Q: I heard great reviews about the Walnut Grill and was excited to try the new restaurant in Mt. Lebanon. I have been to the one in Shadyside a few times and always had a pleasant experience. Today was not a pleasurable experience. Although the staff was friendly, the food was quite disappointing. The decor was clean, bright and joyous, with a great flow between different dining sections. Loved the look of the bar. It was trendy and a central point of the room, but did not overwhelm the space. The blonde hostess working the lunch shift made my experience. She was nice, professional, and extremely service oriented. Our server was knowledgeable and accommodating throughout lunch service, but left us waiting for the check, nowhere to be found for a good 10 or so minutes. The ahi tuna appetizer was a great light appetizer. Although it didn't taste like fresh ahi (definitely frozen), it was seared nicely. The bed of slaw could be a smaller portion. It was unevenly mixed, meaning large full pepper slices among, small bite-size slivers of cabbage and carrots. The Spinach and Artichoke dip was oily. I mean a pool of oil in it. It definitely tasted like they microwaved an old batch. Although I love large artichoke pieces in my dip, the chips were smaller than more of the pieces. Maybe pita bread would be better suited for this dish. There were too many tortilla chips and crackers for the portion of dip you received. The tortilla chips were also stale. The side of sweet potato fries were undercooked and unflavored. My mother said they usually have a bit of sugar on them, but unfortunately not today. The 2 women next to us were both upset about their meals. One sent her sandwich back because it was burnt and the other's crab cake was overcooked. Maybe they have a new daytime chef? Maybe just a bad day? Either way, not for me.

A: negative

Q: Went to the rouge last night (Friday the 9 dec), we had reserved a table to celebrate a fellow workers birthday, there were 9 of us in total. We had a blast!! Music was great (second floor as we never went to the third), we ordered bottles of vodka for our group which is the way to go. The staff was nice,friendly and attentive which is always a plus and we danced the whole night, (even the non dancers got caught up in the fun). The place is big and was packed and everyone seemed to have fun, the entire room was swaying and cheering and taking photos. I recommend this place for groups looking to celebrate an event anytime. Thanks to the rouge team for making our night... we may be hurting in the morning ....but that's just part of it. The only thing you might consider doing differently is offering some advil to your guests as they leave, cause you make em party hard.

A: positive

Q: I've eaten here twice and both times the food was much too salty for my taste.

A: negative

Q: I hate to admit when I can't help but like something that is such a far cry from the "real deal." Chang's is a classic example. They serve delicious panasian cuisine. . . that is neither pan nor asian. But, hey, call a spade a spade, it's tasty. Anyone who says they don't even mildly like the lettuce wraps is either lying, or just doesn't like things that taste good. The seared ahi tuna appetizer is also dee-lish. As is the honey seared anything, and the Chang's Spicy Chicken. It ain't the cheapest food around, nor the most authentic, but damned if it isn't good.

A:
positive