Much-in-Demand Author/Editor
SHARON BEVERLY
Writing Selection 5: Online Restaurant Review
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JOHN THE BAKER
When was the last time at a restaurant that you were made to feel like one of the family? Eating at John the Baker is like that. Picture this: you’re in the family kitchen, watching pizza dough twirl in the air-no pre-made, franchise stuff here-and your relatives are watching over you, waiting for a smile as you take that first bite of your meal. Does it meet with your approval? Is there something more they can do for you? Yup, you’re one of the family. John and his wife, Patty, greet and seat you in their “kitchen”, letting you know that you’re home and will be well taken care of. And they’ve trained their staff to do the same. John’s been doing this since the 1970s and like a good wine or cheese, only improves with age.
John the Baker’s garlic rolls are addictive. You can’t eat just one. The next time you visit and that perfume of garlic and yeasty rolls waft the air, you’re hooked. You’ve just gotta’ have ‘em. They may entice you, but don’t stop there. There are 14 pizzas on the menu. A large, 16” basic cheese pizza costs $10.50. Most others of that size are $12.00 and range from homemade sausage and cheese to fresh basil and cheese-terrific- to pepperoni or anchovies or ham. The Vegetarian Special is $16.50.
Ten different hot submarine sandwiches run from $5.75 for the homemade meatballs to the Sloppy Sausage Parmigiana with peppers, at $7.00. Feeling that summer heat? How about a cold ham sub for $5.00 or an Italian Combo for $6.25? Any of the five are sure to satisfy a hungry appetite.
Each time we eat here, we experiment with a variety of choices. One night it was antipasto with Chicken Parmigiana. Another time we had the Eggplant Parmigiana and a salad. But every time we undo our good intentions to sample more of the menu, by scarfing down those delectable garlic rolls. One dinner was nothing but Chicken Marsala and lots of those rolls, mopping up the wonderful sauce.
A few nights ago, however, we were determined to conquer our addiction to those heavenly rolls, leaving room to try other menu items. The aroma beckoned, but we held firm. This time, we began with the Gorgonzola Salad for $7.50. Meant to be a serving for one, it readily fed two of us. A bed of romaine, thick slices of ripe tomato, sliced onion and a scattering of black olives were topped by a very generous amount of cheese. We dressed it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Delicious. The Bruschetta Pizza-also $7.50-was next. My companion and I felt guilt-free, consuming this crispy delight of cheese and onion, as we were told that it held a mere 200 calories. Luckily, there were still a few slices remaining, as we ignored etiquette, sopping up our entrees’ sauces with them. Ah, the entrees. Sticking to our decision of selecting dishes we had never tried, we ordered homemade, ricotta stuffed rigatoni, napped with a tasty marinara sauce for $8.95. We savored the delicate flavor of the ricotta tucked into the homemade pasta. This is definitely on our favorites list for this restaurant. The Veal Cacciatore, at $12.25, was another excellent choice. Not one tender chunk of veal simmered in brown sauce remained when we finished our meal.
Replete, we should have listened to reason and skipped dessert. With very slight arm-twisting, we caved-in, opting for plain cheesecake. This is a great misnomer. The cheesecake is definitely not “plain”. A large portion of this heavy, rich treat is crusted at the bottom with what we believe to be caramelized apple. The sweetness is a perfect foil for the “plain” cheesecake. Its price is $3.95. Next time, we’re game for the Snickers or Turtle version at $4.50. After a meal like this, we wish we really were a member of John the Baker’s family.
Designations
Categories are fast food, family place, or fine dining
Prices are represented by $ signs; $ being the least expensive, $$ moderately priced and $$$ expensive.
Reviews: range from receiving one to three forks; one being a barely satisfactory experience, two forks is satisfactory, and three forks represent a good dining experience.
Category: Family Place
Price: $$
Review: three forks
John the Baker has two locations. The newest is in Stirling Town Center, 8835 Stirling Road in Cooper City. They can be called at 954.252.0091 or you can FAX your order to 954.252.0093. The older location is at 12592 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines. Their phone number is 954.431.4315 and the FAX is 954.431.6292. Both locations serve lunch and dinner.
Sharon Beverly
Restaurant Reviewer
