Ok, so we went to Kookez, the new place that replaced Miss Millies for dinner around 7:00.

The ambiance was nice, I don't recall any music playing (which I was happy about). They've done some redecorating in the way of painting, trim work, to subdue the place with a nice warm homey feeling. We were seated in the front section and they still have the same heater there and the same four tables. It's a little close if you have all four tables filled. With only two tables filled we had a lot of space and actually had a nice conversation with the folks at the other table.

I've NEVER enjoyed sitting in the back area booths of Miss Millies. It's always dark, the benches were worn and beaten, and the cooking smells from the kitchen would cast a pall over whatever you were eating. I don't know that it's changed, however one could give them the benefit of the doubt and try it. If not, then just get a seat in the front.

There's a new display cabinet for the cakes and pies which looks very nice, however it casts a strong lights into an otherwsie subdued lighting space while adding a more modern touch. So, it's a mixed blessing althought th desserts looked Great. (though, we didn't eat any.)

Food: I had a Chicken Pot Pie which was very nice if a slight tad too heavy on cheese to make up a portion of the filling. I'd order it again if I were in the mood for that. It came with a very nice salad which I don't recall being part of the menu listing for that item. Sometimes that really bugs me, especially if the plate is loaded with something I hate. But, in this case it was a great addition.

My girlfriend ordered the Beef Tri-Tip with Blueberry Chutney cooked medium rare. It actually came out medium rare and we both felt it was pretty good and tasty. Coupled with Garlic Mashed potatoes and they were willing to swap creamed spinach for the green beans, those were both tasty as well.

Prices were ok. My pot pie was $10+ and the Tri-Tip was $17. It felt a bit on the higher end of the value scale, but certainly acceptable. There were a nice array of starters which we didn't try, priced in the 4-6 range, likewise, desserts looked great but we didn't go for them. I can't even say the wine list was good or bad because we both drank water. (we were actually looking for a light meal that evening and decided to give this a try even though the menu isn't really "light fare".)

The owner came by to chat and told us some of the changes that had been made, her husband is the chef. They live local to the restaurant, and us.

Several people have evidently told them that they wish they were open for lunches, but they need to get some traction with dinner, weekend brunches before they go that route. Also, they are planning on offering specials for dinner, etc. at some point. For now, you get the feeling that they are putting a lot of personal attention on things to both learn the ins and outs, and give it a strong jumpoff before taking on too many challenges. Seems wise to me.

Either way, we both liked it and will probably go back more often than with Miss Millies (which, frankly, I really disliked). I might wish for a less "heavy" menu, and I think it would be good if there were some more dishes to choose from. When I decided that I didn't want a beef/pork dish, the only ones that appealed to me were the pot pie, and the salmon which I suspect would ahve been good, but is often uninspiring (although perhaps he does a wonderful fish, I don't know).

The server, Casey (I think) was bright, chipper and helpful. The wait staff was great about keeping the water filled, clearing, etc.

All in all, worth a shot.

Steve.