Vegetarian Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.
Meet and Greet
As we entered, a perfect afternoon pick me-up sample of pumpkin cheesecake was waiting to be devoured by us. As we each picked up a piece, we were greeted by the hostess who took us to our table.
Mise en Scène
The five o’clock happy hour period is slow compared to traditional dinner hours, though the crowd did pick up as our time passed here. Interiors are nicely decorated, though the lighting is a challenge. The lighting was just enough to see each other, but not so good for clearly seeing the menu or the scrumptious details of the food.
**We did not have to use restrooms, so no comment on that ambiance!
Choosing a Veggie Treat
We decided to come here for ‘happy hour’ appetizers. There are a few vegetarian appetizers on the menu: fire-roasted fresh artichoke, fried macaroni and cheese, avocado eggrolls, hot spinach and cheese dip, guacamole, quesadilla, edamame, sweet corn tamale cakes. We decided to come specifically for appetizers for two reasons, the first being that it was not yet dinner and we were hungry, and two, with all the choices noted above, we as vegetarians could not go wrong.
Critique the avocado eggrolls:
This is a very unique menu item. The avocado and other veggies are wrapped up in the crispy, crunchy deep fried egg roll cover. The tamarind- cashew sauce that comes to dip it in is the most amazing taste combination I have tried in along time. It kind of reminds me of the puliinji (ginger tamarind paste made in India), but without the spice.
Critique the sweet corn tamale cakes (photo):
This is like a tostada but replacing the hard tortilla base with a soft, warm corn cake. This minor change makes a major difference and keeps us coming back to Cheesecake Factory, for the third time, in fact.
I should note that even if we wanted to come for a meal time, these appetizers could easily substitute for a traditional meal item. Within our order today of the avocado egg rolls and sweet corn tamale cakes, we had left overs and were stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey!
See the Cheesecake Factory menu here.
Checking In
When taking our order, I asked for water without ice. The waitress clarified this thrice, but did bring me water with ice. She immediately returned, after seeing Krishna taking the ice out of my cup putting it into his, bringing me water without ice. She did forget the sugar for our coffee. Also, in between bringing our food and our bill, we did not get any further service.
See you later
Once we got the bill, it was paid swiftly and we were on our way with a doggie bag of three of the avocado rolls.
Pay Scale
$11-15 per person
Tips - 10% is sufficient
Star System 3/5
In comparing this eatery to others in terms of vegetarian options, there are many vegetarian appetizers, but as for main meal items, there are pastas, pizzas, sandwiches and other items. However, when comparing this eatery to others in terms of service, ambiance and value for money, we have seen and experienced better. The hot tamale corn cakes would bring us back here again as it is a very unique item that we have not seen in any other eatery.
To find/Contact
Cheesecake Factory
3349 Monroe Ave
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 381-8681
www.cheesecakefactory.com
Directions to Cheesecake Factory, Rochester, NY
Review based on November 2008 visit.
Have you eaten at Cheesecake Factory (any location)? If so, please share your thoughts below.
Thank you for reading!
Related Posts: Cheesecake Factory Review January 2008
Burritos with Ginger/Tamarind Sauce: A Mexican Indian Delight (my recipe)
tags: pittsford-ny, second review, 3 stars, appetizers, happy hour, eat outside, restaurant review, unique menu items
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Cheesecake Factory, Pittsford, NY
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Tasteology, Rochester, NY
Vegetarian Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.
Meet and Greet
We visited for a late Saturday lunch. Arriving about 1pm, there were not many other occupied tables. We were sat at a table near the front to the left of the front doors. It is a nice place to sit, close to the windows. The booth was nice and spacious. The one thing we did not bargain for in this seating arrangement was feeling cold. Because the booth is diagonal the front doors, whenever they open and close a breeze hits patrons at this table directly. Keep this in mind if you come here on a cold day.
Mise en Scène 
The interior is nice, spacious and decorated with nice art by local artists. The chandelier near the front seemed to be made out of old champagne glasses, very unique. I was sitting facing the window, not the interior, so I did not really get a good view of the whole place, though at a glance it seems warm, inviting and more open than most restaurants I have been to.
**We did not have to use restrooms, so no comment on that ambiance!
Choosing a Veggie Treat
I had hoped to find a lot of vegetarian options as I had viewed the menu online before coming. However, after arriving, perusing the menu, we realized the recently changed from the summer to winter menu. It seemed the winter menu had fewer vegetarian options than the summer. There were one or two full pasta meals, in addition to veggie wraps, veggie burgers, and veggie appetizers and soup. The featured soup was a butternut squash soup, which sounded tasty but one ingredient that was in it seemed a bit odd. It was a sweet ingredient, which I can’t remember now what it was, but to me upon reading that was just a little too innovative for me. I had opted for the other soup on the menu (My friend who ate with us believes the name was 'ten vegetables' soup). I also ordered a brushetta like dish to accompany the soup, listed under appetizers. Hubby opted for the veggie burger.
It must be said that all the food was very tasty. The bruschetta was very nice. The soup, though tasty, was nothing I’d try again. I hope they come up with some other vegetarian option. The veggie burger was tasty and, according to hubby, was not like other restaurant veggie burgers. Usually restaurants have some frozen and fried variety with pieces of vegetables in them that don’t warm/cook thoroughly leaving a weird crunchiness when eaten. This veggie burger did not have that texture, and appeared to be one where the ingredients are pureed and made into a patty then baked/fried. (Similar to my baked falafel recipe here.) Because the portion size is not too big, and we had more room to spare, we did try desserts also. They sell small ‘bite size’ desserts in tiny ‘shot glasses’. I tried the key lime pie, which was ravishing, and hubby had the chocolate pie, which was also pretty good.
Checking In
The waiter visited our table in regular intervals. We did not have a problem with our waiter, but it also wasn’t the best service ever received, also.
See you later
This came in due course, without issue. Since we actually visited in a party of four, they happily split the bill in half after calculating it.
Pay Scale
$11-15 per person
Tips
10% was sufficient
Star System 1-5? 2.5/5
I really struggle on the rating for this place. Though I was happy with the variety of vegetarian options (more than most local places), the exotic quality of some dishes was just a little too adventurous for us. I do want to return, but not too eager to also. When it happens, it will happen. I found that though the portion sizes were just perfect, the price was a little high. Maybe the price was high because of the gourmet appearance of the presentation. It is different than other places, and it does look appetizing when set in front of you. I also don’t think I really tried all the items I would like to try. I also know they hold ethnic cooking classes here and am very curious to know more about that. They also host different events, interested to know more about that as well.
(**Before posting review I was to put 3/5, but I contacted them by e-mail on their site a week before posting this to ask some questions, and to get the name of the soup I ate. A week has passed and no one e-mailed me back. Customer service should be 360- if you have a place on your website for feedback, but don’t respond, please remove that feature.)
To find/Contact
Tasteology
www.tasteology.net
(585) 385-0580
Get directions
Review based on October 2008 visit.
Have you eaten at Tasteology in Pittsford (Rochester), NY? If so, please share your thoughts below.
Other reviews:
Rachel's Restaurant Review 11-07. Interesting to note how much change has occurred between her two visits and ours! Interesting to note one thing has not changed, portion size.
RocWiki. Many reviews posted over the past one year.
See the interior on youtube as video taped about a year ago. There are interior design changes since.
Thank you for reading!
Monday, September 1, 2008
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
Mise en Scène
We were sat on the ground level (which is on the same level as the
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
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
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
(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!
Best of Rochester 2008 Reader's Choice Awards
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Richardson's Canal House, Pittsford, NY
Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.
Richardson's Canal House is located on the Erie Canal in Bushnell's Basin near to Pittsford, New York. The bright yellow building is situated cozily between the canal and the one way bridge on Marsh Road while still somewhat visible from the main road, Route 96- Pittsford-Victor Road.
The building itself is quite old, I guess over 200 years old. It was originally used for a hotel for the canal travelers. (Currently, the entire building is used exclusively as a restaurant, overnight guests are not permitted.) Back then the canal boats did not have motors, so mules pulled the boats. Two mules would pull the boat on one side of the canal (the reason there is a canal trail near the side of the canal) and two would be resting on the boat. This canal house could be considered like a modern-day truck stop- a place to rest (or for the mules, refuel their energy) for mules and people alike, eat, and have a place to sleep for the night.
Today people don't sleep overnight in this building, it is used only for short visits to eat tasty meals. They have tried to keep the original layout of the building. We had gone for my birthday and we had reservations. We had a room upstairs all to ourselves. Inside the room was a large table, with two chairs on either end. Along one wall were old style wooden chairs, along the other a 'love seat' and a chair. The room decor also seemed to be of old world style. The walls were ornately painted with colorful and decorative borders.
Though the menu did not have any vegetarian options for appetisers, the chef made us two custom orders- one a stuffed portabello mushroom, the other a stuffed red capsicum (bell pepper). Both were tasty, but I liked the mushroom more. Inside the red pepper was a berry of some type. I don't remember the berry but it was slightly chewy and hard but was not sweet. Both had some cheese and a nice light sauce on them.
The main course was also very good. I had potato gnocchi (which was originally a side dish to a chicken meal, but was specially made for me as a main dish), and hubby had the stuffed homemade ravioli. As I pictured it, gnocchi was piled high with tomato sauce. Though the gnocchi was good, I could not finish the whole thing for two reasons, one I got full, and two it was monotonous, so I boxed the remainder and had it for a full lunch the next day. Hubby's ravioli was also very tasty, but there were only five pieces I believe. Each piece was about four or five inches long and up to 2 inches at it's widest. They were not thick, but the filling was very filling. It had a sauce on it, but I can't remember it.
We were both so stuffed that we forgone the dessert until our next visit. Maybe if we come again, we can come in the summer and sit outside along the Erie Canal!
Being an upscale restaurant, this is no cheap eat. Each appetiser was $10 a piece (actually that was not a bad deal considering each was hand crafted, and each a meal in themselves), and the two main dishes were $19 a piece. This price seems a bit high, but honestly if they were home made, I am not sure the work that goes into making each of these dishes. We had coffee to drink at $5 for two.
**It seems the menu changes on a weekly basis for this location, so maybe on other weeks there are more vegetarian options than others.
To find/contact
Richardson's Canal House
1474 Marsh Rd
Pittsford, NY 14534
Directions to Richardson's Canal House
Friday, February 15, 2008
Aladdin's Natural Eatery, Pittsford, NY
Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.
We ate here the other day. I consider this restaurant to be Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern.
I love this location as it sits right on the Erie Canal in Pittsford. I have also eaten at the Ithaca location and the other Rochester location. These other locations are equally beautiful in their own way.
Today, finding the entrance was interesting as the front entrance was blocked with a sign that read, enter through back door. However, near the back door, there was a sign that said use other entrance. I couldn't figure out where the door was. Finally, we found it. The door sat on the ground level facing the canal.
It being winter, the canal was not functioning, and all seating was inside. In warm weather, there is faciliy to eat outside with an Erie Canal view. We were happy that the restaurant was open though under construction. The taste found here is just unmatchable.
I had the Emilio pasta - garlic flavored pasta noodles with eggplant mash. He had the vegetarian platter with a variety of great tastes- falafel, hummus, tabulee, spanakopita. Each item was bursting with taste, it was great!
Food Rating: 8 out of 10 (hot food was served on cold plates)
Service Rating: 8 out of 10
Hot Chocolate Rating: 5 out of 10
For more on Aladdin's Natural Eatery
Aladdins Natural Eatery
8 Schoen Pl
Pittsford, NY 14534
(585) 264-9000
Directions to Aladdin's Natural Eatery
Other blogger reviews: Gaurav at "Eating Out in Bombay"
other tags: alladins, "schoen place", "erie canal pittsford" "pittsford ny" "eating on the banks of erie canal" "eat out erie canal"Tags: "erie canal","canal side","eat by the water""bushnell's basin""restaurant review",“Restaurant Reviews”,” Rochester, New York Restaurant Reviews”,” Rochester, NY Restaurant Reviews”,” Rochester Restaurant Reviews”
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Cheesecake Factory, Pittsford NY
Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.
Today is our second visit to this eatery.
First time we came during afternoon, around 3pm to avoid rush. We had corn cakes- which were very good. I had eggplant burger, which was not what I expected it to be and would not want it again. I forgot what hubby had.
Today we went for Sunday Brunch. I had California Omelet. He had Joe's special. We both had baguette and breakfast potatoes as sides. The potatoes were good, but interestingly sitting in a puddle of oil. We were both surprised how much oil was left on the plate while and after eating the potatoes. His egg was scrambled, mine was omelet style with the items folded in (not added in the egg batter). My egg was very very yellow. It almost blinded me. Some people prefer this yellow color, I do not. It kind of freaked me out. The inside ingredients were OK. I could eat only half. (I should admit about an hour after leaving, I realized that one ingredient was supposed to be avocado, and that was missing from my omelet altogether). We had coffee for drinks and the coffee unfortunately also is not all that great.
The service was good. The place is very clean. The place most likely will be better for meat eaters and not minority vegetarians. I am also not very happy with pricing. The portions are big, but not worth the price tag. I have been to other eateries in our area with similar portion size, and the price was $2-3 or more less per plate. We may not go to Cheesecake Factory again because of overall dissatisfaction with taste and price, but if we do, we have made a pact that we will share the plate! (We may go back for the corn cakes which were the best thing since French bread.)
P.S. The portions are so big that each time we had no room for the cheesecake. And anyhow I am not too keen on cheesecake (is that unAmerican to admit?).
To find:
Cheesecake Factory
3349 Monroe Ave
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 381-8681
www.cheesecakefactory.com
Directions to Cheesecake Factory, Rochester, NY
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Simply Crepes: Rochester, NY
Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.
We ate a late breakfast at Simply Crepes in the Rochester Public Library today. We have ate at the Pittsford location for dinner on two occasions, where we had 'dinner' and 'desert' crepes. This is the first time we have gone for breakfast, though.
I had an item called Raspberry Gulle. The simply crepes menu describes it as:
Fresh raspberries folded inside a sweetened egg batter dipped crêpe, lightly sautéed and topped with our house-made fresh raspberry sauce and powdered sugar.
My husband had the Crêpe Épinards. The simply crepes menu describes it as:
Fresh spinach and tomatoes sautéed with scrambled eggs and feta cheese.
We also had a side of fried potatoes with coffee.
The food was tasty and overall wonderful. The coffee, on the other hand, was not so much so.
Price is a little higher than other restaurants, but paying more for the presentation is justifiable, I suppose. The service was also commendable.
To Find/ Contact this location:
Simply Crepes site Rochester Public Library
114 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604(585) 383-8310
Follow up:
May 3, 2008. I visited Simply Crepes in Shoen Place in Pittsford with a friend for breakfast.
At this location, we sat outside on a verandah over looking the street. On the opposite side of the street is the Erie Canal. The downtown location doesn't have facility to eat outside.
I had the Raspberry Gulle (again!) and was very pleased. The portion size was perfect, not too big and not too small.
My friend had the Crespalla Florentine which is described in the menu as:"A blend of 3 cheeses (Ricotta, Parmesan, Swiss) rolled in a crêpe with fresh spinach, topped with our house-made marinara sauce and drizzled with a white cheese sauce and fresh parmesan." The portion size on this is large. It is meant for one who is ravenous with hunger. My friend finished about 1/2- 3/4 and boxed the rest to take it home.
We shared the fried crepes with creamy dipping sauce. I don't remember the name of this, and I can't seem to find it on the online menu. The chips did leave more to the senses, but the creme dip sauce was very tasty.
We each had a nice bottomless coffee with our meal. The total bill was roughly $30 with tip.
To find/contact this location:
Simply Crepes Cafe
7 Schoen Place
Pittsford, NY 14534
(585) 383-8310
Follow up: July 5, 2008
I read in the newspaper today that Simply Crepes has opened up a third location in Canandaigua. I have yet to go. I am sure the service and food is just as impeccable as the other two locations. Here is the contact information for that location:
101 S Main St
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 394-9090
Get directions
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Hicks & McCarthy- Pittsford, New York
Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.
We ate Sunday brunch here. It was very nice. I'd describe the atmosphere as an upscale diner. Apparently they also do an afternoon tea on weekends. We want to try that. The caveat to that is you need reservations, and we've heard it is costly.
For vegetarians that eat eggs, this place has a wide variety of tempting vegetable fillings in their omelets. We each had an omelet - I had a daily special with artichokes, brie cheese, spinach and tomatoes and he had an omelet with mushrooms, spinach and Swiss- the 'Florentine.' Each omelet had a side of herbed potatoes (real and not frozen) and toast. We had the Ghirardelli hot chocolate to drink.
The omelets were tasty as the added ingredients are not added into the egg batter but folded into the plain, cooked egg and flipped in half. The egg was a nice yellow color and evenly cooked on both sides. The ingredients complemented each other and were very fresh. They do not add extra salt or butter the toast, which I quite prefer. So, if they regularly do not butter toasts, remember to ask for butter on the side when you visit.
We think the service was quite good and we look forward to going there again to try some more omelets.
To find Hicks & Mc Carthy Restaurant
http://www.hicksandmccarthy.com/
23 S Main St., Pittsford, NY 14534
(585) 586-0938
Friday, December 21, 2007
Schoen Place Prime Rib & Grill, Pittsford, NY
Restaurant Review by Jennifer Kumar.
Well you'd be surprised to know a vegetarian is reviewing this restaurant.
We were invited there for a party and had a great time at this place that is situated on the corner of Rte. 31 (Monroe Avenue) and Schoen Place (road name) along the Erie Canal. The eatery is situated in Northfield Commons, a shopping center populated with local businesses.
Ok, so what does a vegetarian eat here? There was no pasta dish on the menu, which was surprising. I ended up getting something off the kids menu! I had macaroni and cheese with baked potato and side salad. Other than the grilled cheese, I may have been able to have the 'artichoke french,' though I am not really sure what that is. The stuffed mushrooms had sausage, so that was out.
But, everyone else seemed to like the food and the service was also good.
To Find/Contact:
Schoen Place Prime Rib & Grill
50 State Street, Pittsford, NY 14534
Directions to Shoen Place Prime Rib & Grill.
585 586 5286
