Problem: Weak food for yuppies. Overpriced. Underwhelming. And you're surrounded by West Siders who should really know better... but of course don't.
How would this review be described?
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A: negative

Problem: I was looking forward to eating at Chop Chop because of the rave review my friends gave it (to me) 7 weeks ago. I booked to eat on a Thursday night, as it was my last night in Edinburgh and i decided to treat myself. What a Disappointment! When i arrived the restaurant was empty, apart from the 4 waiting staff. When i was seated at my table i discovered that the plates were made of plastic. Really not what i was expecting at all. I started off by ordering 16 boiled Pork and Coriander dumplings with 8 Chicken Fried dumpling. I also had a Chicken Chow Mian and deep fried aubergines. The Pork and Coriander dumplings were very bland, which I'm guessing is why you have soy sauce and vinegar on your table, there was no taste what so ever. The fried chicken dumplings tasted better, I could actually taste the chicken. The Chow Mien, again was very bland and the chicken was like rubber. I had to resort to pouring my dumpling dipping sauce over the Chow Mian to give it some flavour. plus, the portion of Chow Mian is huge for one person, I couldn't finish it as there was so much. Lastly, the Aubergines. They were absolutely disgusting. Completely soaked in oil, so much so I could not taste the spring onion and garlic that the aubergines I paid 30 for all this and a small bottle of spring water, not the great value i was told about. Their website states that they make their own noodle and dumplings, in fact the dumplings are not made in the restaurant, but in a custom built factory in Edinburgh's suburbs. The staff are the only reason why I am not giving Chop Chop 1 star, they were great. Very friendly and helpful. So all in all, a grand disappointment. It does seem that the owners have spent so much time and effort with the new restaurant in Leith that they have all but forgotten the original Haymarket restaurant.
How would this review be described?
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A: negative

Problem: Off-putting during the day. We sat on the northern-most patio and there's something about the sunlight reflecting off of the tall glass building behind us that not only cast an odd glow on everything, but made the place seem really off-putting and annoying. The music was horrible, anything from Huey Lewis & some random song from 1992 that I never heard of to a Rihanna & Maroon 5 duo- it was all over the board and didn't make any sense - like maybe the theme was bottom 50 songs from the charts over the last 20 years, maybe (odder still, there were music videos in the background)? The food was ok, but a little strange, too. A burger w...bacon (yes), crazy mayo (sure!), avocado (heck yeah) and... mushrooms (why???) but no cheese...mmmmmmm, k? Meh food. Service was totally fine, although the poor girl kept tripping and I don't want to sound nuts, but I think it was because of the crazy reflection from the building next door that caused her to lose her balance. This place just seemed totally strange (like a mylar balloon stuck in the ceiling fan going around and around and around, 2.5 foot home made plywood boxes that I couldn't figure out the purpose of, sun-bleached fake plants on the patio, dumb music, some guy who was setting up the rear bar, while he chowed down on the same lunch I ordered, tripping waitress, sweet potato tots made of regular potatoes, small bugs floating through the air and landing on everything...) As I said, it was just off-putting, although I can't put my finger on it.
How would this review be described?
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A: negative

Problem: Me and one of my besties recently came here for a girl's night out on the town. Since we're both parents and don't get out often without our children in tow, we wanted to make sure that we fully enjoy our food and drink wherever we decide to go. We actually enjoyed ourselves very much, thank you, at this wonderful downtown spot. We both ordered specialty martinis. I had the Pink Lemonade and she had the Dragon Berry Cosmo. Both drinks were delicious! We also ordered Olive or Twist Calamari and the Thai Chicken wings as appetizers. (Yes, I know that's a lot of food for two people. But, didn't I say we don't get out much in the evening without kids in tow?) Yummy is the word for both. I like my wings crispy and my calamari not overdone and both fit the bill. Now, about my braised beef short ribs. Like some people wouldwalk a mile for a Camel, I would walk 10 miles for beef short ribs. If I can take my fork and push the meat into collapse and have a good sauce to go with, I'm all yours! My last name should now be "OliveOrTwist"! Likewise, my bestie sat in silence and payed homage to the crabcake gods/goddesses that prepared her crabcakes. A moment of slence please.... Okay, I'm back. But seriously, if you want to feel transported from Pittsburgh and imagine yourself in a hip little bar/restaurant in a more trendy city, this is your place.
How would this review be described?
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A:
positive