Zianos Italian Eatery - Convington Location

Zianos

5907 Covington Rd
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone • (260) 444-4348
http://zianos.com

photo source

 A year and a half ago, Allen L changed my life when she introduced me to one of the greatest Italian restaurants ever.  Have you tried it?  It's an affordable causal family friendly restaurant serving up delicious Italian fare.


FIRST IMPRESSION:
We are greeted at the door with a genuine smile and a verbal welcome.  All of the servers are friendly and knowledgeable.  We were promptly seated with menus.  This clean, cafe-esque eatery was quite busy for a week night.  Dinner specials were written in chalk on a cafe style chalk board adding to cafe charm.

APPETIZER:
On a previous visit, we had enjoyed Brushetta, but wanted to try something different this time.   On this visit, we opted for a Mediterranean 10" pizza - PERFECT choice!  For $8.99 (adding black olives to half will cost you $1.50 more) we enjoyed 6 slices of Greek topping heaven.  The feta cheese packed a tasteful pizazz especially when it was paired with the plentiful kalamata olives and piled onto an exceptional crispy and chewy crust. 

The kalamata olives were suppose to be on the whole pizza - hmmm, didn't notice it at the time.

SALADS:
Unfortunately, salads are not included with entrees at Zianos but their small house salad is incredibly delicious and is only $1.99.  The plentiful portion of crisp lettuce, soft shredded mozzarella, and chopped veggies are embraced by a delicious homemade vinaigrette.   Standing guard over the small plate of goodness, is a garlic slice of crispy ciabatta bread.  Delicous - a must order!

Allen L opted for a large Greek Salad as her dinner preview.  Although the salad boasts a bold and beautiufl appearance, it will set you back $7.99 and is probably not worth the price - especially since the lettuce to topping ratio is definitely out of balance.  

 ENTREES:
Adams L and I opted to try something new, Fontanini Sausage and Peppers.   At Zianos, you'll find a staff more than willing to please you and as such, we learned that we could get any sauce on any pasta.  I opted to stick with the original recipe featuring Marinara sauce, but Adams L swapped it out for Romano sauce.  Most definitely follow Adam L's lead here - choose Romano - it's delicious and definitely makes the dish much better.  You must like bell peppers in order for this dish to be a home run for you!  I probably won't get it again, but I am glad that I did try it.

. . . with Romano sauce

. . . with Marinara

Allen L opted for my personal Zianos' fav - Lasagna.  The generous portion was served piping hot and boasts a multitude of complex Italian flavors and textures including gooey cheeses and large slices of sausage.

 Like many of the dishes, there is a noticeable layer of grease which is a bit offputting - cardiac patients be warned.

DESSERT:
Adams L and Allen L shared a dessert special - Cinnamon Caramel Sicks.  The breadsticks were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and topped with 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream bathed in a dreamy layer of caramel melt-in-your-mouth sauce and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.  It was delicious and the Elles enjoyed it.  

I opted for a creamy dish of spumoni.  The triad of flavors is a palate pleasing way to end a meal.  It's good, but not spectacular.     

SERVICE:
Most of the paper-topped tables were occupied and changed over guests while we were there.  Despite the patronage volume, we were provided with excellent service.  Our water glasses were continuously refilled  and  fresh diet cokes were endlessly delivered to the table.  Our server, Dawn, was fantastic.  She was friendly and knowledgeable.  She engaged in our friendly banter and genuinely took exceptional care of us including boxing up our left overs.  The manager on duty, Kristi, was our server on previous occasions, recognized us (editor's note:  this was the first visit we disclosed our blog or wrote up a review).  She came to our table to greet us and check in our experience.  Congrats to her for getting a well deserved promotion.  Want to be taken care of but not pay a high brow price?  Zianos is just the place for you.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Zianos is a comfortable casual Italian cafe where jeans are welcome and there won't be a need to break your piggy bank.  The service and food are outstanding and worthy of your attention in the near future. 

Until the next bite - 

Paula's on Main (2nd visit)

Paula's On Main
1732 West Main Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46808-3355
(260) 424-2300
-no known website-

Tinis & Desserts

Although this is only our 2nd posted review of Paula's, we have dined there a few times.  Recently, the Elles decided to try a new-to-us eatery on Main Street (Henry's - read that review HERE).  After apathetic service and  weak 'tinis, we opted to cut our loses and drive a few blocks to Paula's where we knew we would not be disappointed.  Having already eaten dinner, we sat at the bar and enjoyed what we are now calling THE BEST MARTINI IN FORT WAYNE and a round of delightful desserts.  Paula's was JAMMED pack busy.  Every table was full and the other side was wall to wall people with a private party.  The buzz in the restaurant, although a bit loud, was the perfect indication that residents of the Fort know where to go in order to have a first rate experience - Paula's!  Even with wall to wall people, we still received exceptional service from both bartenders.  These gals rock the mixology and deserve a gold medal in the Martini Olympics!  Our every need was anticipated and addressed before having to ask . . .refilled water glasses, 2nd rounds, and extra silverware.  Being busy is no excuse to deliver poor service!  Paula's gets it right - every time!

THE BEST 'TINI IN TOWN . . .

Paula's Smores Martini!

A alliance of delicate flavors transport tasters straight to everyone's favorite campfire favorite.  This crisp and clean martini is rimmed with graham crackers (perfect touch) and a lemon (maybe not the best accessory; could we suggest a marshmallow on a stick) and leaves the beneficiary enjoying the ride.  Without a doubt, this is the new FAV martini of the 3 Elles  (there is a lot of competition for this title - The Cork, BStreet, and even Eddie's has some top concoctions)!

To wrap up our evening, we each selected a made-from-scratch piece of epic goodness.  I never enjoyed key lime pie until I had it at Paula's 2 years ago.  The fresh, from Florida, lime juice is infused into the tall layer of whipped cream and sits like royalty on a thrown of key lime goodness.  It's light and completely refreshing.  This dessert is powerful enough to erase even the worst of days!  It gets my vote for best Key Lime Pie in the city . . . and I have no doubt the other Elles agree!

 Adams L opted for a true slice of PB cup lover's heaven . . . a homemade peanut butter chocolate pie!  The dense roof of chocolate fudge rests atop its delicately creamy peanut butter house creating a confluence of taste bud harmony.  It's rick, but light.  It's perfect - yes, that's what it is!

Allen L opted for her usual, Vanilla Creme Brulee (shocker).  The perfectly crisp caramel layer mirrored the creamy vanilla custard as if it were its shadow at high noon with only a fluffy cloud of sweet whipped cream to block the sun. 

Whether you want drinks, dessert, or dinner - Paula's will provide you with excellent service, outstanding food, and an extraordinary evening!  Put Paula's on the top of your list!

Until the next bite - 

Henry's

536 West Main St
Fort Wayne, IN  46802
(260) 422-5031
-no known website-

photo source

 Nestled in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, Henry's, has been serving up it's family-owned atmosphere and food since the 1950's.  Once inside you are instantly transported into another dimension.  The hustle and bustle of city life disappears upon entering and is replaced by a "Cheers"-esque setting (except at Henry's, it seems, no one cares to know your name).  The lowered lighting, original brick walls, 1800's European-made bar and booths, and random shelf accents converge for a cozy setting that wraps patrons in nostalgia of a speakeasy.  

 The laminate tables, simple wood chairs, cafeteria quality silverware, and handwritten menu ensure the charm of a small town family owned restaurant is not lost.  

 FIRST IMPRESSION:
After trying to enter the wrong door, I found the correct entrance and took a moment to absorb the uniqueness and immediately noticed a sign saying "Please Seat Yourself".  Despite the sign, I waited in the entry way for my friends - a total of 7 minutes - and NO ONE said ANYTHING to me.  I looked through the materials displayed on the shelf and the cork board.  I looked around at the interesting bar all the while being completely ignored by everyone.  So much for one of the more common elements of a family-owned restaurant - the warm welcome.  

 MARTINIS:
With news the other Elles were going to be a bit more delayed, I pulled up the last bar stool and waited for another couple of minutes before Matt, the bartender, approached.  With no martini menu, and a whole lot of excuses as to why, I requested a tropical, fruity and girlie martini - he gave me 2 options:  a lemondrop which he said tastes exactly like the candy and a cosmo martini.  I opted for the Cosmotini . . . completely disappointing.  It was neither fruity (unless you count the "sucking a lemon" flavor as fruity) nor tropical.  Although it was only $6 - it could have been sold at a kid's kool aid stand for a quarter and no one would have been the wiser.  

 Adams L arrived shortly afterward and went through the whole "you don't have a menu?  How can I know what to order?" just as I had 5 minutes earlier.  Matt's response was, "I don't know you so I can't know what you want to drink." (see, NOT exactly Cheers).  Adams L said she liked raspberry.  Matt took off and returned with this pretty purple drink that he had no name for so he said, "Raspberry-eee".  OKEY DOKEY Mr. Bartender. 

Last to belly up to the bar was Allen L who skipped the no menu drama and ordered a Lemondrop requesting a sugar rim.  She said it was so disappointing that she didn't even recommend we taste it.  Her exact words were it was VERY VERY VERY TART!

$20 for 3 martinis vesseled in smaller-than-normal glasses and were essentially alcohol-free was a disappointing start to our evening.  Planning to head to Henry's for 'tinis?  Change your plans!

APPETIZERS and BREAD:
I started off with ordering a LOT of diet coke . . . our server, Michelle, brings me a glass and says that they only have one free refill.  For $2 - seriously, at a bar?  Where designated drivers should be encouraged?  What kind of dumb ass bar, in 2012, has a 1 refill limit on a $2 diet coke?  OMG!  I told her to keep it and I'll stick with FREE water instead.  

We started with Spinach Artichoke Dip - SKIP IT!  Michelle said it was the "best anywhere" - she is oh sooo wrong!  It's tasteless and arrived paired with the most greasy "pita chips" that were too fragile to hold a feather let alone this chunky dense dip.  The dip is primarily artichoke and very little spinach and has no notable flavors.

sorry for the poor photo quality

Adams L fell in love with the 6" submarine type loaf of bread that Allen L identified as being nuked.  The bread is made daily from the Bagel Station which is a fun partnership between local companies- too bad it had to be nuked rather than reheated in the oven to prevent the chewiness!  The bread was served in a plastic basket (like you would get at a coney dog in at the root beer stand) nestled among a variety of prepackaged crackers and tiny "spread" containers.  


ENTREES:
Adams L ordered the Tuna Balsemico based on the recommendation of a friend.  Our server indicated this salad was the best selling menu item.  This salad featured many different components and textures including mixed greens, olives, walnuts, goat cheese, and a large perfectly prepared tuna filet but none of the flavors stood out as exceptional. She said it was tasty and a generous portion, but would opt to try something else the next time (spoiler alert:  we won't be returning anytime soon).

Allen L selected a Wrapped Shrimp Club with a side of homemade pasta salad.  The somewhat spicy salad was loaded with a variety of veggies and smothered in an Italian vinaigrette dressing.  The 5 shrimp were lost amid the veggie packed wrap.  If you are looking for a healthy meal heavy on the veggies than this may just be for you.  If you are looking for a shrimp meal - you'll hardly notice you're eating any with this wrap - the bacon was a more noticeable note than the featured shrimp. 

See the white "spot" at the top of the wrap . . . that's 1 of the 5 shrimp.

 The Walleye special caught my eye, but with a salty price and zero guidance from our server as to whether it was good or not, I opted for a $6.99 fish sandwich.  It was a fantastic choice.  I removed the 2 freshly breaded Pollock filets from the bulky store bought onion bun.  The seasoned fries were delicious.  Neither the fish nor the fries were overly greasy and both were very delicious.  With the great price, this is a must try meal!    

SERVICE:
After the initial less-than-warm welcome and having read many of the online reviews all pointing to poor service, our expectations were pretty low.  Our server was really short and unhelpful and almost rude at times. We noticed a trend among the staff (except for the upbeat server wearing a pink shirt who rocked a great attitude) - everyone seemed apathetic!  It was clear from the first second when I entered and continued throughout the entire meal that each employee could not care less if you were a guest or if you enjoyed your food or if you were having a great time.  It wasn't until our server found out that we write a blog that she offered up more information and was a bit more helpful - which, since that was at the end, it was too late.  

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Liked my fish - Hated the fake 'tinis - Displeased with the service - Felt unwelcome and unwanted - Would not recommend it!  As we have stated in many reviews before, it's your money - spend it on an outstanding experience or on a mediocre dinner.  

Note: After dinner we left and headed to Paula's for a REAL 'tini and dessert which we knew would NOT disappoint!

Until the next bite - 

Eddie Merlot's

1502 Illinois Road South
Fort Wayne, IN 46804-1220
eddiemerlots.com

It has been more than a year since we had visited Eddie Merlot's so we were longing to return to one of our favorite retreats.  With this visit, EM's becomes our most visited restaurant of all time!

MARTINIS:
Our server suggested we try a Eddie's Paradise martini so . . . what's a group of gals out for a fun evening to do?  Try it, of course.  Big fail!  NOPE, this isn't the drink we would recommend.  It tasted like an extremely watered down pineapple juice with a kicking horrible aftertaste.  Perhaps straight martini drinkers might enjoy this, but it's definitely not on our "to try" list.

We returned to our "go to" martini - the Berry White (old school recipe)!   This really is the best martini in all of the Summit City.  The crisp and delicious flavor packs a powerful punch of adult spirit. As a special BONUS - it was only $6 (with the bar menu) - WOO- that's what the 3 Elles are talkin' about!

APPETIZERS & BREAD:
We started with a round of appetizers - one familiar, one new.  The new-to-us dish starter was a Chicken Mushroom and Smoked Gouda Flat bread pizza.  I loved it but the other Elles were not quite as impressed.  We all agree that the dish was mild and lacked the PIZAZZ that we were expecting in a pizza.  The sweet sauce was an odd pairing with the other flavors.

And for the familiar - we opted for a round of blue cheese chips which were on special (with the bar menu) for $4 - PARTY AT THE 3 ELLES TABLE!!!  These things are ah-maz-ing!  Seriously, if you haven't tried these yet, what are you waiting for?

We were served 2 bread boules - the first one was horribly doughy and undercooked.  The second one was perfect with a crusty outside and fleshy inside.

Our dinners were prefaced with a Cesar salad.  I asked for my dressing on the side . . . but it arrived on the salad - big fail.  Our server quickly made it right and returned with an undressed salad and offered up fresh ground pepper.  Big piece of advice here:  a little of that pepper goes a REALLY long way.  We each had just a couple of grinds but it was still way.too.much!  The boring bland of romaine chunks was uninspired and quite a disappointing opening act to our upcoming main event.  The salad dressing lacked the fresh inspiration one would expect from such a high end restaurant. 

ENTREE:
From the "Eddie's Meals" section of the menu, Allen L selected a Double Cut Pork Chop while Adams L and selected the same thing, New Orleans Mixed Grill.

Allen L's Double Cut Pork Chop was super-sized!  The 2" thick chop was glazed with a flavorful peach BBQ sauce that tasted more like apricots than peaches.  The rest of the plate painted a perfect picture of an outdoor scene with a delicate "cloud" of tasty mashed potatoes and a stunning green "tree" of perfectly steamed, but overly salty, broccoli.  The exceptionally well prepared chop was tender and moist and ranked among the best pork chops Allen L has ever eaten.

The New Orleans Mixed Grill was a repeat order for us as we have both eaten it before.  I ask you - is this dish visually appealing?  If you said, "no" you are correct.  It also smells much like a wet dog.  Good news, the food tastes a bit better than it looks or smells.  I found the Aduoille sausage to be mushy, but the undercooked steak (I asked for well done and it arrived medium well) was a perfect cut and the mega sized shrimp are beefy but unseasoned.  The 3 meats were plopped onto a mountaintop of mashed potatoes and paired with an amazingly well prepared broccoli crown.

DESSERT:
The desserts at EM's are on steroids - they are seriously overgrown and outrageous.  Allen L ordered the carrot cake which weighed half as much as she did.  It's not that it wasn't amazing, because it was good, but under what circumstances should such a collossal size dessert be served?  It's just so crazy huge.  Look at it towering over the plate! 

Adams L chose the Mixed Berry Cobbler with a side of mixed berry sorbet instead of vanilla ice cream.  The sorbet was fruity and carried a thorough berry flavor, but the outer surface was covered in a jelly goo-like substance which was a bit off putting.  The warm Cobbler had a sweet biscuit topping and was a definite winner.  She said she would surely get it again.

I had ZERO room left for dessert, but opted to get a "piece" of Red Velvet Cake to go.  I say "piece" because I'm pretty sure it was the entire cake.  It was as large or even larger than Allen L's carrot cake.  I tried it the next day and was completely unimpressed!  It had an off taste and was a complete fail.  I think that EM's is trying to get the wow factor through size - but they should really focus of flavor instead.  I would have much rather had a small piece of red velvet cake that tasted amazing over the gigantic piece of disappointment I received.

ATMOSPHERE & SERVICE:
There was annoying music being piped in over the ceiling speakers.  The problem was the volume - it was too quiet to hear anything but the bass - and that was just a mood spoiler to hear Thump Thump Thump for two hours.

Adams L arrived first and asked to be seated in the bar, but it was reserved.  She was offered the bar menu as a compromise.  I arrived shortly and a random server came by our table and said, "Oh you can't have that menu."  She said she would get clarification and then come back.  She never came back - what?!?  That's not the EM's level of service that we had experienced on our previous 4 visits. 

Our server was initially very unfriendly which was irritating.  By the end, she loosened up and that was greatly appreciated.


FINAL THOUGHTS:
Today's Eddie Merlot's is NOT the same experience as 3 years ago. Sadly, it has lost it's unmatched level of service and unique swank factor.  It has fallen from a place of fine dining to a place that overcharges and offers mediocre touches of flare.  It's disappointing in many ways.  It was our go-to place to retreat and be treated on the South side.  It was equally matched, in our minds, with the more northern Baker Street.  After this visit, Baker Street is clearly our favorite and now stands heads and shoulders above everywhere else.  If you are looking for a winning experience, your belly might be full, but your wallet and overall satisfaction will be left empty.  Opt to head north to Baker Street - and tell them the 3 Elles sent you!