It’s nice when one of our big city newspapers writes about a local establishment but alas that can also be a double edged sword.
Victoria Gastro Pub was reviewed in The Washington Post Magazine today. Out of a possible four stars, the locally owned Columbia restaurant received one.
The reviewer, Tom Sietsema, was especially hard on the Sunday brunch. The only thing he complimented was the “eye-opening bloody mary, topped off with Guiness.”
He did have nice words about the bar and its beer and wine selection though. You can read the complete review here.
Daily
21 hours ago
14 comments:
I've only been once, for a BlogTale Happy Hour. I wasn't too impressed with the food selection or the high prices for beer. I never went back....
Ditto
Never eaten there, but I wanted to point out that restaurant ratings aren't like movie ratings. One star is pretty respectable for a neighborhood restaurant.
One star out of four is respectable? Not in my book.
Almost everything I've eaten there has been great. Plus the service has been stellar each time I've visited.
Maybe the review will push them to shore up some things that the reviewer pointed out as potential weak points, but I have to say - I think it's DEFINITELY worth patronizing.
All I've heard about the place is the greasiness of the food (not in a complimentary way) and the terrible service. To see it confirmed by the Post isn't surprising yet doesn't compel me to try it on my own.
I know a British person who hates it, and that is pretty bad for a place that tries to be British.
I had lunch at Victoria's one time and ran into about everyone I knew in Columbia...there were more than two. I walked away dissatified with the food and service. Never went back. But then I can't brag about the restaurant I frequent at lunch almost everyday either. I've often said their food leaves a lot to be desired as well.
Probably the best place I've ever been for lunch was Tio Pepe's in Baltimore but the health department grabbed them one day. Well, what do I know about decent restaurants. I think I'll go back to Victoria's and see if it's as bad as I remembered. Why don't you meet me there on Wednesday at noon WB.
HH
Restaurant critics should stay sober while critiquing.
Also, he needs to visit the Friendly Inn on Rt 144 for a basis on the ratings of other places. Seriously.
Well I did it.
I went to Victoria's for lunch on Wednesday and had a perfectly good meal. The waitress was very attentive as were the hostess and the owners. There were several diners there filling roughly 2/3 of the tables. Although the menu isn't exactly what I prefer, I am converted. I would go there again.
HH
I had a great experience at Victoria's. The decor is beautiful, the food was very good and I would definitely go back. Try the Duck Fat fries and lobster grilled cheese...to die for!!
I've never been disaponited at Victorias Gastro Pub. And I really like that it's a local place that's higher end, but still casual. I've always had great service, not just good. And I love the lobster grilled cheese. Went there last Friday with a friend, at her suggestion, who read the Post review and wanted to try it. So I guess the review didn't disuade everyone. I'm a fan.
Oh yeah, and the white truffle popcorn is hands down the best popcorn I've ever had.
I love everything on their menu! And while it may not be 4-star cuisine, try finding ANY of the type of food they serve anywhere else in Columbia. I haven't yet. So until then, I'd love to go back to Victoria's!
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