We didn't have to wait long, but I'm thinking that was due to it being a weekday rather than the weekend. Our service was polite, but not aware their duties as waitstaff. If we order hummus, then remember to bring plates with which to rest individual servings and if a party orders Greek fries with feta, please check the order to make sure it's not Parmesan.
The decor barely touched on Greece or her culture, which would do them well to entertain that thought. I'm of the opinion it sells someone on the idea of it being a Greek restaurant.
Our food had its highs and lows, the most notable would be their dolmathes. It was served meatless and very warm with a tzatziki that at least showed some sign of being more than just plain yogurt. I could have sworn there was even a hint of mint. The hummus was OK, although they put too much oil on it and sprinkled what I think might be allspice. Unfortunately, their Greek fries were terrible. They were very dry with only feta cheese to top them.
Next came my gyro. I was rather torn between going for their gyro or Philly cheese steak. I decided to keep it Greek that night. My gyro was disappointing. The meat was sparse and it seems as though they took a knife and spread a thin layer of sauce over the pita bread. The Greek Garden at least gives you a nice helping of sauce and enough meat to sink you teeth into. So sad.
We decided to have dessert, which is easy as we all love baklava. This, too, was a little disappointing. It was extremely dry and had very heavy notes of cinnamon. It definitely could have used more honey.
I may just chalk this up to grand opening jitters, and may swing by in a few weeks to check out their American fare. It would also be interesting to see if the service has sharpened their skills any. However, if this is the best they can do, then I'll probably not eat there very often.
-Reviewed by Nate L.
The Old World Café is located at 1331 North Main St. (just past the University of Findlay), and is open Mon.-Thurs. from 11am-8pm, Fri.-Sat. from 11am-9pm, and Sundays from 12pm-4pm. They can be reached at (419) 423-7000 for reservations or carry-out.
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11 comments:
The Old World has the best sandwiches in town. Everything I have tried has been delicious and the service is excellent and friendly. Nate L.s review is a little over the top and just wrong!
Well, anonymous, you have your thoughts and I have mine. Those are my thoughts on my experience there and I believe I had constructive advice with examples to back it up. In reality, this was a polite review, not to mention copied from another website. The owner thought highly enough of it to post it here.
If that's not pleasing to you, then you are at liberty to write a glowing review for the Old World Cafe somewhere on the internet. I'm not going to squawk about it. It's called "having an opinion." We're all entitled to one.
I'm really getting tired of this town taking offense to a situation intended to improve a business. I want the Old World Cafe to succeed, but I won't be reproached for suggesting ideas. That's just absurd.
Bottom line: I stand by all of my reviews, period.
The owner of what exactly? the review or the restaurant? Please be clear in your posts. As for Findlay taking offense maybe you should consider why.. These are small family businesses that you are so eagerly having an opinion, which may not be much to you, but to the small businesses this is their life and everything rides on the success especially in these tough times. So to criticize them openly on the internet is personal. You may have your opinion, but it is also the right of your readers and the customers that visit these businesses to shun and not appreciate your comments.
So retort if you wish, but if you follow your own advice, it is my right to also state my opinion. Good day, mate!
BTW..maybe, just maybe it would be fair to give a place of business a fair chance by visiting more than just once before you write a review that some may see as an overall experience instead of a one-time visit.
We would like to point out that Nate L. is a guest reviewer, and that this is the first review of his that we asked to use for the site.
Considering the level of detail that he gives in the review, and that he notes very specific points that could be improved, his review is, indeed, constructive.
We value the opinions of all of Findlay. In fact, when our review of Cheddar's was shown to have mistaken facts listed, we actually removed it in lieu of a new, soon to be written review.
As I said, we value all of your opinions. Instead of arguing over the reviewer's opinion please share your own!
Sure, anonymous, I will be kind enough to clarify. It's the owner of this website that re-posted this. He liked it, so he asked if he could repost it. I gave him permission.
If people don't provide constructive criticism to a small business owner, then that's a problem. Too many times businesses go out and asks "why?" As a business owner, you need to know when someone's trying to help you and when they are aren't. I found nothing in that review to get upset about.
No, there will be no visiting a place twice before giving a review. It's perfectly fine to write a review on the first impression. Patroning an establishment once is giving it a "fair" chance.
Again, I implore everyone to review their favorite (or not so favorite) restaurants with honest, constructive criticism. Don't make it about that one reviewer who ruffled your feathers, make it about the restaurant. That is how you speak you mind in this situation.
Food reviews are supposed to be honest, sincere, and critical. I applaud Nate for his opinions, but the best way to experience the food is through your own mouth. Always remember these are a writer's opinion, not the average individual frequenting these establishments. I notice the more negative a review may be, the better the food actually is.
Thank you Nate for your visit. I appreciate the support from my customers on this blog...I do wish you would come back to visit, because I do believe that you visited us during our "soft opening" designed to work out kinks, test recipes, and train staff before the official grand opening that I have not actually had yet but will in April. I am sorry that you did not enjoy your first visit but invite you back again for a second chance. Just a note though, I am not and do not advertise as a Greek restaurant. Therefore, I do not feel the comment about the decor was fair since it was designed for more of a comfortable family atmosphere. I do appreciate your attempt at constructive criticism, however I would suggest that in the future maybe words like " I suggest, I recommend, maybe if, I would have liked to see, just a thought, perhaps"....these words change a criticism to a constructive one. Your writing style is your own, but just my suggestions since you made a mention that it was meant to be constructive. Other restaurant and or busnisses may also appreciate this because not only does it still give you the desired outcome of the review, but does not necessarily come off as "BAD" or in your words "SO SAD" and deter patrons for trying it for themselves. You are also invited back to change the picture of the building when my official signs go up in a few weeks. We will also be announcing the Grand Opening then. Again, thank you for your consideration and hope that you will visit the Old World Cafe again now that we have had a chance to fine tune! Thanks
Jenni, thanks for popping in and giving us your perspective. If you let us know when your grand opening is, not only will we be sure to announce it here on the site but we will also pay a second visit to your restaurant to update your picture and post another review.
You can let us know via email at findlayeatsout@gmail.com-be sure to include any info you'd like us to provide in the announcement (including pictures, if you have any).
Dear Jenni Smith,
Thank you for taking the time to add your comment to my review. I want you to know upfront my suggestions are there for consideration only and nothing more. You don't want to change the decor? That's up to you. The logo with the grape bunches and menu with so much Greek food would give a customer the impression of a Greek diner. From all of the Greek restaurants, diners, and Coney Islands I've visited, the Greeks _love_ to deck out their restaurants in all things Greek. At the end of the day, it's just a suggestion.
I'll take your idea under advisement; however, I think you realized the problem it brings: modifying one's writing style. Saying "... please check the order to make sure it's not Parmesan," is just as constructive as saying "... I would have liked to see the wait staff check the order to make sure it's not Parmesan." I write the review as if I'm talking to you. A narrative, if you will. Writing as suggested all the time would make the feel change into a performance review from a supervisor.
Also, I'm not going to write a review where I feel like I'm walking on pins and needles or where I feel the need to omit details. If I have a bad experience, I should feel free to be open and honest about it. The whole reason I started to review places was purely as a hobby. I'm not looking to make a name for myself or for some paper to pay me one red cent. Unfortunately, I cannot control the reactions and decisions of others.
nate seems a bit sensitive...lighten up
For you, anonymous, the world.
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