Aladdin’s Natural Eatery, Pittsford, NY

Vegetarian Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.

Meet and Greet
The last time we came here, this location was under construction. This time we are happy to report it was fully back to its original glory. Of course, it should have been since summer kicked off a few months ago!

We were immediately greeted at the door and sat inside. We could have opted to sit outside as it was a spectacular day and eating with an Erie Canal view is an experience in itself, but as we had just completed almost 25 miles of bike riding on the canal, we opted to eat inside.

Mise en Scène
We were sat on the ground level (which is on the same level as the Erie Canal) at a cozy table for two. Since I don’t remember sitting down here before the remodel took place, I can’t comment on the changes, though I can say since our last visit, with the upstairs inside and outside sitting areas functionable, it was very spacious.

We are glad it is a casual eatery. Since we had been biking, entering and enjoying our time here in our biking clothing, we did not feel under dressed or out of place at all. In fact, if you decide to take a long bike ride on the Erie Canal, I suggest you stop in here for a quick pick-me-up.

We did use the restrooms. I was surprised with the renovations that the downstairs bathroom did not have a functioning lock. I did use then decide to use the restroom upstairs. Both were clean, but the upstairs room more comfortable with the functioning lock.

Choosing a Veggie Treat
There are plenty of vegetarian options at this restaurant. I have always loved this restaurant and opted for the vegetarian options, even when I was first introduced to this restaurant in Ithaca, New York in 1994 when I was not yet a converted vegetarian! And, today with the weather being nice and sultry and our bike ride keeping us quite toasty, I felt so-in-the-mood for the cold options on the menu. I opted for the tzataiki, the yogurt soup, which to me is like Indian raita. (Made a bit more sour, watery, add a few green chilies, and drink it rather than eat it with a spoon, it’d be refreshing sambaram. A girl can dream, right?) Hubby decided to have the hot lentil soup. Together we shared the appetizer plate- hummus, falafel and tzataiki.

Check out the Ithaca Aladdin’s Menu, which is, for the most part is the same as Pittsford with minor additions/subtractions.

Checking In
Our waiter was very attentive. He checked on us in regular intervals. Food was bought to us in an efficient manner.

See you later
As with the service, bill collection and payment was uneventful and efficient.

Pay Scale
$6-10 per person
** This location was voted Best of Rochester, 2008 for "best meals under $10".

Tips We left 10%
Star System 3.5/5

To find/Contact
Aladdin’s Natural Eatery
8 Schoen Pl
Pittsford, NY 14534
(585) 264-9000
Directions to Aladdin's Natural Eatery

Have you eaten at Aladdin's Natural Eatery? If so, please share your thoughts below.

Thank you for reading!

Related Posts/Links: Our last review, February 15, 2008 Ithaca, NY location Sambaram – Spiced Buttermilk Cools the Soul
Best of Rochester 2008 Reader's Choice Awards

Jines Restaurant, Rochester, NY

Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.

Today was the perfect day to go to Jines and sit outside in one of the tables on Park Avenue in Rochester, enjoy the weather, company and food.

Initially as we approached the entrance, I became disoriented. It seemed the entrance I was used to was moved. It took me a minute to realize that there was some expansion work to the space for Jines. The interior was made larger, and the entrance seems to be in a new location. That being true, the number of tables out on the sidewalk, seemed to be less than last year when the interior and store front square footage on the sidewalk, smaller. That being the case, we did wait about 15 minutes for a seat outside.

There were four of us, two adults and two kids. The kids both chose the grilled cheese with happy face fries. I chose the vegetarian chili along with egg salad sandwich with olives on sourdough. The other person accompanying me chose the turkey panini with pesto. Everyone enjoyed their meal, and we ate it slowly savoring every bite.

The price was also very reasonable, for the four of us, we paid about $27, which included a $4 tip.

Have to say the weather was more than cooperative, it was ideal. Sun was shining brightly, with a temperature of about 70 and no wind. Can't ask for anything better!

This is not the first time I have been to Jines. I have ate at Jines a number of times over the past few years and I have never left on a bad note. Food, service and atmosphere always are worth returning to again and again. I guess I am not the only one who feels this way, as Jines was voted Best Place for Breakfast 2008 (Reader's Choice Awards) in the Rochester City Newspaper.

To visit/contact:
Jines Restaurant
658 Park Ave
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 461-1280
www.jinesrestaurant.com
Directions to Jines Restaurant


Related Posts/Sites: Best of Rochester 2008 Reader's Choice Awards