastings Thurs-Sat 12-5p or Sundays 11a-3p.
I have to admit that I did not hold super high hopes for this vineyard. They specialize in creating custom label wines to give out as favors for weddings and other festive occasions. I remember having some 20years ago that did not impress me at all. Was this due to my lack of wine experience at the time or have they gotten better over time, crafting wines that suit today's wine lover? I can not say. I've had no experience with their wines in all that time.
As we drove there, we took the turn where we saw the sign. This took us down a windy dirt road into the woods. It was surprisingly quaint. When we arrived, parking lot was small, the house looked old, but the grounds were well kept. On closer inspection, the house had that wonderfully charming appearance of being around so long, it is part of the landscape. Overhanging trees, stone steps that look like they were since the beginning of time, worn paths, lush plants all around the porch. Turns out that the house is 200 yrs old and they have over 30 acres of land while the vineyard was established in 1976. An incredible little jewel of a place that needs to be discovered by more wine lovers!
Inside was a small room for sales and tasting. There were a few wine lover trinkets, a few cheeses/crackers/food items, and racks for the wines. Our host was very pleasant and knowledgeable. The tasting is free and we were able to sample all the wines available.
We started with the Pinot Noir which is a favorite varietal of mine. This one is aged for one year in oak and then cellared for an additional two years. This gave the pinot noir an added layer of complexity but less fruitiness than others I have sampled. Very dry but I liked it.
The Scarlet Run, he said was a Merlot. It was unlike any merlot I have ever had. I wonder if it is a blend. It does not state the grapes used on the bottle. In any case, it was much more full bodied with less tannins and less dry than most merlot's I've sampled. It was unique enough to warrant a purchase and I think would be a great intro into reds for those who want to venture into stronger/less sweet wines.
The River Valley White was a Chardonnay blend. It is unoaked, with steel barrel processing. It was light, crisp, and clean but unremarkable. But I realize that others might like it better. I prefer my chardonnays to be oaked because I find them to be flat without it.
The Cranberry-Apple was another big hit. Some fruit wines taste like the fruit, some don't. This one does taste like cranberries and apples. A nice blend. Just enough tart and just enough sweet. Great for summer or even better with turkey dinner, I suspect. Yes, we bought this one too!
The Blueberry wine was another wine that tasted as the name suggested: blueberries. I've had several from dry to semi-dry to sweet. This one is on the sweet side. I think that it is one of those great party wines that almost everyone can enjoy because it is like having a spiked juice. I believe it would be great for spritzers as well.
The Blackberry wine was another full bodied, great fruity, and dessert like sweet wine with just a hint of that blackberry bitter to keep it from feeling like your teeth would fall out if you drank too much. Wonderful! Another great party wine, sangria mixer, or spritzer mixer. Our third bottle bought!
The Peach wine tasted more like apricots which I happen to like. It was light and not as full bodied as the blackberry or blueberry but tasty none the less. My partner in crime did not enjoy it but I would definitely take it to a picnic, bbq, or other summer event where something lighter would be enjoyed.
Finally, the Spiced Apple. Almost like apple pie in a glass. They recommend serving it warm with a little brown sugar in the winter. Yum. I think I will try it when the fall rolls around.
The wines were reasonably priced ranging from $12.50-$25. People can sit out on the porch with a picnic lunch with wines being sold by the glass or bottle. They let people host garden parties under a tent in season. I will be going back. We have plans to invite some friends to have lunch there one sunny summer afternoon. Even better is having fresh locally produced wines within close driving range that we can share with family and friends. And to think that this treasure was so close by all along. I want to spread the word but not so much as to spoil the quite and relaxing atmosphere that was also a part of my positive experience at Diamond Hill Vineyard. Currently they are open for tastings Thurs-Sat 12-5p or Sundays 11a-3p.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Our House Bistro
While traveling to Vermont to visit the Lake Champlain area, I had the very fortunate luck to venture into Winooski and found Our House Bistro.
It was a cool April night and Our House offered "twisted comfort food" which sounded both inviting and unusual. Our House is small, only offering a few tables and a bar that seats about 10 people max. but it was packed with a wait list on the Friday night we were there. The decor is shabby/eclectic chic which fits very well with the food theme.
Twisted Comfort Food is exactly as it sounds. They take simple home-cooked and restaurant favorites like meatloaf, macaroni-n-cheese, calamari, and more and add a new spin on old favorites. Meatloaf comes stuffed sun dried tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Their calamari is breaded cuttlefish. They use Vermont cheddar in several of the dishes. And if you don't want to try something more adventurous, you can get 1/2 lb hamburgers made to order or simple salads.
I ordered the Irish egg rolls. This was fried corned beef with sauerkraut and cheddar cheese in a won ton wrap with a tasty side sauce. It was like having a warm Reuben sandwich in a crunchy wrap. Excellent! Also sampled was a special french onion soup and the lamb meatloaf. Portions were generous and hit the spot without going overboard. Presentation of the food was nice but not supper fancy. The drinks were well made. Prices ranged from $6-13 for apps and $11-25 for main courses. I feel it was a good price for the quality and portions.
It is a place I would recommend and revisit if given the chance.
It was a cool April night and Our House offered "twisted comfort food" which sounded both inviting and unusual. Our House is small, only offering a few tables and a bar that seats about 10 people max. but it was packed with a wait list on the Friday night we were there. The decor is shabby/eclectic chic which fits very well with the food theme.
Twisted Comfort Food is exactly as it sounds. They take simple home-cooked and restaurant favorites like meatloaf, macaroni-n-cheese, calamari, and more and add a new spin on old favorites. Meatloaf comes stuffed sun dried tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Their calamari is breaded cuttlefish. They use Vermont cheddar in several of the dishes. And if you don't want to try something more adventurous, you can get 1/2 lb hamburgers made to order or simple salads.
I ordered the Irish egg rolls. This was fried corned beef with sauerkraut and cheddar cheese in a won ton wrap with a tasty side sauce. It was like having a warm Reuben sandwich in a crunchy wrap. Excellent! Also sampled was a special french onion soup and the lamb meatloaf. Portions were generous and hit the spot without going overboard. Presentation of the food was nice but not supper fancy. The drinks were well made. Prices ranged from $6-13 for apps and $11-25 for main courses. I feel it was a good price for the quality and portions.
It is a place I would recommend and revisit if given the chance.
Welcome!
Welcome to New England Eats, your reliable source for reviews of restaurants, food events, vineyards, and other tasty treats that can be found in the New England area. As I travel across the region, I will offer reviews of the places and events I visit.
I have no formal training in the culinary arts but I have spent several decades enjoying all the flavors that life has to offer. My reviews are honest, unpretenious, and are useful for the casual diner to foodie fantatics.
Bon Appetit!
I have no formal training in the culinary arts but I have spent several decades enjoying all the flavors that life has to offer. My reviews are honest, unpretenious, and are useful for the casual diner to foodie fantatics.
Bon Appetit!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)