loudlunch » summer http://loudlunch.com that one hour of primetime Tue, 24 May 2011 16:04:05 +0000 en hourly 1 Yukiko’s Hometown Eatery http://loudlunch.com/2010/09/yukikos-hometown-eatery/ http://loudlunch.com/2010/09/yukikos-hometown-eatery/#comments Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:46:41 +0000 Maple http://loudlunch.com/?p=162 I very much prefer its former name Yukiko’s Cafe over Hometown Eatery. Perhaps they changed it to not be confused with a Japanese cafe. This quiet little restaurant hides behind the hustle and bustle of King Street and has just been recently renovated. Superb patio and lovely interior. Strangely, the washrooms are the first thing you see when you step into the restaurant.

At least they have nice doors.

I’ve read many reviews about the terrific food and terrible service at Hometown Eatery and was very prepared for them. Perhaps a little toooo prepared, both my visits were met with the total opposite. Perfect service and mediocre food.

Yukiko's Cafe Bistro on Urbanspoon

My server’s name is Becca and she’s definitely one of the best server I’ve had in Waterloo so far – friendly, prompt and very welcoming. In addition, a lot of thought has been put into the menu. There are interesting names for dishes such as The KISS (Keep It Simple Sandwiches), Purple Velvet (Beet soup; daily special) and Yummy/Snoppy/Flirty Burgers. I tried the grilled salmon sandwich ($14) and gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with brie ($10).

$10 for a grilled cheese?

The exotic brie grilled cheese was definitely better than the grilled salmon, contrary to what I expected. It was warm and simple whereas the grilled salmon was dry. Hometown’s Eatery is supposedly famous for its cakes so I tried a strawberry cheesecake. Being a huge cheesecake fan, I was a little disappointed. It was okay, but nothing too fantastic. Perhaps the wrong cake?

If I ever return for another meal, it’ll definitely be for the cosy atmosphere, awesome service and quirky menu items. For the food? Meh, maybe not.

Also, it might be a bad idea to visit on an extremely cold day because they charge $1 for just a cup of warm water.

]]> http://loudlunch.com/2010/09/yukikos-hometown-eatery/feed/ 11 Patios in Kitchener: The Hunt Begins http://loudlunch.com/2010/03/patios-in-kitchener-the-hunt-begins/ http://loudlunch.com/2010/03/patios-in-kitchener-the-hunt-begins/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:24:01 +0000 dariusz http://loudlunch.com/?p=102 Oh Waterloo, you less exciting version of Mississauga, you win this round! You have Ethel’s, the Duke, Rude Native, Morty’s, Fox and Fiddle, McMullan’s, and all sorts of awesome summer patios. Kitchener may have Bobby O’Briens, but it’s facing the wrong way! 5 PM beers with a slight shadow aren’t what I’m looking for on St. Patrick’s Day.

Help Me Help You! (by finding patio bars)

If anyone knows of any sweet, underrated patios between downtown Kitchener and uptown Waterloo, please share! I will update this list as I find awesome places.  They will be in my unscientific order of preference.

Kitchener Patios

  • Bobby O’Briens – Large patio right dowtown, complete with beach volleyball court and a bar right there on the deck. Good lunch specials.
  • One Eyed Jacks – Sketchy and cheap, convenient location, inexpensive deliciously greasy food.  Great for after-softball.  Opens for the summer season only.
  • City Cafe Bakery – Small, quaint, and super busy on nice Saturday afternoons.

Waterloo Patios

  • Ethel’s Lounge – Great patio with questionable service. Taco Tuesday is the best day ever, weekly. The long patio season and a diverse crowd make for a local success!
  • Heuther Hotel – 2nd Floor – The serious local favourite.  (Thanks CJ)
  • Symposium Cafe – Out the back of the cafe, which has great breakfast and fancy coffee.
  • University Plaza – McGinnis Front Row, Mongolian Grill all have fun patios. (Thanks Dave)
  • The Bombshelter – On campus but still a great patio (Thanks Dave)
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