Back and ready

Here we go, back after a long time this due to private factor, but luckily for you I am back.

Today I will have two reviews

Bella Napoli (Manufaktura)

If a year a go I was not very kind I must say that now I will be awful , the portion I received where miserable, the food mediocre, the service almost non existent the wine warm and the price absurd.

So do you really want my opinion, no I don't think so, but the only recommendation I can give you today is avoid the place, at least until the management does not get their act together.

I still think there is potential and still I believe the management can improve,  but I may just drean as it seems that been at Manufaktura gives them security and it does not really matter to them what we say and feel as there will always be some poor sod going for bad service and food not worth the price.

Well on this point I even pass the stars....not even considering it.



Revelo

Nothing to say, aside a slightly slow service - but food was great and testing, portion where perfect and the atmosphere was very good

I highly recommend a lunch in the garden during the sunny day's that will come, price quality no complains and in line with the service given.

Yes their lunch menu is affordable to anyone and well worth it.

Go and enjoy it, as I did.

Service: ***
Food: ****
Quality: ****
Price/Q: **** (because of the really good lunch price)

I wish you all a great time and hope you enjoy your summer.

Hello everyone, sorry if you did not see any comment from my side lately, but aside some family business that I had to take care in Switzerland  I have also broken my Achilles tendon ( Aaaa this ancient Greek) this blocking me in bed or in my room for quite some time. This for the great pleasure of my palate, and yes  for those who wonder I have  been served some amazing food from the  Malinowa restaurant during my first period of convalescence (be jealous hehehehe) .
I also like to point out that Ato Sushi served me quite happily on their only tiny outside table, has I was in my wheelchair, and as usual their service was very very friendly.
I do thanks all of those who have comment on my blog, they are always welcomed.
I promises , from next week i will start again testing and writing about the restaurants in Lodz.
In the mean time have a nice weekend

My friend who came and visit me for a small apero

Malinowa apero, well what can I say - very nice

Restaurant Kamari (Greek Taverna) - Lodz

Holala it is summer and the Greek taverna Kamari, in Lodz, does deliver that nice Mediterranean feeling one expects from such a restaurant in summer.
The food is good, in fact for such a restaurant it is well above average, the service is friendly and well taken care off, sadly for all of us there is no Sea nor Beach around the veranda,  but it does not matter as the veranda does help to give you that summer holiday feel, and with a bit of imagination the cool breeze blowing in the late afternoon can be, with a bit of imagination, the one coming from the sea side.
Yes I do recommend it, I enjoyed it, friendly and relaxed with its casual touch it does deliver good food and a nice experience. Go with friends and enjoy it, relax on the veranda with a glass of Ouzo and some meze, who cares if you are not in Greece, you are in Lodz and the boat sails on.

Food: ****
Service: ****
Atmosfere:****
Price/Quality:****

Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued "Socrates"

Restaurant Sofa - Lodz

What a deception, what a blow to my expectation. Some people and comments called it "a overtly trendy eatery that gets our thumbs up for not just delivering on the style front, but also on the substance". Well I dont know if they had dinner there lately but it was a complete turn off - no substance and no style.
The food was what I would consider at the limit of acseptable and in some cases not even there and my son, who is not a cook, could have done a better plate presentation that they did, disappointed ooooo YES, very much so.
This small restaurant house hidden in a courtyard off Piotrkowska that was supposed to be a jewel and blow my mind bringing me to a new high was in fact the low point of my evening and frankly it did blow me - but - off.
The service was friendly even if slightly chaotic, the girl did her best. My friend who took me there was apologetic but frankly it was not his fault and maybe the review we read where done few years a go....dont know.
There is nothing I can write that will sound positive, so I will go again one more time, as usual, to give them a chance in the hope to see some improvements, even if I think the kitchen should really be given a RED card.

Food: **

Service: ***

Atmosfere: ***

Price/Quality: **

"Food is pleasure or so it should be"

Restaurant Anatewka - ul. 6 Sierpnia 2/4- Lodz

review Restaurant Anatewka - ul. 6 Sierpnia 2/4- Lodz:

Not much to say frankly, the new Cooks are just out of this world (if they are not new then they have made a great job in renewing them selfs) , the food is just outstanding and the service as friendly as ever. There was a point in time I wondered if they where loosing their shine, but nop, they just had a bad patch and readjusted and moved forwards in a positive way.
The kitchen may seem slow but when you get your food , frankly, there is nothing you can say - you just sit and taste it with a great smile on your face.
I have tried part of the new summer menu, and allowed the cook to choose for me and my guest the dinner to be served and this more then once, and up to now I must say he has done a great job, I have not one complain, not one black spot to write about -mmmmm- what will he do next to surprise me...I wonder...... well do not want to bore you all with my memories of wonderful nights at Anatewka - so yes I am upgrading the food.

Food: ******

Service: ***** 

Atmosfere: ******

Price/Quality: *****

http://www.anatewka.pl/

Eating is always a decision, 

nobody forces your hand to pick up food and put it into your mouth.

Albert Ellis, Michael Abrams, Lidia Dengelegi, The Art & Science of Rational Eating, 1992

Amarant - Lodz

A very very nice surprise, the menu card is a mixture of West & Central European fusion, the food is served in the right quantity and as per the taste, well, we are up with the best;
I do congratulate the Chef and his kitchen for a wonderful job, this also includes the presentation.
The service is slightly slow and left to desire but it is also friendly and warm.
Prices wise I would say the menu card is very good, there is value for what you get, and as per the special daily lunches they are totally worth it.
The ambience is good and warm, one does feel comfortable and at ease at and this is also  a extra positive note.
I do recommend it both for business lunch as for a pleasurable outing.
I hope they keep the standard up, it is worth it (just improve the service and you will be a serious competitor to other well known restaurants)

Food: ****

Service: ***

Atmosfere: ****

Price/Quality: ****

Bravo, nice to know you are there - will be back soon.

Hello every one,
I have just finished doing a full round of reviews plus visited a few new restaurants.
All will be said in the next two days, couple of downgrade a couple of upgrade and one under review...so enjoy the review in the next two days.

Czeski Film, Tymienieckiego Street, Lodz

Ok....back and already trying something new...., the place is warm and the service good. 

I was tired and on my way back when I got in Lodz in the mid afternoon the first idea that came into mind was lets go and try Czeski.

Well, the place is not to close to the City center nor in a area that one goes by everyday but it is worth it a try and a stop.

The portions are big, the food is good and the service friendly.

Just a negative comment, the waiting was slightly to long for a half empty restaurant, however the waiter did come and apologize for it, a plus.

I would highly recommend the boar carpaccio however the salmon tartar was a touch to salty as per the rest it was good and with no complaints.

In my opinion it is a restaurant you should consider to go once in a while, I will do and enjoy the Czek specialities.

Food: ****

Service: ****

By the way try the beer...., you will find your original Czek Beer

Back after a couple of weeks being away.....and here we go for the two newest review.

Affogato - Piotrkoska 90 - Lodz

There is a little Caffe bar & Restaurant called Affogato, its menu is a mixture and fusion of different cuisines from a variety of country's. It's entrance and ground floor caffe reminds me in styles of London in the late 80's & 90's and I say this in a nice way, it gives the place charms and warms. Upstairs we find the restaurant also well decorated.

The service is extremely friendly and professional, the food above expectation. Everything is well done and well presented. I did have flash backs of my time spent in London's with some of the dishes, good memory's.

The pasta dishes are very well done, the meat and ducks spot on, The food taste the way it should - great - as per the wine list not big but well assorted. The total bill is correct and fair.

You can go for business or pleasure I am sure you will be happy and will enjoy this a little gem, congratulation to the cook.

I do highly recommend both restaurant and ground floor bar.

Food: ****

Service: *****

Atmosfere: ****

Price/Quality: ****

www.affogato.pl

Go and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, take your time with the food and have a affogato caffe at the end.

Pic by Roza

Pic by Roza

Pic by Roza

Antica Roma - Lodz

Another one bites the dust, this is a restaurant that think having an Italian name like Antica Roma and a beautiful decor will make up for the bad service and mediocre food . 

I went 3 times, just to make sure I was not on a unlucky strike, as the reviews kept on saying how wonderful the food and service are. Maybe I am just unlucky but any one telling you that this so called high-end restaurant think good food and service go hand in hand has great delusions.

The menu may be inspiring with the amount of choice you think you may have, but if out of the 3 items you asked, at least one to two are perpetually unavailable, then it becomes a farce. 

The service is mediocre if not bad depending on who serves you,  maybe I did not wear a suit or look the part in this supposed high-end restaurant, next time I will be slightly more posh.

One of the waiting staff is impressively arrogant, the others staff where ok, excluding one, who - on my first time there- I really felt sorry for, as she was obviously uncomfortable and was trying her best to serve 3 Italian that new exactly what they were talking about.   

As per the food, the pasta, gnocchi and salads are average, what did surprise me positively is the pizza, good and frankly probably the only think worth on that menu I have tried up to date.

Food: **  

Pizza: *** (For Lodz standards) 

Service: **

Atmosfere: **

Price/Quality: *

If you are into Zen and Yoga then it could be an interesting night out, as probably your patience may get stretched to its limits.

Piwoteka - Ul. 6 Sierpnia - Lodz

For all of you Beer lovers, if you are in Lodz do go to the Piwoteka in Ul. 6 sierpnia. 

You will find a variety of beers from a wide range of countries around the world and a pleasant atmosphere, the extra bonus is that the place is not a loud one, so conversation can be enjoyed.

If you do not know or have doubts about what kind of beer you would like, take a look at the offer board on the wall beside the bar, and ask one of the bartender to guide you, they are friendly and do know enough about the golden brew to be helpful, surely you will find the beer that suits your mood and the weather outside.

For the smokers, there is what I call the fish bowl or Tank on one end of the room, so you can sit comfortably, having your beer and smoking your cigarette, with out having to go out on the freezing cold weather.

If you feel like you can have a game of cards or scrabble or just sit for a quite talk or just ponder about life, yes the place has its charms and that extra  je ne sais pas quoi, that gives it that life pleasant sensuality.

Friendliness : ****

Drinks : ***** (for the variety of  Beer presented)

Charme: ****

Price: *****

Pic by Roza

Tokyo Sushi Bar - Lodz

Well, what can I say, I went there for the first time last night not really convinced I was doing the right think, I walked into this unpretentious Sushi Bar slightly weary, it was full but in few minute the girl made place for us and I started to look at the menu card as usual all in Polish, but pics do help so this is what I took:  A Big Sushi plate, it may not have looked artistically great, nor the way the fish was cut was exactly as it should be but it was good and well presented, the taste well above expectations ; the krevetes with Kavior where also very good. I then passed on to the hot food, Krevetes in garlic and fried chicken, both well presented and tasty I must say.

So if you feel like having a relaxed and casual drink and dinner around a Sushi bar table I would recommend Tokyo Sushi, it is the place to go, the pricing more then fair,  the food and service are above good level.

Food: *****

Service: **** 

Atmosfere: ***

Price/Quality: *****

A pleasant surprise and a wonderful relaxed casual evening.

TOKYO SUSHI BAR, ŁÓDŹ

A zatem, cóż mogę powiedzieć- byłem tam po raz pierwszy ostatniej nocy. Nie do końca przekonany, przekroczyłem progi tego bezpretensjonalnego sushi baru, nieco znużony. Restauracja była pełna ludzi ale po kilku minutach kelnerka znalazła dla nas miejsce i zacząłem przyglądać się karcie menu, która jak zwykle była tylko w języku Polskim, ale zdjęcia pomogły mi w wyborze. Zdecydowałem się na duży talerz sushi, który może nie wyglądał specjalnie artystycznie, tak samo jak sposób pokrojenia ryb nie był dokładnie taki jaki powinien być, ale danie było dobre i ładnie wyglądało. Smak przewyższył moje oczekiwania. Krewetki z kawiorem także były bardzo smaczne. Później przerzuciłem się na na gorące dania- krewetki w czosnku i smażonego kurczaka. Muszę przyznać, że obie propozycje były dobrze podane i smaczne. Więc jeśli masz ochotę zrelaksować się i swobodnie wypić drinka i zjeść obiad siedząc wokół stołu do przygotowywania sushi, polecam Tokyo Sushi. Ceny są bardzo zadowalające, a jedzenie i obsługa plasują się powyżej dobrego poziomu.

Jedzenie: *****

Obsługa: **** 

Atmosfera: ***

Ceny: *****

Miła niespodzianka i wspaniały, zwyczajny, relaksacyjny wieczór.

Pic by Roza Van Der Blaast

Pic by Roza

Pic by Roza

Restaurant Polka - Manufaktura Lodz

I went to the Polka Restaurant with great expectation, it has been the talk of the city so one does expect great thinks, we got in and sat for our dinner with a smile, ready to be delighted with what every one was acclaiming to be great food and atmosphere.

The service, was above average near the good level, but not up to the standard I would expect from all the hypes I was given, so I must say openly and frankly that I was disappointed.

As per the food, I was also disappointed as it was just ok, not good and frankly very far from excellent,

The pate maison was ok, the Herring was good,  the two different duck plate where average (and there I am being nice, as one of them was well bellow mediocrity) and the sauce disappointing, as per the potatoes I better not express myself; haaaaa but something great was given to us initially, the bread on the other hand was very very good served with a pasta of mackerel that was also wonderful, but this did not really help pushing the average up.

As per the music played in the background there is much to say; the hall is not small and with so many people talking the music should help creating a relaxed atmosphere , seducing you towards the food, well dream on, the music played that evening only created a cacophony of sound and killed the atmosphere of the place.

Food: ***

Service: **** 

Atmosfere: ***

Price/Quality: **

The expected romantic mood is killed on the spot, nothing romantic nor sensual - if nothing is done to adjust the style and food then it will just be another restaurant selling smoke and illusion to the masses.

RESTAURACJA POLKA, MANUFAKTURA, ŁÓDŹ

Wybrałem się do restauracji Polka z wielkimi oczekiwaniami, ponieważ była ona "na językach" całego miasta, dlatego też można było oczekiwać czegoś wyjątkowego. Wybraliśmy się zatem na obiad z uśmiechem i gotowi na delektowanie się tym, co wszyscy rekomendowali jako świetne jedzenie i atmosferę. 

Obsługa była powyżej średniej, blisko dobrego poziomu, ale nie zgodna z normą jakiej mógłbym oczekiwać po tych wszystkich entuzjastycznych komentarzach, które słyszałem; także muszę przyznać otwarcie i szczerze, że byłem rozczarowany.

Tak samo zawiodło mnie jedzenie- było w porządku, ale nie koniecznie bardzo dobre i szczerze mówiąc  dalekie od czegoś wspaniałego.

Pasztet był w porządku, śledź dobry, kaczki średnie ( i tutaj jestem miły, ponieważ jedna z nich była raczej poniżej krytyki), sos również rozczarował, łącznie z ziemniakami, o których lepiej się nie wypowiem ;) haha. Ale coś świetnego zostało nam podane na początku- chleb, który był naprawdę dobry z pastą z makreli. To było wspaniale, ale i tak nie pomogło podnieść mojej oceny całości. Tak samo jak muzyka grana w tle, która w dużej sali, wypełnionej rozmowami ludzi powinna pomagać kreować atmosferę sprzyjającą raczej relaksowi i uwodzić nas w kierunku jedzenia, ale nie tutaj, ponieważ muzyka tego wieczoru, raczej budowała kakofonię, a jej dźwięki zabijały atmosferę tego miejsca.

Jedzenie: ***

Obsługa: ****

Atmosfera: ***

Ceny: **

Oczekiwany romantyczny nastrój jest zabiajny natychmiast. Nie stworzy się niczego romantycznego czy zmysłowego, jeżeli nic nie jest zrobione w kierunku dopracowania stylu i jedzenia... powstaje wtedy po prostu kolejna restauracja sprzedająca mrzonki masom...

Pic by Roza 

Pic by Roza

Pic by Roza

Pic by Roza

Restaurant Bellanapoli - Manufaktura - Lodz

I entered the almost empty restaurant at around 1715, it was my second time there and frankly I did not know what to expect, the first time I had mix feeling about it and now I would know exactly how I felt.

Food wise, a side some criticism on the pepper sauce for the steak (made up with a bland tomato basis - sadly), was a pleasant surprise and I must say who ever was in the kitchen at the time did a great job.

The pasta was done properly, the steak cooked as asked to the waitress and the calamarri in pomodoro where delicious.

Service wise, surprisingly, it was slightly slow and for this there could be no excuses, as there where no more then 4 tables full and the serving girls could not have been so busy.

The place is big, with tables stuck one beside each other  with no much space nor privacy between them, Character wise we could have been anywhere, not much to relate to and the Italian music in the background, sadly, did not really do much to uplift the atmosphere.

But if you are at Manufaktura and you want a good meal (I do recommend the fish dishes, I had fish both time and both time it was excellently made) and are not in any rush, before a movie or after it or during your shopping I would consider it, however be careful as I think it is slightly overpriced for what it gives.

Food: ****

Service: *** 

Atmosfere: ***

Price/Quality: ***

Do not search for seduction nor emotions in the restaurant atmosphere  but concentrate on the food, the kitchen does deliver the real taste you search for in souther Italian cuisine , so enjoy it. 

Pic by Roza 

Hotel Grand - Restaurant Malinowa - Lodz

A pearl to be discovered, strangely enough quite under rated by the locals who still view it mainly for banquets, seminars and specials evening.

The food is exceptional, the wine list is grand and the service extremely good and friendly. The belle epoc style may not be to everyone taste but frankly, in my view, it is a plus and gives the room that special magical touch. If you dine by yourself in such a vast dinning room, you could feel slightly uncomfortable at first but then your imagination will take you back to the 30' and the late 1900 centuries and your culinary experience will be completed.   The real draw back  can be found sometime in winter, when the room gets slightly cold as it is so big and electric heating system have to be put out (this does take a bit of the fairy-tail and romantic side of the place away).

I do recommend it heavily, for romantic dinner as the retro deco gives it a strange romantic and passionate moods, creating that special atmosphere that may bring those taboo thoughts into reality. Also good for business lunch or dinner because you can be parted from every one else discussing your business openly and in a relaxed mode with out being heard or disturbed by anyone else around.

Congratulation to the cook and his team, every plate is worth it and up to date I have not found any faults. The price is above average but it does reflect the quality and the service provided.

star system minimum 1* maximum 6*

Food: ******

Service: ***** 

Atmosfere: *****

Price/Quality: ****

One of the top 3 restaurant in Lodz, if you did not go yet (and most of you probably did not) it is a must.

( I would love to give it a six star for its service, but still there are few problems with it)

Hungarian Restaurant Varoska - Lodz

Zyner&Zyner did it again with this small, warm and friendly restaurant. It is almost like dinning at your grand mother home. It is one of the few restaurant which gives you a warm feeling from the moment you enter in it. The service is very good, warm, friendly and professional.

The quality of the food is outstanding, the menu card will give you a small headache as you will want to try almost everything. I highly raccomend it and consider it one of the top restaurant in Lodz. Better make a reservation even if you find out you are the only one there when you arrive. there are only 8 tables so it can fill in quite rapidly.

star system minimum 1* maximum 6*

Food: *****

Service: *****

Atmosfere: *****

Price/Quality: ****

http://www.varoska.pl/

Węgierska Restauracja Varoska- Łódź

Zyner& Zyner znowu zrobili restaurację jak należy :) Mała, ciepła i przyjazna. Zupełnie jakby znaleźć się na obiadku w domu babci. 

To jedna z niewielu restauracji, która da Ci poczucie przytulności od momentu przekroczenia progu. Obsługa również jest przyjazna i profesjonalna. Jakość potraw jest świetna, a karta dań przyprawi Cię o zawrót głowy - będziesz chciał spróbować prawie wszystkiego.

Bardzo polecam restaurację Varoska i zastanawiam się, czy nie jest to jedna z najlepszych restauracji w Łodzi. 

Lepiej uprzednio zrobić rezerwację, nawet jeśli będziecie jedynymi gośćmi kiedy się zjawicie, jest tam tylko około 8 stolików, dlatego mogą zapełnić się dość szybko.

system gwiazdkowy minimum 1* maximum 6*

Jedzenie: *****

Obsługa:*****

Atmosfera: *****

Ceny/ jakość:  ****

Hana Sushi - Manufaktura / Ul. Piotrkowska - Lodz

The group has two restaurant in Manufaktura, and I must say they are both decently good but not the best Sushi in town. Depending on the day the service may vary from good to poor, I was lucky as in general terms I have always found a decent service in both the restaurant. The atmosphere is fast food like and not to warm, but after shopping in Manufaktura if you want a fast Japanese bite then it can be quite suitable.

The Restaurant in Ul. Piotrkowska is a let down, most of the time empty with a weak and poor service, food wise just acceptable. I would not recommend it, quite a disappointment.

star system minimum 1* maximum 6*

Manufaktura

Food: ***

Service: ***

Atmosfere: ***

Price/Quality: ***

Ul. Piotrkowska

Food: **

Service: **

Atmosfere: **

Price/Quality: **

No particular recommendation

Pic by Roza Van Der Blaast

Pic by Roza Van Der Blaast