I heard from several people that Monell's was famous for its Southern food, so I tried it . . . twice, because the first time it was so bad I thought I must have gone on a weird day. But no, it wasn't good the second time either.
It's a family-dining place; the server brings every table the same food in big bowls and trays, and you pass it around to your tablemates. I found the lasagna terrible -- overcooked noodles, which is a big no-no -- and bland too. I was so surprised about the vegetables. Other than the greens, the vegetables seemed canned. Again, not much flavor there.
It's so strange; Monell's has a great reputation. But I can't agree. I have to also mention that the servers weren't terribly friendly, another big no-no, especially at a restaurant that bills itself as homey.
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