Located in the Bay View area of Milwaukee, this place is one restaurant in a group of four, owned by the same company.
My husband wanted to take me here, so I looked at the menu online and thought I would find some stuff tasty.
Turns out, I didn't like most of what we ate enough to ever want to go back.
For starters, we ordered the pork sliders on pretzel buns. The buns were good enough, the pork was tender and juicy, but the sandwich was topped with some Asian coleslaw. Yuck, ruined the whole thing. It was mainly carrots topped with soy sauce. Too much on one little slider.
For my entree I settled on a turkey sandwich and a side of white chicken chili. While the turkey itself was good, the sandwich was slathered with some sort of secret mayonnaise sauce which ruined it. It was layered with Swiss, turkey, lettuce, tomato, and way too much of that sauce on every piece of bread. It was stacked high and too hard to eat without trying to take it apart into smaller sandwiches and making a mess.
The chili was more like soup, and very thin on beans and chicken, nothing like what I expected.
My husband got his usual, which is a steak salad and he enjoyed it as he always does.
Overall, not impressed and I won't go back again, even for my husband. It was like everything was almost good, but one too many things ruined the item.
1 out of 5 for the pork sliders.
sunrise
Sunrise over the Atlantic
Showing posts with label I'm feeling a bit peckish - Restaurants You Might Want to Check Out. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I'm feeling a bit peckish - Restaurants You Might Want to Check Out. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Stack'd
Stack'd
A local bar and eatery in Milwaukee's historic 3rd Ward.
Mostly burgers, but everything's fresh and local. They make a point of mentioning all the vegetables and fruits, beers, and meats are from local businesses or farms when they are available. They have grass fed beef, organic free range chicken, and organic bison.
I tried the pulled pork nachos served on crispy won ton chips and those were the best thing I ate there. The french fries were nice and crispy, but the burger wasn't any better than a Five Guys Burger. Unfortunately, though, the price was extremely high.
My husband ordered the bison burger and a side of mac and cheese. We had heard from a local reviewer that the mac and cheese was very good so we expected a lot. The mac and cheese wasn't even as good as some that I've made at home. It was pretty bland to be honest. He wasn't impressed with his burger either saying it was a bit plain and needed more spices.
Over all, we had 2 sodas, 2 burgers, and 2 sides, with one appetizer. $45.00 later we were not going to come back.
I have to give this place a 2 out of 5 forks for good fries and nachos, but overpriced overall, and not as special as they think they are.
A local bar and eatery in Milwaukee's historic 3rd Ward.
Mostly burgers, but everything's fresh and local. They make a point of mentioning all the vegetables and fruits, beers, and meats are from local businesses or farms when they are available. They have grass fed beef, organic free range chicken, and organic bison.
I tried the pulled pork nachos served on crispy won ton chips and those were the best thing I ate there. The french fries were nice and crispy, but the burger wasn't any better than a Five Guys Burger. Unfortunately, though, the price was extremely high.
My husband ordered the bison burger and a side of mac and cheese. We had heard from a local reviewer that the mac and cheese was very good so we expected a lot. The mac and cheese wasn't even as good as some that I've made at home. It was pretty bland to be honest. He wasn't impressed with his burger either saying it was a bit plain and needed more spices.
Over all, we had 2 sodas, 2 burgers, and 2 sides, with one appetizer. $45.00 later we were not going to come back.
I have to give this place a 2 out of 5 forks for good fries and nachos, but overpriced overall, and not as special as they think they are.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Sheridan's
I've wanted to visit a restaurant I've seen in town for about 4 years now.
I finally got my chance a couple of weeks ago and then just this last week I visited it again for lunch.
The first time I went, I had something off their brunch menu.
A chicken, bacon, cheese panini and man was it good.
Grilled chicken, slices of green apple, pieces of bacon, and smothered in melted cheese.
Really, really tasty. On the side was a pickle and some sweet potato chips.
This time I decided to have the pulled pork sandwich with some sweeter sweet potato chips and a pickle. Also really tasty, although this time the sweet potato chips had a dusting of sugar and cinnamon on them that made them super yummy. The pulled pork was covered in bar-b-que sauce and the pork was robust and not too fatty.
They have seating inside as well as a garden seating area outside. They are closed on Monday's but open for brunch/breakfast/lunch and dinner for the rest of the week.
They also run their own boutique hotel attached to the restaurant and offer wine tasting along with cute ideas like date night Thursdays.
Sheridanhouseandcafe.com
Located at:
5133 South Lake Drive
Cudahy, WI 53110
I finally got my chance a couple of weeks ago and then just this last week I visited it again for lunch.
The first time I went, I had something off their brunch menu.
A chicken, bacon, cheese panini and man was it good.
Grilled chicken, slices of green apple, pieces of bacon, and smothered in melted cheese.
Really, really tasty. On the side was a pickle and some sweet potato chips.
This time I decided to have the pulled pork sandwich with some sweeter sweet potato chips and a pickle. Also really tasty, although this time the sweet potato chips had a dusting of sugar and cinnamon on them that made them super yummy. The pulled pork was covered in bar-b-que sauce and the pork was robust and not too fatty.
They have seating inside as well as a garden seating area outside. They are closed on Monday's but open for brunch/breakfast/lunch and dinner for the rest of the week.
They also run their own boutique hotel attached to the restaurant and offer wine tasting along with cute ideas like date night Thursdays.
Sheridanhouseandcafe.com
Located at:
5133 South Lake Drive
Cudahy, WI 53110
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Wendy's Salad is BACK!!!!
Last summer I went crazy for the new salad Wendy's had put out for the summer months only. The berry almond chicken salad is the best fast food restaurant salad I have ever eaten and I had one yesterday after driving past a local Wendy's a spying a big poster for it.
If you didn't catch it last year, go out and get one! Most likely, it will be available all summer and certainly throughout June and July. In August, sooner or later, they will pull it again.
It has warm grilled chicken chunks, cut strawberries, whole blueberries, toasted almonds, mixed greens -11 different kinds in fact, shaved Asiago cheese, and a fat free raspberry vinaigrette.
My only warning about the health factor of this normally healthy salad is the dressing. It contains almost 3 full teaspoons of added sugar, so go easy with it and do not use the entire packet they give you. They actually give me two packets everytime, so I just save one in case the next time I buy one, they forget to give me one.
$4.50 for a half size
$6.50 for the full size (it's well worth it!)
If you didn't catch it last year, go out and get one! Most likely, it will be available all summer and certainly throughout June and July. In August, sooner or later, they will pull it again.
It has warm grilled chicken chunks, cut strawberries, whole blueberries, toasted almonds, mixed greens -11 different kinds in fact, shaved Asiago cheese, and a fat free raspberry vinaigrette.
My only warning about the health factor of this normally healthy salad is the dressing. It contains almost 3 full teaspoons of added sugar, so go easy with it and do not use the entire packet they give you. They actually give me two packets everytime, so I just save one in case the next time I buy one, they forget to give me one.
$4.50 for a half size
$6.50 for the full size (it's well worth it!)
Monday, May 7, 2012
Harbor House Restaurant
Have you ever walked into a restaurant and instantly felt out of place?
That was me with this place.
Located in Milwaukee, WI (don't go there.....ever.....I mean it!) this restaurant is right on the shore
of Lake Michigan near the museum. It has a fantastic view with lots of windows surrounding you allowing you to look out over the city and the water.
The restaurant is expensive and serves what seems like the upper crust society of the city. There is no dress code, but walking in in my casual wear made me feel pretty uncomfortable.
I got a big booth seat in the back as I was with a large party, and let me point out that I did not pick this restaurant.
Someone in my party did and I had to go along with it.
They serve mostly seafood, which I don't prefer considering how over fished the seas are and how a lot of other fish and animals die in nets cast by fisherman trying to get tuna, or what have you.
Anyway, I got a salad. I tried something new - a roasted beet with goat cheese salad, sherry vinaigrette and dried apricots as well as pecans.
I hated every bite of it and I was too polite to send it back.
I also tried the Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, which was incredibly greasy and the chicken was bland.
For dessert I tried the trio of sorbet ( cherry, strawberry, and mango.) The only one I liked was the strawberry and I gave the rest away to someone else at my table.
The service was a bit slow, but they are trying to give you enough time to eat each course....a bit too much time if you ask me. We waited for at least 10-15 minutes before they asked for our dessert selections.
So, I'm not snotty so I didn't fit into this restaurant's normal clientele.
You have to think your pretty fantastic to dine here, and have no good working taste buds. What I mean is that this place has a huge attitude. It thinks it's much better than what it is and the food isn't good.
1 out 5 forks for having a beautiful view and nothing else. Do not eat here.
Instead go The Melting Pot for a nice slow fantastic meal.
Here's the address to avoid:
550 N. Harbor Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414.395.4900
That was me with this place.
Located in Milwaukee, WI (don't go there.....ever.....I mean it!) this restaurant is right on the shore
of Lake Michigan near the museum. It has a fantastic view with lots of windows surrounding you allowing you to look out over the city and the water.
The restaurant is expensive and serves what seems like the upper crust society of the city. There is no dress code, but walking in in my casual wear made me feel pretty uncomfortable.
I got a big booth seat in the back as I was with a large party, and let me point out that I did not pick this restaurant.
Someone in my party did and I had to go along with it.
They serve mostly seafood, which I don't prefer considering how over fished the seas are and how a lot of other fish and animals die in nets cast by fisherman trying to get tuna, or what have you.
Anyway, I got a salad. I tried something new - a roasted beet with goat cheese salad, sherry vinaigrette and dried apricots as well as pecans.
I hated every bite of it and I was too polite to send it back.
I also tried the Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, which was incredibly greasy and the chicken was bland.
For dessert I tried the trio of sorbet ( cherry, strawberry, and mango.) The only one I liked was the strawberry and I gave the rest away to someone else at my table.
The service was a bit slow, but they are trying to give you enough time to eat each course....a bit too much time if you ask me. We waited for at least 10-15 minutes before they asked for our dessert selections.
So, I'm not snotty so I didn't fit into this restaurant's normal clientele.
You have to think your pretty fantastic to dine here, and have no good working taste buds. What I mean is that this place has a huge attitude. It thinks it's much better than what it is and the food isn't good.
1 out 5 forks for having a beautiful view and nothing else. Do not eat here.
Instead go The Melting Pot for a nice slow fantastic meal.
Here's the address to avoid:
550 N. Harbor Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414.395.4900
Monday, April 30, 2012
Chez Jacques
I wanted to mention a good French Restaurant if you're ever in the Milwaukee, Wi area (which I sincerely hope you never find yourself.)
I normally don't like French food and if I find myself dining in a french restaurant I have to resort to having a Croque-Monsieur (Ham & Cheese sandwich) or a steak, but Chez Jacques is top notch.
They have the usual, croissants, crepes, escargots, pate, cheese plates, and a ton of wine selections.
But they also offer a lot of foods that someone might enjoy if you normally don't consider yourself a French food enthusiast, like myself.
First off they start you with a french baguette loaf and butter. This is a delicious little starter that should not be missed. By the time I'm done with the bread I can hardly handle a true appetizer or anything, so I usually skip the soup and salad, but know that it is offered.
I've had the steak frites, boeuf bourguignon, and the croque-monsieur frites, plus a couple daily specials like the rib eye frites, and filet frites. Frites are just french fries, boeuf bourguignon is just beef stew with mashed potatoes, and the croque-monsieur is just a ham and cheese grilled sandwich.
My favorite thing they have is a Filet Mignon with grilled vegetables. Doesn't even matter what the vegetables are I always ask for them as a substitute for the fries (trying to be healthier, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the fries!) So delicious and the meat is always so tender! I'll order a glass of wine or two and finish with the best dessert they have - Bread Pudding. I never thought I would like bread pudding, but I like this. It's basically cream soaked bread with vanilla baked to perfection until it's served hot in front of you waiting to be devoured.....It is so delicious! I've also had their chocolate tart and a currant berry sorbet.
If you're in the mood for something different and excellent customer service this is your place.
I can't say enough about Jacques, John, and the rest of the crew there, because everything is perfect from the food, the atmosphere, and the way you are treated. You will not regret it!
Parking is free, but a little tricky to find. Try parking out front on the street, or
along the side of the restaurant.
And you should know they are closed Mondays.
This is also a very expensive restaurant, but has no dress code.
5 forks out of 5 for excellent customer service and a passion for food!
1022 South 1st Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
414.672.1040
ChezJacq@ChezJacques.com
www.chezjacques.com
I normally don't like French food and if I find myself dining in a french restaurant I have to resort to having a Croque-Monsieur (Ham & Cheese sandwich) or a steak, but Chez Jacques is top notch.
They have the usual, croissants, crepes, escargots, pate, cheese plates, and a ton of wine selections.
But they also offer a lot of foods that someone might enjoy if you normally don't consider yourself a French food enthusiast, like myself.
First off they start you with a french baguette loaf and butter. This is a delicious little starter that should not be missed. By the time I'm done with the bread I can hardly handle a true appetizer or anything, so I usually skip the soup and salad, but know that it is offered.
I've had the steak frites, boeuf bourguignon, and the croque-monsieur frites, plus a couple daily specials like the rib eye frites, and filet frites. Frites are just french fries, boeuf bourguignon is just beef stew with mashed potatoes, and the croque-monsieur is just a ham and cheese grilled sandwich.
My favorite thing they have is a Filet Mignon with grilled vegetables. Doesn't even matter what the vegetables are I always ask for them as a substitute for the fries (trying to be healthier, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the fries!) So delicious and the meat is always so tender! I'll order a glass of wine or two and finish with the best dessert they have - Bread Pudding. I never thought I would like bread pudding, but I like this. It's basically cream soaked bread with vanilla baked to perfection until it's served hot in front of you waiting to be devoured.....It is so delicious! I've also had their chocolate tart and a currant berry sorbet.
If you're in the mood for something different and excellent customer service this is your place.
I can't say enough about Jacques, John, and the rest of the crew there, because everything is perfect from the food, the atmosphere, and the way you are treated. You will not regret it!
Parking is free, but a little tricky to find. Try parking out front on the street, or
along the side of the restaurant.
And you should know they are closed Mondays.
This is also a very expensive restaurant, but has no dress code.
5 forks out of 5 for excellent customer service and a passion for food!
1022 South 1st Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
414.672.1040
ChezJacq@ChezJacques.com
www.chezjacques.com
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Macayo's Cantina
This place is a southwest tradition and a wonderful restaurant. They opened their first one in 1946 in Phoenix, Arizona, and it's been growing in popularity ever since. You most likely will not find one unless you are in Arizona or Nevada, but this means it's still family owned and operated and they simply cannot handle anymore locations. So if you're ever in the southwest, stop by one. You will not be disappointed in the food.
Ok so let me be honest. I've eaten here hundreds of times over the course of my life and sometimes you get great service, and sometimes, it's not so great, so my recommendation to you is go when you have some time, not on a lunch break, or if you're in a hurry. I just can't tell you they are always going to be fast, because they are not always. But the food is awesome.
Starters -
Cheese crisp (some call it a quesadilla) - simply some cheese melted over a flour tortilla. A great starter since it doesn't fill you up like bread and butter do.
Mini chimichangas - I usually order these as a meal, but either way they're good. Six little bite sized beef, chicken, or a combo of three each, inside deep fried flour tortillas topped with sour cream and guacamole.
Entrees -
Sonoran Enchilada Sampler - Oh so good, this is one of my favorites! Three different enchiladas served 3 different ways: 1 beef with green sauce, 1 chicken with their signature Baja sauce, and one cheese with their homemade red sauce. Served with black beans and rice. Though their rice and beans aren't nearly as good as they used to be. I say order 2 sides of refried beans.
Chimichanga de Macayo - one large chimichanga with shredded beef, chicken, or carnitas (pork) inside a deep fried flour tortilla, covered with relleno sauce and sour cream. Very good, but very unhealthy. Served with rice or beans.
Sides - The reason I list this is because they have a combination platter where you can mix and match whatever you're hungry for and a lot of these things are delicious.
Try the refried bean tostadas, cheese enchiladas, or shredded beef tacos, all really tasty. Of course, they have a ton of options here but it's stuff like burros, enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, and tamales. Too many to mention, but good if you just can't decide.
Desserts -
Soapapillas (pronounced soap-a-p-ahs) are always good. It's just a pillow shaped pastry dough deep fried and served with powdered sugar and honey. Almost everyone likes these.
Mini Chocolate Chimis - MY FAVORITE!!!! They give you 4 little chocolate hot fudge filled deep fried flour tortilla's topped with whipped cream over vanilla ice cream. I never touch the ice cream because I'm too distracted by the chocolately goodness, but the mini chimis are too delicious to ignore.
Drinks - I only mention this because a LOT of people order the margarita's in special glasses here. You get a big mug shaped like the head and torso of a man or woman (whichever you like) and drink out of the sombrero on their head. You get to keep the glass and it's a big deal for some (not for me).
I've gone here for years so I really recommend you try it if you haven't. But I should warn you, the service sometimes is really lacking. I know it can happen anywhere, but it seems like 25% of time here, they just don't have enough help. Anyways, I give them a 3 out of 5 forks, only because the service really needs some improving. If you don't want to wait, you can always place an order to go over the phone and just pick it up to eat at home.
Ok so let me be honest. I've eaten here hundreds of times over the course of my life and sometimes you get great service, and sometimes, it's not so great, so my recommendation to you is go when you have some time, not on a lunch break, or if you're in a hurry. I just can't tell you they are always going to be fast, because they are not always. But the food is awesome.
Starters -
Cheese crisp (some call it a quesadilla) - simply some cheese melted over a flour tortilla. A great starter since it doesn't fill you up like bread and butter do.
Mini chimichangas - I usually order these as a meal, but either way they're good. Six little bite sized beef, chicken, or a combo of three each, inside deep fried flour tortillas topped with sour cream and guacamole.
Entrees -
Sonoran Enchilada Sampler - Oh so good, this is one of my favorites! Three different enchiladas served 3 different ways: 1 beef with green sauce, 1 chicken with their signature Baja sauce, and one cheese with their homemade red sauce. Served with black beans and rice. Though their rice and beans aren't nearly as good as they used to be. I say order 2 sides of refried beans.
Chimichanga de Macayo - one large chimichanga with shredded beef, chicken, or carnitas (pork) inside a deep fried flour tortilla, covered with relleno sauce and sour cream. Very good, but very unhealthy. Served with rice or beans.
Sides - The reason I list this is because they have a combination platter where you can mix and match whatever you're hungry for and a lot of these things are delicious.
Try the refried bean tostadas, cheese enchiladas, or shredded beef tacos, all really tasty. Of course, they have a ton of options here but it's stuff like burros, enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, and tamales. Too many to mention, but good if you just can't decide.
Desserts -
Soapapillas (pronounced soap-a-p-ahs) are always good. It's just a pillow shaped pastry dough deep fried and served with powdered sugar and honey. Almost everyone likes these.
Mini Chocolate Chimis - MY FAVORITE!!!! They give you 4 little chocolate hot fudge filled deep fried flour tortilla's topped with whipped cream over vanilla ice cream. I never touch the ice cream because I'm too distracted by the chocolately goodness, but the mini chimis are too delicious to ignore.
Drinks - I only mention this because a LOT of people order the margarita's in special glasses here. You get a big mug shaped like the head and torso of a man or woman (whichever you like) and drink out of the sombrero on their head. You get to keep the glass and it's a big deal for some (not for me).
I've gone here for years so I really recommend you try it if you haven't. But I should warn you, the service sometimes is really lacking. I know it can happen anywhere, but it seems like 25% of time here, they just don't have enough help. Anyways, I give them a 3 out of 5 forks, only because the service really needs some improving. If you don't want to wait, you can always place an order to go over the phone and just pick it up to eat at home.
Friday, January 20, 2012
P.F. Chang's
Ah yes, I favorite of mine for a long time. Some of the best Americanized Chinese food you can eat, in my humble opinion. So let's get started.
Starters -
Chang's chicken lettuce wraps - although they are pretty good I find these incredibly hard to eat. You get plain lettuce leaves stacked on top of each other and the mix is left in a pile for you to top the leaves with and eat. Inside a lettuce wrap you have green onions, mushrooms, minced chicken, water chestnuts, and crispy rice sticks. Like I say, they're good, but really messy.
Dumplings!!!! - ohhh my favorite appetizer by them, by far! They are made by hand and have spices, vegetables, and ground pork inside a won ton wrapper. You can choose the style they cook them in: pan-fried (crispy) or steamed (soft). I usually go with pan-fried, but both are equally satisfying for a starter.
Also sometimes you can find a variation on their dumplings that are offered on the happy hour menu. Look for the Shanghai Street Dumplings, these are filled with chicken, ginger, green onion and soy, and totally delicious.
Soups & salads -
To tell the truth, I've never had any of the soups or salads as I usually keep room for the dumplings, and an entree. But they do have a few choices here.
Entrees-
Sweet & Sour Chicken - stir-fried with pineapple, bell peppers, onions, and candied ginger in sauce. It's pretty good if you like sweet & sour. Usually I'll steal a bite off someone else's plate for this if I'm in the mood, but never ordered a full plate for myself.
Ginger Chicken with Broccoli - this one's my favorite chicken dish. It's just chicken breast cut up with green onions, ginger, and broccoli, but it's so good and pretty good for you as well. I get it with brown rice to make it even more healthy.
Mongolian Beef - mmm mmmmm. Flank steak wok-cooked and then tossed with scallions (green onions) and garlic. Who knows why some people call them green onions and others scallions, but they are indeed, the same thing. Either way you phrase it, this dish is delicious!
Lo Mein - I've sampled this off of one of my friends plates and it wasn't bad. Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and you have a choice of one of the following: chicken, pork, beef, or a vegetable mix.
It's hard for me to deviate away from my favorites here, so I don't have a review of too many of the menu items, but trust me, if you haven't tried this place....you really should.
What they have going as a special right now is there meal for 2 for $40.00.
It includes a cup of soup, a starter, and 2 entrees, plus 2 mini dessert cups, or 1 large dessert.
If you try a mini dessert I highly recommend the red velvet cake or the triple chocolate mousse. These are tiny shot glass size desserts that most people have room for even after a full meal.
They have locations throughout the country, so you'll probably be able to find one near you.
I give them 4 out of 5 forks for great service every time and delicious and high quality food.
Starters -
Chang's chicken lettuce wraps - although they are pretty good I find these incredibly hard to eat. You get plain lettuce leaves stacked on top of each other and the mix is left in a pile for you to top the leaves with and eat. Inside a lettuce wrap you have green onions, mushrooms, minced chicken, water chestnuts, and crispy rice sticks. Like I say, they're good, but really messy.
Dumplings!!!! - ohhh my favorite appetizer by them, by far! They are made by hand and have spices, vegetables, and ground pork inside a won ton wrapper. You can choose the style they cook them in: pan-fried (crispy) or steamed (soft). I usually go with pan-fried, but both are equally satisfying for a starter.
Also sometimes you can find a variation on their dumplings that are offered on the happy hour menu. Look for the Shanghai Street Dumplings, these are filled with chicken, ginger, green onion and soy, and totally delicious.
Soups & salads -
To tell the truth, I've never had any of the soups or salads as I usually keep room for the dumplings, and an entree. But they do have a few choices here.
Entrees-
Sweet & Sour Chicken - stir-fried with pineapple, bell peppers, onions, and candied ginger in sauce. It's pretty good if you like sweet & sour. Usually I'll steal a bite off someone else's plate for this if I'm in the mood, but never ordered a full plate for myself.
Ginger Chicken with Broccoli - this one's my favorite chicken dish. It's just chicken breast cut up with green onions, ginger, and broccoli, but it's so good and pretty good for you as well. I get it with brown rice to make it even more healthy.
Mongolian Beef - mmm mmmmm. Flank steak wok-cooked and then tossed with scallions (green onions) and garlic. Who knows why some people call them green onions and others scallions, but they are indeed, the same thing. Either way you phrase it, this dish is delicious!
Lo Mein - I've sampled this off of one of my friends plates and it wasn't bad. Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and you have a choice of one of the following: chicken, pork, beef, or a vegetable mix.
It's hard for me to deviate away from my favorites here, so I don't have a review of too many of the menu items, but trust me, if you haven't tried this place....you really should.
What they have going as a special right now is there meal for 2 for $40.00.
It includes a cup of soup, a starter, and 2 entrees, plus 2 mini dessert cups, or 1 large dessert.
If you try a mini dessert I highly recommend the red velvet cake or the triple chocolate mousse. These are tiny shot glass size desserts that most people have room for even after a full meal.
They have locations throughout the country, so you'll probably be able to find one near you.
I give them 4 out of 5 forks for great service every time and delicious and high quality food.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Chili's
This place has been around a long while and I've always liked them.
I know they are a lot like other chain restaurants, similar to T.G.I.Friday's and Applebee's, but I think they have so much more to offer as far as good food goes. T.G.I.Friday's is good only for dessert for me, and Applebee's is just terrible in my opinion, a poor man's Chili's. Anyway on to the food!
My favorite's here are stuff like:
Loaded potato skins - as they sound, cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream on potatoes.
Southwestern eggrolls - flour tortilla's contain chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeno jack cheese, red peppers,and spinach. Served with a delicious and unique avocado-ranch dressing. These are my absolute favorite appetizer here and I've been addicted since the first bite.
Chips and Skillet Queso - mmmmm so good. Cheese dip loaded with seasoned beef and served with tortilla chips.....you can't beat a good dip.
Chicken Enchilada soup - mmm mmmm this is good and I can't find it anywhere else. This is a thick cheesy soup filled with chicken bits, spices, and topped with tortilla chips. I usually add a couple packs of crackers and thicken it up even more. It's easy to make this soup your whole meal.
Chicken crispers - basically chicken deep fried in a thick batter served with corn on the cob, fries, and honey mustard dressing on the side, this meal is in no way healthy, but very tasty.
Big mouth bites - they are somewhat new to me, but not too bad. Mini burgers topped with bacon, cheese, onion strings and ranch dressing, they are not healthy, but good for a little once in a while lunch.
They have so many other things that I'd like to try like the big burgers, and chicken taco's, but I just can't seem to get away from my favorites. In addition to good entrees and appetizers, don't forget to try a chocolate milkshake or one of their mixed drinks, which aren't bad either.
I give them 3 and 1/2 out of 5 for good food and decent service.
I know they are a lot like other chain restaurants, similar to T.G.I.Friday's and Applebee's, but I think they have so much more to offer as far as good food goes. T.G.I.Friday's is good only for dessert for me, and Applebee's is just terrible in my opinion, a poor man's Chili's. Anyway on to the food!
My favorite's here are stuff like:
Loaded potato skins - as they sound, cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream on potatoes.
Southwestern eggrolls - flour tortilla's contain chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeno jack cheese, red peppers,and spinach. Served with a delicious and unique avocado-ranch dressing. These are my absolute favorite appetizer here and I've been addicted since the first bite.
Chips and Skillet Queso - mmmmm so good. Cheese dip loaded with seasoned beef and served with tortilla chips.....you can't beat a good dip.
Chicken Enchilada soup - mmm mmmm this is good and I can't find it anywhere else. This is a thick cheesy soup filled with chicken bits, spices, and topped with tortilla chips. I usually add a couple packs of crackers and thicken it up even more. It's easy to make this soup your whole meal.
Chicken crispers - basically chicken deep fried in a thick batter served with corn on the cob, fries, and honey mustard dressing on the side, this meal is in no way healthy, but very tasty.
Big mouth bites - they are somewhat new to me, but not too bad. Mini burgers topped with bacon, cheese, onion strings and ranch dressing, they are not healthy, but good for a little once in a while lunch.
They have so many other things that I'd like to try like the big burgers, and chicken taco's, but I just can't seem to get away from my favorites. In addition to good entrees and appetizers, don't forget to try a chocolate milkshake or one of their mixed drinks, which aren't bad either.
I give them 3 and 1/2 out of 5 for good food and decent service.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Romano's Macaroni Grill
Oh geez, where do I start with this one?
On my first outing to a Macaroni Grill, it was in Las Vegas. The food was lackluster, but the service was really good. The second time I went was in Scottsdale, Arizona. This time the food was ok, but the service was absolutely atrocious. The third time I went was in Litchfield Park, Arizona. This time, it was a complete loss.....bad food, and bad service. I gave them one more chance. The last time I went the food was ok and so was the service.
This is another Americanized version of Italian food, much like Olive Garden, only this one's food I think is much worse. If you get anything like the Caesar salad, mozzarella sticks, fettuccine alfredo, chicken parmesan, or ravioli you can expect it to be either very greasy, or not appetizing. The food has always been just plain bad or ok every time I've gone here. The service was always a crap shoot....either good, or bad, and sometimes really really bad.....like no one ever came to our table and they forgot they had customers bad.
I can't recommend anything about this place so I say just save yourself and your stomach and do not go.
In a related note, they have boxed meals they offer at the grocery store and those are pretty tasty. I'm not sure why they don't make them at the restaurant, but I'm never going back to a Macaroni Grill ever again.
I give them a big fat 0 out of 5 forks for just being overall a big waste of time with terrible service and food, you can't count on anything with them.
On my first outing to a Macaroni Grill, it was in Las Vegas. The food was lackluster, but the service was really good. The second time I went was in Scottsdale, Arizona. This time the food was ok, but the service was absolutely atrocious. The third time I went was in Litchfield Park, Arizona. This time, it was a complete loss.....bad food, and bad service. I gave them one more chance. The last time I went the food was ok and so was the service.
This is another Americanized version of Italian food, much like Olive Garden, only this one's food I think is much worse. If you get anything like the Caesar salad, mozzarella sticks, fettuccine alfredo, chicken parmesan, or ravioli you can expect it to be either very greasy, or not appetizing. The food has always been just plain bad or ok every time I've gone here. The service was always a crap shoot....either good, or bad, and sometimes really really bad.....like no one ever came to our table and they forgot they had customers bad.
I can't recommend anything about this place so I say just save yourself and your stomach and do not go.
In a related note, they have boxed meals they offer at the grocery store and those are pretty tasty. I'm not sure why they don't make them at the restaurant, but I'm never going back to a Macaroni Grill ever again.
I give them a big fat 0 out of 5 forks for just being overall a big waste of time with terrible service and food, you can't count on anything with them.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Uno's Pizza
This is a fantastic place to have a really good pizza. They have thin crust, but my favorite are the deep dish, and they have a lot of different varieties, so I'm sure you will find something you like.
The appetizers I've had are awesome like the pizza skins. It's a variation of pizza mixed with potato skins. Imagine a deep dish crust filled with red mashed potatoes, topped with sour cream, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
I've also had the french onion soup. It's not bad, but it's not the best one I've ever had. If you want good french onion soup, go to Mimi's Cafe.
The pizza!
Yummy is all I have to say. I've tried several here, but the ones that I keep coming back to are the traditional pepperoni and the cheeseburger ones. Obviously pepperoni is easy enough to be imagined, but the cheeseburger sounds not very good, but it really is. They fill it with pickles, lots of cheese, hamburger, and just a little bit of mustard.....I know, sounds strange, but I think you'll like it if you try it.
This is just a fraction of the menu. They have hamburgers, steak, chicken, pasta, and sandwiches in addition to the incredible pizzas. Sometimes this place is hard to find, as they just closed a location close to my house, but if you find one, stop in and try a slice of heaven.
I give it 5 out of 5 forks for absolutely delicious food.
The appetizers I've had are awesome like the pizza skins. It's a variation of pizza mixed with potato skins. Imagine a deep dish crust filled with red mashed potatoes, topped with sour cream, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
I've also had the french onion soup. It's not bad, but it's not the best one I've ever had. If you want good french onion soup, go to Mimi's Cafe.
The pizza!
Yummy is all I have to say. I've tried several here, but the ones that I keep coming back to are the traditional pepperoni and the cheeseburger ones. Obviously pepperoni is easy enough to be imagined, but the cheeseburger sounds not very good, but it really is. They fill it with pickles, lots of cheese, hamburger, and just a little bit of mustard.....I know, sounds strange, but I think you'll like it if you try it.
This is just a fraction of the menu. They have hamburgers, steak, chicken, pasta, and sandwiches in addition to the incredible pizzas. Sometimes this place is hard to find, as they just closed a location close to my house, but if you find one, stop in and try a slice of heaven.
I give it 5 out of 5 forks for absolutely delicious food.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Olive Garden
I can easily say that my favorite Italian restaurant used to be Olive Garden until I discovered Carrabba's.
Olive Garden does still have a few good things going for it:
The bread sticks - unlimited and delicious, these are coated in butter and garlic.
The house salad - (unlimited in some cases) full of iceberg lettuce, red onions, black olives, tomatoes, carrot shreds, and covered in their Italian dressing, it's pretty good.
Minestrone soup - is traditional and a bit boring, but reliably good.
Chicken Alfredo - passable, but nothing special.
The best thing that's ever happened to me at an Olive Garden, is the discovery of Moscato wine. It's a dessert white wine and very good. You can find Moscato's anywhere, but the brand that Olive Garden introduced me to is sold at Bevmo, if you have one close to you.
Things that aren't so good there:
I can't recommend the Artichoke-Spinach dip because mine was wayyyyyy tooooooo salty and it ruined everything about it. If you want a good dip go to the California Pizza Kitchen or Carrabba's.
Obviously you should not be ordering their pizza, if you do, don't say I didn't warn you. It doesn't matter what kind you get, it will not be tasty.
Spaghetti's and lasagne's there are also not so good. I find that those dishes are always best made at home.
They have a ton of food on their menu, but honestly you have to know that this is a very Americanized version of Italian, and it's all passable food, but overall, nothing special.
If you want good pizza, go to Uno's, and if you want good Italian, go to Carrabba's.
I give 'em 2 out of 5 forks for being just ok, but not much of anything special.
Olive Garden does still have a few good things going for it:
The bread sticks - unlimited and delicious, these are coated in butter and garlic.
The house salad - (unlimited in some cases) full of iceberg lettuce, red onions, black olives, tomatoes, carrot shreds, and covered in their Italian dressing, it's pretty good.
Minestrone soup - is traditional and a bit boring, but reliably good.
Chicken Alfredo - passable, but nothing special.
The best thing that's ever happened to me at an Olive Garden, is the discovery of Moscato wine. It's a dessert white wine and very good. You can find Moscato's anywhere, but the brand that Olive Garden introduced me to is sold at Bevmo, if you have one close to you.
Things that aren't so good there:
I can't recommend the Artichoke-Spinach dip because mine was wayyyyyy tooooooo salty and it ruined everything about it. If you want a good dip go to the California Pizza Kitchen or Carrabba's.
Obviously you should not be ordering their pizza, if you do, don't say I didn't warn you. It doesn't matter what kind you get, it will not be tasty.
Spaghetti's and lasagne's there are also not so good. I find that those dishes are always best made at home.
They have a ton of food on their menu, but honestly you have to know that this is a very Americanized version of Italian, and it's all passable food, but overall, nothing special.
If you want good pizza, go to Uno's, and if you want good Italian, go to Carrabba's.
I give 'em 2 out of 5 forks for being just ok, but not much of anything special.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Melting Pot
meltingpot.com
This place is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE restaurants ever! I've had so many wonderful experiences here and I can't recommend it enough to you all out there.
Here's the concept:
You sit at a table with a cooktop that heats up. The crew comes around asks what you want and they start a fondue for you. It heats up, you dip food into it, eat and enjoy.
If you have a full experience you can expect:
A salad of some kind
A cheese fondue of your choice
The entree of your choice
A chocolate fondue
If you go with a cheaper or abbreviated menu, you can choose just a cheese and chocolate fondue and it runs around $50.00 for 2.
The whole meal is more like $100-150.00 for 2.
It's pretty expensive, but it's so worth it.
There's an option all the time for the item called The Big Night Out. This is usually pretty good if you want something new or different from the regular menu and could be different throughout the country. It changes out at least twice every year and never repeats, ever, so if you want it, try it now.
Currently as I write this post this is what they have to offer specifically, but please remember this is a limited one time only menu selection. In the past they've had French, Mexican, German, and American themed choices. This time they have:
America - this includes:
Boston Lager Cheddar Cheese Fondue (Absolutely delicious with scallions, bits of bacon, and resembling the taste of a cheeseburger in a fondue. This is the only thing I've had on this Big Night Out menu)
Wisconsin Wedge Salad and
an entree that includes Memphis BBQ, Pork Tenderloin, old bay shrimp, and Buffalo chicken.
For the chocolate fondue - a variation of the PB&J sandwich (don't ask, I haven't tried it & it sounds strange, but if anyone could do it well, they could!)
-------------------------------
Salad choices:
House salad - romaine, iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, croutons, sliced egg, and a choice of peppercorn ranch or sweet and tangy house dressing. Haven't tried it but I'm tempted.
Spinach Mushroom - spinach, portobellos, red onion, chopped bacon, Roma tomatoes, and a warm burgundy shallot vinaigrette. This I haven't tried and won't because of the mushroom.
Caesar - romaine, shredded Parmesan cheese, croutons, Parmesan encrusted pine nuts, with Caesar dressing. This one is my favorite and absolutely delicious.
California - mixed baby greens, Roma tomatoes, walnuts, Gorgonzola cheese with a raspberry black walnut vinaigrette. Haven't tried it.
----------------------------------------
I should mention the things you dip into the cheese of course!
A couple kinds of cubed fresh bread
Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower
and Apple wedges.
Cheese fondue choices:
Spinach Artichoke - fontina, butterkase cheeses, spinach, artichoke hearts, and garlic. Sounds yummy, but I have not tried it yet.
Fiesta - cheddar cheese with lager beer, jalapeno peppers and salsa as hot as you like it. I tried this once, and I just didn't care for it.
Cheddar cheese - sharp aged cheddar and Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, lager beer, garlic, and seasonings. MMMMMmmmm delicious! I've had it several times.
Wisconsin Trio - fontina, butterkase, and buttermilk bleu cheeses, white wine, scallions, and a bit of sherry. Very, very good!
Traditional Swiss - Gruyere, Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, white wine, garlic, nutmeg, lemon, and Kirschwasser. Haven't tried it, but I really want to.
-------------------------------------------
Entree choices:
Here's where it gets a bit confusing. You have choices of what to eat and how to cook it. The menu gets a bit overwhelming for the first timer here. It's not as hard as the menu makes it look.
This is not you cooking your own food at a restaurant. Some reviews on food & restaurant websites will show people complaining of how they paid a lot of money to cook their own food. Fondue is just that, a preparation of hot fluid where you dip food into to eat. This is a fun experience and not just eating out. Yes, you do have to pay attention when you are cooking raw meat in a broth. I do about 2 minutes for just about everything, but it's part of the fun!
Land & Sea - filet mignon, breast of chicken and shrimp.
The French Quarter - Filet mignon, breast of chicken and tender shrimp all seasoned with Cajun spices and served with Andouille sausage
Seafood Trio - Tender shrimp, sesame-crusted sushi-grade ahi tuna and cedar-plank salmon
Shrimp & Sirloin - Tender shrimp and teriyaki-marinated sirloin
Breast of chicken - that's it.
Cedar Plank Salmon - American classic with a perfectly-balanced smoky flavor
Pacific Rim - Teriyaki-marinated sirloin, tender shrimp, citrus-marinated pork tenderloin, breast of duck, breast of chicken and potstickers
The Vegetarian - Edamame or onion rings, artichoke hearts, Portobello mushrooms, Thai-peanut-marinated tofu, asparagus, spinach artichoke ravioli and our Big Night Out pasta
Teriyaki-marinated Sirloin - is at it sounds.
Filet mignon - 6 or 9 oz. size
Ways to cook the meat and veggies listed above:
Coq au Vin - Hot broth with flavors of fresh herbs, mushrooms, garlic, spices and burgundy wine
Court Bouillon - Homemade, seasoned vegetable broth
Bourguignonne - European-style fondue in cholesterol-free canola oil / 0g trans-fat oil
Mojo - Caribbean-seasoned bouillon with a distinctive fresh-garlic flavor and a citrus flair
Included in the meats and cooking styles there's a lot of sauces they give you to complement the finished meat. Should mention here you don't pick them, they are given to you based on what things you choose to eat. Here they are:
Curry - A mild, yogurt-based curry that complements fresh vegetables and salmon.
Green Goddess - A blend of cream cheese, sour cream, onions, chives and parsley that is great on vegetables and makes an excellent stuffed mushroom. (This is one of my favorites)
Teriyaki Glaze - with garlic, ginger and onions. For steak items. (pretty good)
Gorgonzola Port - A rich and robust cheese sauce that pairs well with filet mignon and fresh vegetables.
Ginger Plum - Own unique recipe with red and green bell peppers, ginger and just a hint of plum that is delicious on chicken and shrimp. (This one is very good as well)
---------------------------
Chocolate fondue choices:
First I'll mention what they give you to dip into these:
Strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, brownies, rice krispy treats, marshmallows, and pound cake.
The original - Features their signature milk chocolate with a swirl of crunchy peanut butter
(So SO good! I just tried this for the first time last time and it was a knock out!)
Disaronno meltdown (formerly known as Amaretto meltdown) - Silky white chocolate swirled with Disaronno® Originale Amaretto and flambéed tableside (This one has been my favorite for years. Recently they took it off the menu, but you can still ask for it)
Cookies 'n Cream Marshmallow Dream - Dark chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, flambéed, swirled together and garnished with crushed Oreo® cookies
Flaming Turtle - Milk chocolate, caramel and chopped pecans flambéed tableside (tried it, but didn't care for it much)
Pure Chocolate - Milk, dark or white chocolate melted for the most pure of all chocolate fondues
Bananas Foster - Silky white chocolate swirled with bananas and a dash of cinnamon and flambéed tableside
Yin & Yang - Half dark chocolate and half white chocolate artfully swirled for a perfect balance of flavors
Chocolate S'mores - Milk chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, flambéed and garnished with graham cracker pieces
Special Event - Create your own masterpiece. Select from milk, dark or white chocolate and make it a culinary work of art with your choice of Baileys, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Chambord or Tuaca!
---------------------------------------------------------------
Don't forget you can order any of the items separately from the Big Night Out Menu. You don't have to order all of it, you can just choose the salad or just the cheese. That's what I did last time with the cheese choice so don't be shy!
Also I should mention I just looked at the local menu for my area and it may be a bit different from yours. Just look over the whole menu carefully and pick out what you really want to try. Most times, you'll find something really fantastic even if you've been there 100 times and tried everything! There's always something new.
Note: This is a pretty expensive restaurant and it does get very VERY busy for holidays and weekends. Best to make reservations if you are planning something special and they also offer stuff like roses on the table, balloons, or cards if you want for a fee. It takes anywhere from 2-3 hours to finish eating here because they let you take your time and never rush you. The service and food that I've received at this chain restaurant has been consistently excellent all across the country. You will not regret eating here, and there is no dress code (unless they are having a special event - i.e. ugly Christmas sweater night, or couples on New Year's Eve type things) so come as you are.
P.S. Happy 34th Birthday to one of my dearest friends!
This place is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE restaurants ever! I've had so many wonderful experiences here and I can't recommend it enough to you all out there.
Here's the concept:
You sit at a table with a cooktop that heats up. The crew comes around asks what you want and they start a fondue for you. It heats up, you dip food into it, eat and enjoy.
If you have a full experience you can expect:
A salad of some kind
A cheese fondue of your choice
The entree of your choice
A chocolate fondue
If you go with a cheaper or abbreviated menu, you can choose just a cheese and chocolate fondue and it runs around $50.00 for 2.
The whole meal is more like $100-150.00 for 2.
It's pretty expensive, but it's so worth it.
There's an option all the time for the item called The Big Night Out. This is usually pretty good if you want something new or different from the regular menu and could be different throughout the country. It changes out at least twice every year and never repeats, ever, so if you want it, try it now.
Currently as I write this post this is what they have to offer specifically, but please remember this is a limited one time only menu selection. In the past they've had French, Mexican, German, and American themed choices. This time they have:
America - this includes:
Boston Lager Cheddar Cheese Fondue (Absolutely delicious with scallions, bits of bacon, and resembling the taste of a cheeseburger in a fondue. This is the only thing I've had on this Big Night Out menu)
Wisconsin Wedge Salad and
an entree that includes Memphis BBQ, Pork Tenderloin, old bay shrimp, and Buffalo chicken.
For the chocolate fondue - a variation of the PB&J sandwich (don't ask, I haven't tried it & it sounds strange, but if anyone could do it well, they could!)
-------------------------------
Salad choices:
House salad - romaine, iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, croutons, sliced egg, and a choice of peppercorn ranch or sweet and tangy house dressing. Haven't tried it but I'm tempted.
Spinach Mushroom - spinach, portobellos, red onion, chopped bacon, Roma tomatoes, and a warm burgundy shallot vinaigrette. This I haven't tried and won't because of the mushroom.
Caesar - romaine, shredded Parmesan cheese, croutons, Parmesan encrusted pine nuts, with Caesar dressing. This one is my favorite and absolutely delicious.
California - mixed baby greens, Roma tomatoes, walnuts, Gorgonzola cheese with a raspberry black walnut vinaigrette. Haven't tried it.
----------------------------------------
I should mention the things you dip into the cheese of course!
A couple kinds of cubed fresh bread
Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower
and Apple wedges.
Cheese fondue choices:
Spinach Artichoke - fontina, butterkase cheeses, spinach, artichoke hearts, and garlic. Sounds yummy, but I have not tried it yet.
Fiesta - cheddar cheese with lager beer, jalapeno peppers and salsa as hot as you like it. I tried this once, and I just didn't care for it.
Cheddar cheese - sharp aged cheddar and Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, lager beer, garlic, and seasonings. MMMMMmmmm delicious! I've had it several times.
Wisconsin Trio - fontina, butterkase, and buttermilk bleu cheeses, white wine, scallions, and a bit of sherry. Very, very good!
Traditional Swiss - Gruyere, Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, white wine, garlic, nutmeg, lemon, and Kirschwasser. Haven't tried it, but I really want to.
-------------------------------------------
Entree choices:
Here's where it gets a bit confusing. You have choices of what to eat and how to cook it. The menu gets a bit overwhelming for the first timer here. It's not as hard as the menu makes it look.
This is not you cooking your own food at a restaurant. Some reviews on food & restaurant websites will show people complaining of how they paid a lot of money to cook their own food. Fondue is just that, a preparation of hot fluid where you dip food into to eat. This is a fun experience and not just eating out. Yes, you do have to pay attention when you are cooking raw meat in a broth. I do about 2 minutes for just about everything, but it's part of the fun!
Land & Sea - filet mignon, breast of chicken and shrimp.
The French Quarter - Filet mignon, breast of chicken and tender shrimp all seasoned with Cajun spices and served with Andouille sausage
Seafood Trio - Tender shrimp, sesame-crusted sushi-grade ahi tuna and cedar-plank salmon
Shrimp & Sirloin - Tender shrimp and teriyaki-marinated sirloin
Breast of chicken - that's it.
Cedar Plank Salmon - American classic with a perfectly-balanced smoky flavor
Pacific Rim - Teriyaki-marinated sirloin, tender shrimp, citrus-marinated pork tenderloin, breast of duck, breast of chicken and potstickers
The Vegetarian - Edamame or onion rings, artichoke hearts, Portobello mushrooms, Thai-peanut-marinated tofu, asparagus, spinach artichoke ravioli and our Big Night Out pasta
Teriyaki-marinated Sirloin - is at it sounds.
Filet mignon - 6 or 9 oz. size
Ways to cook the meat and veggies listed above:
Coq au Vin - Hot broth with flavors of fresh herbs, mushrooms, garlic, spices and burgundy wine
Court Bouillon - Homemade, seasoned vegetable broth
Bourguignonne - European-style fondue in cholesterol-free canola oil / 0g trans-fat oil
Mojo - Caribbean-seasoned bouillon with a distinctive fresh-garlic flavor and a citrus flair
Included in the meats and cooking styles there's a lot of sauces they give you to complement the finished meat. Should mention here you don't pick them, they are given to you based on what things you choose to eat. Here they are:
Curry - A mild, yogurt-based curry that complements fresh vegetables and salmon.
Green Goddess - A blend of cream cheese, sour cream, onions, chives and parsley that is great on vegetables and makes an excellent stuffed mushroom. (This is one of my favorites)
Teriyaki Glaze - with garlic, ginger and onions. For steak items. (pretty good)
Gorgonzola Port - A rich and robust cheese sauce that pairs well with filet mignon and fresh vegetables.
Ginger Plum - Own unique recipe with red and green bell peppers, ginger and just a hint of plum that is delicious on chicken and shrimp. (This one is very good as well)
---------------------------
Chocolate fondue choices:
First I'll mention what they give you to dip into these:
Strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, brownies, rice krispy treats, marshmallows, and pound cake.
The original - Features their signature milk chocolate with a swirl of crunchy peanut butter
(So SO good! I just tried this for the first time last time and it was a knock out!)
Disaronno meltdown (formerly known as Amaretto meltdown) - Silky white chocolate swirled with Disaronno® Originale Amaretto and flambéed tableside (This one has been my favorite for years. Recently they took it off the menu, but you can still ask for it)
Cookies 'n Cream Marshmallow Dream - Dark chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, flambéed, swirled together and garnished with crushed Oreo® cookies
Flaming Turtle - Milk chocolate, caramel and chopped pecans flambéed tableside (tried it, but didn't care for it much)
Pure Chocolate - Milk, dark or white chocolate melted for the most pure of all chocolate fondues
Bananas Foster - Silky white chocolate swirled with bananas and a dash of cinnamon and flambéed tableside
Yin & Yang - Half dark chocolate and half white chocolate artfully swirled for a perfect balance of flavors
Chocolate S'mores - Milk chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, flambéed and garnished with graham cracker pieces
Special Event - Create your own masterpiece. Select from milk, dark or white chocolate and make it a culinary work of art with your choice of Baileys, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Chambord or Tuaca!
---------------------------------------------------------------
Don't forget you can order any of the items separately from the Big Night Out Menu. You don't have to order all of it, you can just choose the salad or just the cheese. That's what I did last time with the cheese choice so don't be shy!
Also I should mention I just looked at the local menu for my area and it may be a bit different from yours. Just look over the whole menu carefully and pick out what you really want to try. Most times, you'll find something really fantastic even if you've been there 100 times and tried everything! There's always something new.
Note: This is a pretty expensive restaurant and it does get very VERY busy for holidays and weekends. Best to make reservations if you are planning something special and they also offer stuff like roses on the table, balloons, or cards if you want for a fee. It takes anywhere from 2-3 hours to finish eating here because they let you take your time and never rush you. The service and food that I've received at this chain restaurant has been consistently excellent all across the country. You will not regret eating here, and there is no dress code (unless they are having a special event - i.e. ugly Christmas sweater night, or couples on New Year's Eve type things) so come as you are.
P.S. Happy 34th Birthday to one of my dearest friends!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Carrabba's Italian Grill
This is one of my favorite restaurants and definitely my favorite Italian restaurant.
Most of the menu is fantastic. They also introduced me to my favorite drink, the Amaretto Sour! They make them perfect here!
First off, they start you with some fresh baked bread and olive oil for dipping.
I recommend trying the Caesar side salad for an appetizer. It's light and simple, yet delicious. It just has Romaine lettuce, a little Parmesan cheese, big croutons, and some tasty dressing.
I've tried the Calamari and if you loved deep fried squid, this is the calamari for you. Served with a little side dipping sauce of marinara or a spicier Italian pepper and lemon butter sauce.
The mozzarella marinara is not bad either.
If you like soups, I haven't had one there that I didn't like. Try the minestrone first for a classic.
I am normally torn between two entrees - the Pasta Carrabba, and the Mezzaluna. Mmmmm mmmm mmm!
Pasta Carrabba is Fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken, mushrooms, and peas, but I have them remove the mushrooms. It's very filling and creamy comfort food.
The Mezzaluna is half moon ravioli's stuffed with chicken, ricotta cheese, and spinach in a tomato cream sauce. I can easily finish this off and have room left for dessert.
I've also had the Chicken Bryan, Chicken Parmesan and Grilled Chicken. All are regulars on the menu and tasty.
The only thing I haven't been crazy about was the pepperoni pizza. It was just ok. If you want good pizza go to a real pizzeria. This place is just good for traditional italian entrees.
The best dessert they have to offer is the John Cole - just plain vanilla ice cream laced with caramel sauce and roasted cinnamon rum pecans. Oh those pecans!!!!
The service has always been great and the prices moderate. My only complaint, besides the pizza, is that they don't open until later in the day. Noon at the earliest on the weekends, and 4 pm on most weekdays. Occasionally I'll find one that opens earlier, but it may just be on a holiday or a particular restaurant only.
Try it out if you haven't already.
4 1/2 forks out of 5 only because of the short hours and the mundane pizza.
Most of the menu is fantastic. They also introduced me to my favorite drink, the Amaretto Sour! They make them perfect here!
First off, they start you with some fresh baked bread and olive oil for dipping.
I recommend trying the Caesar side salad for an appetizer. It's light and simple, yet delicious. It just has Romaine lettuce, a little Parmesan cheese, big croutons, and some tasty dressing.
I've tried the Calamari and if you loved deep fried squid, this is the calamari for you. Served with a little side dipping sauce of marinara or a spicier Italian pepper and lemon butter sauce.
The mozzarella marinara is not bad either.
If you like soups, I haven't had one there that I didn't like. Try the minestrone first for a classic.
I am normally torn between two entrees - the Pasta Carrabba, and the Mezzaluna. Mmmmm mmmm mmm!
Pasta Carrabba is Fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken, mushrooms, and peas, but I have them remove the mushrooms. It's very filling and creamy comfort food.
The Mezzaluna is half moon ravioli's stuffed with chicken, ricotta cheese, and spinach in a tomato cream sauce. I can easily finish this off and have room left for dessert.
I've also had the Chicken Bryan, Chicken Parmesan and Grilled Chicken. All are regulars on the menu and tasty.
The only thing I haven't been crazy about was the pepperoni pizza. It was just ok. If you want good pizza go to a real pizzeria. This place is just good for traditional italian entrees.
The best dessert they have to offer is the John Cole - just plain vanilla ice cream laced with caramel sauce and roasted cinnamon rum pecans. Oh those pecans!!!!
The service has always been great and the prices moderate. My only complaint, besides the pizza, is that they don't open until later in the day. Noon at the earliest on the weekends, and 4 pm on most weekdays. Occasionally I'll find one that opens earlier, but it may just be on a holiday or a particular restaurant only.
Try it out if you haven't already.
4 1/2 forks out of 5 only because of the short hours and the mundane pizza.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
My new favorite place for burgers, dogs, and fries is this place. On the inside it looks like a five&dime old school diner. You have peanuts to shell in baskets and you can just throw them on the floor, though, I don't.
They have a red and white checkered decor and usually, very, very loud music playing. I personally, always sit outside and eat to get away from the noise. I have eaten at locations all across the country and the quality is the same everywhere you go.
The menu is simple and small - a lot like In N' Out, but much much better. I hate In N' Out overall. I genuinely find their food to be lacking flavor and what flavor it does have I just don't care for. Anyway, on to the good stuff.
If you're not feeling too hungry go for the:
little hamburger
little cheeseburger
little bacon burger or
little bacon cheeseburger
all of these with the word "little" in front of it just mean they are normal size for most people.
The hamburgers are not perfectly round patties like you see at other fast food joints, oh no, these are handmade and you can tell by the jagged uneven edges. The patties also vary in size just a bit but they are robust patties that you might grill up yourself at the next backyard bar-b-que.
DOGS/SANDWICHES -
The kosher style hot dog
cheese or bacon dog
bacon cheese dog or
veggie or grilled cheese sandwiches
are other choices if you're a normal amount of hungry.
If you're really hungry:
hamburger
cheeseburger
bacon burger
bacon cheeseburger
are a bit bigger
The fries!
Five guys style or
Cajun
They come in regular (they fill up the brown bag they serve your food in)
or
large. (I just don't know why they offer large. Regular size is enough for 2 people to share!)
So when I go, I usually get
a little cheeseburger with raw onions, ketchup, and mustard
A bacon cheese dog
and regular fries.
This I split mostly with another person, but if I was wayyyy hungry I could finish it all myself.
The prices are reasonable, the decor is certainly dress down, the atmosphere is casual, and the food is just awesome. This IS the fastest growing fast food chain in the country and I totally understand why.
I'm not the only one who likes it. This place has been garnishing a lot of attention lately, even though, they don't advertise. They have received a lot of critical acclaim as well and they post it up all over the walls.
If you haven't been - you need to go.
5 out of 5 forks. The best fast food joint around!
fiveguys.com
They have a red and white checkered decor and usually, very, very loud music playing. I personally, always sit outside and eat to get away from the noise. I have eaten at locations all across the country and the quality is the same everywhere you go.
The menu is simple and small - a lot like In N' Out, but much much better. I hate In N' Out overall. I genuinely find their food to be lacking flavor and what flavor it does have I just don't care for. Anyway, on to the good stuff.
If you're not feeling too hungry go for the:
little hamburger
little cheeseburger
little bacon burger or
little bacon cheeseburger
all of these with the word "little" in front of it just mean they are normal size for most people.
The hamburgers are not perfectly round patties like you see at other fast food joints, oh no, these are handmade and you can tell by the jagged uneven edges. The patties also vary in size just a bit but they are robust patties that you might grill up yourself at the next backyard bar-b-que.
DOGS/SANDWICHES -
The kosher style hot dog
cheese or bacon dog
bacon cheese dog or
veggie or grilled cheese sandwiches
are other choices if you're a normal amount of hungry.
If you're really hungry:
hamburger
cheeseburger
bacon burger
bacon cheeseburger
are a bit bigger
The fries!
Five guys style or
Cajun
They come in regular (they fill up the brown bag they serve your food in)
or
large. (I just don't know why they offer large. Regular size is enough for 2 people to share!)
So when I go, I usually get
a little cheeseburger with raw onions, ketchup, and mustard
A bacon cheese dog
and regular fries.
This I split mostly with another person, but if I was wayyyy hungry I could finish it all myself.
The prices are reasonable, the decor is certainly dress down, the atmosphere is casual, and the food is just awesome. This IS the fastest growing fast food chain in the country and I totally understand why.
I'm not the only one who likes it. This place has been garnishing a lot of attention lately, even though, they don't advertise. They have received a lot of critical acclaim as well and they post it up all over the walls.
If you haven't been - you need to go.
5 out of 5 forks. The best fast food joint around!
fiveguys.com
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Pita Pit
Back when I was in college, I discovered a tasty gem across the street from the building where my program was housed. I stayed in a studio for 2 years learning how to be an interior designer and my class rarely left this room during the school year. Being prisoner to a certain area and having to park a mile away from my classes I needed to find food that was close by. I got tired of Subway and the surrounding eateries, so I tried the Pita Pit one night.
I was very surprised and then hooked on the chicken Caesar wrap.
In fact, that's the only wrap I've ever had from there. Since it's so hard to find these places, I can only get my fix every once in a long while so I don't mess around and go to my favorite.
First I will say, yes, they are hard to find, but they do have more and more locations popping up across the country. The interiors are very colorful with red and yellow walls and little cartoon ingredients and wraps dancing across their walls. Very charming and cute I think.
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The food is very good and they have a lot of healthy choices so you don't feel like your cheating your diet.
You order a wrap at the counter - let's say chicken Caesar for plain deliciousness. You pay, then move over to where the grill is. You start with a wrap, either white or wheat, then pick whatever you want to go into it.
Now the chicken Caesar wrap comes with chicken and bacon, which gets tossed on the grill in front of you, but you could easily ask for no bacon. Traditionally, it's romaine lettuce, the chicken and bacon, Parmesan cheese crumbs, and a little Caesar dressing thrown in. When it's done they half wrap it for you and taadaa, you are ready to eat it. If you're taking it to go they just fully wrap it and off you go, but most of the time I just eat there, because I can't wait to dig in.
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Pardon my coupon here (it's not printable - I just needed a picture). But doesn't that look delicious? It's not the chicken Caesar, but the Dagwood, the newest wrap. Don't take my word for it though, here's a few more wraps they offer on the menu:
All pitas include choice of cheese, sauce and toppings
![]()
The chicken crave - chicken, ham and melted provolone. This will be my next favorite I'm sure.
Club - ham turkey and bacon
Philly steak - beef, grilled onions, and green peppers
Gyro - seasoned beef strips
Chicken Souvlaki - Greek seasoned chicken
Chicken breast - add what you will
Turkey - add anything you like
Prime Rib - see above
Tuna - etc.
You get the idea, but they also have breakfast pitas served any time (which I haven't tried yet)
Ham N' Eggs - scrambled eggs, black forest ham, hash browns, grilled green peppers, onions & mushrooms
Chicken Classic - scrambled eggs, chicken breast, hash browns, grilled green peppers, mushrooms & onions
Awakin' with Bacon - scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, grilled green peppers & onions
Morning Glory - scrambled eggs, avocados, sauteed tomatoes, hash browns, grilled green peppers & onions, your choice of cheese and sauces.
A major plus is that my mom doesn't get sick when she eats here with me and she has Celiac's disease (an allergy to Gluten [wheat] so she can't eat breads, pastas and anything else with barley, wheat, whey, malt, etc.) Somehow the pita bread they use doesn't bother her so it's a great place for me to take her out to eat. You should try it, I think it's really high quality good eats!
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pitapitusa.com
I was very surprised and then hooked on the chicken Caesar wrap.
In fact, that's the only wrap I've ever had from there. Since it's so hard to find these places, I can only get my fix every once in a long while so I don't mess around and go to my favorite.
First I will say, yes, they are hard to find, but they do have more and more locations popping up across the country. The interiors are very colorful with red and yellow walls and little cartoon ingredients and wraps dancing across their walls. Very charming and cute I think.
The food is very good and they have a lot of healthy choices so you don't feel like your cheating your diet.
You order a wrap at the counter - let's say chicken Caesar for plain deliciousness. You pay, then move over to where the grill is. You start with a wrap, either white or wheat, then pick whatever you want to go into it.
Now the chicken Caesar wrap comes with chicken and bacon, which gets tossed on the grill in front of you, but you could easily ask for no bacon. Traditionally, it's romaine lettuce, the chicken and bacon, Parmesan cheese crumbs, and a little Caesar dressing thrown in. When it's done they half wrap it for you and taadaa, you are ready to eat it. If you're taking it to go they just fully wrap it and off you go, but most of the time I just eat there, because I can't wait to dig in.
All pitas include choice of cheese, sauce and toppings
Club - ham turkey and bacon
Philly steak - beef, grilled onions, and green peppers
Gyro - seasoned beef strips
Chicken Souvlaki - Greek seasoned chicken
Chicken breast - add what you will
Turkey - add anything you like
Prime Rib - see above
Tuna - etc.
You get the idea, but they also have breakfast pitas served any time (which I haven't tried yet)
Ham N' Eggs - scrambled eggs, black forest ham, hash browns, grilled green peppers, onions & mushrooms
Chicken Classic - scrambled eggs, chicken breast, hash browns, grilled green peppers, mushrooms & onions
Awakin' with Bacon - scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, grilled green peppers & onions
Morning Glory - scrambled eggs, avocados, sauteed tomatoes, hash browns, grilled green peppers & onions, your choice of cheese and sauces.
A major plus is that my mom doesn't get sick when she eats here with me and she has Celiac's disease (an allergy to Gluten [wheat] so she can't eat breads, pastas and anything else with barley, wheat, whey, malt, etc.) Somehow the pita bread they use doesn't bother her so it's a great place for me to take her out to eat. You should try it, I think it's really high quality good eats!
pitapitusa.com
Monday, July 4, 2011
The Grand Lux Cafe
YUMMY!
Just one word to cover an entire restaurant.
In the beginning there was only The Cheesecake Factory. The first time I ate at one was in Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, NV. I thought the interior was colorful and the food was good.
BUT
In 1999 the founder of Cheesecake Factory opened a sister restaurant inside the Venetian Resort, Hotel, & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Open 24 hours a day, patrons could have a good meal when they finally got tired of gambling (more likely went broke).
The first time I ate there, it totally knocked Cheesecake Factory down a few pegs for me. Even though they are owned and operated by the same people, this restaurant is superior.
First a history:
1999 open first restaurant inside the Venetian Resort, Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV
2001 open second restaurant in Los Angeles, California
2002 open third restaurant in Chicago, IL on Michigan Avenue. This location is propped up on the second floor of The Miracle Mile and offers a great view of the activity below.
Currently they have several operating restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Florida. Only the ones in Las Vegas are open 24 hours though.
The decor is luxurious and colorful, a bit reminiscent of a Venetian parade or carnival. Lots of reds, creams, oranges, and yellows. Beautiful marble floors and frescoes on the ceilings.
The price range is a little above average. If two people went and got drinks, an appetizer, entrees, and 2 desserts it would set you back about $65-95.00.
I've visited several Grand Luxes in several cities and am not usually disappointed by service. Sometimes, they get extremely busy but I've not waited too too long for food before.
So, on to the best part - the FOOD!
The menu is HUGE. If you can't find something you want to eat, you are not a foodie, or someone who enjoys eating. Also the portions are huge so if you're on a diet, you might want to skip eating for the day until you get there.
DRINKS -
I recommend the Citrus Flip for a non-alcoholic delicious drink. It comes in a very large glass and is yellow in color. It smells of oranges and limes and is served on the rocks mixed with Sprite. If all your friends are drinking and you want to blend in without getting drunk this is an excellent choice. It even comes with a little straw of strawberries and fruit on the edge.
I have tried the Berry Fizz which sounds good, (blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries with Sprite) but it just doesn't have the same refreshing lightness that the Citrus Flip has. This is very dark in color and a bit too heavy for a drink that isn't a milkshake.
The strawberry lemonade is ok. It's nothing to write home about. Good if you need a fix of it.
For cocktails I'd have to go with the
DeLux Peach Bellini.
I've honestly never met a peach bellini I didn't like.
Champagne, peaches, and peach liqueur.
APPETIZERS -
My favorite -
Double stuffed Potato Spring Rolls
Straight from the menu description,
"Creamy Mashed Potatoes with a Touch of Green Onion, Rolled in Crispy Asian Wrappers Topped with Melted Cheddar, Applewood Smoked Bacon and
Green Onion. Served with Sour Cream"
MMMMMMMMM Heavenly.
It's kinda' like eating a crispy french fried baked potato. The cheese and the bacon combine perfectly to make you stop what you're saying and just eat this stuff up. Comes on a long tray of 8.
ENTREES-
Pasta Telephono
To tell the truth this was ok, but not super great like most other things they have. It's simply pasta with a cream tomato sauce and mozzarella. A little bit boring for me.
Pasta Carbonara
Spaghettini with smoked bacon (the best bacon ever served in big hearty chunks of pork goodness), peas,
garlic, and Parmesan cream sauce. Again, it's not the best thing they have, but it was ok. If I could somehow just get that bacon, though........
Chicken Parmesan
This is 2 huge chicken breasts covered in crispy Parmesan bread crumbs and tomato sauce with a generous portion of mozzarella cheese. Served on top of a bed of spaghetti, it's way tooooo much for one person, but definitely one of my favorite meals there.
Madeira Chicken
Straight from the menu description,
"Sauteed Chicken Breast Topped with Asparagus, Mozzarella and
Our Fresh Mushroom-Madeira Sauce. Served with Mashed Potatoes"
So far, this is the one to beat for me. Everything filled me up without feeling stuffed up to my eyeballs uncomfortably with food. The asparagus was a buttery crisp masterpiece. The mashed potatoes were rich and creamy. The chicken was succulent and juicy with mozzarella cheese and the mushroom sauce, sheer heaven. I don't even like Mushrooms, but for this dish, I'll make an exception for my fungus friends.
Chicken Pot Pie
Oh my goodness! One of my top two favorite pot pies in the world right here.
"Chunks of Chicken Breast, Carrots, Peas, Pearl Onions and Mushrooms in a Creamy Sauce. With Our Housemade Crust"
The pot pie is served in a bowl and the only crust is on the very top, not within the bottom of the bowl, but it's plenty to be mixed in with the sauce and warm deliciousness that is their chicken pot pie. My favorite part of this dish is to be rewarded with pearl onions every so often in your bites. They are like little gems of rich tart flavor.
In addition to what I've mentioned, they serve things like pizza, steak, sandwiches, burgers, and salads of course. The menu is just too big to review all of it, and I still haven't tried 50% of their menu, but I'm working on it.
DESSERTS -
Molten Chocolate Cake
It is just as it sounds. Chocolate cake with a very hot melted chocolate center. Perfect for the chocoholic in you this is a very rich finish to your meal. I recommend cutting into it and letting it cool off for a few minutes before eating.
New Orleans Beignets
Not the ones I'm used to seeing out of New Orleans Cafes, but these are very good. They are like warm, moist, soft doughnuts on the inside encased in a flaky semi-shell dough. Eat them plain or with 3 dipping sauces that come with it - I recommend the chocolate sauce.
They only offer 5 of the Cheesecake Factories signature cheesecakes, but you should be able to find one you like if you're a true cheesecake fanatic:
Original
Strawberry
Dulce De Leche Caramel
Oreo
and White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle
My favorite here is the Oreo.
The beignets and chocolate molten cake take an extra 15 minutes to prepare so they recommend you order those as you get your entrees. I recommend it as well. They do take reservations for big parties in Las Vegas locations, and all size parties in the Chicago location, but for others, they do not. Call ahead to your local restaurant to find out for sure.
Before you leave they do have a full on bakery at every location with a huge display window showing all of their desserts, it's hard to miss. I just love dining there and I can't recommend them enough to people who have never visited it. It's not to be missed!
5 out of 5 forks for a general overall awesome dining experience.
grandluxcafe.com
Just one word to cover an entire restaurant.
 |
| The 1st restaurant. The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV. |
 |
| The decadent interior |
In the beginning there was only The Cheesecake Factory. The first time I ate at one was in Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, NV. I thought the interior was colorful and the food was good.
BUT
In 1999 the founder of Cheesecake Factory opened a sister restaurant inside the Venetian Resort, Hotel, & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Open 24 hours a day, patrons could have a good meal when they finally got tired of gambling (more likely went broke).
The first time I ate there, it totally knocked Cheesecake Factory down a few pegs for me. Even though they are owned and operated by the same people, this restaurant is superior.
First a history:
1999 open first restaurant inside the Venetian Resort, Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV
2001 open second restaurant in Los Angeles, California
2002 open third restaurant in Chicago, IL on Michigan Avenue. This location is propped up on the second floor of The Miracle Mile and offers a great view of the activity below.
Currently they have several operating restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Florida. Only the ones in Las Vegas are open 24 hours though.
The decor is luxurious and colorful, a bit reminiscent of a Venetian parade or carnival. Lots of reds, creams, oranges, and yellows. Beautiful marble floors and frescoes on the ceilings.
The price range is a little above average. If two people went and got drinks, an appetizer, entrees, and 2 desserts it would set you back about $65-95.00.
I've visited several Grand Luxes in several cities and am not usually disappointed by service. Sometimes, they get extremely busy but I've not waited too too long for food before.
So, on to the best part - the FOOD!
The menu is HUGE. If you can't find something you want to eat, you are not a foodie, or someone who enjoys eating. Also the portions are huge so if you're on a diet, you might want to skip eating for the day until you get there.
DRINKS -
I recommend the Citrus Flip for a non-alcoholic delicious drink. It comes in a very large glass and is yellow in color. It smells of oranges and limes and is served on the rocks mixed with Sprite. If all your friends are drinking and you want to blend in without getting drunk this is an excellent choice. It even comes with a little straw of strawberries and fruit on the edge.
I have tried the Berry Fizz which sounds good, (blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries with Sprite) but it just doesn't have the same refreshing lightness that the Citrus Flip has. This is very dark in color and a bit too heavy for a drink that isn't a milkshake.
The strawberry lemonade is ok. It's nothing to write home about. Good if you need a fix of it.
For cocktails I'd have to go with the
DeLux Peach Bellini.
I've honestly never met a peach bellini I didn't like.
Champagne, peaches, and peach liqueur.
APPETIZERS -
My favorite -
Double stuffed Potato Spring Rolls
Straight from the menu description,
"Creamy Mashed Potatoes with a Touch of Green Onion, Rolled in Crispy Asian Wrappers Topped with Melted Cheddar, Applewood Smoked Bacon and
Green Onion. Served with Sour Cream"
MMMMMMMMM Heavenly.
It's kinda' like eating a crispy french fried baked potato. The cheese and the bacon combine perfectly to make you stop what you're saying and just eat this stuff up. Comes on a long tray of 8.
ENTREES-
Pasta Telephono
To tell the truth this was ok, but not super great like most other things they have. It's simply pasta with a cream tomato sauce and mozzarella. A little bit boring for me.
Pasta Carbonara
Spaghettini with smoked bacon (the best bacon ever served in big hearty chunks of pork goodness), peas,
garlic, and Parmesan cream sauce. Again, it's not the best thing they have, but it was ok. If I could somehow just get that bacon, though........
Chicken Parmesan
This is 2 huge chicken breasts covered in crispy Parmesan bread crumbs and tomato sauce with a generous portion of mozzarella cheese. Served on top of a bed of spaghetti, it's way tooooo much for one person, but definitely one of my favorite meals there.
Madeira Chicken
Straight from the menu description,
"Sauteed Chicken Breast Topped with Asparagus, Mozzarella and
Our Fresh Mushroom-Madeira Sauce. Served with Mashed Potatoes"
So far, this is the one to beat for me. Everything filled me up without feeling stuffed up to my eyeballs uncomfortably with food. The asparagus was a buttery crisp masterpiece. The mashed potatoes were rich and creamy. The chicken was succulent and juicy with mozzarella cheese and the mushroom sauce, sheer heaven. I don't even like Mushrooms, but for this dish, I'll make an exception for my fungus friends.
Chicken Pot Pie
Oh my goodness! One of my top two favorite pot pies in the world right here.
"Chunks of Chicken Breast, Carrots, Peas, Pearl Onions and Mushrooms in a Creamy Sauce. With Our Housemade Crust"
The pot pie is served in a bowl and the only crust is on the very top, not within the bottom of the bowl, but it's plenty to be mixed in with the sauce and warm deliciousness that is their chicken pot pie. My favorite part of this dish is to be rewarded with pearl onions every so often in your bites. They are like little gems of rich tart flavor.
In addition to what I've mentioned, they serve things like pizza, steak, sandwiches, burgers, and salads of course. The menu is just too big to review all of it, and I still haven't tried 50% of their menu, but I'm working on it.
DESSERTS -
Molten Chocolate Cake
It is just as it sounds. Chocolate cake with a very hot melted chocolate center. Perfect for the chocoholic in you this is a very rich finish to your meal. I recommend cutting into it and letting it cool off for a few minutes before eating.
New Orleans Beignets
Not the ones I'm used to seeing out of New Orleans Cafes, but these are very good. They are like warm, moist, soft doughnuts on the inside encased in a flaky semi-shell dough. Eat them plain or with 3 dipping sauces that come with it - I recommend the chocolate sauce.
They only offer 5 of the Cheesecake Factories signature cheesecakes, but you should be able to find one you like if you're a true cheesecake fanatic:
Original
Strawberry
Dulce De Leche Caramel
Oreo
and White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle
My favorite here is the Oreo.
The beignets and chocolate molten cake take an extra 15 minutes to prepare so they recommend you order those as you get your entrees. I recommend it as well. They do take reservations for big parties in Las Vegas locations, and all size parties in the Chicago location, but for others, they do not. Call ahead to your local restaurant to find out for sure.
Before you leave they do have a full on bakery at every location with a huge display window showing all of their desserts, it's hard to miss. I just love dining there and I can't recommend them enough to people who have never visited it. It's not to be missed!
5 out of 5 forks for a general overall awesome dining experience.
grandluxcafe.com
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