July 28, 2003
Columbus Inn 2216 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE 19806 (302) 571-1492
Strengths: The decor is very warm and inviting. We were promptly greeted at the door and seated. Our dishes were prepared attentively, nicely presented and were delicious. We had the cheesesteak with hot sauce and jalapenos, the spinach salad, the grilled salmon and the salad with seared angus beef and goat cheese. The menu was varied and appealing. Moderately priced +.
Service: Good although slow for lunch time. Only one waitress was on hand to serve all the lunchtime patrons. One more waitress would have made a big difference.
Could use Improvement: See "Service" above.
Turn Off’s: None.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Parking: Plenty
Reviewer: REI4
Saturday, July 26, 2003
July 26, 2003 Sullivan's Steakhouse 5525 Concord Pk, Wilmington, DE (302) 479-7970
Strengths: Food. The quality of steaks, their preparation and accompanying dishes are second to none. I would rate this restaurant as the signature steakhouse in Delaware. As good if not better than restaurants I visited in on the strip in Las Vegas, for those of you who have been there. A beautiful and plentiful wine cellar with a sommelier to help with our choice of wine.
Service: Plenty of staff and all professionally trained. We were well attended, in just the right measure. The patron is definitely #1 at Sullivan's.
Could use Improvement: It's a very popular restaurants as I can certainly understand and it gets filled very quickly. It was already full at 6:30 p.m. on a Saturday evening. However, we felt slightly pressured to eat faster than we would have intended. Our waiter followed our dining pace after a while.
Turn Off’s: None.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Parking: Plenty
Reviewer: REI4
Strengths: Food. The quality of steaks, their preparation and accompanying dishes are second to none. I would rate this restaurant as the signature steakhouse in Delaware. As good if not better than restaurants I visited in on the strip in Las Vegas, for those of you who have been there. A beautiful and plentiful wine cellar with a sommelier to help with our choice of wine.
Service: Plenty of staff and all professionally trained. We were well attended, in just the right measure. The patron is definitely #1 at Sullivan's.
Could use Improvement: It's a very popular restaurants as I can certainly understand and it gets filled very quickly. It was already full at 6:30 p.m. on a Saturday evening. However, we felt slightly pressured to eat faster than we would have intended. Our waiter followed our dining pace after a while.
Turn Off’s: None.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Parking: Plenty
Reviewer: REI4
7-26-2003 The Wilmington/Christiana Hilton, 302 454 1500, 100 Continental Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Strengths: My omlette, et. al. [shore did!] was very nicely done.
Service: Alas, my water glass wasn't refilled. Otherwise it would have been fine.
Could use Improvement: The vinyl booth seats should be replaced for a better material.
Turn Off’s: None.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Strengths: My omlette, et. al. [shore did!] was very nicely done.
Service: Alas, my water glass wasn't refilled. Otherwise it would have been fine.
Could use Improvement: The vinyl booth seats should be replaced for a better material.
Turn Off’s: None.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
7-25-2003 Vincente's Restaurant, (302) 652-5142, 1601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE
Strengths: The steak was as good as it gets. I was very pleased with the flavor, consistency, and seasoning. The crab meat was generous and first rate.
Service: Service was very good, although we will definitely have to go back again. Just one visit hardly meets scientific methodology.
Could use Improvement: To compete with the finest restaurants, Vencente's will have to develop a refinement that has yet eluded it.
Turn Off’s: There was a feint musty odor. Perhaps the carpet, or the air conditioning should be looked at as the culprit.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Strengths: The steak was as good as it gets. I was very pleased with the flavor, consistency, and seasoning. The crab meat was generous and first rate.
Service: Service was very good, although we will definitely have to go back again. Just one visit hardly meets scientific methodology.
Could use Improvement: To compete with the finest restaurants, Vencente's will have to develop a refinement that has yet eluded it.
Turn Off’s: There was a feint musty odor. Perhaps the carpet, or the air conditioning should be looked at as the culprit.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
7-15-2003 Klondike Kates, (302) 737-6100, 158 E. Main Street, Newark, DE
Strengths: Decent food for a student bar.
Service: Service was very nice.
Could use Improvement: The place could stand a good scrubbing, and a few of the tables could be leveled.
Turn OffÂ’s: None
Handicap Accessibility: Poor.
Reviewer: REI1
Strengths: Decent food for a student bar.
Service: Service was very nice.
Could use Improvement: The place could stand a good scrubbing, and a few of the tables could be leveled.
Turn OffÂ’s: None
Handicap Accessibility: Poor.
Reviewer: REI1
7-13-2003 Michaels Restaurant & Pub, (302) 368-4230, 1000 Churchmans Rd, Newark, DE 19713
Strengths: Once again, the best buffet in town. The prime rib was perfect.
Service: Service was nicely done. We were pleased.
Could use Improvement: If they could find a way to offer such good food and good service at less than the $17.95 per person price, it would be an improvement. But I dare say it is not likely.
Turn Off’s: The mandatory tip for large parties does not lend to my process of giving good tips for good service. But I know why they have that policy. And so do you.
Handicap Accessibility: Very Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Strengths: Once again, the best buffet in town. The prime rib was perfect.
Service: Service was nicely done. We were pleased.
Could use Improvement: If they could find a way to offer such good food and good service at less than the $17.95 per person price, it would be an improvement. But I dare say it is not likely.
Turn Off’s: The mandatory tip for large parties does not lend to my process of giving good tips for good service. But I know why they have that policy. And so do you.
Handicap Accessibility: Very Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Friday, July 11, 2003
7/11/03 -Red Lobster, 309 ROCKY RUN PARKWAY TALLEYVILLE DE 19803
(302) 479-5582
Strengths: The menu was varied and allowed significant flexibility for you to build your own platter. The seafood was good, especially the grilled salmon.
Service: We were nicely assisted. He went above and beyond... to precisely what I would seek in service.
Could use Improvement: The oyster appetizer was weak, mainly because of very small oysters.
Turn Off’s: At first, I thought there was nowhere to park. The lot in front of this row of restaurants was completely filled. I was just about to park in an adjacent shopping center when I noticed a huge empty lot BEHIND the restaurant. Several previous times I have changed my mind about eating there because of the look of the front lot. If I had only known... which means... if they would only make it more well known.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
(302) 479-5582
Strengths: The menu was varied and allowed significant flexibility for you to build your own platter. The seafood was good, especially the grilled salmon.
Service: We were nicely assisted. He went above and beyond... to precisely what I would seek in service.
Could use Improvement: The oyster appetizer was weak, mainly because of very small oysters.
Turn Off’s: At first, I thought there was nowhere to park. The lot in front of this row of restaurants was completely filled. I was just about to park in an adjacent shopping center when I noticed a huge empty lot BEHIND the restaurant. Several previous times I have changed my mind about eating there because of the look of the front lot. If I had only known... which means... if they would only make it more well known.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Sunday, July 06, 2003
7/6/03 -Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, 1323 Churchmans Rd, Newark, Delaware 19713
Strengths: Bugaboo Creek puts out a consistently good plate of steak. I hesitate to even mention it, but it is one of the few steak houses around at which I haven't experienced an hour wait for a table. I don't know why.
Service: On this visit it was wonderful. Lu Lu really out did herself. Thank you.
Could use Improvement: Could work on accessorizing the steaks a little better. Not for my tastes mind you, but for general appeal.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Strengths: Bugaboo Creek puts out a consistently good plate of steak. I hesitate to even mention it, but it is one of the few steak houses around at which I haven't experienced an hour wait for a table. I don't know why.
Service: On this visit it was wonderful. Lu Lu really out did herself. Thank you.
Could use Improvement: Could work on accessorizing the steaks a little better. Not for my tastes mind you, but for general appeal.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
6/21/03 -Bob Evans Restaurant, (302) 369-3122, 404 Eagle Run Rd, Newark, DE 19702
Strengths: Bob's has a consistently good menu with variety and with new additions every so often. Not just your traditional pancake house.
Service: On this visit it was picture perfect! Prior visits were very good.
Could use Improvement: Double the size and open around the clock, so that I don't have to get up at 6am to get a table.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Strengths: Bob's has a consistently good menu with variety and with new additions every so often. Not just your traditional pancake house.
Service: On this visit it was picture perfect! Prior visits were very good.
Could use Improvement: Double the size and open around the clock, so that I don't have to get up at 6am to get a table.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Thursday, March 20, 2003
12/8/02 -Blue Coat Inn, 800 N State St Dover, DE,(302) 674-1776
Strengths: The Blue Coat Inn has a very nice location, with beautiful views of Silver Lake. My several last visits to the Blue Coat Inn all have one thing in common... they made us wish the Dinner Bell was still in business. The food at the Blue Coat was just fair, but priced as a higher end restaurant. They just didn't keep their end up.
Service: Truck-Stop style, but not as good. "Honey" this, and "Sugar" that, from the tatooed server while I had to vigorously work to get her to clear the table between courses and bring us more drinks. I shouldn't have to work up a sweat trying to get service.
Could use Improvement: It is broke. Fix it.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Fair
Reviewer: REI1
Strengths: The Blue Coat Inn has a very nice location, with beautiful views of Silver Lake. My several last visits to the Blue Coat Inn all have one thing in common... they made us wish the Dinner Bell was still in business. The food at the Blue Coat was just fair, but priced as a higher end restaurant. They just didn't keep their end up.
Service: Truck-Stop style, but not as good. "Honey" this, and "Sugar" that, from the tatooed server while I had to vigorously work to get her to clear the table between courses and bring us more drinks. I shouldn't have to work up a sweat trying to get service.
Could use Improvement: It is broke. Fix it.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Fair
Reviewer: REI1
Sunday, November 24, 2002
11/24/02 CAFFE GELATO 90 E. Main St. (302) 738-5811
Strengths: I have had about 6 meals at Caffe Gelato. All have been very good. This morning's brunch was no exception. I had an omlette and grits that have never seen the South of my youth. It was a dramatically different taste, of Italy I suppose. I thoroughly enjoyed it. But beware, this is NOT granny's cookin (unless your granny is from the boot).
Service: Excellent. Normally the one aspect of service that I notice the most, is how they keep up with the drinks. We had to waive off staff... and tell them... "enough"! [this is a good thing]
Could use Improvement: It ain't broke. Don't fix it.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Adequate.
Reviewer: REI1
11/24/02 CAFFE GELATO 90 E. Main St. (302) 738-5811
Strengths: I have had about 6 meals at Caffe Gelato. All have been very good. This morning's brunch was no exception. I had an omlette and grits that have never seen the South of my youth. It was a dramatically different taste, of Italy I suppose. I thoroughly enjoyed it. But beware, this is NOT granny's cookin (unless your granny is from the boot).
Service: Excellent. Normally the one aspect of service that I notice the most, is how they keep up with the drinks. We had to waive off staff... and tell them... "enough"! [this is a good thing]
Could use Improvement: It ain't broke. Don't fix it.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Adequate.
Reviewer: REI1
Thursday, November 21, 2002
11/20/02 Don Pablos Restaurant, 600 Center Boulevard, Newark, DE 19702 302-737-3984 http://donpablos.com/home/p_home.cfm
Strengths: Don Pablos is a nice place to eat near the mall. We have visited Don Pablos on a dozen or more occassions. Their menu is sufficient and their quality is consistent. Good Guacamole and Wednesday night specials on fajitas!
Service: Very Good. Yes, definitely very good.
Could use Improvement: The architecture lends itself to echos and noise. This won't be changed. Just be prepared for it.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Very Good.
Reviewer: REI1
11/20/02 Don Pablos Restaurant, 600 Center Boulevard, Newark, DE 19702 302-737-3984 http://donpablos.com/home/p_home.cfm
Strengths: Don Pablos is a nice place to eat near the mall. We have visited Don Pablos on a dozen or more occassions. Their menu is sufficient and their quality is consistent. Good Guacamole and Wednesday night specials on fajitas!
Service: Very Good. Yes, definitely very good.
Could use Improvement: The architecture lends itself to echos and noise. This won't be changed. Just be prepared for it.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Very Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
11/17/02 Timothy's - Newark, Papermill Road
Strengths: This is usually a good place to go, for ribs, or chicken sandwiches. Clean facility.
Service: Very Good.
Could use Improvement: See Below
Turn Off’s: My wife and I arrived after the Eagles game for some ribs. Upon ordering we discovered that Ribs were on special on Sundays – ALL YOU CAN EAT! We were in tall clover. The first half rack was Timothy’s usual very good ribs. When the second half rack arrived – in a timely manner I might add – they were almost inedible. The first half rack was juicy, meaty, with just enough fat so it almost fell off the bone. The second rack, my wife’s, and mine were both the same – tough, dry and they even had a different sauce! Did they do this intentionally to make us eat less? All we could eat of the second half rack was none! Rate Timothy’s a 1 [out of 10]this night. Very disappointing.
Handicap Accessibility: Good. Parking is not immediately adjacent, but not too far.
Reviewer: REI3
Saturday, November 16, 2002
11/15/02 La Casa Pasta http://www.lacasapasta.com/ Route 896 - Four Seasons Shopping Center - Newark, DE 19702 302-738-9935 - Fax:302-738-3441
Strengths: This is our favorite Italian Restaurant. It is our place for special nights out with the spouse. The cuisine is mouth watering and dependable. On this occasion we had a business associate with us from Italy who very much enjoyed talking with the proprietors and customizing our meal for us. We ate and we ate and we ate. The wine list is very nice.
Service: I find the service here to be not only flawless, but enjoyable as well. It adds nicely to a truly memorable dining experience.
Could use Improvement: Nope.
Turn Off’s: Nothing.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
11/15/02 La Casa Pasta http://www.lacasapasta.com/ Route 896 - Four Seasons Shopping Center - Newark, DE 19702 302-738-9935 - Fax:302-738-3441
Strengths: This is our favorite Italian Restaurant. It is our place for special nights out with the spouse. The cuisine is mouth watering and dependable. On this occasion we had a business associate with us from Italy who very much enjoyed talking with the proprietors and customizing our meal for us. We ate and we ate and we ate. The wine list is very nice.
Service: I find the service here to be not only flawless, but enjoyable as well. It adds nicely to a truly memorable dining experience.
Could use Improvement: Nope.
Turn Off’s: Nothing.
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
11/14/02 China Buffet, Glendale Plaza, 1136 Pulaski Hwy (rte. 40), Bear, DE 19701
Strengths: On this follow-up visit, we found that the moderate pricing, the variety of the menu and the overall cleanliness remain the strengths of this establishment.
Service: Service however, on this one occasion was unpleasant. Our server was flippant and dismissive. It spoiled our experience. On an up note, they did for the first time get the drinks right.
Could use Improvement: Attitude.
Turn Off’s:
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Tuesday, November 12, 2002
11/11/02 Mikasa, 3602 Kirkwood Highway, 302-995-8905, Wilmington DE.
Strengths: On this follow-up visit to Mikasa, we were impressed with the hearty miso soup. Their primary strength remains their affordability.
Service: Pleasant and courteous. I think the service has improved since my last memory. The teamwork aspect of the servers was evident. It is nice to go to a place where you are remembered, even your favorite menu choices.
Could use Improvement: I tried their ultimate... Sushi Heaven entre (I think it is intended for groups). It was ok, but I will stick to the basics in the future. If Mikasa could just get their sushi a day or so more fresh... they could compete with the quality of Mikimoto's and Utage.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Appeared to be fairly good access to the dining room. Restroom access, however, appeared doubtful. Reviewer: REI1
11/11/02 Mikasa, 3602 Kirkwood Highway, 302-995-8905, Wilmington DE.
Strengths: On this follow-up visit to Mikasa, we were impressed with the hearty miso soup. Their primary strength remains their affordability.
Service: Pleasant and courteous. I think the service has improved since my last memory. The teamwork aspect of the servers was evident. It is nice to go to a place where you are remembered, even your favorite menu choices.
Could use Improvement: I tried their ultimate... Sushi Heaven entre (I think it is intended for groups). It was ok, but I will stick to the basics in the future. If Mikasa could just get their sushi a day or so more fresh... they could compete with the quality of Mikimoto's and Utage.
Turn Off’s: none.
Handicap Accessibility: Appeared to be fairly good access to the dining room. Restroom access, however, appeared doubtful. Reviewer: REI1
Thursday, October 31, 2002
10/25/02 Ciao' Pizza and Pasta 270 University Shopping Center, Newark, DE 19702 302-738-6810
Strengths: This is my favorite Pizza and Pasta takeout spot. And nice to stop by for a slice. The staff seem to be very consistent, which adds to the quality of the food. The food is very good.
Service: They do have a seating area, but I suggest it only for snacks or a quick lunch. The servers are pretty good.
Could use Improvement: I would really love it if they would start up delivery. But if you get delivery, you will miss the charm of the place, and the view and aromas of their many menu items.
Turn Off’s:
Handicap Accessibility: Access appears tight to me, through the entrance.
Reviewer: REI1
10/25/02 Ciao' Pizza and Pasta 270 University Shopping Center, Newark, DE 19702 302-738-6810
Strengths: This is my favorite Pizza and Pasta takeout spot. And nice to stop by for a slice. The staff seem to be very consistent, which adds to the quality of the food. The food is very good.
Service: They do have a seating area, but I suggest it only for snacks or a quick lunch. The servers are pretty good.
Could use Improvement: I would really love it if they would start up delivery. But if you get delivery, you will miss the charm of the place, and the view and aromas of their many menu items.
Turn Off’s:
Handicap Accessibility: Access appears tight to me, through the entrance.
Reviewer: REI1
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
10/28/02 Italian Bistro, 4301 Kirkwood Hwy,Wilmington, DE (302) 996-0700.
Strengths: The reviewer found Italian Bistro to be clean, comfortable, and kid approved. The price range was reasonable ($13). Shrimp ravioli is recommended for those with that inclination.
Service: Service was excellent on this visit.
Could use Improvement: Nothing noted for improvement.
Turn Off’s:
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI2
10/28/02 Italian Bistro, 4301 Kirkwood Hwy,Wilmington, DE (302) 996-0700.
Strengths: The reviewer found Italian Bistro to be clean, comfortable, and kid approved. The price range was reasonable ($13). Shrimp ravioli is recommended for those with that inclination.
Service: Service was excellent on this visit.
Could use Improvement: Nothing noted for improvement.
Turn Off’s:
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI2
Monday, October 28, 2002
10/26/02 TGI Friday's 650 South College Ave. Newark, DE 19713 (302) 737-3700.
Strengths: Fridays has a tasty menu selection, with variety. They are a long time family favorite.
Service: Was good this time, and usually so.
Could use Improvement: If it aint broke, don't fix it. It aint broke.
Turn Off’s:
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
10/26/02 TGI Friday's 650 South College Ave. Newark, DE 19713 (302) 737-3700.
Strengths: Fridays has a tasty menu selection, with variety. They are a long time family favorite.
Service: Was good this time, and usually so.
Could use Improvement: If it aint broke, don't fix it. It aint broke.
Turn Off’s:
Handicap Accessibility: Good.
Reviewer: REI1
Sunday, October 27, 2002
10/27/02 Friendly's 185 Elkton Rd, Newark, DE 19711 302-453-9775
Strengths: Friendly's, at this location, is a fairly good spot for a family meal, or just a meal. The food quality has been consistently good for the 23 years that I have been haunting the place.
Service: Slow, but friendly. Did I mention slow?
Could use Improvement: In case you missed it above, it is too slow. You should get a table before you get hungry.
Turn Off’s:
Handicap Accessibility: Fair.
Reviewer: REI1
10/27/02 Friendly's 185 Elkton Rd, Newark, DE 19711 302-453-9775
Strengths: Friendly's, at this location, is a fairly good spot for a family meal, or just a meal. The food quality has been consistently good for the 23 years that I have been haunting the place.
Service: Slow, but friendly. Did I mention slow?
Could use Improvement: In case you missed it above, it is too slow. You should get a table before you get hungry.
Turn Off’s:
Handicap Accessibility: Fair.
Reviewer: REI1
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