THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 13, 1994 TAG: 9411150498
SECTION: FLAVOR PAGE: F4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Restaurant review
SOURCE: BY BROWN CARPENTER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines
WEARY SHOPPERS plodding through Pembroke Mall in Virginia Beach this holiday season might consider a stop at Annabelle's for some relaxation and nourishment.
The food is predictable but won't disappoint you. The service is casual, friendly and decidedly unrushed. It's a nice rest stop during a hectic time.
Although it is wholly within the mall, Annabelle's designers use brick columns, a balcony area and wood paneling to make you feel cozy and insulated from the hustle-bustle of the shopping area.
This chain unabashedly emphasizes simple fare, meals you would have no trouble fixing at home: teriyaki chicken, fettuccine Alfredo, shrimp creole, broccoli quiche.
The prices also are a welcome break. Aside from the steaks, which range from $9.99 to $14.99, entrees are less than $10. Most include a generous portion of sauteed fresh vegetables.
Kids' meals range from $2.75 to $2.95 and include an old-fashioned sarsaparilla.
Our party of four picked two appetizers: fried mushrooms ($4.45) and hot crab dip ($6.45). The mushrooms were watery but the crab dip, consisting of melted cheese and crabmeat, was surprisingly good and a bit of an innovation for a menu that emphasizes the tried and true.
Another unusual touch is the stir-fried vegetables, seasoned with garlic, ginger and soy sauce. It's $6.49 but you can add chicken for an extra $1, shrimp for an extra $2. We tried the shrimp and found it delightful.
This deal is also available with the fettuccine Alfredo ($5.89 by itself, $8.39 with chicken and $8.95 with shrimp) and the pasta salad ($4.45 alone, $6.35 with chicken and $6.99 with shrimp).
The steak teriyaki ($6.69), a marinated cut of sirloin served with rice, snow peas and carrots, was the favorite at our table. Teriyaki sauce gets right to the point and goes down easily after a day of shopping.
Teriyaki chicken ($8.95), our third entree, is prepared similarly but brings a different flavor by adding pineapple.
The beef fajita grande ($9.89) is big and filling. Served on a sizzling skillet, this Mexican dish easily fills the three or four tortillas accompanying it. The dish includes the usual condiments: tomatoes, cheese, onions and sour cream.
The only complaint about the fajita was the lack of spicy seasoning.
Annabelle's nicely combines simplicity with low-calorie meals. The stir-fries, pasta dishes and most of the meat entrees won't leave you stuffed.
But if you are exceptionally hungry, the menu offers a Kentucky hot brown - turkey breast slices served on toast and accompanied by a white sauce, Cheddar cheese, tomato and bacon slices.
Another stick-to-your-ribs offering is the aptly named Leadbelly - two baked potatoes stuffed with turkey, ham and chopped onion topped with bacon and sour cream.
Seafood entries include three shrimp dishes and golden-fried fish fillet.
We chose three desserts; they lived up to our stanadards for sweets. The French Silk Pie ($2.89) was mostly chocolate, the Apple Pecan Cobbler ($2.69) seemed like something Grandma made. The cheesecake with fudge topping the best.
Like most of the fare at Annabelle's, that dessert was something you can make in your own kitchen - but don't very often. MEMO: Reviews of chain restaurants are based on a single, unannounced visit by
a party of three or four, unless otherwise noted. The Virginian-Pilot
and The Ledger-Star pay for the reviewer's meal and those of the
guests. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
ROY A. BAHLS
Annabelle's is a good place to relax and eat after a day of shopping
at Pembroke Mall.
Graphic
CHAIN REACTION
Annabelle's Restaurant & Pub: Pembroke Mall, Virginia Beach,
490-3888.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to
midnight Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Prices: Entrees from $5.49 for a broccoli quiche to $14.99 for a
12-ounce ribeye steak. Most dinners are under $10. Pasta dishes
range from $5.69 to $8.95; sandwich specials, $4.69 to $6.99, and
big salads, $4.45 to $6.99.
Owned by: Frank Powell of Wilmington, N.C.
by CNB