Simard's Super Roast Beef!
Jeffrey Zia
August 09, 2001
That's right folks, not just any old roast beef, but Simard's SUPER Roast beef (TM).
Atmosphere: Looks like they are just trying to run an honest joint, very spartan, but they got their own drive through(!), with a weathered sign that looks like it has never been changed since the day the diner was built. Definitely adds to the ghetto factor. Everything looks like it has lost its luster, even the plastic surfaces. This is very close to the exact type of establishment that I am out to review. 9/10
Fiasco Factor: This time, professionalism actually counts against them. They served the food fast, and the it was pretty good. The pastrami sandwich falls apart in the paper bag though, so they got redeemed a little bit. Also, Simard sounds like an Indian/Middle Eastern name to me, but there is one blonde girl and two asian/pacific islanders behind the counter? Where is Simard? 7.0/10.0
Overall: the food is great! they serve it fast too, and it is easy to eat on the road. We have a winner here. 8.0/10.0
The final verdict: 8/10 (rounded up). The first time a Lowbrow Gourmet review actually find a place worth eating at. If you are on 129 in Wilmington, looking for something to eat, Simard's may be a good choice.
The first good review to beat the current top-score holder BeefMasters, this also happens on Friday the 13th, full moon, and a rebound on the stock market, coincidence? I think not!
I have also managed to spot a few more oriental restaurants with the words "Dragon", "Garden" and "Jade" which automatically qualifies for a review and at least a 1/10 for score, but I hope I will not have to give such ratings, as I do have to eat the stuff after all. I tried to find places to eat that actually have a strong national identity, either from its workers or the restaurant itself, since that also makes the review much more fun. If any of you know any funky places to eat near the Andover/Billerica/Lowell area, I am all ears.
until next time....
Z, culinary masochist
