I've been here a couple of times since it originally opened. The food's always been average, so I never really made it a 'go-to' establishment. I live close to downtown Willoughby so I pass by here all the time. I've been shocked at how crowded it is every time, so I just had to go back. It's now one of my favorite DTW restaurants!
Our server, Nicole, was outstanding. She made us feel like we were the only ones in the place. I was being very picky about my beer choice, and she had no problem bringing me different samples. We started dinner off with a spicy spicy salmon roll. I'm usually a little hesitant to order sushi from a non-traditional restaurant, but this was really good. The salmon had that 'melt in your mouth' flavor and consistency. One of my dining companions ordered the rainbow roll and I couldn't get over the size of it! I will definitely be back when I have a sushi craving.
Our meals were top notch. I ordered the scallops and scampi. It came on top of pork fried rice. Originally, I was sceptic of the pork fried rice being paired with shellfish. The chunks of pork in the rice tasted like they were candied. So delicious!
Another person at the table ordered the bone in pork chop that was on special. I can't really tell you how it tasted because it was devoured before I could ask for a bite! I'm guessing it was good.
Downtown Willoughby is becoming a hotspot for visitors. When looking for a place to dine, Ballantine is it hands down. I'm so happy that I live less than a mile from here!