Applebee’s, Fairport, NY

Vegetarian Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.

Meet and Greet

Entering on a Christmas Eve afternoon, we were immediately greeted and sat in the bar area.

Mise en Scène
This Applebee’s like any other Applebee’s we have visited was set up in a typical Applebee’s fashion. The bar flooring area is ‘sunken’ a few feet lower than general seating that surrounds three sides of the bar area. The bar area also generally has ‘high tables’ with tall chairs with additional seating at the bar. The seating encircling the bar is comprised of regular tables and chairs or booth seating. As usual, the seating area is spacious, clean and inviting.

**We did not have to use restrooms, so no comment on that ambiance!

Choosing a Veggie Treat

Actually, for vegetarians there are not many straight forward vegetarian options. Lunch time has a nice menu with combo choices of vegetarian soups (cream of mushroom or tomato basil) with salad or sandwich (only vegetarian sandwich is a BLT grilled cheese- without the “B” or bacon). Other than this, in the meal menu, there are pasta entries that are listed default with meat ingredients. Most of these possibly can be made without the meat, but have yet to try that order. We like the ‘burger’ choices here as the regular size burger sandwiches can all be substituted with veggie burgers. Keep this tip in mind as the burger options are interesting. On this trip we received the quesadilla burger (remember to ask to omit the bacon in the cheese spread) and the cowboy burger (without the bacon). We have had the quesadilla burger and find this to be a unique option, as we have not had this at any other restaurant. Though we are quite certain to have the quesadilla burger again, this is not so true with the cowboy burger. Though overall the taste of the cowboy burger was tempting, the bar-be-que sauce was very distracting, especially for us that don’t prefer the smoky smell or taste of bar-be-que. We did not get the bruschetta burger, though we have in the past and highly recommend this as it has a fresh and addicting taste.

We did order an appetizer, the potato skin sans bacon. The potato skins were good, but bland. Would have been nice to have it as a nachos dish, topped with jalapeños and beans or have something crunchy on top, like diced red onions.

They did not have hot sauce as a condiment, though did mix ‘wing sauce’ for us, which was tasty and fulfilled the spice requirement, but had a texture and smell that was a little odd for me as it did remind me of chicken wings so I did not eat much of it.

Additionally, as I occasionally enjoy a mixed drink, I did try the pomegranate margarita on this visit. It was very tasty as it was mixed with POM brand pomegranate juice. It was so tasty and fruity that we neither noticed the strong taste of the alcohol or the bitterness of pomegranate juice. They seemed to balance and ‘even each other’ out. I recommend this drink to anyone who likes margarita sans salt.

See Applebee’s Menu

Checking In

Our waiter was attentive and very friendly. Though it was quite busy, he attended to us timely and refilled our drinks as required.

See you later

No concerns here, bill was received by us and paid in a timely fashion.

Pay Scale

$16-20 per person (1 appetizer, 1 coffee, 1 mixed drink and 2 main meals)

Tips 10-15% I think we gave closer to 12-13%

Star System

Overall 3.5/5

Though we appreciate the flexibility of the menu to create vegetarian options out of non-vegetarian ones and the ability to omit meat ingredients to do the same, we often find it challenging to choose a menu item. We like to come to Applebee’s because of the appetizers, ambiance and service, but we always come in with a hesitation as we know, as vegetarians, that finding a tasty option is a little challenging.

To find/Contact

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
applebees.com

585 Moseley Rd
Fairport, NY 14450

(585) 425-4700‎

Get directions: To here - From here

Notes: I have also eaten at these locations with similar feedback: Pittsford Plaza, Penfield (Webster), Rochester (Irondequoit), Paddy Creek Circle (Rochester/ Greece), Cortland, NY

Notes: One reason we have tried so many locations is due to getting a ‘free’ gift card to Applebee’s when purchasing the special car wash coupon packet from Delta Sonic.

Review based on October 2008 visit.

Have you eaten at Applebee’s? If so, please share your thoughts below.

Thank you for reading!

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

PF Chang’s, Victor, NY

Vegetarian Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.

Meet and Greet
On our Monday evening visit we were immediately greeted and sat outside on the patio. It was a warm night, perfect for sitting outside and eating. It was neither rainy or windy, but warm and still.

Mise en Scène
We used to be regulars to this Chinese Bistro that to us is unlike any other Chinese eatery because we have yet to spot even one single Chinese working there. We say we used to be regulars as this was one location closest to our home that seemed to have a wide array of tasty vegetarian options outside of Indian restaurants. Then, as we braved out into the wide world of other ethnic foods and American cuisine, this location no longer topped our list. Also, far as we understand from visiting this location for the past three years, there have been only minimal changes to the menu. We do like the Chinese themed décor inside and out. We also like the booth seating inside the bistro as it is wide and very comfortable.
**We did not have to use restrooms, so no comment on that ambiance!

Choosing a Veggie Treat
Our favorites on the menu are undoubtedly the appetizers. We always get the vegetarian lettuce wrap (pictured to the right). When this is served, the waiter will usually ask if you like your sauce made mild, medium or spicy. On the table are some bottles of different sauces that the waiter combines to make one tasty, spicy dip according to your preference. We also did notice a new addition to the menu tonight- a green beans appetizer. These were green beans dipped in a breading and deep fried. The sauce served with this was very tasty. The only other place we ever saw this appetizer was TGI Fridays sometime last fall (2007), but it was available for only a limited time. This green beans appetizer was not only new to PF Chang’s since our last visit but does have scope to become a permanent fixture on their menu.

The chosen dish for our main meal was the ‘Buddha’s delight.” With the main dish, diners can choose either brown or white rice. We opted for a little of both. The brown rice here is very tasty.

Checking In
Our waiter was very attentive and checked on us in regular intervals.

See you later
This has never been an issue for us in this location. The bill and payment collection is done efficiently and without issue.
Pay Scale
$11-15 per person (Two people sharing two appetizers and one main dish with tips.)
Tips 10-15% is sufficient
Star System 3.5/5

Reviewing restaurants from the standpoint of enjoying vegetarian cuisine, I believe PF Chang’s could do a little better with offering more choices for vegetarians. Though there are sufficient choices for most vegetarians as seen in their menu, since choice is so limited this is most likely what encouraged us explore other places for other vegetarian options.

To find/Contact

PF Chang's China Bistro
820 Eastview Mall
Victor, NY 14564
(585) 223-2410
Get directions

Have you eaten at PF Changs in Victor, NY or any PF Changs in US? If so, please share your thoughts below.

tags: "Eastview Mall Rochester" "PF Chang's Rochester" "Eastview Mall"

NapaGino's Penfield, NY

Vegetarian Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.

Meet and Greet

We came by on a Sunday night about 7pm. We were happy to see it still open as few cars were left in the parking lot. Upon entering, we were promptly seated. Inside about 10 tables were occupied. We were sat in a booth.

Mise en Scène

What I noticed first was the paintings hanging on the wall. Maybe it was a collection of a local artist. The painting of a girl on a beach next to our table was for sale for $400. Besides the paintings on the wall, the area was tastefully decorated and I was surprised to see later there were two Christmas trees fully decorated and lit up in the dining area closer to the exit doors. One was a typical green Christmas tree, the other a shimmering white, reminiscent of the color of glistening ice. In addition, there was a wall size mural of the tower of Pisa.

We had entered in semi-casual. I was wearing a salvaar kamiz, and hubby a pant and nice collared shirt. Most inside were dressed similarly, not too fancy of a dress, nor too casual a dress. All ages were seen enjoying meals here.

**We did not have to use restrooms, so no comment on that ambiance!

Choosing a Veggie Treat

Soon as sitting, we were offered drinks and complementary bread rolls. The coffee with our normal additions of cream and sugar was very nice, as it wasn’t too bitter. The bread rolls seem to be very tasty dipped in the olive oil left on the table with pepper and red pepper flakes added.

As a main course, I ordered Artichokes Napoli (pictured at the beginning of this review). The main dish was preceded by a house salad which I got with peppercorn Parmesan dressing. The salad was nice as in addition to the normal vegetables and lettuce they added garbanzos (chick peas). When the Artichokes Napoli arrived to the table, it looked very exotic to me. It was unlike any dish I ever had at any Italian restaurant. The pasta was a thick noodle bathed in an olive oil/buttery sauce and escarole with chopped white onions and delicately placed strategically on the top were artichokes French (artichokes dipped in eggs and fried). I really liked this dish and the portion size, though too much for me to finish, was smaller than other Italian restaurants in the area that we have been to. Hubby ordered the ‘white pizza.’ I think it is called ‘white’ because it has olive oil as a base under the toppings and not tomato sauce. That was also tasty. As a side and appetizer, we had got the garlic bread. The garlic bread, though tasty is an after thought to the main course.

Upon completing the meal, we were told by the waitress that on Sundays they offered a free desert buffet to all guests. We walked over to find two kinds of upside down cakes and some fruit. Neither seemed very appetising to us, so we skipped out.

Checking In
Our waitress checked in on us on regular intervals, the service was prompt and courteous.

See you later
Soon as it seemed we had completed our meal, another waitstaff (not our waitress) came to ask to box any leftovers and take dirty plates away. Swiftly our waitress came to ask if we wanted anything else and bought the bill. Also, on the way out the manager was present at the door to bid us adieu.

Pay Scale
$11-15 per person
Tips
10-15% is suitable
Star System 3.5/5

We really liked this location. The service was prompt and friendly. The place was clean and tidy. Sundays parking is ample, being that the other shops in Penfair Plaza were closed. The choices of dishes for vegetarians is wide and exotic compared to other local Italian eateries. And, most of all the taste compels us to want to try this location again in the future.

To find/Contact
Napa Gino's Pizza
2200 Penfield Rd
Penfield, NY 14526
(585) 377-5530
Get directions

Special Notes

Do you want to make a date out of going to NapaGino’s? If it is nice weather, after having a hearty meal a nice walk in Linear Park, a five minute drive from NapaGino’s is a perfect end to the evening.

See our photos from our 2007 visit to Linear Park. (Photo to left, credits: Krishna Kumar.)

Directions from NapaGino’s to Linear Park Road, parking for walking trails.

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

Thank you for reading!

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