Saturday, September 15, 2007

Lucerne Inn- You pay for the view...

Lucerne Inn, Holden, ME

I stayed here just overnight for a meeting, and really the best thing about the place is the scenery.


We ended up not needing all the rooms we booked (they had us all in our own rooms and it was easier for some people to share) and they wouldn't do anything about it, we had rooms and money that was wasted.

The rooms are beautiful with jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, so as long as you don't go to bed, you're fine because the beds are terrible.

Also- the food was very disappointing. The pasta at dinner was very bland and dry and our lunch was practically inedible. we ended up asking for more pickles because they were the best thing we had! I ordered the quesadillas and it was simply cheese and black beans thrown in a tortilla, and it honestly looked like it had been just put in the microwave. I've made better things on my quesadilla maker at home! Very upsetting because everything sounded so good!

Definitely not worth the money. Do yourself a favor and just go to a Hilton or the Samoset for a great Maine getaway, this place is not worth it, unless all you want to do is stare out the window.


Overall Score: ** (2 stars)
What I loved: The view and the scenery!
Not So Much: he food, the rooms, the location

Ruby Foo's- NYC

Ruby Foo's-  Times Square
http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/ruby_foos_times_square/index.php

My family ate dinner here after arriving in the city (after an 8-10 hour drive in August with no air conditioner). We decided to just walk around Times Square and see what we could find and since we're big fans of sushi decided to try Ruby Foo's since it was close to our hotel (the Sheraton Manhattan). 

It was fairly crowded, but we didn't wait longer than 10 minutes, and the decor gave us plenty to look at to pass the time. We ordered drinks and appetizers, both of which came promptly and our waiter was lovely and talked to us about his theater career, and did not act rushed or anything. 

Our other courses came in reasonable time as well, an although I don't remember what we ordered I remember we were all very satisfied and did not leave hungry. The meal was a little pricey, but for a dinner right in Times Square, you're going to pay a little more.

My only complaint was that we were seated very close to other people and I felt like we were intruding on their conversation, but it could've been because the restaurant was busy. 

I would still go there again!




Overall:  **** (out of 5)
Liked:  Great food, good atmosphere.
Not so much:  not enough personal space!