Gordon Ramsey's Tips For A Good Restaurant

EMAIL US

Be sure to send us an email so we hit the next great place in Barrie!

barrierestaurantreview@gmail.com

CK Chinese

Some have said that Chinese is Chinese and that we really aren't eating authentic Chinese Food here is Barrie but I still love it!!! The price is a great value and the food tastes great!

Sometime the food can take a while to get to the door but their delivery is contracted out so they have to wait for the car to come pick it up. However, the last few times I have had it, it was here under 30 minutes. I got 4 Combo's from them and it was $45.00 delivery included which is awesome!

Next time you are thinking of ordering in Chinese CK is the place to order from.

For more info visit their website: http://www.ckchinesefood.com/

Stop By Mullies Bar & Grill

Mullies Bar & Grill

This is a great place to grab a bite and shoot some pool if you are all for a bar atmosphere while you eat. I love the atmosphere of this bar and it gets you just off the main drag of downtown Barrie. This is also a great late night spot because you are away from the College Students who are partying on Dunlop so it is a little quieter but it is still somewhere you can hang out and enjoy your late night.

Being a College Student I prefer the Pub over the Bar so Mullies appeals for me. The food is great and the beer is cold however the service is not always there.

I would give Mullies a 7/10 for their establishment as it is just your normal bar but some people may like it and some may not as it really is what you feel and if the pub life is for you.

Tell us 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

Mom's the word!

Mom's Restaurant

A classic establishment in Barrie that has always been a great place to stop in for breakfast. I always stopped in every Sunday years ago but stopped going for a couple of reasons. A couple of years ago Mom's was sold and lost its true touch in Barrie. The Jerseys from Mrs. Corson came down from her son Shane and they walked away. This was the sad moment for me because this is when Mom's bnecame just a regulare Breakfast spot.

Before Mom's sold I would have given it an 8/10 now I would say it is a 6/10 because it is just too boring. The food is great but the service is lazy and slow and they often forget you.

South St. Burger Co.

WOW WHAT AN EXPERIENCE

South St. Burger Co. just made my top list of Burger joints in Canada! This amazing chain has one in the North End on Bayfield near the LCBO and one in the South End by Mucho Burrito. Walking in and seeing the layout was very modern and inviting and when I ordered and asked for toppings it reminded me of Harvey's but South St. Burger Co. had a great selection of toppings. South St. Burger Co. has 4 different types of Mustard, 3 different type of Ketchup and about 7 different types of cheese.

The Burger was made fresh to order and the Pattie was not frozen before it went on the grill. To top it all off I had a New York Fries Poutine on the side. This was a little pricy as it was $11.00 for these two and a drink but will I go back. YES!

I would give South St. Burger Co. a 9/10. They are not absolutely perfect as you have to wait to get a fresh burger but it is worth the wait.

Barrie, Ontario....What a place to dine!

Flashback to the Past!



FLASHBACK

Take a trip into the past with a visit to Flashback and their amazing Breakfast. When I first discovered this Barrie gem it was no surprise that with an authentic diner come authentic food. The Food provided at this lovable restaurant is to die for. From Pancakes to French Toast to a Western Omelets it is all wonderful. Flashbacks provides a fun atmosphere to travel back in time when life was not a big rush and people weren't running around. Flashbacks does offer a lunch menu but if you are going to Flashbacks it better be for their breakfast as that is the highlight. Unlike most breakfast spots their goal is not to have you leave still hungry. Their Omelets are made with 4 eggs instead of 3 like most places and their serving of home fries and sausage and bacon are good sizes. Most places will consider side bacon or sausage 2 or 3 pieces whereas at Flashbacks it is more like 4 or 5 (Monies worth).

If there was ever a negative about Flashbacks and their restaurant it would be that like the restaurant being old fashioned sometimes so is their service. It does sometimes take a while to get seated because of the size and forget about going after church lets out on Sundays. However, even though there might be a wait it is well worth the wait after you finish your meal.

The Official Taster of Barrie gives Flashbacks 9 out of 10 on their wonderful establishment!

FRANS-tastic!

Fran's Restaurant
507 Bayfield St.

Fare: Greasy Spoon

Price: $10-17

Fran's restaurant is an ineresting institution. The original Fran's is located at College and Yonge, which has expanded to four other locations in it's six decades of operation. Fran's has two other locations South of Bloor, one location in Barrie, and one in... Kansas City.

Kansas City? Yes, Kansas City. Not New York, Los Angeles or Chicago. Not even elsewhere in Southern Ontario. Kansas City, Missouri.

Dispite that, Fran's offers a respectable dining experience. All things considered, above average. Being a chain, which we typically avoid on this blog, Fran's has a certain level of expectability. That is, when you walk into a Fran's you know what you're getting into.

Most chains are succeptable to microwave dish syndrome: Where the accountants determine that it is cheaper to provide pre-packaged meals that are re-heated on site as opposed to fresh cooked meals made with care. Fran's is not among those chains.

A meal at Fran's will be of a standard quality: fresh and fantastic, as you can see below.






This blog consideres Fran's a great place to dine, whatever the occasion. We just wish the Barrie location offered the same hours as those in Toronto.

Overall: 8/10

Thai One On

Thai Bamboo
61 King St. W
Fare: Contemporary Thai
Price: $8-22

Once again we travel to the industrial jungle that is Barrie's south-end. The network of plazas and strip malls make for good hiding places of little-known eating spots. In this review we will offer a brief discussion of a hidden gem found in the south-end, Thai Bamboo.

Much like other restaurants in the area, the interior decoration and ambiance can be related to a warehouse. Considering what the operators of Thai Bamboo have to work with, the interior looks decent. Nothing to write home about, however. To comment, the restaurant is always clean and tidy, and service is always above par. If there's one characteristic other restaurant should mimic, it's this.

This hidden gem really sparkles once you open the embroidered menu. The offerings are simple, yet provide enough variety to satisfy most. I personally have been many times and still feel the menu is fresh.

The quality of the food is decent for the price range. It is better to what you would find in a food court at a shopping mall, but when compared to what's available in Toronto, Thai Bamboo misses the mark.

Thai Bamboo scores big points on price. The menu offers simple pan-fried noodle dishes, extravagant seafood curry platters, and everything in between. Of highlight, $7.90 tax-in nets you a pile of stir-fried noodles, veggies and chicken. Excellent for early lunch or late night snack on the go. My favorite: house fried rice before the movies with friends.



In a nutshell, Thai Bamboo offers some decent thai food at what you would want to pay, and overcomes all objections when selecting a restaurant.

Overall: 8/10

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