An Indian Twist on a Mexican Dish

Restaurant: The Smoking Buddha
Country of Origin: India

Location: 265 King St, Port Colborne

How was it?

Excellent with a hint of mediocrity. 

The Smoking Buddha, an Indian restaurant nestled away in the city of Port Colborne is one of the Niagara Regions best kept secrets. 

With a very unique menu and an equally unique venue, The Smoking Buddha is a small town restaurant with a big city feel. 

The Smoking Buddha boasts a menu that features Thai, Indian, and Mexican selections, which all have an unique Indian influence on the ingredients.
Despite the restaurants business, the atmosphere was unexpectedly cozy, and had a cool "indie" feel due to it's art and decor.

The service was quick and ridiculously friendly.

I ordered an Indian inspired burrito, which found it's way to my table quickly. 
The burrito was delicious and unique. 
It had hints of curry and copious amounts of meat.
The plate would have perfect if it weren't for the bland and overly dry rice served with the burrito. 

Overall, a mix of decent food and great atmosphere makes this restaurant a winner.

I would recommend anyone with a sense of adventure check out The Smoking Buddha.

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Italian Worthy of a Medallion

Restaurant: The Barrel

Country of Origin: Italy

Location: 224 Garrison Road, Fort Erie

How was it?

The Barrel is comparable with an Italian grandmother's food. 

The Barrel has been a staple of a Fort Erie residents diet for as long as I've been alive. 

Each time I've been to The Barrel, I've been treated with friendly service, gracious hosts, and warm personalities. 

The restaurant has a great Italian family feel (albeit with less cheek pinching.)

There's a reason The Barrel has been in Fort Erie for over 30 years; the food.

A combination of giant portions, reasonable prices, and copious amounts of delicious cheese make this restaurant a success. 

If ever you find you've taken a wrong turn and ended up in my small hometown of Fort Erie, I highly recommend having dinner at The Barrel before asking for directions home. 

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Weak Greek

Restaurant: Joe Fetas

Country of Origin: Greece 

Location: 290 Lake St, St Catharines

How was it?

The hype was bigger than the taste.

Going into Joe Fetas, I had heard many great things, and in return I expected great things.

From a 4.5/5 star average review on Google, to being featured on a National TV show, Joe Fetas has a reputation for being incredible.

There was nothing inherently wrong with Joe Fetas but it wasn't the fanatic, phenomenal, last meal on death row, dinner I was expecting.

It's possible I decided to eat at the wrong time, or that the chef was drinking ouzo before I got there, but the food wasn't as delicious as promised. 

The restaurant itself was nice.
Completely decorated in Greek decor, featuring large Greek columns, illustrations, and barrels Joe Fetas had an authentic greek feel.


The restaurant has a large dining room with an even larger set of windows. 

Unfortunately, in a Canadian winter, large windows mean low temperatures, and it could easily be felt.
It got to the point that I had to politely ask to be moved further from the window after I noticed my friend shivering while wearing a coat.

On a positive note, service was great; very quick and caring.
Ordering to eating took less than 15 minutes.
Portions were a decent and filling size.
I was brought a salad and bread before my food even arrived. 

Overall I could tell this was a good restaurant, I think I may have just come on an off day.

I will give this restaurant a second try, and you should give it a first.

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