Bow To Akira Japanese Cuisine

There are just a handful of Sushi places in Barrie that really are authentic. Akira is one of these places that gives you authentic Sushi and does a great job of preparing it. They are not the best Sushi place I have ever been to but by far they are the best in Barrie based on the food.

The service is lacking a little but I would expect that from an All You Can Eat restaurant as the more they visit the table the less money they make. I am always shocked at the price especially for the amount of food I eat while I am there. If your someone who doesn't eat a lot yes...you will not get your monies worth in food but for all those who are ready to sit down and undo that top button get ready for a great time.

Some people have complained about the pop and beer and having to ask for it but hello!!!!! You need to ask for a drink at the other restaurants as well and at least they give you water right at the beginning as most restaurants don't give you water unless you ask.

Overall the food and service at Akira would get a 7.5/10 from me but I will be going back in the future because of what I said with it being the best in Barrie.

Georgian College Review - Chartwells Cafeteria

Chartwells Cafeteria - Barrie

Now these days the Georgian College Cafeteria is a touchy subject as it is kind of a love hate relationship. Yes they offer a wide range of food with Tim Horton's, their own version of Pita Pit, Pizza Pizza, Coyote Jacks and their Healthy options but that is usually only true from about 10am to 4pm Monday - Friday.

Now when it comes to Cafeteria's I don't know what people are expecting from them. It is a cafeteria! Most Cafeterias have cold sandwiches and a couple of soups and some burgers of pizza. Chartwells does try to give Georgian Students and anyone who visits a good meal but hey.....if you are going to a school cafeteria then what do you expect. You are not going to get a five star meal. When I have to go to the Cafeteria it is usually for a slice of pizza or a quick snack or going to Tim Horton’s.

Where they do drop the ball is operation hours. Yes, I realize it is a business and that you need to make money but when you offer students a meal plan and expect them to purchase it you better be open 7 days a week Breakfast to Dinner because we buy the meal plan expecting not having to buy any food or go grocery shopping. The moment we have to buy a meal off campus because they are closed it becomes useless.

Now they have smartened up recently offering a convenience card that you can fill like a meal plan but come on really........buy a card that we can only spend at the cafeteria??? I would rather keep the money in my bank and spend it where I feel and it the Cafeteria is the lucky place then be happy I am visiting you.

Also, price of their food is extremely expensive and really eats away at the bank account. I would rather visit somewhere else than have to spend my money there. The last part of this rant is that the Debit Machine charges you $0.25 for a debit transaction. I am sorry but that is a cost of doing business. They should not be able to charge me extra to use the debit machine. If they didn't offer debit I would simply not spend my money their but somehow they get away with charging students $0.25 for every purchase made on debit! It is ridiculous and needs to be changed.

I would give the Georgian College Chartwells Cafeteria a 5/10 as they have a long road ahead to improve service and need to stop raising prices and think more about what the students need and want out of their cafeteria.

For more info on Chartwells visit: http://www.dineoncampus.ca/Georgian/?

Let Us Know Where To Go!!!

Do you have a restaurant you want featured on The Barrie Restaurant Review? Please email us at barrierestaurantreview@gmail.com and we will check it out and post it on our blog!! We garuntee we will get back to your email within a day!

Look forward to hearing from you!

-The Official Taster Of Barrie

Georgian College Review - Bun on the Run & Georgian Dining Room

"GDR" (Georgian Dining Room)

The Georgian Dining Room is definitely the most elegant dining experience on campus as it is run by the students in the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation. The Georgian Dining Room offers a unique dining experience for anyone who has never attended as the service is completely run by the students. From the front of house to the kitchen it is all prepared and served by students.

The Food offered is made to a high standard as even though the students are cooking their instructors are with them for every step of the way. That goes the same for the service. Even though a student is serving you, often their instructor will be shadowing them as they are being marked as they serve. Now I am not going to say it is flawless as some of these students are serving for their first time, so I would suggest not wearing your best suit or dress as it might have the chance to get spilled on.

The Menu selection is small because The Georgian Dining Room is only open for a lunch service and it is one seating only at 12pm. The students learn about the menu and prep the dining room and then are marked during the seating at 12pm.

The Georgian Dining Room does host events but those have to be booked through The Georgian Dining Room staff and are usually closed events to whoever is hosting but it is an excellent option if you are looking for a party or a company event.

Overall The Georgian Dining Room gets a 9/10 because even though it is students, the food and experience is amazing!



To learn more about the GDR visit their website: http://www.georgianc.on.ca/gdr/dining-room-2/fundraising-dinners

Bun on the Run

Bun on the Run is another great option for lunch on the Barrie Campus of Georgian College. This is another great experience as it again is completely student run. The students learn how to make large quantities of food to be served buffet style and the when it hits lunch time they serve it to the staff and students of Georgian College. This is a great idea because the students get the chance to cook large amounts of food but also get to experience selling it as well. The meals are very cost effective and I would argue is the cheapest meal on campus. The meals range from a full Fish & Chip lunch to a Beef Dip Sandwich all for under $5.00.

The students sell it for such a good value as they are just trying to recover their costs so they could purchase the food for the next week.

Bun on the Run gets a 9/10 on their service as well because it is cheap, quick and the quality of the food it top notch

To learn more about Bun on the Run and their meal options and daily schedule visit:

http://www.georgianc.on.ca/gdr/academic/bun-on-the-run

Georgian College Review - The First Class

The First Class


The First Class is the morning business for the Students` Administrative Council. The Last Class is your student’s pub where you can come and sit down and have a bite to eat with friends whereas The First Class is a place to come in a grab a quick sandwich and head out to class or while you are on break. The First Class has plenty of options to choose from and it is absolutely amazing that everything is made fresh before your eyes. The First Class has it down to a science and over the past couple of years we have seen huge improvements to The First Class. Since the renovations The First Class now has an express beverage line.

It obviously takes time to make a fresh sandwich which sometimes is their downfall because many students are in time constraints. However, by adding the beverage line it ensures that people just looking for a Coffee or a drink don`t have to wait in line behind someone getting a sandwich. Their sandwich and wraps are an absolute hit on campus and it is a great price for what you get.

The First Class is to me the best place to go on campus for a sandwich or wrap. They have fresh vegetables and sandwich meat and an amazing selection of wraps and bread to choose from.

To download The First Class menu visit: http://www.georgianc.on.ca/tlc/the-first-class

The First Class gets a 8/10 for their greats menu and amazing wraps and sandwiches but the line still is an issue for many.

Georgian College Review - The Last Class

The Last Class

The Last Class is the on campus pub for Georgian College run by the Students' Administrative Council. While most student pubs are usually the same with the same food The Last Class adds a little more to give you a full restaurant feel. When you enter The Last Class you almost feel like you have gone off campus to a Kelsey's or a Applebee’s as it has a very nice feel to it and the staff are on the ball.

The food that they serve really surprised me the first couple times I went and every year it just gets better and better. When I first went I assume it would be nothing but "Pub Grub." By that I mean Nacho's, Burgers, Fries. They really surprised me when I saw that they had a full menu and that there are quite a few healthy options as well on the menu.

Most of the time when you go to The Last Class you could just order a couple of appetizers and it could be a meal. However, the many entrees’ they have are prepared with great touch. Also, like most restaurants their Meat and Bread are delivered daily to ensure freshness.

Now if you are looking to bring you family to have a nice meal it is an option to go to as The Last Class is open to the public as well but most people have to get over the stereotype that they are going to a College Campus for dinner but it is most definitely an option to go to for dinner/lunch.

Overall I would give The Last Class an 8/10 for their service and food. It is a great place to go and has a wonderful atmosphere.

Where Should We Visit In Barrie!?!?!

Do you have a restaurant you want featured on The Barrie Restaurant Review? Please email us at barrierestaurantreview@gmail.com and we will check it out and post it on our blog!!

Look forward to hearing from you!

-The Official Taster Of Barrie

What's The Matta With You - Italian Eating In Barrie

I really don't know what to think....Over the years I have spent in Barrie I have visited Nino's a couple of times and each time walk away with a different view of the restaurant. It is a great family that runs the operation but some days I feel that the food is lacking or is not worked on enough.

When restaurants get used to a certain clientele and don't adjust to the times they will start to go downhill which is the path Nino's is on. Their restaurant is stuck in the late 1900's and has not changed with the time. The clientele that goes to Nino's these days is mainly over 55 and is used to "classic" Italian food but most of the times I have gone it has been a letdown. Some of the reason I believe it is host to an older clientele is that as we start to get older we don't notice as much when our taste buds go which I believe is the case. Nino's on a regular basis has over cooked my pasta and burnt things like bread and chicken.

However, while you are at the restaurant they make you feel very comfortable but most of the time even around dinner you are probably alone with the group you went with or are there with a couple other tables. It really feels awkward when you are in such a large dining room and there is no one else around you. In the future if I were to order from them again it would be take out to avoid the feeling of being alone in this big dining room.

To visit their website: http://www.ninosrestaurant.ca/

Let me know what you think if you have ever been to Nino's and if you agree or disagree with the above post.

Food Worth Thought - Big Bone BBQ & Wicked Wings

For a small business in the south end of Barrie they have grown immensely over the past few years. Big Bone BBQ and Wicked Wings originated in Newmarket and in the past few years have reached the Barrie market and are continuing to grow.

After visiting this establishment I had many great view of their business and a few recommendations.

The Good Side:

1. They have a wonderful facility and a great open concept to be able to look into the kitchen as they prepare your mean
2. The portions are more than enough and you are usually able to take some home after you are done but they are not too big that they are wasting food
3. You definitely feel that you are getting you monies worth and still getting quality food.
4. You can order take out and pick it up on the way home and have an authentic BBQ meal
5. It is also has a family feel to it and is very inviting
6. Serving staff are very friendly and outgoing

The Bad Side:

1. Service is sometimes lacking as they usually have one server and a cook for the evening which means you are waiting for a little while if the restaurant is busy.
2. Limited amount of Beer/Alcoholic drinks available. This is a downside as some people enjoy a premium beer with a BBQ meal
3. Closes at 9pm most days which isn't too early for the south end of Barrie but it would be nice if they were open until 10 or 11.

Overall I would give Big Bone BBQ and Wicked Wings an 8/10 as it does have its downsides, but the reason you go is not for the service or the Beer but rather the amazing BBQ meal.

Check out their menu: http://bigbonebbq.ca/Big_Bone_BBQ_Barrie/menus.html

State Of The Onion: This Chain's For You

We like to stray away from discussing restaurant chains in this blog. We prefer to stick to what is unique to Barrie, and what makes it's restaurant scene special.

However, Barrie is but a pinhead when considering restaurants on a macro. There is a whole wide world outside of this town, even with chains.

The goal of this post is to identify three chains that would be successful in Barrie's restaurant scene.

#1: Les 3 Brasseurs/The 3 Brewers

Les 3 Brasseurs can be found all over L'ile de Montreal. The restaurant is designed to be part brewery and part pub. Stills and piping for the purpose of brewing beer can be found throughout the restaurant, and is accented by the decor. The menu is designed to compliment the beer that is served, typically in four variants: Dark, lager, whie and blonde.

Priced around the same mark that you would find at a Kelsey's or Boston Pizza, and offering a more diverse menu, The 3 Brewers would be an excellent alternative when shopping for a new restaurant.

The restaurant has seen some obstacles in marketing itself outside of Quebec, and that is it's concept is centered around the consumption of alcohol. This alienates the brand from a large segment: families. However, there is currently one location in Toronto, and the company is planning on growing the brand outside of Quebec.

#2: Pizzaiolo
Pizzaiolo has almost 20 locations around the GTA, and for good reason: they make quality pizza at a decent price that actually tastes good. Pizzaiolo serves gourmet pizza at the usual pizzaria price.

Of the three chains mentioned here, this one is the most likely to see entry into the Barrie market. What I like most about Pizzaiolo? Their Capone Pizza: Chicken breast, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, parmigiano, mozzarella and pesto sauce.

Mama Mia!

#3: Olive Garden

You're probably wondering "why Olive Garden"? And I'll tell you why. Because for the money, Olive Garden beats any other chain in terms of quality, service and ambiance. At least the ones I've attended.

Located only south of the border, Olive Garden gets a lot of flak from Americans for being cheap. Considering the variety of food vendors our friends to the south have, it is no surprise. In a nutshell, what Americans may consider mundane, may be considered exotic to us canuks.

The best part of the Olive Garden: When you're there, you're family. What other restaurant in Barrie can claim that?

State Of The Onion: Chinese Food

Of the numerous Chinese restaurants in Barrie, not a single one offers “real” Chinese food. Sure, I like chicken balls and fried rice as much as the next guy, but over time the novelty wears off. I want me some BBQ pork dumplings, fried chickens feet and rice wrapped in lotus leaves.

I don’t mean to poo-poo the current roster of restaurants in Barrie, but it’s time for a refresh.

Alternatives could be Thai, Vietnamese or even Indian, if you’re looking for something new. But what is missing in this town is some authentic Chinese. The kind of authentic Chinese you would find on Spadina Ave.

Does Barrie have the capacity to handle such cuisine? Sushi, for example, has been in town for over ten years now, with numerous successful locations. They aren’t going anywhere. Same with Thai restaurants. And the Mandarin has a nightly line-up at their front door. Barrie has a more than adequate demographic to support at least one dim-sum restaurant, but the real question is:

Does Barrie have a refined enough pallet for real, authentic chinese food?

Bring Your Big Bib To Big Chris's

Big Chris BBQ and Smokehouse

110 Anne St. South, Barrie

Fare: BBQ

Price: $7-25

The term "barbecue" is a relatively ambiguous term. By definition, it is a means of cooking with indirect heat, often smoking the meat over wood or charcoal.

Big Chris BBQ and Smokehouse is barbecue in it's truest sense. At least this far north of the border.

Big Chris offers up the usual crew of ribs, chicken, sandwiches and burgers, all served along with 'slaw, beans and/or fries. Big Chris seems to have two maxims in which he brings to the absolute, and uses to define his dishes: quantity and flavor. And quality. And flavor. The only thing lacking is the health department. Not exactly guilt-free, Big Chris is the kind of restaurant you would attend if you're living life to the fullest. Might as well call the restaurant Porke Diem. If health food is what you're after, go eat a veggie wrap with Jared.

The physical layout is of cafeteria-style. No nonsense, and better yet Big Chris is licensed to serve. As any BBQ place should be.

Big Chris seems like the kind of guy who likes to shake the game up. In a town devote to the Tim's, McDonalds, et al, Big Chris's one of the only actual BBQ joints around. That in itself makes him somewhat of a renegade. Of course, if you're the only game in town, it's not mediocrity that will get you noticed: It's something like the "Ultimate Dirty Burger".

Pictured above, the "Ultimate Dirty Burger" is something that you would find on the show Man v. Food. 2lbs of pulled pork, a serving of poutine, six patties, bacon and cheese all between two buns and has never been eaten in one sitting. This reviewer, although quite brave, does not have the cojones to take on that $35 beast.

If I were to find a fault, it's that Big Chris BBQ is only open until 9pm at the latest. No opportunity for late-night manging.

All in all, Big Chris's is everything you would want in a BBQ restaurant. All without having to travel to the American south.

Overall - 8.5/10