The Belmont

I can't stop thinking about the handmade merguez lamb sausage with caramelized onions....or the salmon burger on the homemade buns....or the fantastically fresh cole slaw...This place is really good, really cozy and special. A lot of attention goes into the flavors and freshness and that gets my attention! Owned and run by a maplewoodian so it is local food at its best! 

I wish I could agree. I had high hopes, but the service was lackluster (the young woman at the counter hadn't heard of some of the specials advertised on the menu directly behind her) and the food was mediocre: no one asked how we wanted our burgers, so I assumed they would be medium, but they were overdone; the fries seemed to be frozen; the tomato relish was overpowering. I'm still holding out for its act to get together, as the _idea_ is great. But the execution needs to be honed.

My high school age kids ate there and said it was pretty underwhelming. I still want to try it eventually. Has the grace period on truthful reviews on new businesses expired yet?

It must be incredibly stressful to open a new restaurant on Maplewood Ave. Expectations are so big and the bar is so set high due to so many great spots.

Probably the most uninspired hamburger ever served to me.  My wife had a salad that looked like it had

just come out of the bagged vegetable department

Had many tasty and juicy burgers there served by previous owners.  Just does not cut it

author said:

Probably the most uninspired hamburger ever served to me.  My wife had a salad that looked like it had

just come out of the bagged vegetable department

Had many tasty and juicy burgers there served by previous owners.  Just does not cut it

Now this is dismal review given that Author is predisposed to support local businesses.

I've passed this place a few times. The Windows and doors are covered with finger prints and grime, and quite frankly doesn't look inviting :/

stopped by about 2 weeks ago around noon, place did not have pot pies ready as they were short staffed - ordered a Salmon burger, Belmont burger and corn dog for my son, the food was awful, salmon burger was dry, the corn dog still had batter inside and the Belmont was blech....total waste of $30.  I hope they improve or they will go the way of all the other restaurants in that space.... I don't see what all the raving is about.

These threads are always so funny to me. I've certainly done my share of criticizing, especially when it comes to food, so I very much include myself in this observation. But I can't help but read some of these comments and imagine Veruca Salt shouting and stamping her foot: "They did NOT have any POT pies and the SALMON was DRY."

I think it's turdly when some Yelp obsessed got to go there first nutbag posts a review here like "Went to the Abril Cocina pre soft launch opening. Only half the menu was available. The food was great but one tiny thing went wrong so WAAAHHH this place will go out of business."

But at a certain point the truth needs to come out. It'd be cool if the owner posted here. I'm curious what inspired the pot pie thing, sounds like a fantastic idea.

imonlysleeping said:

These threads are always so funny to me. I've certainly done my share of criticizing, especially when it comes to food, so I very much include myself in this observation. But I can't help but read some of these comments and imagine Veruca Salt shouting and stamping her foot: "They did NOT have any POT pies and the SALMON was DRY."

How dare they post a restaurant review on a thread which is clearly a restaurant review

I tend to agree with folks who prefer to give a new restaurant a few weeks to get their act together before posting horrible reviews, especially in the spirit of wishing for success for new businesses in your own town.

I recognize not everyone agrees.  

The fact that you didn't like it is the best argument I've heard yet for giving it a try. 

author said:

imonlysleeping said:

These threads are always so funny to me. I've certainly done my share of criticizing, especially when it comes to food, so I very much include myself in this observation. But I can't help but read some of these comments and imagine Veruca Salt shouting and stamping her foot: "They did NOT have any POT pies and the SALMON was DRY."

How dare they post a restaurant review on a thread which is clearly a restaurant review

We have enjoyed the food there very much on our several visits.  Are they now open regularly in the evenings?

All our recent visits were fine, no complaints, wishing him success.

Has it been two months yet?  I usually give a place two months.  Even if they're completely blowing it, if there's a ray of hope I'll give another try a month or two later.  THEN it may be three strikes and you're out, but not usually before.

we went last month and were also disappointed. The staff at the counter were busy counting their tips so we waited about 10 minutes for them to take our order. Our burgers were very undercooked and not flavorful. I had higher expectations but I do hope it's just a rough start for them. Hopefully the owner sees the feedback and uses it to improve the service and the food. I'm not saying we won't try it again, but it will certainly be a few months before we give it a go.

Also, I think it's important to leave honest reviews .: I think for the most part we all want new restaurants to succeed and more dining options in the area. Expectations may be a bit high but that's because there are so many lovely establishments in the area that set the bar high . 

I think one of the problems of certain restaurants is the hiring of very young people. Found that at Belmont and other establishments.  

krugle said:

I think one of the problems of certain restaurants is the hiring of very young people. Found that at Belmont and other establishments.  

That and a clear lack of supervision. 

Add training to that and I think you've got it covered.

It has been in business more than two months.

Just to be clear, I have zero issue with honest reviews or negative feedback. I'm just occasionally amused by the pettiness of some of the criticisms. 

ctrzaska said:

Add training to that and I think you've got it covered.

Thank you. Those "very young people" are the sons and daughters of our neighbors, working at their very first jobs, and they deserve a little patience. 

j_r said:

ctrzaska said:

Add training to that and I think you've got it covered.

Thank you. Those "very young people" are the sons and daughters of our neighbors, working at their very first jobs, and they deserve a little patience. 

.....and training.

The "young people" at Arturo's are about the same age and most are working their first jobs.  While it is important to be patient, the employer needs to provide clear expectations and guidance.  Good training and consistent management are key.  

EBennett said:

The "young people" at Arturo's are about the same age and most are working their first jobs.  While it is important to be patient, the employer needs to provide clear expectations and guidance.  Good training and consistent management are key.  

Ditto for the Trats. Some local restaurants hire young, inexperienced staff and whip them into shape. Others aren't as successful and the service remains disorganized and amateurish.

Agree.... Dining experiences would be better all around if all young Village (and pool concession!) staff were required to train for 3 months at the Trat.  Those Trat kids almost always impress with their attitude and hustle.

Ate there today for an early lunch (11:30ish) and had the wurst w/kraut sandwich. Liked it. 

Nice decor inside, I have forgotten what was there previously, but this felt more open than i remembered in that location.

Buffalo cauliflower had a couple of larger pieces with the under cooked batter problem someone posted earlier about their corn dog. I brought it to their attention, good customer service response. 

Also enjoyed the chocolate soda fountain, which was a nice treat. Will try them again.

rowerg said:

Nice decor inside, I have forgotten what was there previously, but this felt more open than i remembered in that location.

There used to be a "hallway" created by a low wall a few feet from the left side and then all of the tables were on the other side of that wall.  Now you just walk between the tables and it definitely is more roomy.

Visited once. It was a waste of time & money. Won't be back...

-s.

with friends like these...