4. Pufferbelly on French Street

We had enjoyed a wonderful New Year's Eve dinner at Pufferbelly nearly 10 years ago and were looking forward to dinner there when business brought us to the Erie area. We were very disappointed. Dinner started well with bacon-wrapped shrimp, but the soup of the day, chicken and dumpling, was terrible. The dumplings were tough and it was so heavily peppered, any flavor it had was lost. The bread basket arrived with four tiny pieces which looked like a deflated baquette! When the waitress brought my spinach salad (which was o.k., but nothing special), she informed me, without apology, that the kitchen was out of the Greek pizza I had ordered. I thought that three courses into the meal was a little late to ask that I make an alternate entree selection. Had I known that the pizza was not available, I would have chosen an entree salad. I ordered a veal dish. The accompanying mixed vegetables were quite tasty and crisp and the wild rice accompaniment was good. The veal, however, was tough and the sauce nondescript. We're in Erie for four more days and will look for alternative dining options.

Edible and enjoyable.I would give one more star if it wasn't located in Erie

Dinner for two was dinner in heaven! Our dinner started off with bruschetta as an appetizer, Italian vinegar flavor and perfectly cubed tomatoes made it perfect. Entrees were Chicken Marsala - perfect all around - and Shrimp Dijon - once again perfect. The sauces alone made the entire meal worth the trip. For dessert we had a "chocolate snowball" - a rich fudge-textured chocolate bar smothered in real whipped cream and shaved chocolate. I cannot express how important it is for you to try this. The staff and atmosphere was very elegant -fast friendly and courteous service. The restaurant is an old turn of the century firehouse and the decor is themed for a unique feel. If in Erie, give this a try!