Envy Tapas and Lounge

The first real snowfall of Autumn greeted us as we arrived at Envy Tapas and Lounge on Shaunessy Street during the early evening of Wednesday, November 19, 2008.

We were a bit out of order but we had tried two weeks ago to get a reservation at Envy Tapas to no avail. This week I called much earlier in order to make arrangements for the four of us to dine there.

Envy Tapas is a unique restaurant in Sudbury. It is a "one price" menu at a cost of $33.95 per person (drinks extra).

For that $33.95 you get a choice of eight items (including desserts). That is half the fun - deciding what you will eat.

Don't sweat it though, because you are given a choice of 3 items to start (one at a time of course). After the first three items, the waitress will return to inquire as to your next three choices. After that, the final two (good luck - I couldn't finish mine).

It was not a busy time for the restaurant while we were there so we had a lot of time to choose our meals. The concept was a little difficult but if you look at the photo of my salad - that will give you an idea of the size of each plate.

Our decisions made, we all ordered our first set of three dishes.

Our waitress was excedingly friendly and helpful, suggesting a few different dishes and discussing how they were prepared.

The meal began with warm buns, followed by the first plate of the meal. Mine was the mixed salad, while others made different choices.

With excellent service, the evening went by quite quickly even though we spent almost two hours enjoying our whole dinner. That was the longest time we have ever spent in one restaurant so far. The entertainment value has to be calculated into the final price.

The cost was a little on the high side running at $164.56 before tip.

All in all it was an impressive meal and it was good fun as well as tasting quite delicious. As one of our party put it "this is not a meal but an experience" - well said.

Recommended

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Gloria's Restaurant

After an amazingly warm day for early November, we arrived at Gloria's Restaurant on Regent Street in Sudbury.

With the time change, the evening came quickly as it was already starting to get dark at 5:30 in the afternoon.

We always enjoy our trips to Gloria's Restaurant. It has been on our "personal favourite's list" for years.

The food is generally decent for the price and the staff is usually very friendly. Tonight was no exception.

Our meals were very tasty and we enjoyed our friendly waitress. Service was quick and the staff was attentive. I believe I got asked at least three times if I wanted more coffee (I finally relented).

Everyone enjoyed their food although the price was a little high at $65.67. All in all though it was a nice evening out.

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.

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Eddie's Restaurant

The day began cold and snowy. I had to scrape the caked on snow from the windshield, side windows and rear window before going to work this morning.

The afternoon brought some sunshine but the cold winds continued from the North making the city very cold for the first time since last winter.

We journied forth to Eddie's Restaurant in the sun and cold, cold wind.

Of course, Eddie's has been a staple in Sudbury for many years and we were all familiar with the "greasy spoon" sports-bar diner that served up great tasting meals and large portions - just what we were looking for on such an evening.

We all quickly decided on our meal choices and we were not disappointed. In spite of the annoying CMT music channel in the background, we were pretty happy in our smallish, rather uncomfortable booth.

I suppose the photos of all the sports teams on the wall and the fact that we had a friendly waitress added to the atmosphere.

I know from experience just how expensive sponsoring local teams can be and by the looks of it, Eddie's has supported many in Sudbury.

Our meals were of decent quality and the portions more than ample.

The four of us dined for $48.80 (no alcohol) before tip.

A good meal, decent environment, uncomfortable wooden seating and friendly service.

Recommended for the food and service, but not for a lengthy sitting.

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East Side Mario's (Algonquin)

A rainy Wednesday evening greeted us at East Side Mario's Restaurant on Algonquin Road.

The maitre'd asked if we wanted to be sat at a table or a booth. I answered a booth since to me it sounds more friendly. Then he said he had to check if one was available. One of the women asked me why he would give us that option if he didn't know they were both available? I did not have the answer to that one.

Shortly he was back and showed us to our small but comfy booth.

The waitress was excellent, returning several times as we all had trouble deciding.

Once our order was given, the food quickly arrived and we were all happy with our individual choice.

Personally I found the sauce on the spaghetti to be a bit too sweet for my tastes but acceptable. Perhaps my trips to the Caruso Club have influenced me in this regard.

Unfortunately I forgot the ratings slips so you will just have to take my opinion that the food was very good and the quantities adequate.

Service was excellent and the bill was a reasonable $75.29 before taxes with one alcoholic drink included.

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Deluxe Hamburgers

Long a staple in Sudbury, the Deluxe Hamburger chain serves many hungry customers.

Tonight it was our turn.

Not having been to Deluxe for many years I was looking forward to their classic "Chicken on a Bun Dinner", which is exactly what we all ordered.

The youngest had a chocolate milkshake and one had a vanilla milkshake. The other two of us had diet coke.

Our meals were somewhat as I remembered with sliced white meat chicken smothered in that (similar to Swiss Chalet) sauce on the chicken placed on a warm hamburger bun.

There was also a separate container filled with the sauce for dipping, a small container of cole slaw and a slew of french fries with the order.

The total bill for four of us came to $45.83

Unfortunately we forgot our menu comment slips this time.

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