Duffin's Donuts

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: N/A


Okay, technically I didn't eat here so I can't really comment about the food. We just bought a couple of donuts to go, and the one that sticks in my memory is their delicious glazed donut. It brings me back to the days of my youth, when "Baker Bob" at the local Co-op bakery would whip up the most fluffy and crispy glazed donuts known to man. Duffin's donut comes dangerously close to Baker Bob's, so on that donut alone I think it's a great place to go. That said, don't ask me about tortas or the Chinese food that they also serve; I think it's very very strange that a place can serve food from so many different cultures in one spot. I'll be back..but just for donuts.

Trattoria

Food: * * * 1/2

Service: * * *

This place is busy busy, so service can be inattentive and/or slow as a result. Totally hit-and-miss. The food was pretty tasty but not as good as my favourite, Q4. We shared both the appie and pasta platters, which I thought weren't nearly as filling as they looked to be. Prices were standard for mid-range Italian dining, and the whole restaurant had a total cocktail-lounge-party feel about it that was a bit off-putting for me (though maybe if I was a scantily clad, stiletto-wearing bar star, I might think it was the best place ever). It's probably a good place to go with friends but not so much for a romantic dinner with your Hubbs; the demographic they cater to probably skews younger and trendier.

Moderne Burger

Food: * * * * 1/2

Service: * * * *

It's a burger joint with a '50's diner feel, so good service here is totally different than good service at a 5-star restaurant. However, for what it is the service was great, and our orders came quickly. The burgers were *huge* as were the fries on the side, so we ended up sharing my side rather than ordering fries for both Hubbs & I. Apparently the fries are cut and fried as you order them, so they are fresh. They also don't taste like greasy fries; they sort of taste like potato chips. I'm thinking maybe it's because they are preservative free, like the burgers are. I will be back whenever I next have a mondo burger craving. Prices are reasonable ($10.95 for burger + fries), and one day when my heart is feeling particularly healthy, I might even try one of their thick milkshakes. It's a fun lunch or a cheap dinner date place. Oh - and bring cash. That's what they take.

The Boathouse

Food: * * * *
Service: * * * *

We were here months ago during their Lobster Fest, so details are a bit vague in my mind now. Food was solid and service was attentive and non-intrusive. Prices were not super expensive but still skewed higher due to the seafood/steak specialization. I had the prime rib. It was tasty and not over done. Hubbs had the lobster and he enjoyed it a lot; he thought the portion was very generous. In my mind, it's the place to go if you don't want to spend lots and lots of money (like at le crocodile or C or Blue Water Cafe) but you also want something that's a step up from Joey's. It seemed like it could even be kid-friendly (to a point), and the place was large enough to accommodate families.