THE RUSTIC ROADSIDE RESTAURANT

21162 Hwy 62 Gilmour, Ontario

Anything but rustic.

Mom and I ate here for my birthday a couple months ago. I had Salisbury steak with fries, a piece of pie and a pot of tea. I can't recall what Mom ate, but we both really enjoyed our food.

The service was very friendly. When they found out it was my birthday, the staff sang me "happy birthday" when they brought my raisin pie. They even placed a candle on top!

The atmosphere was happy and relaxed.

Also, don't forget to say hi to Harley the turtle. 

THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE

8 Front Street East, Hastings, Ontario.

I went to this restaurant recently and was quite impressed. Apparently, "The Captain's Table" has a reputation as a fish and chip and seafood place but, judging from their extensive menu, this establishment would be good to go to for anything: for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and for whatever casual dining fare you desired, including dessert.

As to their fish and chips, I had the one-piece halibut with fries. The portions were generous and delicious. The three others with me ordered similar meals and all quite enjoyed their supper, too.

The service was also excellent. 

FIREHALL FOOD (UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT)

40 St. Lawrence Street West, Madoc.

I ate there yesterday and found it to be a pleasant experience. I had the fish and chips which were really good. In fact, the fish was just exactly how I think the fish in fish and chips should be. My friend had a steak fajita wrap and said it was quite good.

The waitresses were friendly and the atmosphere was quiet and unobtrusive.

My only complaint is they don't have freshly cut fries, but this is not going to prevent me from returning. 

GREEK OASIS

690 Sidney Street, Belleville.

Lots of food for not very much money.

At the beginning of October I had the pleasure of dining in at this restaurant that is mainly geared for takeout. My supper consisted of Greek salad, Mediterranean chicken, rice, potatoes, and vegetables. It was a huge amount of food all for under 20 dollars. This being the case, I went ahead and bought a container of baklava to go. This would also turn out to be delicious.

The two people I was with also were not disappointed.

The service was fast and personable, even though they were short staffed that night.

It was also fun to watch all the people lined up to get their orders to go. 

THE EAGLE'S NEST RESTAURANT

Hastings Street North, Bancroft.

Well worth the trip.

I ate at this restaurant in late August and really enjoyed it. I had a balsamic chicken burger which was out of this world. The friend I went there with enjoyed his hamburger, too.

The place also had a great atmosphere with a mixture of visitors and regulars, locals and city people.

See their Facebook page here. 

RIVERVIEW FAMILY RESTAURANT

6 Front Street Campbellford, Ontario

In October of last year I had occasion to visit the Riverview for lunch two weeks apart, once with a group of people and once with a friend. Both times I had the breakfast, which even in these times was a substantial, delicious and resonably-priced meal. Everyone else I was with had other things and also enjoyed their meals. The staff were friendly and the atmosphere, especially the first time when I sat by the window, was inviting and pleasant. 

BAILEY'S CAFE

In Marmora, Ontario, this pleasant little restaurant has a good atmosphere and really good food.

When I was there yesterday, there were a lot of people who seemed like regulars having lunch and chatting with each other and the staff.

I had the hamburger special, which came with fries and coleslaw. The patty was made from real hamburger and was delicious, as was the rest of the meal.

By the way, if you like strong coffee, go to Bailey's Cafe. I had two cups of coffee with cream and was still plenty wired seven hours later.