Monday, October 20, 2008

Lakeshore Eatery-Revisited 19 October, Mentor, Ohio

I must preface this by saying that I was asked to go back and give this place another chance. My companion and I went to the Lakeshore Eatery in Mentor, Ohio at approximately 6:15 on Sunday 19 October 2008 for my second go round. I do have to say that this place heart, but…. well, read on and decide for yourself.

We had heard some family members had just gone there so we called them to save us seat. By the time we had arrived, they had already gotten some bread and placed an order. We seated ourselves after being greeted by the hostess. I noticed that we had no menus and went back to the front door to request them. The hostess insisted that she had left some on the table, which was not something I would call intelligent. She wasn’t quite rude about it, but arguing with a customer for any reason is not acceptable. In seconds she realized I was right, which was obviously why I came up to the front end to begin with, and handed me two menus.

Again, I must say that I like the eclectic nature of the menu, but I WAS hoping for all day breakfast. It wasn’t mentioned on the menu and I was not in the mood to ask. Our server, Emily, was there quickly to take our drink order, but then seemed to forget we were there for a while. She brought out our seatmates’ spinach dip appetizer, which came out with what appeared to be freshly fried tortilla chips (a nice, albeit inexpensive, touch), then left. I tried the dip and thought it was quite good. The consistency was nice and creamy with the correct amount of spinach. I believe there was a type of pico de gallo on top, which I would have left off, that tended to take away from the flavor of the cheese and spinach, but in all I would probably order it again. Emily put the appetizer down on the table and began to walk away. My mother spoke up saying that we needed to order. She, the server, immediately returned and was not in any way nonplussed.

We both ordered the tilapia with a citrus glaze and choice of two sides. I got the mashed potatoes and the soup of the day, broccoli cheddar. My partner asked for home fries and we got the salad to take home. Our server must have been quite new to the field just because of her actions, but she tried and I give her kudos for that. We had her running a bit because she kept forgetting things such as the bread that was supposed to have come with our meal. I had been told that this bread was “really good,” to which I must disagree. It was OK, but not what I would call, “really good.” Rumor had it, also, that it was “homemade.” That, I found out, was not QUITE true. The fact is that it is made elsewhere and BAKED on premises. I don’t truthfully care where it is made as long as it is good and this was, as I have already stated, just OK.

The first thing that came out was the soup. I have tried the broccoli cheddar soup in numerous establishments and am always on the hunt for one that sticks out. This wasn’t it. While it had a nice flavor, the consistency was WAY off. It took me through most of the dinner before I could think of something with a similar feel. Grits! Can you imagine a soup that has the consistency of grits? Well, this was it, AND it wasn’t from the tiny little pieces of the broccoli florets either. Our entrees came out quickly there-after, which was a welcomed change from the first trip.

Although it stated on the menu that the fish was to be served with tartar sauce I had to request that, AND my mashed potatoes came out sans gravy. I tasted them and they really didn’t need anything, but one would have thought they would ask if I wanted some. I requested both gravy and tartar sauce; it was cheerfully delivered to me without question. The entrée was another matter. Both my companion and I took a bite of the fish and immediately looked across the table at one another. There was something odd about its flavor. To me, it tasted very “fishy.” Tilapia is supposed to been a very mellow flavored fish, which is why I ordered it. The sauce, also, was a shock. I expected a more lemony flavor, while it actually almost tasted like an orange marmalade. Way too sweet for fish. It was a nice try, but I did not like it.

I know you are all waiting for SOMETHING, aren’t you? Well, my friends you are not to be disappointed by this guy. I had about three bites of the fish and guess what??? It was not done. Can you imagine how freaked out I was inside to know that I had already eaten part of the stuff and found the rest uncooked? Probably not, but let me tell you, luckily I was tired and in a mellow mood. I told the server to say something to the “chef,” and said I did not want the fish. She said she would do so, BUT came back with a full priced bill. Come on, now. I know she was new, but SOMEONE should have told her something like that is not going to fly.

I went to the hostess station and told her about the underdone fish. She said she would discuss it with her manager and came out of the kitchen giving a “clandestine” thumbs-up, I suspected meaning that my dinner was to be “taken care of.” Although I DO like getting free stuff, I would much rather things be done correctly. Before we left, the “chef” came out to apologize for the fish, “getting away” from him. I did appreciate that! When I was exiting the restaurant, another nice little touch, the hostess said she really hoped I would give them another chance. Two chances, twice wrong… I don’t know.

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

All I can say, is I have eaten there several times and have always gotten great service and great food...I've had the tilapia with the citrus glaze,I wouldn't change the glaze- a blend of orange and lemon zests- very trendy!I am a professional chef by trade and this is a restaurant that may be the best in Mentor...agreed,a very eclectic menu. I hope you aren't being overly harsh, they are less than 6 months old, and already are proving to be worthy adversaries in this competitive industry...Good eats in the New Year! A very nice blog! Chef Robert

4:51 PM  
Blogger Ray said...

I have eaten at the Lakeshore Eatery many, many times and the quality and service has been excellent. I can't help but Jonathon is a disgruntled employee.

3:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I realize that you may not have enjoyed your first two experiences, but the saying does go, "the third try is the charm." I encourage you to give Lakeshore Eatery another go. Whenever I go, the food is always good and the service friendly.

They've established themselves there somewhat, and it seems that they, "trimmed the fat," as well, when it comes to the employees that may not be up to par.

"To each his own," and perhaps Lakeshore Eatery isn't your perfect match, but I love it.

8:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've tried it twice. The service was great the first, completely downhill earlier this year. I don't even know how long we waited for sandwiches and no one else was in the place. The only good thing is the Cheese on a Stick, but that's far better at a festival.

1:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Been there twice. Service was really bad...
Would never go there again...
Food is fair at best...
Anyone who says different has never been anywhere really good to compare...

Really sad!!!!!

8:59 AM  
Blogger NMKor said...

I love it there they have the best food! My favorite is their Chili Cheese burger. Ive been there like 100 times. Now I am an employee there.

1:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

my companion and i eat at the eatery at least once a week. for the most part the service is fast, not always the best. we have had good and bad experiences in there. we are known by the owner and all the regular employees. i really like this place. but keep in mind, its an eatery, has a great price for better than fair food. i have tried everything on the lunch and dinner menu. i like everything. i have and still recommend this diner to everyone.

12:47 PM  

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