I have been going to Palermo for years, it was a particular fave of my high school best friend. My father is a fan of the pizza and my mom likes the pasta. My husband who is a gigantic pizza snob believes this is the best pizza outside of his beloved Toledo places Ginos and Vitos.
I actually enjoy the pizza here quite a bit, even though I am not a huge 'za fan as a general rule. I do like it but I am so incredibly picky it is a rare thing for me to eat. My favorite here hands down is the the Meat Lover. The meat here is incredibly good, perfectly cooked and layered onto the pie. I have had single toppings and veggie combos here too and have never been disappointed. I would however avoid the Grilled Chicken Alfredo with its jarred sauce flavor. It's popular here but I find it a gooey heavy flop.
The pasta is nice as well, again avoid the alfredo. The optional meatballs are good but the Italian sausage is even better. It's definitely home style type pasta. I like the cheese Tortellini with marinara sauce but everyone else seems to stick with Spaghetti, especially with the baked mozzarella option. I on very rare occasion will have some Aglio Olio with the mushroom sauce option but I have to be in the mood for it, it is a bit oily for my stomach and unless you like that sort of thing I would not recommend it.
The salads are large. I like the Antipasto a lot as well as the Greek. Always fresh and good. The Antipasto is a good option for meat lovers, the Greek is full of nice veggies and zesty dressing. The side salads are basic but happy. I usually get greek, italian or olive oil and vinegar dressing, always get it on the side if you want to avoid too much as they have a heavy hand with it. I have never tried the soups, but the minestrone is a favorite of a friend of mine.
Sandwiches here are decent. The only one I have gotten personally is the Italian Sausage with the optional peppers and onions and it was a delight. Friends have been quite happy with other options but frankly I stick to pizza or pasta, I am a firm believer in eating specialties of the house when faced with a choice.
If you are looking for a good pizza, this is top notch. The extra large can easily feed five or six people and that is a cheap meal for a crowd. Look at http://www.saveondining.com/ for good coupons for here.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Andiamo - Livonia, Michigan
This is spendy but delicious. During the month of July they have been running a buy one dinner get one free deal you can get from their website http://www.andiamoitalia.com/index.html. Of course I had to take advantage of that!
We decided to go big and get the top of the line stuff. I love doing that with a half off deal because it gives you a chance to eat things you normally would not order because they are too spendy. Besides I am a risotto girl and I wanted the Risotto Fruitti Di Mare. My husband had the Filetto Di Manza.
We both got soups which is common with us. A good soup will trump a salad selection every time. I had the special of the day, Mushroom aka Funghi, a delicious earthy dream. My husband had the Brodo Di Pollastra, a very light chicken broth with tiny pasta. I loved his, he liked it but said it was a bit too salty (perhaps from the two heaping spoonfuls of fresh parmesan he added). The bread that went with was perfect, crusty with a soft yet dense middle. It is served with an olive oil, herb and parmesan dip sauce that is heavenly.
Then my husband had a small plate of rigatoni with meat sauce that precedes any meat based entree. The rigatoni was nicely al dente and the sauce was quite nice indeed. If you fall in love with it I believe they sell jars of it here as they do at some of the local upscale markets. I am not a huge meat sauce fan but this was very nice and James was quite fond of it too.
My Risotto Fruitti Di Mare was filled with seafood. There were two extra large gulf shrimp, two gigantic diver scallops, three fresh mussels and a ton of calamari. It had lovely notes of basil and garlic in a marinara type style rice. It was the perfect texture, creamy and rich. The seafood was top notch as well. James ate the shrimp because there was no way I was eating all of that.
His Filetto Di Manza was lovely, a quality filet with Andiamo zip sauce. It came with obviously homemade mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans. It was not huge but was perfect after soup and pasta. The steak was the correct doneness and had a good flavorful sear to it. James quite enjoyed it, but was really into my shrimp as well.
The service was so very friendly and attentive. This is a white tablecloth, elegant place. The waiter pulls your chair and puts a napkin on your lap kind of affair. Every note of service lives up to that atmosphere. The manager stops by to check on tables and is very warm and charming. You definitely feel cared for. A dropped fork is shortly followed by a replacement, tea and water glasses are kept full.
At the end of our lovely meal, my leftovers are wrapped in a flash and we are treated to a look at the dessert tray. Tempting, so very tempting but definitely not happening after Risotto. The Cannoli looked lovely, there were several cakes, Tiramisu and the like but neither one of us could fit another bite.
I highly recommend a July trip here, a real bargain. I would come back for a special occasion but this place is way out of my league for everyday dining. A small tip: dress nicely as you will feel more comfortable in dressy casual than short or t-shirts. My husband had on nice khakis and a button up and was appropriate for the crowd, the man in a beer t-shirt and wrinkled shorts looked quite awkward for the setting.
We decided to go big and get the top of the line stuff. I love doing that with a half off deal because it gives you a chance to eat things you normally would not order because they are too spendy. Besides I am a risotto girl and I wanted the Risotto Fruitti Di Mare. My husband had the Filetto Di Manza.
We both got soups which is common with us. A good soup will trump a salad selection every time. I had the special of the day, Mushroom aka Funghi, a delicious earthy dream. My husband had the Brodo Di Pollastra, a very light chicken broth with tiny pasta. I loved his, he liked it but said it was a bit too salty (perhaps from the two heaping spoonfuls of fresh parmesan he added). The bread that went with was perfect, crusty with a soft yet dense middle. It is served with an olive oil, herb and parmesan dip sauce that is heavenly.
Then my husband had a small plate of rigatoni with meat sauce that precedes any meat based entree. The rigatoni was nicely al dente and the sauce was quite nice indeed. If you fall in love with it I believe they sell jars of it here as they do at some of the local upscale markets. I am not a huge meat sauce fan but this was very nice and James was quite fond of it too.
My Risotto Fruitti Di Mare was filled with seafood. There were two extra large gulf shrimp, two gigantic diver scallops, three fresh mussels and a ton of calamari. It had lovely notes of basil and garlic in a marinara type style rice. It was the perfect texture, creamy and rich. The seafood was top notch as well. James ate the shrimp because there was no way I was eating all of that.
His Filetto Di Manza was lovely, a quality filet with Andiamo zip sauce. It came with obviously homemade mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans. It was not huge but was perfect after soup and pasta. The steak was the correct doneness and had a good flavorful sear to it. James quite enjoyed it, but was really into my shrimp as well.
The service was so very friendly and attentive. This is a white tablecloth, elegant place. The waiter pulls your chair and puts a napkin on your lap kind of affair. Every note of service lives up to that atmosphere. The manager stops by to check on tables and is very warm and charming. You definitely feel cared for. A dropped fork is shortly followed by a replacement, tea and water glasses are kept full.
At the end of our lovely meal, my leftovers are wrapped in a flash and we are treated to a look at the dessert tray. Tempting, so very tempting but definitely not happening after Risotto. The Cannoli looked lovely, there were several cakes, Tiramisu and the like but neither one of us could fit another bite.
I highly recommend a July trip here, a real bargain. I would come back for a special occasion but this place is way out of my league for everyday dining. A small tip: dress nicely as you will feel more comfortable in dressy casual than short or t-shirts. My husband had on nice khakis and a button up and was appropriate for the crowd, the man in a beer t-shirt and wrinkled shorts looked quite awkward for the setting.
Cheeburger Cheeburger - Livonia, Michigan
We decided to give this place a try. It has had several mentions as one of the better burger places and I had a half off coupon in our Entertainment book. I checked it out online beforehand and was excited to see among their burger toppings were cheddar cheese, teriyaki and pineapple, a slam dunk in my husband's book. Needless to say I had high hopes.
We arrived and it was a wreck. The restaurant was not that crowded but it seemed that way. The set up is awful. They tried to seat us in the front but I asked for a table in the roomier back area. Our waiter was less than helpful even when we explained it was our first visit. Scanning the menu we saw there was no teriyaki or pineapple topping, when we asked we were told they only have what they list on their menu, not what is on the website.
Disappointed we moved on. We both decided on the Angus Burger platter which comes with a bun only on request. I went to town on toppings; provolone, extra lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, jalapenos and onion rings. I chose onion rings with texas horseradish sauce and coleslaw as my sides. James went simple with a bun, double cheddar cheese and a side of A1 sauce, his sides were the fries with creamy cheese dip and a side salad with ranch.
As we waited and waited and waited for our food we noticed a lot of agitation from others waiting. There were screaming kids, flustered parents and a table that was calling frantically to keep an appointment as they waited for their to go order. Mind you the restaurant at this point was barely half full.
James finally got his salad but no cole slaw for me. The salad had very nice lettuce but not much else. We got our drinks in paper cups and were less than impressed, the pop was quite flat even and very little ice so it was none too cold.
Again we waited and waited and waited. At one point I saw another waitress talking to our waiter and pointing at us as another server brought out our not so piping hot food. Frankly I think he failed to pick up our order and it was under the warmer too long.
When our food arrived, it was not the heaping platter you would hope for. There was not much of each type of fixing, even ones you asked for extra of. The burgers were unimpressive, but hey they were none too hot so who knows if they had been fresher. The onion rings and fries were skimpy. My o rings at least had good taste, James had part limp and part dried out fries, sad really. My cole slaw was in the tiniest paper cup you have ever seen and tasted less than fresh to boot. I was highly annoyed.
When we were almost done our waiter came back to check on us, gee thanks. Seeing our empty cups he asked if there was anything he could get. When I said "More pop please" he seemed annoyed. He walked away and had to return to see if it was diet or regular, small favor. After a lengthy wait for that we also had to wait on the bill, even going up to the counter to remind them "Hey we got a movie to get to" after an hour and a half of a simple burger meal.
We had planned to return for dessert later after our movie but figured we had had enough for one night. Thank goodness for the coupon or the night would have been a total wash. We will not be returning.
Update: I was so upset about this dining experience I informed the company via email. They sent me a twenty dollar certificate to give the place another try. My husband is still reluctant but I will be giving you the second scoop at some point. I confess I did wave the idea of him trying the sundaes or shakes to get him a bit more enthusiastic, he is a sucker for sweets.
We arrived and it was a wreck. The restaurant was not that crowded but it seemed that way. The set up is awful. They tried to seat us in the front but I asked for a table in the roomier back area. Our waiter was less than helpful even when we explained it was our first visit. Scanning the menu we saw there was no teriyaki or pineapple topping, when we asked we were told they only have what they list on their menu, not what is on the website.
Disappointed we moved on. We both decided on the Angus Burger platter which comes with a bun only on request. I went to town on toppings; provolone, extra lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, jalapenos and onion rings. I chose onion rings with texas horseradish sauce and coleslaw as my sides. James went simple with a bun, double cheddar cheese and a side of A1 sauce, his sides were the fries with creamy cheese dip and a side salad with ranch.
As we waited and waited and waited for our food we noticed a lot of agitation from others waiting. There were screaming kids, flustered parents and a table that was calling frantically to keep an appointment as they waited for their to go order. Mind you the restaurant at this point was barely half full.
James finally got his salad but no cole slaw for me. The salad had very nice lettuce but not much else. We got our drinks in paper cups and were less than impressed, the pop was quite flat even and very little ice so it was none too cold.
Again we waited and waited and waited. At one point I saw another waitress talking to our waiter and pointing at us as another server brought out our not so piping hot food. Frankly I think he failed to pick up our order and it was under the warmer too long.
When our food arrived, it was not the heaping platter you would hope for. There was not much of each type of fixing, even ones you asked for extra of. The burgers were unimpressive, but hey they were none too hot so who knows if they had been fresher. The onion rings and fries were skimpy. My o rings at least had good taste, James had part limp and part dried out fries, sad really. My cole slaw was in the tiniest paper cup you have ever seen and tasted less than fresh to boot. I was highly annoyed.
When we were almost done our waiter came back to check on us, gee thanks. Seeing our empty cups he asked if there was anything he could get. When I said "More pop please" he seemed annoyed. He walked away and had to return to see if it was diet or regular, small favor. After a lengthy wait for that we also had to wait on the bill, even going up to the counter to remind them "Hey we got a movie to get to" after an hour and a half of a simple burger meal.
We had planned to return for dessert later after our movie but figured we had had enough for one night. Thank goodness for the coupon or the night would have been a total wash. We will not be returning.
Update: I was so upset about this dining experience I informed the company via email. They sent me a twenty dollar certificate to give the place another try. My husband is still reluctant but I will be giving you the second scoop at some point. I confess I did wave the idea of him trying the sundaes or shakes to get him a bit more enthusiastic, he is a sucker for sweets.
Deadwood Bar and Grille - Northville, Michigan
Deadwood is a true original, not cheap eats per se but with large portions that make it worth the price. I will give you Deadwood is not the best choice of monikers, rather offputting actually, the food however is rustic deliciousness. This restaurant specializes in game and rather manly food, complete with quality scotch and a cigar bar but don't worry ladies there is plenty to enjoy even for our crowd.
I love the appetizers here. The Roasted Garlic platter is a delight that includes roasted peppers, olive relish and alouette cheese with the grilled french bread. The Whitefish Pate is tasty, a slight smoky taste, mildly fishy with fresh dill and cream cheese. If you want to go whole hog I recommend the Wild Thang appetizer, a sampling of the pate, spicy venison sausage, rabbit ravioli, duck tenders and BBQ buffalo balls. A true hunter's delight.
The salads here are huge and I haven't had one yet I did not like. Warm Grilled Chicken Salad is lovely with strawberries, sunflower seeds and mandarin oranges. The Blue Cheese Harvest Salad is great with dried cherries and walnuts. The Smoked Turkey Waldorf is a favorite, using a honey vinaigrette rather than gooey mayo to join the celery, apples, grapes and walnuts, so yummy. The Spinach Salad which is a frequent special has the tastiest dressing and is a favorite of my mother's. The Fiesta Salad is very popular but I have yet to sample this taco style concoction.
If you are hungry, the BBQ sandwiches, chicken or beef, could feed you for the whole day. Definitely use a knife and fork, these are serious sammies. Upgrade to fries or onion rings, the chips are nothing spectacular. The burgers are half pounders and you have your choice of beef, buffalo or ostrich. Ostrich is much leaner and better for you but I prefer the taste of buffalo, still better for you than beef at any rate. You can ask for a side garden or wild green salad and do my burger salad trick and feel a lot less guilty about your burger indulgence, they are very accomodating in here. The other sandwiches are quite large and reportedly very tasty but I have too many other things I like here.
The steaks here are well cooked and seasoned. The game is just so well prepared. The road kill grill platter with venison, quail (yummy) and wild boar sausage is fun and even comes with an "I eat my road kill" bumper sticker. I think the venison is better in the Venison Brochette, but anything wrapped in bacon is bound to taste delicious. I am not a fan of the Buffaloaf, but I am clearly in the minority as it is quite popular. The BBQ ribs, chicken and shrimp look great but I have too many BBQ places I eat that at to indulge here. The prices of the entrees are much higher, quality stuff but if you are looking for a deal stick to a salad or sandwich.
Specials are always worth a whirl. I love the tender Pot Roast on Tuesdays, the all you can eat Fish and Chips on Wednesdays, the Pot Pie on Fridays and the Turkey Dinner on Sundays. During the summer they have had Bacon Wrapped Hotdogs with Potato Salad and Baked beans and if you see them they are a must try.
Desserts here are massive. My faves are the homemade chocolate chip cookies, ask for some ice cream and make cookie ice cream sammies if you really want to be bad. The S'mores are a fun treat, I love toasting marshmallows! The strawberry shortcake is jusy yum and big enough for three. Do not order your own dessert or you may never finish it.
If you are looking for big hearty and fresh food with a bit of a twist I highly recommend Deadwood.
I love the appetizers here. The Roasted Garlic platter is a delight that includes roasted peppers, olive relish and alouette cheese with the grilled french bread. The Whitefish Pate is tasty, a slight smoky taste, mildly fishy with fresh dill and cream cheese. If you want to go whole hog I recommend the Wild Thang appetizer, a sampling of the pate, spicy venison sausage, rabbit ravioli, duck tenders and BBQ buffalo balls. A true hunter's delight.
The salads here are huge and I haven't had one yet I did not like. Warm Grilled Chicken Salad is lovely with strawberries, sunflower seeds and mandarin oranges. The Blue Cheese Harvest Salad is great with dried cherries and walnuts. The Smoked Turkey Waldorf is a favorite, using a honey vinaigrette rather than gooey mayo to join the celery, apples, grapes and walnuts, so yummy. The Spinach Salad which is a frequent special has the tastiest dressing and is a favorite of my mother's. The Fiesta Salad is very popular but I have yet to sample this taco style concoction.
If you are hungry, the BBQ sandwiches, chicken or beef, could feed you for the whole day. Definitely use a knife and fork, these are serious sammies. Upgrade to fries or onion rings, the chips are nothing spectacular. The burgers are half pounders and you have your choice of beef, buffalo or ostrich. Ostrich is much leaner and better for you but I prefer the taste of buffalo, still better for you than beef at any rate. You can ask for a side garden or wild green salad and do my burger salad trick and feel a lot less guilty about your burger indulgence, they are very accomodating in here. The other sandwiches are quite large and reportedly very tasty but I have too many other things I like here.
The steaks here are well cooked and seasoned. The game is just so well prepared. The road kill grill platter with venison, quail (yummy) and wild boar sausage is fun and even comes with an "I eat my road kill" bumper sticker. I think the venison is better in the Venison Brochette, but anything wrapped in bacon is bound to taste delicious. I am not a fan of the Buffaloaf, but I am clearly in the minority as it is quite popular. The BBQ ribs, chicken and shrimp look great but I have too many BBQ places I eat that at to indulge here. The prices of the entrees are much higher, quality stuff but if you are looking for a deal stick to a salad or sandwich.
Specials are always worth a whirl. I love the tender Pot Roast on Tuesdays, the all you can eat Fish and Chips on Wednesdays, the Pot Pie on Fridays and the Turkey Dinner on Sundays. During the summer they have had Bacon Wrapped Hotdogs with Potato Salad and Baked beans and if you see them they are a must try.
Desserts here are massive. My faves are the homemade chocolate chip cookies, ask for some ice cream and make cookie ice cream sammies if you really want to be bad. The S'mores are a fun treat, I love toasting marshmallows! The strawberry shortcake is jusy yum and big enough for three. Do not order your own dessert or you may never finish it.
If you are looking for big hearty and fresh food with a bit of a twist I highly recommend Deadwood.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Steve and Rocky's - Novi, Michigan
This restaurant is not a bargain, well at least not all the time. Steve and Rocky's do have a little club you can join for discounts and such you earn based on a point system though. The best deal here is at lunch. Most of your more upscale places are reasonable at lunch hour but here you also get similar portions to dinner at those bargain basement savings too.
My favorite things here are soups, salad and fish. The Gazpacho is lovely, zippy and full of fresh veggies. Chef Milos' Mushroom is a creamy and sinful delight. The third soup rotates seaonally but is usually excellent. Here you do not have to pick just one, there is a tasting of three with a little cup of each for those who cannot decide.
The House Salad is my absolute fave. I will confess I enjoy it so much here I have come up with a similar recipe to make my own. It has mixed greens, sections of grapefruit, pine nuts, dried cranberries all wrapped up with a yummy honey mustard vinaigrette. The Wedge salad is popular but I do not see what the fuss is about, I guess iceberg and green goddess is too much to have to deal with to get a bonus shrimp kabob to me. The spinach salad is very nice, especially with grilled salmon.
The fish here is always fresh and special. The Lake Perch Saute is heavenly, with wilted greens and hazelnuts with a brown butter vinaigrette. The lightly smoked and poached Salmon is great with artichokes and capers in vermouth. Both are under 11.00. On many days there are up to 3 fish specials, I highly recommend giving any of them a whirl. They know their fish and always make it interesting as well as perfectly cooked. The Lunch Box usually has a fish dish, basmati rice, salad and dessert, all for the low price of 9.00.
For the meat lovers out there, the Chicken Scallopini Oscar is delicious with its crabcake and bearnaise. The men in my life love the Beef Tenderloin Tips Saute, served up in a baked potato, very manly. The meatloaf is nice too. If you ever see beef ribs on the menu grab them, you will not be sorry.
The desserts in here are always a treat. I have sampled bites and anything blueberry or lemon is splendid.
If you are looking for some class food on a budget I will reiterate, lunch!
My favorite things here are soups, salad and fish. The Gazpacho is lovely, zippy and full of fresh veggies. Chef Milos' Mushroom is a creamy and sinful delight. The third soup rotates seaonally but is usually excellent. Here you do not have to pick just one, there is a tasting of three with a little cup of each for those who cannot decide.
The House Salad is my absolute fave. I will confess I enjoy it so much here I have come up with a similar recipe to make my own. It has mixed greens, sections of grapefruit, pine nuts, dried cranberries all wrapped up with a yummy honey mustard vinaigrette. The Wedge salad is popular but I do not see what the fuss is about, I guess iceberg and green goddess is too much to have to deal with to get a bonus shrimp kabob to me. The spinach salad is very nice, especially with grilled salmon.
The fish here is always fresh and special. The Lake Perch Saute is heavenly, with wilted greens and hazelnuts with a brown butter vinaigrette. The lightly smoked and poached Salmon is great with artichokes and capers in vermouth. Both are under 11.00. On many days there are up to 3 fish specials, I highly recommend giving any of them a whirl. They know their fish and always make it interesting as well as perfectly cooked. The Lunch Box usually has a fish dish, basmati rice, salad and dessert, all for the low price of 9.00.
For the meat lovers out there, the Chicken Scallopini Oscar is delicious with its crabcake and bearnaise. The men in my life love the Beef Tenderloin Tips Saute, served up in a baked potato, very manly. The meatloaf is nice too. If you ever see beef ribs on the menu grab them, you will not be sorry.
The desserts in here are always a treat. I have sampled bites and anything blueberry or lemon is splendid.
If you are looking for some class food on a budget I will reiterate, lunch!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Mexican Fiesta II - Canton, Michigan
This is easily my favorite mexican restaurant in the burbs. I have been going here since I was small and so I know the menu well. I will be honest in that I usually get the same exact thing in here as I know it is the best.
James and my favorite meal in here is the Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas. The corn tortillas are dipped in an Anaheim pepper sauce and are stuffed with white and dark meat chicken that is so very tasty. The enchiladas are covered in a delicious white cheese and are so delicious. You can get three for 9.50 and split them with a friend (or husband) or take half home and have a great second meal that reheats like a dream. They come with your choice of two sides, either cole slaw, refried beans or spanish rice. You can't go wrong with any of them.
My parents are hooked on the Botana here, a deluxe nacho type dish with refried beans, mexican sausage, the incredible white cheese and all manners of veggies and sauce. It is quite tasty but wow so filling. They can split a mini one. If they do not get this my father usually gets Beef and Cheese Enchiladas while my mom orders a Chicken Chimichanga. When they do this they too have a second meal after.
Again I can actually review alcohol here as I have had it. The margaritas are tasty and big. The jumbo is happy enough but they also have deals on half liters and liters which was most appreciated by my former coworkers. Its definitely reasonable in my book. You can get a pitcher of Sangria for 8.00 and my parents are big fans of that option. Beer and mixed drinks are reasonable and they even have ice cream drinks, so fun!
We come here at least once a month and are never disappointed. One big tip is to ask for hot chips to go with your salsa, guacamole and/or queso. They charge fifty cents but it is a world of difference, trust me. Everything else is a bargain at any rate.
James and my favorite meal in here is the Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas. The corn tortillas are dipped in an Anaheim pepper sauce and are stuffed with white and dark meat chicken that is so very tasty. The enchiladas are covered in a delicious white cheese and are so delicious. You can get three for 9.50 and split them with a friend (or husband) or take half home and have a great second meal that reheats like a dream. They come with your choice of two sides, either cole slaw, refried beans or spanish rice. You can't go wrong with any of them.
My parents are hooked on the Botana here, a deluxe nacho type dish with refried beans, mexican sausage, the incredible white cheese and all manners of veggies and sauce. It is quite tasty but wow so filling. They can split a mini one. If they do not get this my father usually gets Beef and Cheese Enchiladas while my mom orders a Chicken Chimichanga. When they do this they too have a second meal after.
Again I can actually review alcohol here as I have had it. The margaritas are tasty and big. The jumbo is happy enough but they also have deals on half liters and liters which was most appreciated by my former coworkers. Its definitely reasonable in my book. You can get a pitcher of Sangria for 8.00 and my parents are big fans of that option. Beer and mixed drinks are reasonable and they even have ice cream drinks, so fun!
We come here at least once a month and are never disappointed. One big tip is to ask for hot chips to go with your salsa, guacamole and/or queso. They charge fifty cents but it is a world of difference, trust me. Everything else is a bargain at any rate.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Noodles and Company - Livonia, Michigan
There are several of this chain locally. I have also visited the one in Ann Arbor but I prefer Livonia personally.
I love this place. Reasonable and tasty. The kind of place you can take your mom or your kid and they would find something happy to eat. I usually eat here with my mom but James and I have also been several times and he is all good with it.
My favorite dish in here hands down is the Chinese Chop Salad. It has field greens, bell peppers, carrots, sprouts, napa cabbage, cucumbers, crispy wonton strips and black sesame seeds. It is dressed in a delicious sesame oil, soy and rice wine vinaigrette. I could eat this at least once a week. It is a happy salad indeed.
To be honest I am just partial to the Asian menu here in general. I also like the Japanese Pan Noodles made with udon and Pad Thai which I get with extra garlic. My mom really likes the Thai curry soup a lot but I am neutral on it, it's tasty but I like other things here better.
From the Mediterranean menu I am hooked on the Pesto Cavatappi. Not health food but so good. It has a creamy garlic and basil pesto on curly cavatappi noodles. The mushrooms and tomatoes are all it needs really. I just adore it but will only have it if someone shares to cut the guilt and the calories. We all love the Tomato Basil Bisque, a great creamy tomato soup with the right amount of zing. James is a big fan especially.
Meat here is superfluous. They have the option but here I strictly go veg. I just don't see the point as everything is filling and delicious without. The only times I have eaten the meat have been sampling from James. The chicken is ok, the shrimp quite eh.
Both James and my dad love the Wisconsin Mac and Cheese here. It's cheesy and creamy and all things good mac and cheese should be. They also both love the Chicken Noodle Soup, which has lovely broth and thick egg noodles with the chicken, celery and carrots. Both are the stars of the American menu and are nice enough, just not what I would order.
Be sure to try the great Potstickers. They are chicken and vegetable dumplings with a soy based dipping sauce. I zip mine up with the fantastic sriracha hot chili sauce they keep on the table, that stuff is seriously yummy.
The iced tea is delicious here and I love that they have gigantor Rice Krispie Treats, it keeps kids and pesky adults busily chewing.
This is another healthy alternative to fast food places, you order and take a number, get drinks and whatnot and they bring it all to your table. No tipping and a faster wait time. It's a great place for nieces, nephews and stepkids; casual, a bit healthier and reasonable prices. I like it a lot, give it a whirl and I think you will too.
I love this place. Reasonable and tasty. The kind of place you can take your mom or your kid and they would find something happy to eat. I usually eat here with my mom but James and I have also been several times and he is all good with it.
My favorite dish in here hands down is the Chinese Chop Salad. It has field greens, bell peppers, carrots, sprouts, napa cabbage, cucumbers, crispy wonton strips and black sesame seeds. It is dressed in a delicious sesame oil, soy and rice wine vinaigrette. I could eat this at least once a week. It is a happy salad indeed.
To be honest I am just partial to the Asian menu here in general. I also like the Japanese Pan Noodles made with udon and Pad Thai which I get with extra garlic. My mom really likes the Thai curry soup a lot but I am neutral on it, it's tasty but I like other things here better.
From the Mediterranean menu I am hooked on the Pesto Cavatappi. Not health food but so good. It has a creamy garlic and basil pesto on curly cavatappi noodles. The mushrooms and tomatoes are all it needs really. I just adore it but will only have it if someone shares to cut the guilt and the calories. We all love the Tomato Basil Bisque, a great creamy tomato soup with the right amount of zing. James is a big fan especially.
Meat here is superfluous. They have the option but here I strictly go veg. I just don't see the point as everything is filling and delicious without. The only times I have eaten the meat have been sampling from James. The chicken is ok, the shrimp quite eh.
Both James and my dad love the Wisconsin Mac and Cheese here. It's cheesy and creamy and all things good mac and cheese should be. They also both love the Chicken Noodle Soup, which has lovely broth and thick egg noodles with the chicken, celery and carrots. Both are the stars of the American menu and are nice enough, just not what I would order.
Be sure to try the great Potstickers. They are chicken and vegetable dumplings with a soy based dipping sauce. I zip mine up with the fantastic sriracha hot chili sauce they keep on the table, that stuff is seriously yummy.
The iced tea is delicious here and I love that they have gigantor Rice Krispie Treats, it keeps kids and pesky adults busily chewing.
This is another healthy alternative to fast food places, you order and take a number, get drinks and whatnot and they bring it all to your table. No tipping and a faster wait time. It's a great place for nieces, nephews and stepkids; casual, a bit healthier and reasonable prices. I like it a lot, give it a whirl and I think you will too.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Detroit Beer Co - Detroit, Michigan
I am not a fan of beer, I do however love cuisine that matches nicely with the stuff. Beer brewing restaurants have hearty and unassuming fare, usually with a bit of zip to it. The beer here is decently priced and I have sampled some and found it to be decent, but not really enough to tempt me. A friend of mine is hooked on their Local 1529 IPA variety and swears by it.
This is one of the few places I have actually drank and it is overpriced but very tasty. Going for drinks with my friends, I had a sip of bizarrely yummy drink that tastes like a bomb pop, a swig of a friend's Bailey's laden martini and my own lovely Long Island iced tea that I really needed after a long day of training. Spendy but sometimes you need to splurge.
I have to preface any review by confessing I get a 15% off discount whenever I dine here due to my job. It does add to the appeal for me. I also have had work meetings here so I have had ample opportunity to sample the menu. The staff is friendly and seems to remember me (or at least my badge) whenever I come in. I am friendly with them too as should you be as they all work very hard, lugging food upstairs and down, not a job for the unfit or wimps.
I love the Brewhouse Nachos here with grilled chicken, big enough to share. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip here is good and served with plenty of colorful tortilla chips, it is a favorite of my boss. The Quesadillas are a favorite of one of my coworkers. The Pepperoni pizza is servicable but if you want the real deal try the zesty Pizza Vento with ground sausage, diced tomatoes, mozzarella and goat cheese with fresh basil.
The Detroit Burger is always an excellent choice and you can get it with smoked gouda even. It, like most of the sandwiches, is seved with the delicious crunchy coated waffle fries, bistro chips or coleslaw. The CBS sandwich is lovely with grilled chicken, swiss and crispy bacon. If you are in the mood for some healthier fare, I love the California Veggie Wrap, a ton of shredded veggies with avocado stuffed into a flour tortilla. The Country Grilled Cheese is excellent, with fontina and white cheddar cheese, smoked bacon and sliced Granny Smith apples grilled on fresh French bread. It is served with a cup of creamy Tomato Bisque and is quite a delight. The Cajun Salmon and Avocado sandwich is a treat with its spicy chipotle mayo and whole grain bun.
If you are looking for heartier food, you cannot go wrong with the Brewmaster's Shepherd's Pie or the delicious Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken. The chicken comes with lovely pesto mashed potatoes and a reduced balsamic glaze that just makes everything happy. You can get a smaller portion of the Shepherd's Pie for under five bucks which is a real steal.
This place is always hopping. It really slams on game days so watch out. It is a casual and fun place, perfect for hanging out with friends or coworkers and enjoying a bit of the city go by on the al fresco 'patio' area.
This is one of the few places I have actually drank and it is overpriced but very tasty. Going for drinks with my friends, I had a sip of bizarrely yummy drink that tastes like a bomb pop, a swig of a friend's Bailey's laden martini and my own lovely Long Island iced tea that I really needed after a long day of training. Spendy but sometimes you need to splurge.
I have to preface any review by confessing I get a 15% off discount whenever I dine here due to my job. It does add to the appeal for me. I also have had work meetings here so I have had ample opportunity to sample the menu. The staff is friendly and seems to remember me (or at least my badge) whenever I come in. I am friendly with them too as should you be as they all work very hard, lugging food upstairs and down, not a job for the unfit or wimps.
I love the Brewhouse Nachos here with grilled chicken, big enough to share. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip here is good and served with plenty of colorful tortilla chips, it is a favorite of my boss. The Quesadillas are a favorite of one of my coworkers. The Pepperoni pizza is servicable but if you want the real deal try the zesty Pizza Vento with ground sausage, diced tomatoes, mozzarella and goat cheese with fresh basil.
The Detroit Burger is always an excellent choice and you can get it with smoked gouda even. It, like most of the sandwiches, is seved with the delicious crunchy coated waffle fries, bistro chips or coleslaw. The CBS sandwich is lovely with grilled chicken, swiss and crispy bacon. If you are in the mood for some healthier fare, I love the California Veggie Wrap, a ton of shredded veggies with avocado stuffed into a flour tortilla. The Country Grilled Cheese is excellent, with fontina and white cheddar cheese, smoked bacon and sliced Granny Smith apples grilled on fresh French bread. It is served with a cup of creamy Tomato Bisque and is quite a delight. The Cajun Salmon and Avocado sandwich is a treat with its spicy chipotle mayo and whole grain bun.
If you are looking for heartier food, you cannot go wrong with the Brewmaster's Shepherd's Pie or the delicious Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken. The chicken comes with lovely pesto mashed potatoes and a reduced balsamic glaze that just makes everything happy. You can get a smaller portion of the Shepherd's Pie for under five bucks which is a real steal.
This place is always hopping. It really slams on game days so watch out. It is a casual and fun place, perfect for hanging out with friends or coworkers and enjoying a bit of the city go by on the al fresco 'patio' area.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Charlie's Mediterranean Cuisine - Ypsilanti, Michigan
In the former home of La Shish there is now a place called Charlie's Mediterranean Cuisine, don't let the name change fool you, the food is one and the same. A former franchisee has gone independent in the wake of the La Shish empire's demise with a sea of coupons to be had to boot, all the better for my taste buds. You can find coupons in the Clipper magazine as well as other mailings. You can also print some out here: http://www.coupons4annarbor.com/AcctCoupons-117225.11312_Charlies_La_Shish.html
The pita is still the same, fresh and warm from the brick oven. There is no other pita like this in the area and I have looked. It is just perfect for the incredible garlic sauce and hummus. The salad is crisp and tangy with the hint of sumac in the trademark dressing. Everything I loved about the old guard remains. The appetizers are still big enough to make entrees, I especially like the Hummus with Lamb.
The Deboned Chicken is to die for. Easily the moistest and most flavorful chicken around. Plenty to be had, I almost always have leftovers for the next day. The Shish Tawook is nice, especially in the lemon oregano sauce. The Schwarmas and zesty Ghallabas are happy too. Feeling like a splurge? Get the tender grilled Lamb Chops. If you are confused about what to get the Shish Combo is delicious although to be honest I have had Shish Kafta that is better seasoned to my tastebuds. I am simply addicted to the delicious rice with almonds and the pink pickled radishes.
The juices are excellent here, fresh squeezed. They make absolutely fabulous smoothies as well, rich with honey and bananas. The tea is fresh brewed and you can get Arabic coffee if that is your taste.
If you are a fan of middle eastern cuisine, this is top of the line stuff. The atmosphere is elegant, the food fresh and well prepared. The waitstaff is friendly and attentive. You pay accordingly though, so I of course use coupons.
The pita is still the same, fresh and warm from the brick oven. There is no other pita like this in the area and I have looked. It is just perfect for the incredible garlic sauce and hummus. The salad is crisp and tangy with the hint of sumac in the trademark dressing. Everything I loved about the old guard remains. The appetizers are still big enough to make entrees, I especially like the Hummus with Lamb.
The Deboned Chicken is to die for. Easily the moistest and most flavorful chicken around. Plenty to be had, I almost always have leftovers for the next day. The Shish Tawook is nice, especially in the lemon oregano sauce. The Schwarmas and zesty Ghallabas are happy too. Feeling like a splurge? Get the tender grilled Lamb Chops. If you are confused about what to get the Shish Combo is delicious although to be honest I have had Shish Kafta that is better seasoned to my tastebuds. I am simply addicted to the delicious rice with almonds and the pink pickled radishes.
The juices are excellent here, fresh squeezed. They make absolutely fabulous smoothies as well, rich with honey and bananas. The tea is fresh brewed and you can get Arabic coffee if that is your taste.
If you are a fan of middle eastern cuisine, this is top of the line stuff. The atmosphere is elegant, the food fresh and well prepared. The waitstaff is friendly and attentive. You pay accordingly though, so I of course use coupons.
The Sweet Afton Tea Room - Plymouth, Michigan
*****Under new ownership, thank goodness, prayers are apparently answered even for not so angelic types such as myself. Please see here soon for a new review or go check the place out yourselves in the interim and feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section. My sincerest apologies to the new management team and of course you dedicated foodies, far be it from me to keep you from potential deliciousness.*****
This place makes me sad. I have long been a client, I started going to the Sweet Afton as a teenager when it was owned by a lovely former nurse named Sylvia. It has such fond memories for me of times with my mother, enjoying hot tea and a bit of frilly girly cuisine.
Now it is gone way downhill. The shepherd's pie is not up to snuff, it used to be just amazing. The tea sandwiches are served on bread that is less than fresh and they have some odd yellow margarine looking substance on the cucumber variety. The scones are less fluffy and the lemon curd is not what it was, don't get me started on the devon cream. The mini tart plate is still quite nice and the tea is always perfectly brewed but it is not enough for me to be returning.
The decor that was quite charming is now rather sterile and takes away from the overall experience. The lovely individual teapots and pretty teacups are gone, replaced with a more modern and frankly cheaper look. There are lots of double pots and diners at the same table often are asked to share which can be awkward. I also used to look forward to the various pretty pots to be honest.
The service is lackluster and the owner is less than concerned. I have had a few complaints of my own and was met by a rather appalling defensiveness borderlining on hostility. My last visit was particularly bad, I had called ahead and reserved a table yet was told when I sat down we could only have dessert and tea and that we needed to be out in a good fashion.
I cannot describe my utter disappointment with the Sweet Afton. I have been through several owners as well as a building move and celebrated many a milestone with tea and scones at their tables. No more. I can only hope that they sell soon to someone with more love and care.
This place makes me sad. I have long been a client, I started going to the Sweet Afton as a teenager when it was owned by a lovely former nurse named Sylvia. It has such fond memories for me of times with my mother, enjoying hot tea and a bit of frilly girly cuisine.
Now it is gone way downhill. The shepherd's pie is not up to snuff, it used to be just amazing. The tea sandwiches are served on bread that is less than fresh and they have some odd yellow margarine looking substance on the cucumber variety. The scones are less fluffy and the lemon curd is not what it was, don't get me started on the devon cream. The mini tart plate is still quite nice and the tea is always perfectly brewed but it is not enough for me to be returning.
The decor that was quite charming is now rather sterile and takes away from the overall experience. The lovely individual teapots and pretty teacups are gone, replaced with a more modern and frankly cheaper look. There are lots of double pots and diners at the same table often are asked to share which can be awkward. I also used to look forward to the various pretty pots to be honest.
The service is lackluster and the owner is less than concerned. I have had a few complaints of my own and was met by a rather appalling defensiveness borderlining on hostility. My last visit was particularly bad, I had called ahead and reserved a table yet was told when I sat down we could only have dessert and tea and that we needed to be out in a good fashion.
I cannot describe my utter disappointment with the Sweet Afton. I have been through several owners as well as a building move and celebrated many a milestone with tea and scones at their tables. No more. I can only hope that they sell soon to someone with more love and care.
Jenny's Heart and Soul Food - Belleville, Michigan
I love places like Jenny's. Homey, friendly and tasty. This is the kind of restaurant where you make a friend as well as fill your belly. Jenny is quite a cook and everything in this joint is freshly homemade. Not a heart smart place by any means but well it's soul food and I am rather frightened by the idea of health concious soul food.
The fried chicken is amazing as is her catfish. Both are fried to order when you come in. I am partial to the chicken wings but my husband prefers the thighs and legs. My mother has yet to get anything other than the catfish, which she declares the best in the area. Jenny's ribs are legendary but I would call ahead if you are interested as they will sell out.
Her sides are all incredible and are served in more than generous portions. I love the red beans and rice, true comfort in a bowl. Her greens are tasty and perfect when zipped up with some of the handy hot sauce. The sweet potatoes are the very best I have tasted and I am a sweet potato fan, cinnamony and just a gooey delight. Honestly I have to take so much home because it is impossible to eat everything and I have to say it reheats well.
Her dessert is such a treat. You can take home a homemade sweet potato pie for under 10 bucks and trust me you will not regret it for a moment. Her pound cakes are so melt in your mouth good. I preferred the chocolate while my dad loves the lemony original style. She has white chocolate covered strawberries for a song as well.
One night she gave us samples of her jalapeno poppers with hot sauce and I have been hooked ever since. Try them, they are worth the time on the treadmill.
I have never tasted anything in here that wasn't great. Jenny's is well worth a trip into Belleville, I just adore her.
The fried chicken is amazing as is her catfish. Both are fried to order when you come in. I am partial to the chicken wings but my husband prefers the thighs and legs. My mother has yet to get anything other than the catfish, which she declares the best in the area. Jenny's ribs are legendary but I would call ahead if you are interested as they will sell out.
Her sides are all incredible and are served in more than generous portions. I love the red beans and rice, true comfort in a bowl. Her greens are tasty and perfect when zipped up with some of the handy hot sauce. The sweet potatoes are the very best I have tasted and I am a sweet potato fan, cinnamony and just a gooey delight. Honestly I have to take so much home because it is impossible to eat everything and I have to say it reheats well.
Her dessert is such a treat. You can take home a homemade sweet potato pie for under 10 bucks and trust me you will not regret it for a moment. Her pound cakes are so melt in your mouth good. I preferred the chocolate while my dad loves the lemony original style. She has white chocolate covered strawberries for a song as well.
One night she gave us samples of her jalapeno poppers with hot sauce and I have been hooked ever since. Try them, they are worth the time on the treadmill.
I have never tasted anything in here that wasn't great. Jenny's is well worth a trip into Belleville, I just adore her.
East Side Mario's - Livonia, Michigan
This place is insane. I have never paid full price for two dinners in all the times I have been here. They have coupons in the Entertainment Book for buy one entree get one free and if you join their e-club you will get more of the same on a regular basis. I go here a lot for that reason and the fact that they have Buzztime trivia here which is as addicting as a good coupon bargain. You can find their e-club at www.eastsidemariosusa.com .
The food is good. I have sampled practically the whole menu. The Brushetta is to die for, a thin crusted pesto drenched dream. The Eggplant Parmesan has a cheesy artichoke filler that is just delicious. The *Go Big Or Go Home* Baby Back Ribs are tasty and lean with a sweet yet tangy sauce. The Fajitas are nice with the added melted mozzarella cheese but bland without according to my mother. My husband is a huge fan of the Mulberry Street Connection, a combo plate of lasagna, chicken parm and excellent cheesy tortellini. My father adores the Shrimp Florentine and while it is a bit too much butter for me, I have to agree it is good. The Seafood Linguine is more my speed, with good mussels and a nice seafood tomato type broth.
The main entrees come with unlimited soup or salad. James loves the Minestrone while I prefer the Italian Wedding Soup, full of tiny meatballs and greens. The salad is a huge bowl and I think it is best with the House Italian dressing. It is full of nice lettuce and veggies including pepperocini. I tend to stick with the salad in the summer but prefer the soup to be honest. You also get unlimited garlic homeloaf which is not so garlicky but is ok and well it is free.
Avoid the Burgers, Coney Island Fish and Chips and very disappointing Linguini Chicken Piccata with a bland gooey sauce. The Rotisserie Chicken was ok but nothing I am anxious to delve into again. The garlic smashed potatoes are dry and again not as garlicky as one would hope.
I have actually had dessert in here gratis after one night with a particularly long wait. The cannoli is ok, the cheesecakes are better in my opinion but frankly I would just skip it altogether. They are big enough to share so that is a plus but I am just not a dessert right after a big meal type girl.
Enjoyable night out at bargathon prices if you look in the right spots, my kind of place for sure.
The food is good. I have sampled practically the whole menu. The Brushetta is to die for, a thin crusted pesto drenched dream. The Eggplant Parmesan has a cheesy artichoke filler that is just delicious. The *Go Big Or Go Home* Baby Back Ribs are tasty and lean with a sweet yet tangy sauce. The Fajitas are nice with the added melted mozzarella cheese but bland without according to my mother. My husband is a huge fan of the Mulberry Street Connection, a combo plate of lasagna, chicken parm and excellent cheesy tortellini. My father adores the Shrimp Florentine and while it is a bit too much butter for me, I have to agree it is good. The Seafood Linguine is more my speed, with good mussels and a nice seafood tomato type broth.
The main entrees come with unlimited soup or salad. James loves the Minestrone while I prefer the Italian Wedding Soup, full of tiny meatballs and greens. The salad is a huge bowl and I think it is best with the House Italian dressing. It is full of nice lettuce and veggies including pepperocini. I tend to stick with the salad in the summer but prefer the soup to be honest. You also get unlimited garlic homeloaf which is not so garlicky but is ok and well it is free.
Avoid the Burgers, Coney Island Fish and Chips and very disappointing Linguini Chicken Piccata with a bland gooey sauce. The Rotisserie Chicken was ok but nothing I am anxious to delve into again. The garlic smashed potatoes are dry and again not as garlicky as one would hope.
I have actually had dessert in here gratis after one night with a particularly long wait. The cannoli is ok, the cheesecakes are better in my opinion but frankly I would just skip it altogether. They are big enough to share so that is a plus but I am just not a dessert right after a big meal type girl.
Enjoyable night out at bargathon prices if you look in the right spots, my kind of place for sure.
Fortune Buffet - Livonia, Michigan
Ugh, I know, buffets. I am not a fan of the buffet as a general rule but the Fortune Buffet is an exception to the rule. This place was discovered after finding a coupon in the Free Press, which they run periodically, for ten percent off. You can also find one online all the time here: http://www.saveoneverything.com/moreinfo.php?advertiser_code=7345248383
I must confess I am greatly swayed by sushi. Here it is all you can eat and well that will make me visit happily. It is surprisingly well done. Talk to the sushi chef and he will make your favorites. He knows me on sight now and makes spicy tuna rolls, all kinds of salmon rolls, philly rolls and various eel concoctions whenever I am there. It is very nicely done and fresh, you can watch as he creates new the whole time you are there. It is not the top shelf of sushi but I still quite enjoy it and it is amazingly good for a buffet.
My mother loves the Mongolian style BBQ in back, where they will make fresh stir fries to your taste. I have tried these but feel they take up too much valuable sushi space in my stomach to really explore much. It is similar quality to the many Mongolian type BBQs I have sampled in the area and comes with the rest of the buffet as well so if you are into creating stir fries this may be the place for you.
They have four buffet tables, all with excellent choices. Selection varies but there is always something nice to be found. The Salt and Pepper Calamari is crunchy and good. The Peanut Butter Chicken is very nice. I like the salmon when they have it, right off the bone. I am fond of the dumpling fillings but skip the often tough skin. The Walnut Shrimp is quite delightful and is a favorite of my dad. He is also fond of the all you can eat crab legs but I am not, as I am not a snow crab devotee at all.
The desserts are something quite hit or miss. I love the almond Jell-O and the bananas in the strange orange sauce but avoid any of the more traditional looking cookies and whatnot. The ice cream is oddly icy and the sweets are just needing a bit more sugar or something. The fresh fruits are a very nice option and the oranges always seem to be perfect here.
Overall this is an excellent value. If you love sushi then you will be more than well taken care of.
I must confess I am greatly swayed by sushi. Here it is all you can eat and well that will make me visit happily. It is surprisingly well done. Talk to the sushi chef and he will make your favorites. He knows me on sight now and makes spicy tuna rolls, all kinds of salmon rolls, philly rolls and various eel concoctions whenever I am there. It is very nicely done and fresh, you can watch as he creates new the whole time you are there. It is not the top shelf of sushi but I still quite enjoy it and it is amazingly good for a buffet.
My mother loves the Mongolian style BBQ in back, where they will make fresh stir fries to your taste. I have tried these but feel they take up too much valuable sushi space in my stomach to really explore much. It is similar quality to the many Mongolian type BBQs I have sampled in the area and comes with the rest of the buffet as well so if you are into creating stir fries this may be the place for you.
They have four buffet tables, all with excellent choices. Selection varies but there is always something nice to be found. The Salt and Pepper Calamari is crunchy and good. The Peanut Butter Chicken is very nice. I like the salmon when they have it, right off the bone. I am fond of the dumpling fillings but skip the often tough skin. The Walnut Shrimp is quite delightful and is a favorite of my dad. He is also fond of the all you can eat crab legs but I am not, as I am not a snow crab devotee at all.
The desserts are something quite hit or miss. I love the almond Jell-O and the bananas in the strange orange sauce but avoid any of the more traditional looking cookies and whatnot. The ice cream is oddly icy and the sweets are just needing a bit more sugar or something. The fresh fruits are a very nice option and the oranges always seem to be perfect here.
Overall this is an excellent value. If you love sushi then you will be more than well taken care of.
Harvest Moon Cafe - Ypsilanti, Michigan
I wandered into the Harvest Moon after finding them in Menu magazine and looking at their website. They have Thanksgiving dinner all year round aka Turkey dinner. They also specialize in something they call "Meatloaf Of The Gods", but I chose instead to sample the breakfast fare.
I am very picky about omelets. I like my eggs fluffy and here they promised a souffle style with 3 eggs so of course I had to try it. I had the Mediterranean which had gyro meat, spinach, onions and feta cheese. I substituted tomatoes for the spinach though. The omelet was excellent, stuffed with so much feta and just cooked to perfection. I ordered rye toast which came with a little paper cup of a quite nice strawberry jam. The american fries are a bit misnamed as they are definitely more of the hash brown variety. Mine were undercooked and underseasoned and could have used a bit of onion to liven them up.
My mother had the Through The Garden omelet. It came with onions, mushrooms, bell pepper, tomatoes, potatoes and swiss cheese. Her eggs were great but she said the potato filling made it a bit dry. She asked for a side of sour cream and said that improved it quite a bit. She also for some reason ordered onion rings, a healthy portion of lightly battered onions which were indeed delicious. A bit spendy at 4.99 for my cup of tea but again I am a cheapskate.
I love that they have a cinnamon raisin toast option here but would prefer more variety on jelly. The biscuits and gravy looked tasty as did the Texas style french toast. I saw a Country Skillet that looked great I may try on another visit. I will not be trying the Corned Beef Hash which was revealed to be of the canned variety which is most disappointing.
Overall we were happy with the restaurant, the service was fine but I would have been a bit happier with some friendly banter. It has the look of a mom and pop place but none of the real warmth and charm. The prices are reasonable and the portions quite generous, it is conveniently located next to my bargathon palace Sam's Club so I will no doubt be stopping back in.
Part 2- The next visit, Sunday evening
I returned to the Harvest Moon for dinner with my parents. I have to say the evening waitstaff is excellent. Friendly, informative and great at the business of waitressing (a vastly underrated art in my opinion). Tonight I got the mom and pop feel I that was missing on my prior visit.
My dad ordered the Thanksgiving feast and adored it. A hearty portion of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn and cranberry sauce. He couldn't eat it all but had fun trying. It came with soup and he chose a tomato based soup with orzo, turkey and veggies. I had a bite and was hooked.
My mother got the fish and chips with her fave onion rings substituted for fries for a mere 1.49 more. The portion was as big as the appetizer basket she had at breakfast. She also had three nice pieces of cod on her plate. The fish came with soup as well and she had the same as my father. She couldn't begin to eat it all.
I went for the All American Club. It comes on white toast but they substituted multigrain without a blink at my request. It comes with turkey (the good stuff), ham, crispy bacon, swiss and american cheeses, lettuce, tomato and mayo. You also get your choice of fries, cole slaw or a cup of soup. The fries are steak fries with skins on the edges and are quite tasty but I still regretted not getting the soup. The sandwich and fries were so generous I could only eat half the club and ended up with a very nice portion for James to have after he got off work.
After observing the Hill of Corn Fritters we were unable to resist ordering a batch of our own. So good, full of ripe corn and served with honey mustard as well as warm maple syrup to dip into. I prefered the honey mustard while my parents loved the maple. Evilly delicious, that is all I can say.
The meals came with homemade bread that was really great, soft with a nice crust. They also provide crackers and breadsticks. When our bread was gone they brought us more and refills on drinks to boot. I really like the iced tea here, it tastes homemade.
After this visit I am very happy indeed. The waitresses were full of advice on what was popular as well as what they themselves prefered so I have plenty of ideas for next time and can't wait to return.
I am very picky about omelets. I like my eggs fluffy and here they promised a souffle style with 3 eggs so of course I had to try it. I had the Mediterranean which had gyro meat, spinach, onions and feta cheese. I substituted tomatoes for the spinach though. The omelet was excellent, stuffed with so much feta and just cooked to perfection. I ordered rye toast which came with a little paper cup of a quite nice strawberry jam. The american fries are a bit misnamed as they are definitely more of the hash brown variety. Mine were undercooked and underseasoned and could have used a bit of onion to liven them up.
My mother had the Through The Garden omelet. It came with onions, mushrooms, bell pepper, tomatoes, potatoes and swiss cheese. Her eggs were great but she said the potato filling made it a bit dry. She asked for a side of sour cream and said that improved it quite a bit. She also for some reason ordered onion rings, a healthy portion of lightly battered onions which were indeed delicious. A bit spendy at 4.99 for my cup of tea but again I am a cheapskate.
I love that they have a cinnamon raisin toast option here but would prefer more variety on jelly. The biscuits and gravy looked tasty as did the Texas style french toast. I saw a Country Skillet that looked great I may try on another visit. I will not be trying the Corned Beef Hash which was revealed to be of the canned variety which is most disappointing.
Overall we were happy with the restaurant, the service was fine but I would have been a bit happier with some friendly banter. It has the look of a mom and pop place but none of the real warmth and charm. The prices are reasonable and the portions quite generous, it is conveniently located next to my bargathon palace Sam's Club so I will no doubt be stopping back in.
Part 2- The next visit, Sunday evening
I returned to the Harvest Moon for dinner with my parents. I have to say the evening waitstaff is excellent. Friendly, informative and great at the business of waitressing (a vastly underrated art in my opinion). Tonight I got the mom and pop feel I that was missing on my prior visit.
My dad ordered the Thanksgiving feast and adored it. A hearty portion of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn and cranberry sauce. He couldn't eat it all but had fun trying. It came with soup and he chose a tomato based soup with orzo, turkey and veggies. I had a bite and was hooked.
My mother got the fish and chips with her fave onion rings substituted for fries for a mere 1.49 more. The portion was as big as the appetizer basket she had at breakfast. She also had three nice pieces of cod on her plate. The fish came with soup as well and she had the same as my father. She couldn't begin to eat it all.
I went for the All American Club. It comes on white toast but they substituted multigrain without a blink at my request. It comes with turkey (the good stuff), ham, crispy bacon, swiss and american cheeses, lettuce, tomato and mayo. You also get your choice of fries, cole slaw or a cup of soup. The fries are steak fries with skins on the edges and are quite tasty but I still regretted not getting the soup. The sandwich and fries were so generous I could only eat half the club and ended up with a very nice portion for James to have after he got off work.
After observing the Hill of Corn Fritters we were unable to resist ordering a batch of our own. So good, full of ripe corn and served with honey mustard as well as warm maple syrup to dip into. I prefered the honey mustard while my parents loved the maple. Evilly delicious, that is all I can say.
The meals came with homemade bread that was really great, soft with a nice crust. They also provide crackers and breadsticks. When our bread was gone they brought us more and refills on drinks to boot. I really like the iced tea here, it tastes homemade.
After this visit I am very happy indeed. The waitresses were full of advice on what was popular as well as what they themselves prefered so I have plenty of ideas for next time and can't wait to return.
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Melting Pot - Novi, Michigan
First off I have to say that this place's prices make me cringe. I wanted to come here for the longest time but my cheap little heart just could not justify the expense. That being said, I really enjoyed my visit but will not soon return.
For my birthday my husband took me to the Melting Pot. Just so I would not go apoplexic at the prices he found a coupon in the Entertainment Book. The ten dollars off made a very tiny dint in the bill but enough that I did not suffer from tachycardia, merely some minor hyperventilation.
We decided since it was all fairly expensive we might as well go whole hog and get The Big Night Out, picking the Fondue Fusion variety as it had a very good selection of all types of meat and seafood. Negotiating selections for cheese, cooking style and dessert fondue was quite tricky with James. We are quite opposite in taste. Finally we agreed on a dessert fondue and he got to pick the cheese while I won the cooking style selection.
Our cheese selection was of course Cheddar Cheese fondue as it was James who picked. As cheese is his big thing I let him have it. It had a slight zing from the added beer and garlic. They served it with lovely hunks of bread, green apples and assorted veggies. We quickly learned the smaller dips rather than total immersion were the optimal choice for us.
We both chose the Caesar style salads with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, shredded Parmesan cheese, crisp croutons and Parmesan encrusted pine nuts. Very tasty indeed.
The cooking style I chose was Coq Au Vin with fresh herbs, mushrooms, garlic, spices and burgundy wine. It complimented everything but was especially good with the pork dish and the broccoli in my opinion. You cook various raw meats, seafood and veggies by total immersion in the boiling pot and need to time it to make sure it cooks fully. It sounds like work but is actually quite fun and romantic. We ended up feeding each other and exploring the array of tasty sauces. We were less impressed with the beef (which in truth we probably overcooked) and ravioli dishes but the shrimp, lobster, pork, chicken and veggies were quite nice.
Dinner is leisurely and staff is very helpful and friendly. The intimate booth helps with romantic privacy and we thoroughly enjoyed feeling like we were the only ones there on a busy Sweetest Day night. It gave us a chance to talk and really enjoy the food together. They have a lot of very tasty looking drinks and push wine a bit (I try not to look at the prices much less drink it) but resist as it is all quite spendy (9 dollars for the average menu drink). We were quite happy with water and pop.
The best part of the Melting Pot is the dessert fondue. We decided on the Flaming Turtle. Oh my goodness it was heaven on a stick. With items for dipping like strawberries, bananas, marshmallow, biscotti, cheesecake, pound cake and brownie to dip you will be utterly happy. They are rather skimpy on portions here which was sad but not enough to diminish the sweetness of the experience.
Bottom line it was enjoyable but definitely not affordable, at least in my bracket. Special occasions only.
For my birthday my husband took me to the Melting Pot. Just so I would not go apoplexic at the prices he found a coupon in the Entertainment Book. The ten dollars off made a very tiny dint in the bill but enough that I did not suffer from tachycardia, merely some minor hyperventilation.
We decided since it was all fairly expensive we might as well go whole hog and get The Big Night Out, picking the Fondue Fusion variety as it had a very good selection of all types of meat and seafood. Negotiating selections for cheese, cooking style and dessert fondue was quite tricky with James. We are quite opposite in taste. Finally we agreed on a dessert fondue and he got to pick the cheese while I won the cooking style selection.
Our cheese selection was of course Cheddar Cheese fondue as it was James who picked. As cheese is his big thing I let him have it. It had a slight zing from the added beer and garlic. They served it with lovely hunks of bread, green apples and assorted veggies. We quickly learned the smaller dips rather than total immersion were the optimal choice for us.
We both chose the Caesar style salads with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, shredded Parmesan cheese, crisp croutons and Parmesan encrusted pine nuts. Very tasty indeed.
The cooking style I chose was Coq Au Vin with fresh herbs, mushrooms, garlic, spices and burgundy wine. It complimented everything but was especially good with the pork dish and the broccoli in my opinion. You cook various raw meats, seafood and veggies by total immersion in the boiling pot and need to time it to make sure it cooks fully. It sounds like work but is actually quite fun and romantic. We ended up feeding each other and exploring the array of tasty sauces. We were less impressed with the beef (which in truth we probably overcooked) and ravioli dishes but the shrimp, lobster, pork, chicken and veggies were quite nice.
Dinner is leisurely and staff is very helpful and friendly. The intimate booth helps with romantic privacy and we thoroughly enjoyed feeling like we were the only ones there on a busy Sweetest Day night. It gave us a chance to talk and really enjoy the food together. They have a lot of very tasty looking drinks and push wine a bit (I try not to look at the prices much less drink it) but resist as it is all quite spendy (9 dollars for the average menu drink). We were quite happy with water and pop.
The best part of the Melting Pot is the dessert fondue. We decided on the Flaming Turtle. Oh my goodness it was heaven on a stick. With items for dipping like strawberries, bananas, marshmallow, biscotti, cheesecake, pound cake and brownie to dip you will be utterly happy. They are rather skimpy on portions here which was sad but not enough to diminish the sweetness of the experience.
Bottom line it was enjoyable but definitely not affordable, at least in my bracket. Special occasions only.
Harmonie Way - Detroit, Michigan
I work downtown and absolutely adore it. One of the best parts of the city is the little mom and pop hole-in-the-wall places like Harmonie Way. A friendly, unassuming place that offers up fresh food from the heart at reasonable prices.
Harmonie Way specializes in middle eastern fare. They have delicious hummus, tabbouli, grape leaves, falafel and fattoush. Surprisingly they also offer lovely heaping platters of fish such as salmon croquettes and whiting filets. My favorite bargain lunch here is the small tabbouli salad with grilled chicken and a side of garlic sauce they include free if you ask. It is served with either one or two pieces of pita bread depending on how many you want. All this fresh and healthiness for a mere five bucks and it will indeed fill you up. The chicken schwarma pita is an super popular selection every time I am in there but I am hooked on the salads and hummus.
For those less health concious the cheeseburger and fries are a mere 3.99 and quite popular with my coworkers, I cannot vouch for the burger but the coated fries were crispy and uniquely tasty when I sampled some from a friend.
The owner is wonderful, very sweet as is the cook. They remember you if you come in frequently and no matter how busy they are they are always patient with everyone, often throwing in things if they feel your wait was a bit too long.
There is quite a beverage selection, including Arizona brands as well as the downtown fave Ginseng Up in assorted flavors. I am so happy they now carry a diet root beer which started after I commented on a lack of sugar free variety. That is just the kind of thing you love about a place like this, they really listen to and care about what a customer is looking for.
Harmonie Way specializes in middle eastern fare. They have delicious hummus, tabbouli, grape leaves, falafel and fattoush. Surprisingly they also offer lovely heaping platters of fish such as salmon croquettes and whiting filets. My favorite bargain lunch here is the small tabbouli salad with grilled chicken and a side of garlic sauce they include free if you ask. It is served with either one or two pieces of pita bread depending on how many you want. All this fresh and healthiness for a mere five bucks and it will indeed fill you up. The chicken schwarma pita is an super popular selection every time I am in there but I am hooked on the salads and hummus.
For those less health concious the cheeseburger and fries are a mere 3.99 and quite popular with my coworkers, I cannot vouch for the burger but the coated fries were crispy and uniquely tasty when I sampled some from a friend.
The owner is wonderful, very sweet as is the cook. They remember you if you come in frequently and no matter how busy they are they are always patient with everyone, often throwing in things if they feel your wait was a bit too long.
There is quite a beverage selection, including Arizona brands as well as the downtown fave Ginseng Up in assorted flavors. I am so happy they now carry a diet root beer which started after I commented on a lack of sugar free variety. That is just the kind of thing you love about a place like this, they really listen to and care about what a customer is looking for.
Pei Wei Asian Diner- Novi, Michigan
I have to confess that I have long loved the uber overpriced PF Chang's. I will go there but after feel quite nauseous at what I have spent. The story of my life, I love good food but loathe paying for it.
Happiness has arrived in Novi with Pei Wei. Owned by PF Chang's, it is a casual version a'la Qdoba or Noodles and Company. You place your order at the cash register and they bring it to your self selected table after you get your own drink, napkins and utensils. If you are me you also grab all the condiments to experiment with.
The menu is not as extensive as Chang's but offers many of the favorites. The Minced Chicken in Cool Lettuce Wraps are identical to Chang's as is the Kung Pao Shrimp which is my husband's favorite Asian dish of all time. You can get the excellent brown rice with it too as well as having a white rice option. The Crab Wontons are swimming in a tasty sauce yet stay crispy on the outside with a delicious creamy middle. I utterly adored the giant bowl of moist Fried Rice with big slices of tender chicken and plenty of veggies, at only 6.75 it could easily feed two people if you got an appetizer too. I am normally not a fried rice fan either.
The Pei Wei Spicy chicken was okay but did not live up to the spicy at all. The snap peas and carrot made me quite happy though, still crunchy and made just the way I like it. The Spring Rolls were fine but I would not get them again as they were the weakest part of our experience.
They had two teas, a chai and a green tea with mandarin. I had a very icy green tea decorated with the available lemon and orange wedges and fell in love. Refreshing and summery, it cooled off any heat from the food or the July afternoon.
Needless to say we will be back. My husband is so very picky about Asian and has limited me on how often I can pick it but volunteered to return to this bargain haven of Kung Pao James bliss the very next weekend. I am happy indeed.
Happiness has arrived in Novi with Pei Wei. Owned by PF Chang's, it is a casual version a'la Qdoba or Noodles and Company. You place your order at the cash register and they bring it to your self selected table after you get your own drink, napkins and utensils. If you are me you also grab all the condiments to experiment with.
The menu is not as extensive as Chang's but offers many of the favorites. The Minced Chicken in Cool Lettuce Wraps are identical to Chang's as is the Kung Pao Shrimp which is my husband's favorite Asian dish of all time. You can get the excellent brown rice with it too as well as having a white rice option. The Crab Wontons are swimming in a tasty sauce yet stay crispy on the outside with a delicious creamy middle. I utterly adored the giant bowl of moist Fried Rice with big slices of tender chicken and plenty of veggies, at only 6.75 it could easily feed two people if you got an appetizer too. I am normally not a fried rice fan either.
The Pei Wei Spicy chicken was okay but did not live up to the spicy at all. The snap peas and carrot made me quite happy though, still crunchy and made just the way I like it. The Spring Rolls were fine but I would not get them again as they were the weakest part of our experience.
They had two teas, a chai and a green tea with mandarin. I had a very icy green tea decorated with the available lemon and orange wedges and fell in love. Refreshing and summery, it cooled off any heat from the food or the July afternoon.
Needless to say we will be back. My husband is so very picky about Asian and has limited me on how often I can pick it but volunteered to return to this bargain haven of Kung Pao James bliss the very next weekend. I am happy indeed.
Ahmo's Gyros and Deli- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ahmo's advertises itself as the best Gyros in the area. The claim is not far off the mark. There was a coupon in the Clipper magazine for 3 Gyros for 10.99 that I was unable to resist so I visited the Ahmo's on Stone School Road with my parents.
I was not impressed with the interior at all, it is vaguely like a casual restaurant planted in the middle of a gas station convenience store. The plus side is you can conceivably have any beverage you ever imagined with your meal as it can be found in the numerous refrigerator cases. The tables were fine and the chairs comfy but the resulting ambiance was considerably declasse.
The food was surprisingly fresh and tasty. My father and I had the original Gyro which was lovely. The cucumber sauce was too thin but very flavorful. There was plenty of meat and there seemed to be quite nice tomatoes and onion on it, not too many so you really noticed the lamb and beef flavors. The pita was puffy and beautifully warm. They also have a Fiesty Gyro which is the same but with added spicy style feta cheese. My mother ate the Ahmo's Gyro which included chicken and lettuce to the original but used a garlic dressing rather than cucumber sauce, she really liked it.
The greek salad was full of super fresh lettuce, clearly not out of a bag. The dressing was quite zesty rather than the sweet dressing which you find a lot of places. I was disappointed with the veggie selection in that there was not a beet to be seen but the olives were excellent and there was a ton of delicious feta cheese.
They have some great looking and reasonably priced combos that I will be returning to sample, including a hummus with meat, rice, pita and salad for 7.99.
If you are not looking for atmosphere but rather a quick bite with some healthier options (not that I took advantage) then Ahmo's may be the place for you. They have three locations, all in Ann Arbor.
I was not impressed with the interior at all, it is vaguely like a casual restaurant planted in the middle of a gas station convenience store. The plus side is you can conceivably have any beverage you ever imagined with your meal as it can be found in the numerous refrigerator cases. The tables were fine and the chairs comfy but the resulting ambiance was considerably declasse.
The food was surprisingly fresh and tasty. My father and I had the original Gyro which was lovely. The cucumber sauce was too thin but very flavorful. There was plenty of meat and there seemed to be quite nice tomatoes and onion on it, not too many so you really noticed the lamb and beef flavors. The pita was puffy and beautifully warm. They also have a Fiesty Gyro which is the same but with added spicy style feta cheese. My mother ate the Ahmo's Gyro which included chicken and lettuce to the original but used a garlic dressing rather than cucumber sauce, she really liked it.
The greek salad was full of super fresh lettuce, clearly not out of a bag. The dressing was quite zesty rather than the sweet dressing which you find a lot of places. I was disappointed with the veggie selection in that there was not a beet to be seen but the olives were excellent and there was a ton of delicious feta cheese.
They have some great looking and reasonably priced combos that I will be returning to sample, including a hummus with meat, rice, pita and salad for 7.99.
If you are not looking for atmosphere but rather a quick bite with some healthier options (not that I took advantage) then Ahmo's may be the place for you. They have three locations, all in Ann Arbor.
Sushi Nara - Ann Arbor, Michigan
On the corner of Packard and Ellsworth you can find this unassuming sushi shop in a strip mall. They are the home to the only sushi conveyor belt in Michigan, perhaps in the upper midwest.
I visited this place with my fellow sushi enthusiast, my mom. We had excellent coupons from the Clipper magazine and decided to give it a whirl. You can find you own ten percent off coupon online here: http://annarbor.suddenvalues.com/sudden/values/list.cfm .
I immediately fell in love with this restaurant. The waitress alone was worth a return trip, she was beyond pleasant and really made us feel comfortable. On subsequent trips we have become very friendly, they had several coupons and frankly we have really enjoyed it. The place has a wonderful, calming atmosphere and is a great summer oasis. Watching the sushi go by is fun and a nice chance to look before you decide. The green tea is lovely and hot. They refill often and are very helpful about clearing as you go as well.
The best thing hands down about Sushi Nara is the Chirashi and the Hwe Dup-Bob. The Chirashi is like a giantic unwrapped sushi roll in a bowl with lettuce. Sounds odd, tastes excellent, particularly with a little wasabi and soy sauce. The fish is so fresh, I really adored the egg and the octopus slices too. There are assorted veggies for good crunch as well. It is easily the perfect summer meal. My mom really loves the Hwe Dup-Bob, which is very similar with a sesame oil and spicy sauce. If you like sushi you will be very satisfied, it is well worth the full price and I do not say that lightly.
We have tried the conveyor belt items and liked some above the others but really none compared to the lovely bowls of fresh fish. The price is great at 2.50 a plate though, it makes experimenting awfully tempting.
If you are looking for a nice quiet place with fresh fun food served by friendly people, you cannot go wrong with Sushi Nara.
I visited this place with my fellow sushi enthusiast, my mom. We had excellent coupons from the Clipper magazine and decided to give it a whirl. You can find you own ten percent off coupon online here: http://annarbor.suddenvalues.com/sudden/values/list.cfm .
I immediately fell in love with this restaurant. The waitress alone was worth a return trip, she was beyond pleasant and really made us feel comfortable. On subsequent trips we have become very friendly, they had several coupons and frankly we have really enjoyed it. The place has a wonderful, calming atmosphere and is a great summer oasis. Watching the sushi go by is fun and a nice chance to look before you decide. The green tea is lovely and hot. They refill often and are very helpful about clearing as you go as well.
The best thing hands down about Sushi Nara is the Chirashi and the Hwe Dup-Bob. The Chirashi is like a giantic unwrapped sushi roll in a bowl with lettuce. Sounds odd, tastes excellent, particularly with a little wasabi and soy sauce. The fish is so fresh, I really adored the egg and the octopus slices too. There are assorted veggies for good crunch as well. It is easily the perfect summer meal. My mom really loves the Hwe Dup-Bob, which is very similar with a sesame oil and spicy sauce. If you like sushi you will be very satisfied, it is well worth the full price and I do not say that lightly.
We have tried the conveyor belt items and liked some above the others but really none compared to the lovely bowls of fresh fish. The price is great at 2.50 a plate though, it makes experimenting awfully tempting.
If you are looking for a nice quiet place with fresh fun food served by friendly people, you cannot go wrong with Sushi Nara.
Birthday festival of freebies
Ok all of you need to know I am a cheapskate. I do love a good bargain! One of my fave bargains is the restaurant coupon as James and I love eating out and it can be very spendy. I usually join e-clubs at restaurants as they will send you news of specials and coupons at various points during the year. We have gotten so many birthday freebie offers for James recently it is not even funny. I thought I would share some with you in case you are interested in some freebies. These are all in my metro Detroit/Ann Arbor area, hopefully you can find them in your area too, if anyone has others feel free to comment.
Steak and Ale- 10 dollars off a meal
Red Robin- Free burger or sandwich
Coldstone Creamery- Free *love it* sized ice cream of choice
Dairy Queen- free blizzard of choice
Qdoba- Free burrito
Bennigans- free entree with purchase of another
Logans Roadhouse- free dessert
Culvers- 2 scoop sundae with purchase of another
BDs Mongolian BBQ- Free stir fry with purchase of another stirfry
Famous Daves BBQ- prize varies but last year I got a free feast for 4 worth 65 bucks!
Damon's- Free meal with purchase of another
Pizzeria UNO- 10 bucks off 25 purchase
Joes Crab Shack- free appetizer
The Melting Pot- free chocolate fondue
Macaroni Grill- free appetizer and dessert (we just signed up though)
Ruby Tuesday- free dessert
Arby's - Free roast beef sandwich
Friends dining club (Muer Restaurants) - 40% off a meal for up to four
Baileys or Fox and Hound- free entree with purchase
Don Pablos- 10 bucks off a meal
Red Lobster- 5 dollars off two entrees
O'Charleys- 5 dollars off of twenty
Champps - Free Mile High Ice Cream Dessert
Buffalo Wild Wings- Free dessert
East Side Marios- Free dinner when you buy one
If any of these are by you and you are cheap like us then sign up for the e-club! I always sign up, even if I only visit a few times.
Steak and Ale- 10 dollars off a meal
Red Robin- Free burger or sandwich
Coldstone Creamery- Free *love it* sized ice cream of choice
Dairy Queen- free blizzard of choice
Qdoba- Free burrito
Bennigans- free entree with purchase of another
Logans Roadhouse- free dessert
Culvers- 2 scoop sundae with purchase of another
BDs Mongolian BBQ- Free stir fry with purchase of another stirfry
Famous Daves BBQ- prize varies but last year I got a free feast for 4 worth 65 bucks!
Damon's- Free meal with purchase of another
Pizzeria UNO- 10 bucks off 25 purchase
Joes Crab Shack- free appetizer
The Melting Pot- free chocolate fondue
Macaroni Grill- free appetizer and dessert (we just signed up though)
Ruby Tuesday- free dessert
Arby's - Free roast beef sandwich
Friends dining club (Muer Restaurants) - 40% off a meal for up to four
Baileys or Fox and Hound- free entree with purchase
Don Pablos- 10 bucks off a meal
Red Lobster- 5 dollars off two entrees
O'Charleys- 5 dollars off of twenty
Champps - Free Mile High Ice Cream Dessert
Buffalo Wild Wings- Free dessert
East Side Marios- Free dinner when you buy one
If any of these are by you and you are cheap like us then sign up for the e-club! I always sign up, even if I only visit a few times.
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