09/22/08

Avoid Mon & Tues evenings

by maximajack

Food is basic and nothing exciting (but people believe good food at a good price is needed in the area)

My shrimp and lobster Risotto with truffle oil had no favor what so ever. My girlfriend had the grilled stuffed pork which came to the table over-cooked. The waiter was apologetic and took it way, and returned 20 minutes later with another cut, which was RAW. The second plate was sent back again and was served a third time. Not the type of service you expect when you pay the prices you do, inexpensive or not, I would not expect this level of service from McDonalds, no less Laurel.

To top it off when I asked for a manager, I was told one was not on duty. The waiter charged me for both entrees, and took a meer 10% of the check.

When I called the following day to talk to a manager, he was apologetic and informed me that there is no on duty manager on Monday & Tuesday evenings. In addition he promised to send me a gift certificate to compensate me for my problems. Several weeks later, I have not heard from the restaurant.

Bad cooking (that could make you sick) and poor management = bad rating.

• Pros: location
• Cons: poorly managed

03/27/08

Great for a Dinner Party and Excellent Desserts

by sprite125

My family celebrated my birthday here for dinner last Saturday night. There were 8 of us total and overall it was a pleasant experience for everyone. I had made a reservation for 6:30pm and we were seated immediately which I thought was very efficient. We shared the roasted pepper hummus and calamari for appetizers. The hummus was flavorful yet mild, I just wish they gave more slices of toast--they only gave about 8 small slices which just wasn't enough. However we used the complimentary bread to eat the rest. The calamari was good; nothing really extraordinary. My aunt had the Goat Cheese & Proscuitto Salad and said it was tasty but just wished there was more goat cheese overall since it was a small sprinkling.

For our entrees - everyone ordered something different and I don't think anyone had a complaint! My meal was the strip steak and it was a hearty cut cooked perfectly to my requested medium rare. Other big hits were the Rotisserie Duck and the Chilean Sea Bass.

The desserts - the highlight of my meal! I specifically chose this restaurant because it was reasonably priced AND had their own pastry chef (who I believe is the co-owner with her husband). Almost my whole party ordered from the dessert menu which changes seasonally. Mmmm, the Free Form Mud Pie brownie was so incredibly rich and delicious! The brownie is thick and cakey combined with spoonfuls of ice cream -- perfect with my cup of coffee. My other favorite was the pumpkin gingerbread which comes out warm with a fruit sauce drizzled on the bottom...the warm bread is so flavorful and rich - it tastes like it is freshly baked. We also had the Peanut Butter Mousse and 8 Layer Chocolate Trifle - both very tasty and unique!

Overall the ambiance was pleasant and the wait staff courteous. Nothing to complain about in terms of service and you really can't beat the prices. I will definitely come back again!

• Pros: Good service, unique desserts, reasonable prices
• Cons: Parking is slim but it IS Boston

03/17/08

Good service, nice atmosphere, great prices

by slpmb

I recently went to Laurel for a dinner with a group of friends. Our server was friendly and attentive and the food was decent. I got the pork tenderloin special, which was good. All of my friends enjoyed their meals as well. I really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant, not too stuffy, comfortable and inviting and, you can't beat the prices! I would go back anytime.

• Pros: Service, value, ambience
• Cons: None that I can think of