Tag: Food

Wildwood Grill

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Food & Dining1 Comment

I haven’t reviewed a Windsor restaurant in a while. There are two reasons for that: first, is Cathryn is such a great cook that we eat most of our meals at home. Secondly, we like ‘good’ food and there are so many local restaurants that simply don’t live up to our expectations. Sure, Cathryn can be a little particular when it comes to food but if you’re paying big money for a meal then it should be good.

We don’t normally give negative reviews unless the food is horrible and you need to be warned. Not every restaurant has experienced chefs in their kitchen and even the best place can have an off night.

I’m currently housebound, recovering from a hip replacement, which put me in a bit of a pickle. It was Cathryn’s birthday and we’d normally go out to one of her favorite restaurants, but my limited mobility forced me to search for a local establishment that could deliver really good food to our front door. She normally shuns food deliveries, believing most of it doesn’t travel well.

So, I called a place we’d always wanted to try but for some reason never got there – the Wildwood Grill.

It is only five minutes from our home so that’s the line I fed the owner when I called to ask if he’d deliver a nice birthday meal for my wife. He agreed to the challenge and I went all out, ordering pan-seared scallops in mushroom sauce, a caesar salad for two, rack of lamb with roasted potato and veggies, and a creme brulee.

Wildwood’s owner showed up at our door right on time. He’d included a bowl of roasted red pepper soup that was included with the lamb (instead of a salad which I ordered separately). We attacked the soup and scallops before they got cold but everything was delivered hot. The soup was amazing. Cathryn usually makes her own caesar dressing but was impressed with Wildwood’s version. The salad was fresh and crisp, with shaved parmesan.

I anxiously waited for the moment of truth, when she put cut one of her lamb chops and took a bite. It was cooked perfectly and she was a happy camper. The accompanying roasted potatoes were very good. I’m not a big fan of creme brulee but Cathryn was tickled pink by the heart-shaped ceramic dish it was delivered in. She said it was one of the best she’s had.

We shared the appies, salad, entree and dessert, and found there was plenty of food. We also had no complaints and easily give the Wildwood Grill a 10 out of 10, are rarity for us. (pictures were taken from their fb page, since we were too busy eating)

The Wildwood Grill is in the plaza on Banwell at Wildwood, off the roundabout, between Tecumseh and the E.C. Row Expressway.

Melaque Restaurants – 2025

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Food & DiningLeave a comment

Newcomers and frequent visitors to Melaque, Mexico, are always searching for or inquiring about where to dine in town. Cathryn and I are foodies so when we visit restaurants we look for good food and service, hoping those things are reflected in the price. Some folks think that cheap food or large amounts of it is great but we expect more. We often dine with friends and try to offer honest reviews. Links are included if one can be found.

El Dorado (Club Nautico) – usually our first stop after arrival since our fridge and cupboards are empty. It’s the first place east of the earthquake hotel, offering one of the best views on the beach, they have a varied menu. My favorite is a platter-sized slab of chicken parm with a loaded baked potato and veggies. Cathryn enjoys the Papillon (Dorado). We’ve tried other dishes that have been hit and miss, depending on who’s cooking that day. The margaritas aren’t nearly as good as they used to be and some staff speak decent English. This came in handy when the waiter thought we were only sharing a baked potato.

La Chinita – formerly in a terrible location on the highway, this is the best Authentic Chinese food in town. But if sweet & sour chicken balls are your thing, they have them too. Great spring and egg rolls and homemade wonton soup. The new location is in Villa Obregon where Vanilla Pimienta was and they’ve recently added a rooftop bar with pool and pingpong tables. We were six on our last visit and everyone loved their meals. We’ve also had them deliver to a party at our casa – food was hot and plentiful.

Patas – It’s small and the menu is limited but everything listed is awesome. Their burgers are one of the best in town and their ‘Denver Burrito’ is man-sized and stuffed with beef or chicken. Even their nachos are top notch, probably because they make their own chips. There’s something extra-special about warm tortilla chips and fresh guacamole. We’ve never had a bad meal at Pata’s. Cathryn can’t get enough of their cilantro margaritas.

Quetzal de Laura – Friends have given us mixed dinner reviews but swear by their crepes. For Cathryn and I it’s the best breakfast place in town, with great omelets and both gringo or Mexican dishes. Breakfast usually comes with a fresh, warm biscuit, small salad and home fries. Prices are about half what we pay at home. They use cream cheese in their omelets, a savory treat in my opinion. Their breakfast meals have been consistently good for years.

Kyoto – A Japanese restaurant that used to be downtown, a new Melaque experience for us. Toted as a Sushi restaurant, it’s more of an Asian fusion menu, with sushi, stir-frys and soups. They accept reservations there but service is exceptionally slow, even by Melaque standards. Out of our party of six, only one thought his sushi roll was lousy. Cathryn and I liked our California roll and egg rolls. We didn’t care for the dumplings – we chose the fried ones. Quiet entertainment allowed us to carry on conversation. Washrooms were broken.

El Patio – My second favorite breakfast place – right on the main drag in town. I prefer the sidewalk tables where I can watch the world go by. Only open for breakfast and lunch, they have a menu that attracts gringos and nationals alike. I’ve sampled their various omelettes and was pleasantly surprised by their authentic clubhouse sandwich. From the sidewalk, you can watch your meal being cooked. Service is quick and prices are very reasonable.

La Oficina – We didn’t make it here last year but recently went for what many call the best burger in town. Cathryn and I split one and have to admit it’s one of the top three, at least. There’s no question that their Caesar salad is top notch and our friend gave a thumbs up to his chicken burger. We’ve also taken their smoked marlin and marlin pate home, returning for more. Service is amazingly quick for the amount of food the kitchen puts out. Prices are in line with everyone else. Lots of tv’s for sporting events.

Rusty Compass – A new player in town, it’s more of a beach bar than restaurant, owned and managed by Canadians. The beer is cold and cheap and pub grub is served from a food truck. We had a shrimp cocktail that blew us away. Our friend enjoyed the taquitos and happy faces around us said the burgers were good too. No plastic cups there, wine is served in stainless steel vessels. It’s the new hot spot in town with daily entertainment.

The Frog – Our first visit back in a few years was a pleasant experience. Next to the old Simona’s in Barra, the chicken cordon bleu is the best I’ve had around here. The cream of broccoli soup was excellent and our friend thoroughly enjoyed his Czechoslovakian pasta, saying it was like chicken cacciatore. Frequent patrons at the next table raved about the fish dishes offered there. Other friends have also bragged about their breakfast.

Tacos Pedros – One of friend’s favorites on Taco row, Cathryn and I don’t see the attraction. Craving tacos, we gave it another chance. A few doors down from the main square, menu choices are listed on the wall, and limited – basically tacos or quesadillas (tacos with cheese). My pastor was edible but Cathryn’s chicken looked exactly like my pork, both virtually flavourless unless you consider one of the hot sauces, flavour. I pigged out on their radishes and beans. No sour cream or even guac available. Sorry, I’m a Taco Bell kind of guy.

Moon – Top Floor of Casa Leon – Hands down, the best view in Melaque. As much as we try to like this place, the food has really let us down. The wait staff is excellent but something’s amiss in the kitchen. On our recent visit, only one of our group of eight was happy with his steak. His calamari was overcooked and bland. Ribeye and New York’s were paper thin and fatty or grisly. It appeared they were boiled or steamed before being grilled and Cathryn’s was way undercooked. Salads were very good, as was the lemon cheesecake. Many other friends rave about the two-for-one rib or burger nights if that’s your thing. We feel prices are high for the quality of food we received. They now offer a Sunday brunch with seems to be getting positive reviews.

We’ve also eaten at the Sea Master in Barra, Seriana Gordita at Coco Beach, Pedro’s in La Manzanilla, and Pata Salada in Manzanilla, all with decent offerings, but I’ve kept this list to Melaque.

Please keep in mind that opinions expressed are our own and from our dining friends. You might have a completely different experience since menus and staff change frequently. Be brave, be adventurous. Happy dining!

Palma negra Beach Restaurant

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Food & DiningLeave a comment

Our go-to restaurant for the best coconut shrimp on the Costalegre, Palma negra Beach Restaurant is one you have to try in you’re in the Melaque/Barra area. Located on Coco Beach, on the far side of the Grand Bay Resort’s golf course, this hideaway beach restaurant is worth the trip (take the Isla de Navidad/Colimilla road off Hwy 80.

On this occasion we went with a group of ten and everyone ordered something different, mostly indulging in the Thai side of the menu. In our opinion, Maria has some of the best Thai dishes around…pad Thai and assorted curry dishes like mussels in coconut curry sauce and chicken in red curry. She also offers fresh-made appetizers such as spring rolls in rice paper with peanut sauce, guacamole, and of course coconut shrimp.

One of the group raved about the fish tacos and I enjoyed the bacon cheeseburger. Another had the Caesar salad with about a half pound of plump shrimp. Others enjoyed their curried dishes, soup and salads. They also serve a large variety of beverages and cocktails.

Palma negra is a family run business that now rents out a beach bungalow that includes breakfast. They also have a lazy river pool and direct beach access, with a nearby site for turtle releases. It’s best to call ahead or email for reservations since they sometimes have entertainment that draws large crowds, and they close one day a week.

Our group rated Palma negra Beach from 7 to 10 out of 10, with a least a handful of 10’s.

Barra Galeria de Arte & Restaurant 

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Food & DiningLeave a comment

It took us two years to get back to this unique restaurant but we were glad we made it happen. The Galeria is a combination of Art Gallery, Restaurant, and Tequila Tasting Bar. Located on one of the main arteries in Barra de Navidad, you have to poke your head inside the Galeria to truly appreciate everything it has to offer.

Just inside the front door you’ll find unique pieces of aboriginal art, along with various photographic images taken by well-known owner/photographer Robert Hansen. Be sure to check out some of his awesome black & white images on display throughout the gallery and restaurant.

We went for dinner and tequila tasting with a group of six. Reservations are recommended since they aren’t open every day and when they are the restaurant is usually full. Besides wife Rosy’s special dishes, topnotch entertainment might be another reason for the sell-out crowds. Her menu is always limited to two items – one of her chili relleno’s and either meat, fish or shrimp – check their website for specific menus on certain nights.

Our choices were the Shrimp Chili Relleno or Spare Ribs, both found to be delicious by all six in our party. Menu items are a set price but include a surprise appetizer, taste of tequila, cookies, and marshmallows that you can roast on an open campfire. Music is also included and we were treated to Canadian Jazz guitarist, Daren Johnston. His volume was perfect for dinner conversation.

The Galeria is a family run business, with owner Robert hopping from table to table making sure everyone is comfortable and happy. His wife, Rosy, is the cook and all his children either wait on tables, work in the kitchen or tend the tequila bar. I polled the group and the group was split on rating the Galeria between 8 and 9 out of 10.

Melaque/Barra Restaurants – Part 2

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Book Reviews, Food & DiningLeave a comment

For Part 2 of this years list of area restaurants, Cathryn and I and some friends have visited the following restaurants in the past month. I’ve attached links for additional information, and as always, opinions are solely ours. One thing we’ve noticed this season, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone else, is that prices have gone up substantially.

Bistro Escondido – This hideaway has been around as long as we’ve been coming to Melaque, in one form or another. Cathryn and I actually stayed in the upstairs apartment for a few years. The cozy restaurant is off the beaten path, under a shady palapa, poolside. The menu is limited with what have come to be favorites of patrons who return regularly. Try the black & blue burger, fish & chips, or the assorted tapas. Sunday brunch is also popular, with an artisan market and music.

La Palma Negra – Definitely off the beaten path, on Coco Beach on the far side of Barra, Cathryn and I have voted this little place the best for coconut shrimp. Plump, fresh, and delicious. I once tackled one of their giant burgers and still have the stretch marks to prove it. Guacamole, ceviche, nachos, octopus…it’s all good. They have entertainment and you can even stay in a little beach hut beside a lazy river and pool. There are also turtle releases next door.

Chavakia – One of my occasional go-to places on my morning walks, this quiet spot offers one of the heathiest menus I’ve seen yet. Fresh fruit juices and smoothies, granola and yogurt, salads, and pancakes, waffles or French toast for those with a sweet tooth. They also offer plenty of other breakfast items like eggs benny, divorced eggs and omelets. Prices are very reasonable.

Moon – Offering the best view in Melaque, this restaurant should be packed every night. On the top floor of the new Casa Leon building at the west end of town, Moon was originally touted as upscale, a place where you could put on your Sunday go to meeting clothes for a night out. They still offer a selection of good steaks but have resorted to 2 for 1 specials to bring in diners. We did the burger night and were not impressed. Giving them another chance, we went with a group of 8 for dinner, having filets and rib eyes, ribs, fish n chips and pasta. Everyone was pretty happy with their meals.

Los Cocos – We happened on this beach restaurant by chance when Las Hamacas was filled up for a Bandidos performance. Located next door, we could hear the music and still carry on a conversation. We only had a light lunch there, a burrito, nachos, and a clubhouse. All were good portions and better than expected. the dinner menu looked good and they were prepping sections of pork for the barbeque that evening.

La Chinita – Chinese food in Mexico? Sure, why not, for a change? Li Xie, a little Chinese firecracker, owns and runs the restaurant, cooking most of the home made specialties herself. Fresh spring and egg rolls, meat and veggie dishes, assorted rice and great wonton soup with juicy and plump noodles. The restaurant is on the highway, across from Pemex and not the best of locations but the food makes up for it. They also deliver.

Colimilla – There’s a group of 5 restaurants – Mary’s, Lilly’s, Fortinos, Colimlla, and one other I can’t think of at the moment. To me they’re all about the same – waterfront eateries offering the same fare, mostly seafood and Mexican dishes, with some specialties. The quickest way to reach any of these places is to hop on one of their water taxi’s that will take you across the bay, behind the Grand Bay Resort, which borders the town of Colimilla. You can also drive around, taking the road to Isla de Navidad off the highway, just east of Barra.

Pechacane – Arguably the best pizza in Melaque or Barra, depending on whether or not you like normal or thin crust pizza. Cathryn and I liked this place before but now they have a new chef and expanded menu that includes lasagna’s, pastas, and even fish n chips. Our friend had the lasagna, a portion large enough for 2. The noodles were light and fluffy, the Bolognese meat sauce extraordinary – probably because it’s the chef’s grandmother’s recipe. She was from Bologna, Italy. Our pizzas were great.

Titos/Livys – There’s not much of a Facebook page but anyone who’s spent any time in Melaque knows about Titos, or now Livy’s next door. There is always some kind of entertainment at one of these beach bars, and being next door to each other gives patrons room to spread out and enjoy the music or food at either establishment. Tito is known for his 2 for 1 drinks and strong margaritas. We’ve been hit and miss on the food but most times the pub grub is pretty good. We do miss the pizza ovens.

Chantli Mare – If you want to go for a little drive, perhaps to visit the crocodiles in La Manzanilla, continue along the beach road for a couple miles and watch for the sign and gate to Chantli Mare. It’s a beach restaurant and more, offering seaside rooms for the night. The cuisine is French/Vietnamese/Mexican fusion with all the usual entrees plus some unique surprises. There is a bar, pool, patio and beach tables, and probably the nicest banos on the beach.

There are plenty more good places to eat in the Melaque/Barra area so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try some of these places. Buen provecho!

Where’s Our Workforce?

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Food & DiningLeave a comment

Do you remember those days, a few years ago, when you could go to just about any restaurant and receive good food and sometimes great service? You do remember-it was before something called Covid came along and changed our lives forever.

I remember it well, sitting in restaurants or bars with friends, joking about a virus invented in China but named after a beer in Mexico. How we made fun of it, but nervously whispered about cancelled travel plans and government overreaction.

Then people started dying and those of us abroad had to go home, for fear of being stranded forever with no way to escape the chaos. And so we all went home, hunkered down, quarantined and avoided human contact with anyone outside our personal bubble.

Fast forward three years, to a time where Covid is scoffed at because we have vaccinations and boosters and masks, and have learned to socially distance ourselves. Some of us got tired of ordering food and groceries in and have ventured out into the apocalyptic world to see what’s left of it.

We were happy that some of our favorite restaurants weathered the storm but sad that others couldn’t survive and had to lock their doors. It was so nice to breathe and talk to people without a face mask muffling your voice and causing more pimples than you had as a teenager.

Restaurants re-opened and welcomed us back, but only on certain days of the week. They had difficulty getting their staff back or hiring new people to replace them. The newbies had to be trained, thus taxing our patience after waiting three years.

Cathryn and I formed a new habit, checking web sites of our favorite restaurants before we ventured out. More than once we drove to dinner only to find the doors locked. I hate searching for food when I’m hangry. And when we finally took refuge in one of our favorite breakfast or dinner spots, the service was terrible.

Every restaurant has good and bad days so we shrugged it off at first. But we travelled to Europe last summer and found the same problem, restaurants with limited hours and staff shortages. We spoke to owners who shared their frustrations, many with ‘help wanted’ signs posted in their windows.

So my question is, where the hell did the workforce go? They didn’t all retire and couldn’t have left the country because everyone’s having the same problem everywhere. One theory I’ve heard is that nobody can afford to work for such low wages anymore. If that’s the case then how are they surviving? Government subsidies ran out long ago.

We’re now in Mexico, finding the same problem. And it’s not that people don’t need the work. Restaurants are stocked with young and inexperienced employees who are more interested in their electronic devices than another hungry human being. Is it just me or does the new generation seem inept and disinterested in working for a living?

Hopefully everything works out and I can enjoy a meal without having to text the server to get their attention. Time will only tell.

The Pepper Cat Restaurant

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Food & DiningLeave a comment

We finally made it to the Pepper Cat Restaurant in Amherstburg and it was well worth the long trek from Windsor. Formerly the Beacon Ale House, you have to try this new restaurant. It’s advertised as upscale dining but the prices were not ridiculous.

Our visit was in the late afternoon for kind of a late lunch or early dinner so we decided to sample their appetizer menu. We leaned heavy on seafood with the mussels, done in a white wine and garlic sauce – with lots of juice that was great to soak up with their focaccia bread – perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

We ordered everything at once for a real smorgasbord – escargot that came with perfectly melted and gooey cheese on top. And their crab cakes, a decent size and lightly breaded. A special treat was the grilled octopus, something that is normally difficult to cook, but it was done perfectly – tender inside and char-grilled on the outside.

The spread filled up three of us and was all washed down with local craft beers that they have on tap. We had a gift card that halved our bill but found their appie prices were in line with other restaurants, and the portions were sizeable. The size of the octopus leg had us wondering how big the monster was before we ate it.

We had a friend in from Cambodia who loves seafood, and he was delighted by the food and liquid sampling. The chairs were super comfortable and the service was great. The chef even visited our table at our request. Cathryn and I highly recommend the Pepper Cat and rate it a 10 out of 10.

Pomegranate Restaurant

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Food & DiningLeave a comment

It’s been too many years since I’ve visited the Pomegranate Restaurant in Windsor, and after eating there tonight, I’m disappointed I didn’t return sooner. The ‘Pomo’, as we used to call it, is still a family-run business serving excellent Chinese food to long time loyal customers. Take out business was brisk while Cathryn and I were there, with many obviously picking up dinner to bring home.

Back in the day, when I worked for a living, we took our lunch hours and completed reports in the back corner of the dining room. And on occasion, I’d loose money while playing cards with the staff after hours – all in fun, of course, since everyone is family there. It was nice to see some familiar faces and hear that Chef Henry was still in the kitchen, serving great food.

As with most Chinese restaurants, the menu is huge, but the wait staff is more than happy to help with your selection and very responsive to fine tuning your order. The wonton soup was hearty and served piping hot. The pork spring rolls were crispy, with a filling that reminded me of the inside of a tortiere. We had two each but wanted more.

Our two main dishes consisted of house special egg foo young and stir-fried veggies with all the goodies you can think of. And to top it off, besides the traditional fortune cookies, they gave us extra almond cookies. I forgot how addictive they are. The service was fast and friendly and prices are reasonable. Cathryn and I both give the Pomegranate a 9 out of 10, since nobody is perfect 🙂

Breakfast at Jim’s Sub Shop – Kingsville

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Food & DiningLeave a comment

Cathryn thought it was too nice a day to be inside and suggested we needed to go for a ride somewhere. I took that as a reason to go out for breakfast, but we didn’t discuss where we wanted to eat until we got in the car. After a great recommendation from my brother, we decided a drive to Kingsville was in order so we could try Jim’s Sub Shop.

Don’t be fooled by the name. Jim makes submarine sandwiches, just like the kind we used to feast on after a night out drinking, and not like those fake Subway things. But I digress…let me get back to breakfast, Jim’s specialty Eggs Benny’s and the thick and juicy peameal bacon he likes to brag about.

Having realized I left my Covid vaccination papers, government issued ID, and my phone with the backup vax info, next of kin, and favorite cat photos in the car, Cathryn saved me the pain of hobbling on my gimp knee and volunteered to retrieve all the documents necessary to cross the Berlin Wall.

A man behind the counter, who was wearing an apron and later identified as Jim, kindly accepted me as his prisoner and agreed to hold me in Covid jail until my wife returned with my paperwork. Our documents were presented and I was released from custody. The décor was nothing fancy, but clean and comfortable. They also have patio seating outback.

We were lucky enough to have the restaurant owner, Jim, come to our table for our order, and to share his sense of humor. A patient man, he stood by as Cathryn’s customized an order of his Eggs Benedict Florentine. I was torn between the cheeseburger and hookee omelet, something Jim created using seasoned shaved beef. I chose the cheeseburger and he said it came with all the fixins.

Jim wasn’t kidding about the mustard, ketchup and pickles that made my omelet look more like a pizza. I’m not into the yellow condiment, but the eggs and other cheeseburger goodies were piping hot and delicious. It came with real home fries, done on the grill. Cathryn got the Eggs Benny Florentine, with peameal thick as a steak, extra large eggs and homemade hollandaise sauce sprinkled with real bacon bits. Hers looked like it belonged on the cover of a food magazine.

To our delight, both our meals were served hot off the grill, and stayed that way until we finished them. Service was quick, friendly and efficient. Prices for breakfast were in the $7 to $15 range, depending on what you order. And besides subs, they do burgers and sell specialty Greek foods like humus and fattoush.

Jim’s is located on Kingsville’s main strip, between Vern’s and The Grove. Cathryn and I were both filled up by our meals and are happy to recommend Jim’s for breakfast. I give them a 9 and she a 10 out of 10.

Part II Bistro – Goderich

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn Food & DiningLeave a comment

On our recent Tobermory trip, for a change of scenery, Cathryn and I decided to take the back roads up north – getting off the highway when we could, and following Lake Huron’s eastern shoreline. Knowing the six hour ride would take us longer, we booked a room in Goderich to make it a two-day trip. On the first day we stopped in Grand Bend to stretch our legs and see what is new. The beach resort town was bustling, with plenty of new places to get your favorite junk food, and a complete makeover of the old Colonial Hotel is in progress.

Cathryn barely remembered being to Goderich years ago, so we drove down to the waterfront and along the public beach. The old CPR Train Station has been meticulously restored and relocated there and converted into a restaurant. New since my last visit is a wooden boardwalk with exercise stations, running the full 1.5 km length of the beach.

For dinner we sought out the Part II Bistro, on the main square – more like an octagon loop that surrounds the court house, with a half dozen streets as spokes, radiating from the center. It was Tuesday, and to our disappointment many restaurants in town were closed for the night. Part II Bistro was open and had rave reviews so that’s where we went. They have a beautiful patio out front that offers a great view of the town square, but the weather and seasonal bees had us reserve a table inside.

I can best describe the décor as eclectic, with tables partitioned for privacy and Covid reasons. They had a nice selection of local craft beers and a descent wine list. We sampled both. A picture of our appetizer wouldn’t do it justice – look up Gnudi on their menu – ricotta, parmesan and garlic formed into soft pillows, with a semolina flower crust set on a slowly simmered IPA, basil tomato reduction. Yes, it was a savory and delicious as it sounds.

Cathryn saw a lamb shank on the menu so there was no decision for her. I was torn between the Sacchietti Pasta and the Greek chicken, but was in need of a good carb fix and chose the latter. Stuffed egg pasta filled with mushrooms and black truffles, tossed with sundried tomatoes, artichokes, woodland mushrooms, spinach, onions and garlic. Finished with cream and herbed infused olive oil and topped with parmesan cheese. OMG! Need I say more? The little pasta pouches made for the best I’ve ever had.

The Lamb Shank was braised perfectly in Moroccan influences of cumin, cinnamon and cardamom, set on Israeli couscous with ratatouille vegetables, topped with it’s own braising reduction. Cathryn barely had to coax the meat off the bone, which I secretly think she wanted to suck on.

Dessert was mostly for me, she only wanted a bite. I selected the peanut butter chocolate cheesecake, of course. The picture tells the story, and it tasted even better than it looks.

Service was just a tad slow, but like everywhere else these days the restaurant is having difficulty in finding wait staff. They did a great job with what they had and Cathryn and I eagerly give Part II Bistro a 10 out of 10.