I really was excited about visiting you, Johnny Apples, after passing by many times and reading your on line menu. I really wanted to love you, I came in with a very hungry belly and a heart filled with anticipation.
Our server was so sweet, as I twist my finger into my dimple. She was a petite, cutesy blond with sunglasses adorning her head. She was sugar & spice and everything nice, but dumber than a box of rocks! She could not answer one question, without running to the kitchen or manager.
There is no drink menu or tents, but they will make just about anything you have in mind. Their house Chardonnay is a California Barefoot, which I love and has won several Gold medals.
With four choices of where we could dine, be it the Pub, which also features it's own menu, as well as the dining room menu, a patio, a deck or in one of the beautiful dining rooms, we opted for the latter.
We started off with their signature Crab Bisque which was a delectable bowl of some of the best bisque I have ever had and perfectly laced with sherry.
We each ordered own own half dozen of Clams Casino, which were loaded with bacon, green pepper, onions and tough diced clams. They would have been good, if the clams were tender. I had originally ordered Oysters Rockefeller, but they were out. My plate came out with a nice sized strand of dark hair. I was brave, removed it, did not complain and ate most of my clams.
Next we shared Seafood Spring Rolls, which were in house made and filled with shrimp, scallops, crab, bok choy, cabbage, carrots and seasonings. These were very good and served with a wasabi sauce and a teriyaki glaze.
Our meals came with your choice of soup or salad and a potato & veggie or pasta. The salads were nice and decorated with shaved carrots, which I love. The dressings are homemade, but they forgot to put the blue cheese in mine. Hubby had an incredible Dijon, honey dressing, not at all sweet. Once again, I had a hair on my plate, still not saying one word, I dove in.
Hubby had the large cut of Prime Rib, which would have been a small cut anywhere else. He ordered it rare to medium rare. It came out as a very fatty cut of ice cold medium well beef. He said the flavor was very good, but it was roasted yesterday and leftover to serve. Guys have a prime rib sandwich special when this happens, do not serve old overcooked cold meat to your guests.
I had inquired if they had Bearnaise sauce, before making my choice. When she returned from the kitchen to explain they did in fact have it, I ordered the Filet Mignon. This is funny now, I am laughing, when my Filet came out with a pitcher of a beautiful Bearnaise sauce on the side, the steak was swimming in a rich brown gravy. Hello, my medium rare to medium steak with Bearnaise sauce is medium well and swimming in brown gravy? Something is so wrong with this picture. I chose pasta and it was hard and dry.
We finally spoke up! They did take the entrees off the check, but they also lost two potential return guests. Hair is one thing, but you had better get my entree right!
Built in 1724, photos of the many era's, for this three story building are posted on the walls. The first photos depict horse drawn wagons, in front of a huge building with a covered porch. I like to believe it was a Saloon downstairs and a hotel filled with tired guests.
Once inside you picture a renovated mansion. The set up of the well dressed tables in the various dining rooms, which ultimately connect to one another, with the main dining room hosting a beautiful stone fireplace. The decor is grand with blown glass lamps hanging from the ceilings and matching lights adorning the green walls. The antique molding stands out, as well as the grand stairway leading to another floor.
The large outside patio has umbrella covered tables and fresh herbs growing in the large pots. The "Pub" is a very large and inviting room, with tables and a grand sized bar. Johnny Apples, also offers catering http://www.johnnyapples.com/johnny_apples_menu_catering.htm, Banquets and Brunch, lunch & dinner buffets. In addition to all of this, the lower floor features Holland Pizza, which they own and offers anything from pizza, pasta's & sandwiches to wings.
Do take note that the menu items on line for Johnny's is different from their new menu, prices have also been lowered.
Summing up this review, is my note to the proprietor's of Johnny Apples.
You have so much going for you with your location, a beautiful building, which features a pub, patio, deck and gorgeous dining rooms. Your menu selection is well diversified for Continental cuisine. Your food is too hit or miss. Bring in a good chef or train your cooks. Wear hair nets! You will sell more booze and make more money if you promote a selection of cocktails, beer and wine. Become more than the local watering hole.
Bottom line, you have a potential gold mine here, but for now, it is not panning out! read more