Edward Desaulniers

So when we found ourselves in Niagara Falls, we thought we would swing by the local Hard Rock Cafe location. Known for its iconic memorabilia-lined walls and classic rock tunes, I was curious to see if this outpost lived up to the brand name. I have passed by many of these restaurants in different cities around the world, but I have never eaten at any of them.

Right away, I was impressed by the restaurant's design. Walking through the hallway between the Sheraton and casino immerses you in rock history - you can spot autographed guitars from legendary artists and Princes iconic customs. It's like stepping into a music museum. The decor alone is worth a visit.

However, things went downhill from there. The menu prices were frankly outrageous for what you get. A basic burger and fries will run you nearly $30 before drinks. For most of us, value is important, and this cafe offers very little for the dollar.

Unfortunately, everything I tasted was a little bit better than mediocre at best. Sides like the corn and cold slaw were weak and not worth eating and seemed like afterthoughts.

The drinks were overpriced and nothing special. Of course, this area is extra expensively compared to the surrounding area.

The service was fine.

While Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls gets points for atmosphere, the subpar food and beverage offerings coupled with inflated prices make it a tourist trap rather than a culinary destination I am assuming everyone else got the memo since this restaurant was always empty when we passed by. Unless the menu and service get an overhaul, I can't recommend spending your money here. This Hard Rock outpost gets a solid "D" from us, and I will probably never visit another.

I have always had a soft spot for Chinese food, especially the kind that is served in shopping malls. There is something about the aroma of fried noodles, the crunch of spring rolls, and the tang of sweet and sour sauce that appeals to my inner child. So when I heard that there was a Manchu Wok in Lougheed Mall, I decided to give it a try.

Manchu Wok is a chain of Chinese fast food restaurants that has been around since 1980. It claims to offer "authentic Chinese cuisine" with "fresh ingredients" and "no MSG". The menu features a variety of dishes, such as chicken balls, beef and broccoli, honey garlic ribs, and chow mein. You can order a combo plate with two or three items and rice or noodles, or you can customize your own bowl with your choice of protein, sauce, and toppings.

I opted for two option, and selected the crispy pork, fresh green beans and black bean sauce. The cashier handed me a plastic tray with a paper platel filled with my food. I paid $14 plus tax and headed to the seating area.

The seating area was spacious and clean, with bright red chairs and tables. There were several other customers enjoying their meals, mostly families with young children and teenagers. The atmosphere was lively and cheerful.

I took a bite of my food and was pleasantly surprised. The meat was tender and juicy, with a crunchy coating that was not too greasy. The black bean sauce was savory and spicy, with a hint of garlic and ginger. The portion was generous and satisfying.

I finished my meal and felt happy and full. I thought to myself that Manchu Wok was not bad at all for a mall food court restaurant. It was fast, cheap, and tasty. It may not be the most authentic or refined Chinese cuisine, but it was certainly enjoyable.

If you are looking for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option in Lougheed Mall, you could do worse than Manchu Wok. It is a decent place to satisfy your craving for Chinese food without breaking the bank or your stomach. Just don't expect too much from it, and you will be fine.