| REVIEWS |
| A GREAT CUPPA JOE |
| It's probably a good thing that I don't live near Jarvis Street in Fort Erie or I would be a permanent fixture in the Coffee Culture. Its centre entrance between two large display windows invites local coffee lovers to embrace and enjoy the culture of coffee and its importance in the daily lives of many North Americans. The layout is similar to others in the chain, billed as a "European style café and eatery." Well, if this is "European-style." I'm definitely a fan. Lots of pastries and goodies to look at while waiting to order from a very friendly and efficient barista (now there's an interesting new title in coffee-lovers' lexicons.) And booths! Oh, how I love booths. So roomy; you can put your purse, packages next to you and still have room for your coat and other stuff. There were booths near the big windows in front and others in the centre of the room. Other seating consisted of comfy easy chairs with a coffee table between them. In the back of the restaurant was a gas fireplace with a big screen television above, surrounded by more easy chairs and a larger coffee table. One could hold a small meeting in the rear of Coffee Culture. Back to the counter and we noticed that there were four soups available and numerous sandwiches in addition to the sweets in the display cases. A large coffee was prepared and served in a huge white coffee cup that did not slop over as we made our way to the booth at the front window. (Okay, I didn't just get coffee; I also ordered a turnover - delicious.) My companion had a bagel and cream cheese. Very good, according to her. But it was the coffee that hooked me. Best cuppa joe I've had in a restaurant in years. Far surpasses the old standby Tim Horton's. And it was reasonable. Next time, I will go for lunch, which we were told is a very busy time at the shop. We were there sometime after 2:00 pm but there was still a steady stream e-out Coffee Culture takes a popular drink/pastime and makes it an even more enjoyable experience. Anyone who has suffered from the hard, deliberately uncomfortable seating in their local Tim's, would definitely enjoy the comfortable, stay-awhile ambiance of Fort Erie's newest coffee shop. Open daily at 6:30 am until late evening. Yay! No Drive-Thru! |
| Where else to go on a night with bone chilling, record cold, than to a place that will warm one’s heart ? Friday night, Stosh and Stella enjoyed a wonderful meal, some great music, and saw some dear friends at The Crystal Chandelier. Starting with Carol and company’s fabulous, home made turkey soup, followed by a crisp, mixed green salad with a flicker of black beans, Stella opted for the seafood entrée, while I went for some “comfort food”… ala meatloaf dinner. The “ seafood platter”, made up of breaded cod fillets, coconut shrimp, and pan fried scallops served with potato wedges and fresh snap peas on the side was, according to Stella… delectable, delightful, and delicious !!! Fortunately for me, the portions were large so I too was able to enjoy some this wonderful dish (the entrée… not Stella). My plate was overflowing with meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and was also accompanied with those incredibly fresh snap peas. On such a bitter cold night I couldn't’ have ordered a better meal to “warm the cockles of the heart”. Truly a meal to satisfy any man spending most of his Friday shoveling snow. Following our meal , as if on cue, we were treated to the R & B sound of “Too Blue”. Featuring a saxophone, Hammond organ, drums and a fabulous lady singing from her soul, the band made for a fine, fat free dessert. As a former “polka band” drummer I have always enjoyed the intimacy “The Chandelier” offers for a night of music. The atmosphere of the club is, as stated, intimate, but also just plain FRIENDLY. Carol, Janis, and Julie make you feel as though you are being entertained in their homes while at this divine dinner club. The Crystal Chandelier is located at Ridgeway Road South and Erie Road and offers a good range of fine foods served in a uniquely decorated bistro . Having dined there many times and planning on doing so again very soon, we sincerely hope to see you at The Chandelier! |
| Located at 423 Derby Rd. (corner of Erie Rd.) Crystal Beach's newest eatery is up and running. Featuring a wonderful and wide ranging menu, from appetizers to home made desserts, and everything in between, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds. Just tonight, my wife and I were greeted at the door by our lovely hostess Sue. After a pleasant hello, we were promptly seated at our table and before you knew it, our server Leah, was taking our order. I'm not sure who was more excited about this "unofficial" opening night, Leah or us ? After ordering we were able to take in the beautiful décor of this completely refurbished restaurant. Tastefully decorated and with very comfortable seating, immediately our attention was drawn to the digital picture viewer placed on the window ledge next to our table. Pictures of the amusement park, the beach, imagines of days gone by, people and streetscapes, were magically scrolled by the device's viewing program. |
| Our soup and appetizer appeared. Not in the picture frame but on our table. Dubbed "Wicked Thai", the soup de jour was AWESOME ! With just enough spice… to make it mighty nice, it was the perfect choice for a cold Friday night. Now to the Pecan Crusted Shrimp appetizer. Served on a skewer,accompanied with a delicious dipping sauce, we enjoyed this tasty South Sea inspiration while again viewing the delightful photo montage. My wife described our appetizer as "a circus on your tongue"… indeed it was. For our entrees, Pam ordered Grilled Sausage & Peppers Linguini while I went for a full rack of BBQ Ribs with Onion Rings. Stella really enjoyed her linguini dish. The wonderfully fresh roasted green & red peppers were complemented by a divine red sauce that made for a great meal. That's coming from a girl born of an Italian mother who rarely orders, much less really enjoys Italian dishes, not made in her own kitchen. The ribs you ask ?..... YEAH BABY !!! Served over those onion rings, smothered with a delightfully sweet & sloppy sauce, and a portion large enough to bust my belly…I was in "hog heaven". (Get it ? Ribs…Hog heaven ?) OK enough bad humor. Do yourself a favor and indulge your taste buds with a visit to "The South Coast Cookhouse". Hey they even serve up a "take out" menu. Pizza, wings, burgers. Actually the whole menu is available for on the go. Give `em a call at 905.894.7037 See You At THE SOUTH COAST COOKHOUSE !!! |