2009.01.21
The Golden Moon now open
The space beside Heavenly Ham near Towers Mall has been empty ever since The Seafood Company vacated it in February 2008. But despite the fact that a "Seafood" sign still hangs on the side of the building, it is actually an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant that has now opened in the available space, according to the building's owner, Frank Guilfoyle.
Guilfoyle, who also owns Heavenly Ham, sent out an e-mail today about the new restaurant, The Golden Moon.
"No, it is not a Chinese restaurant, but an Italian/Mediterranean place," he wrote. "The owners formerly operated Tito's on Brambleton Avenue and opened their restaurant here about ten days ago."
I believe Tito's was located in the old Mexican restaurant up on U.S. 221 (Brambleton Avenue). I never got a chance to check it out when it was there. Did any of you go?
Guilfoyle says the new restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They have a kids' menu and have applied for their ABC license. Guilfoyle described the restaurant as reasonably priced with tasty food. Of course, the only way to find out for ourselves whether we like the place is to give it a try! If you beat me to it, let me know what you thought.
Oh, and Guilfoyle said the seafood sign will soon be replaced with a sign for the new restaurant. So don't be confused. Think spaghetti, not crabcakes.
Oh goodie! My daughter and I went to Tito's a couple of weeks ago and it was all closed up. We were very disappointed since it was our second favorite place to eat. We will definitely be there!
Comment by Debi — January 21, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
Well, we tried Tito's one night shortly before they closed. We were one of three tables on a Saturday night. We ordered pizza and the crust tasted like cumin (it was very weird). The atmosphere at Tito's was very tacky and dumpy. I sure hope they have improved!!
Comment by Nicole — January 21, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
My family and I tried Tito's shortly after they opened and then once again a few months after they opened. We were very unimpressed with the food and the overall service was below par (but not as much as the food). We would drive by each day and see the number of cars in the lot dwindling and have been wondering when they would finally close up shop. I hope they do better in the new location and will give them another try.
Comment by Frank — January 22, 2009 @ 9:15 am
I love it. The Golden Moon is located next to Heavenly Ham? Dining here, could be described as "out of this world." lol.
Comment by Amy Hanek — January 22, 2009 @ 9:41 am
See, this is what is so frustrating about restaurants. Two people said the food at Tito's was disappointing and another person said it was their second favorite place to eat. I just want to analyze this for a moment.
Maybe it all has to do with personal taste and expectations. Or maybe it has to do with a restaurant that has inconsistent food and service. Sometimes a cook who can make a killer spaghetti and meatballs can't do a thing with pizza.
Too often in this town, though, this is what I hear. It's been happening with Cafe Madrid in Salem, as well. The comments range from outstanding to miserable. It is baffling.
Comment by lindseynair — January 23, 2009 @ 10:58 am
My husband would tell you that it has to do with the lack of training in the area - or lack of tourism to drive trainees.
I know there are a few places to find good culinary training, but no way to keep them. Also, I can tell you that there is more money being offered to chefs or even chefs-in-training along beaches and near theme parks.
Comment by Amy Hanek — January 26, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
Personally I have eaten there a couple times at both locations and I LOVE the food. It is reasonable price for as much food as you get. Better than Olive Garden I say!! The service is just as good as Olive Garden too!
Comment by Melissa — January 27, 2009 @ 4:09 pm
My husband and I ate at Golden Moon last week. The food was very good and the prices were good, too. They also offer a 15% discount to college students and college employees with ID. Great to know since Western is just up the road. We'll be returning customers.
Comment by Debbie — February 3, 2009 @ 11:51 am
2/5/09 I called to today to make valentine's reservation/ask about the menu & price points. I spoke to Donna, the owner's wife, and shared my previous experience with Tito's - walking into a dirty, smelly, empty setting with a "dead on the job" waitperson. We left and never returned. Donna seemed to have no sense of why the first restaurant failed/what the customer experience was and seems to believe that the new environment is wonderful and that the food is as great as it was at Tito's. All word of mouth that I heard about Tito's was awful. I hope to have a different experience next Saturday. Of course I also would like to be a 27 year old natural blonde!
Comment by debra — February 5, 2009 @ 1:17 pm
the food is EXCELLENT!!, the prices aren't bad for the portions on most stuff. The service is great especially a waitress named Emily, she has waited on me everytime and i really like how she makes sure i have everything i need and continues to check on me. The owners Donna, and Reda are pretty nice too. Donna sometimes seems to have a chip on her shoulder and doesn't seem to friendly around her waitresses.
but all in all GREAT FOOD, Great service.
Comment by anonymous — March 13, 2009 @ 9:31 pm
The Golden Moon has the best italian/meditteranean food in the valley. I have eaten there several times and every time I have been extremely pleased.The chef definitely knows his stuff!!!!!! The service is also excellent compared to many places I have eaten at in the past. This restaurant is number 1 in my book and all my family & friends too!!!!! I hope they stay at this location,very cute & quaint!!!
Comment by alexis — July 23, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
I love the Golden Moon! It may sound sad, but I eat there probably 3 times a week for lunch! The waitress there definitely has my number-she knows my drink and what I want to eat~sometimes I suprise her and get something different though. It so reasonable and the food is sooo good! I have yet to eat there for dinner but want to soon.
Comment by erin — July 25, 2009 @ 7:52 pm
i really enjoy the food here!!!!! but i really miss having emily around to wait on me.. she was so wonderfull!! donna doesnt ever seem cheery... emily always greeted me with a smile. my children loved her and she always gave us great service. i dont go there much now since she left. but i return once in a while when the craving for great italian hits. meemee seems to have quite the potty mouth when she thinks no one is listening... and she doesnt have much of a personal touch.... but if you are looking for some really great food. thats the place to go.
Comment by anonymous — August 19, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
The best food and service around. I don't who posted the last comment but they are crazy. I have been waited on by Donna and Mimi and they both have great personalities and are excellent servers. My family and I love everything about The Golden Moon. Great prices, great food, great people!!!
Comment by amanda — August 26, 2009 @ 3:50 pm