Wednesday, 22 June 2011 18:07

This past week, Harvey's opened up their doors and I was there to report that there was a line up, pretty much out the door.  Could it be because Harvey's serves a great burger at a reasonable price? Maybe it was lunch rush hour, and Harvey's was the new option for lunch? Or are there a lot of Harvey fans that work and live in Liberty Village.  Time will tell.  As per myself, I love Harveys, however, I couldn't eat it every day. And in terms of lunch options in Liberty Village, there are plenty.  I love Mildreds, Liberty Noodle, Its a Wrap and every now and then a very filling burrito from the Roastery, a slice from Magic Oven or street meat from Uncle Jack.

Nevertheless, when it comes to dinner, there are not many options here in Liberty Village.  At least not yet as many places close after 5.  Perhaps because many only come here for work, but as our community grows -- I hope our choices grow as well, which they will. There are already two new places opening up: one next the Brazen head and one above the new CIBC.  Can't wait to try them!  More recently, one of our own restaurants was panned in the Globe and Mail for a dinner service.  Chris Johns reported, "Liberty Belle isn’t a bad neighbourhood restaurant; it just needs to offer something more than familiar dishes and cute, vaguely risqué decor to ensure repeat visits.The good people of Liberty Village deserve better."

I would come in defence of anything negative said about any of our lovely establishments in our community, but this time I do agree that we "The good people of Liberty Village deserve better."  We are great patrons.  We are loyal patrons.  We love our community and support it, but I think it may be time that not Liberty Belle but some establishments step up their game.  There are some establishments that need to either drop their prices a bit, change up the menu, and some that need to serve fresh foods.  There are horror stories I could share, but I don't want to single anyone out.  I have always enjoyed my meals at Liberty Belle, not crazy about their ketchup though, however I do feel that some of our establishments should bring it up a notch.What should we expect?  A Great meal, at a reasonable price, and excellent service!  And we shall come back!  Let's ask this of Liberty Belle but other establishments in the area (whom I prefer not to mention but you know who you are) that don't meet up with Chris Johns' expectation, but all of ours as well.  Please don't treat us as Maple Leaf fans that fill up a brand new stadium each year, but can't bring home the cup.  Should we riot? Nah.  But every year some die hard Leaf fans, myself included, hope it will come one day.  That's how I feel, when I give these "not up to par" establishments another chance.  Or maybe I shouldn't anymore, but since I live here, I do believe in keeping the business local where and whenever possible.

I would love to hear your comments on other restaurants in the area.  Don't be afraid to review them on our directory for others to see.  More importantly, do you feel Johns was too harsh or do we really deserve better?

Rod P.