Problem: What would be an example of an negative review?

Answer: Chez Lien Plus is situated in the heart of Montreal Downtown on the intersection of Ste. Catherine and Stanley Streets which are always bustling with office crowds, university students, shoppers, sightseers and tourists alike. It's a BYOB restaurant and there's an SAQ just around the corner on St. Catherine street where you can buy your wine before going to the restaurant. I'd recommend a reservation since it's a downtown restaurant and there are always groups of people waiting to get in. This restaurant is not pricey for a downtown BYOB but it is expensive in terms of the value and quantity of what they offer. Expect to pay around $25-30 per person for dinner (tips and taxes included). There's no corking fee so that's a good point. There was this absurd law which stated that either you have to finish your wine or leave it at the restaurant or something like that (dafuq???) but I've heard that they have changed it now and now you can leave the restaurant with your uncorked bottle with wine in it (Ha! first world problems) I ordered some soup as entree and lamb-chops as the main dish. Both were passable. I mean nothing out of this world, not very bad either. Your impression would be that you're paying for eating in a restaurant in downtown and not for the food (it isn't extraordinary but it sure is expensive for what you get and if you factor in the BYOB costs, then actually you end up paying around $45). So why bother unless you've an absolute craving for Vietnamese food? In all honesty, I won't go back there, not because the service wasn't good or the food was bad (both were ok), but because you don't get value for your money (not even abstract value like the pleasure of eating extraordinarily delicious good food or an excellent decor). Perhaps if you're in a rush or can't find anything else for a quick lunch, going to Chez Lien Plus might be a good idea, otherwise not.

Problem: What would be an example of an positive review?

Answer: It's always a gamble when you visit a restaurant on their opening night. Luckily, there was no "walking away, knowing when to run" from me as Haveli delivered. I'll be honest...this location has been haunted by former failed restaurants (Fitch's, Good Times, Kickshaw, Jimmy's) and their gigantic footprint. In this case, the owners did the right thing and only used 1/3 of the former space. Service was pleasant and efficient. We ordered Samosas for our appetizer and Aloo Mutter and Goat Curry for our entrees. While the filling of the Samosas was a little too heavy for my liking, the crust that encased it was great. Both entrees were very solid. The flavors worked well with one another. I was particularly impressed with the Goat Curry. In the past at other places, the meat can be a little too "goaty". Here is was well flavored and fall apart tender. Haveli also has a lunch time buffet that I am eager to try. Still early in it's existence but if it continues to dish out great food, I think it will be around to stay.

Problem: What would be an example of an positive review?

Answer:
We just checked out Pinky's for the first time this week, and I'm happy to report that it's great. The fried pickles, as other reviews have covered, basically the same as at the old penguin, which is to say, probably the best in town. (When Common House was open and before their spiral into mediocrity, they had my favorite fried pickles...) I got the Ding Dong burger, which has peanut butter and sriracha on it. I liked it but wasn't blown away. My wife got the veggie corndog and I took a couple bites. Julia is right, it's delicious. Our friends were all happy with their dishes, and we got a pitcher of Shock Top, which is pretty decent for a cheap beer. I liked the layout of the place. Very high ceilings give it an airy feel, and the big windows look out on the skyline and Morehead/Freedom Aves. Pinky's could easily become a go-to choice for late meals. Thumbs way up.