The Hearth & Kettle

My family and I last night wanted to go out for dinner at a place we knew would be family friendly. At last minutes notice and three kids in tow, it was a toss up between Friendly's and Hearth & Kettle. After our experience two weeks ago at Friendly's where my daughter was so excited to get a Monster Mash Sundae that she even picked up her toys, we were extremely disappointed when we were presented with the most pathetic scoop of ice cream you've ever seen. It didn't even go half way up the cup! The poor monsters Reese's eyes were falling off! The very next day I was shocked to read on AOL news an article about well known restaurants jipping their customers. Not only was Friendly's mentioned as having been caught skimping on portions but the sundae in question was the one that was mentioned.

Taking all this into consideration we headed out to Hearth & Kettle. This is not our first visit to H&K, but I've had hit or miss meals there before. We started out with rolls for the kids and I had the French Onion Soup. Delicious. The bread was nice & warm and the kids were happy and being on their best behavior - ish. My soup was well seasoned and bubbling with lots of cheese, just the way I like it.

Our seating arrangement was perfect. These are the best booths in town, their wooden backs go straight to the ceiling providing an extra sound barrier when traveling with families and doing your best not to disturb the people you're sitting next to. The kids can't turn around and make funny faces at them. Not that I'm the type to let my children do that, well, only if the people looked like they really deserved it.

Matt ordered the Chicken Nantucket, $14.99: Lightly breaded boneless skinless breast baked stuffed with scallops, shrimp, and stuffing topped with lobster sauce. Sounds great. Unfortunately my husband found the chicken to be over cooked and quite dry. I had the Seafood Medley, also, $14.99: Native Haddock, Sea Scallops and shrimp topped with a savory seafood stuffing. I think I took only a few bites, the breading was too heavy and there was a faint fishy taste to the whole dish. My husband had a couple bites of mine and said it turned his stomach.

On a good note the Frozen Mudslide was fantastic, glassed lined with chocolate and topped with whipped cream, perfect. The kids meals, corn dogs and homemade mac & cheese - both very tasty and kid approved - came with a hoodsie cup. Matt & I split the Hot Fudge Sundae. Its hard to mess up a hot fudge sundae, however, I have to say, I've had better.

Overall, fairly disappointed in the meal. But as I said, I've found H&K to be hit or miss before. When we received our bill, it brought down the mood considerably. When the waitress took the signed copy back, realized she'd forgotten to add an $8 item, we were really ready to leave.

Restaurant: Hearth & Kettle 2 Stars **
Bill with Tip: $86
Return: Not anytime soon.
Location: This was the Hyannis location, apparently the Falmouth location recently closed.
Website: http://www.hearthnkettle.com