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.
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