1202 NE 8th Ave
Zero thumbs up
I SWEAR I've already reviewed East End Eatery. I can even remember specific lines from the review. But for some reason, I can't find it anywhere. So here it goes again. You'll have to forgive me, as I literally just deleted all my old photos from my phone today and I had a few from here on there.
East End Eatery is yet another example of everything that's wrong with Gainesville food. It's not good, the service is very slow, yet for some inexplicable reason, EVERYBODY loves it. Go check out Yelp or Urban Spoon. Their reviews are through the roof even though the place is really, really mediocre.
I've even eaten here at least 3 or 4 times and tried many things on the menu to come to this conclusion. I've had the unimpressive tabbouleh platter, complete with soggy grape leaves and over garlic-ed and lumpy hummus. I've had the greasy quesadilla of the day. I've had the utterly depressing grilled tempeh and vegetable panini. All of these items were very lackluster. The sides of the day range from a bizarre potato salad with a "white-out" consistency mayonnaise glaze to unappetizing pasta salads. I've eaten here with many other people who ordered meat dishes who completely agree with me. Bottom line: Unimpressive.
The only reason they don't get the scathing 5 thumbs down review is because the place looks cool and they're helping revitalize the worn out east end of town. Otherwise, it's a waste of time, money, and calories.
I marveled to a lunch partner that this place was run by a catering company. Surely, they'd have to know how to cook in order to cater. But as he said, "have you ever been impressed by catering?" I couldn't think of a more apt description.
Eric,
ReplyDeleteDon't you think the rave reviews speak to the way in which people consider dining out? It's not just about the food; there's the experience, the ambiance and the efforts of the establishment. I personally like the food at East End, but I'm not here to debate palates (especially with the owner of a very particular one). I think the efforts of EEE to use environmentally conscious materials, revitalize the east side and the ever-friendly staff make it at least worth one thumb. It's also reasonably priced and has a dynamic menu. One thumb? Also, try the lasagna sometime - it really is amazing.