Overrated. Decent food, slow but courteous service. Lush drinks that were to die for. We took home souvenir mugs and I'd have to say that was the best part.
Bought the mugs, don't need to go back.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
EL TORITO, Monterey
Best Mexican food I've ever had. And I've had some good ones. I ordered Steak and Shrimp fajitas. Delicious!! Never had any mexican this good before. Hubby loved his, and child liked his as well.
And it was oceanside to boot. We enjoyed watching the harbor seals veg out on the rocks below. Right down the street from Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. Definitely must go!
And it was oceanside to boot. We enjoyed watching the harbor seals veg out on the rocks below. Right down the street from Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. Definitely must go!
STEAKHOUSE at the Peppermill, Reno
Wow. What a wonderful experience this was.
Great private booth settings. Our waiter was wonderful. He moved my silverware around to accomodate where I was sitting! Totally felt waited on! Wonderful apps. Great breads and spreads. Lobster Bisque to die for. Top notch steak/potatoes/veggies and deserts. But he forgot our salads. He honestly had a 10 for service until that moment. We were so full though, we couldn't have made room for salad if we tried.
Loved the meal - definitely in my Top 5 dinners ever.
Others you may ask:
PF Changs, Vegas
Ricardo's, Lacey
Metropolitan Grill, Seattle
El Torito, Monterey
Great private booth settings. Our waiter was wonderful. He moved my silverware around to accomodate where I was sitting! Totally felt waited on! Wonderful apps. Great breads and spreads. Lobster Bisque to die for. Top notch steak/potatoes/veggies and deserts. But he forgot our salads. He honestly had a 10 for service until that moment. We were so full though, we couldn't have made room for salad if we tried.
Loved the meal - definitely in my Top 5 dinners ever.
Others you may ask:
PF Changs, Vegas
Ricardo's, Lacey
Metropolitan Grill, Seattle
El Torito, Monterey
ANTHONY'S HEARTHFIRE GRILL, Olympia
It's Anthony's spin-off restaurant. They took over where Genoa's used to be on the water. Great location and ambience inside and out. Accoustics a bit noisy on the inside, so we opted for table outside. Wonderful setting. Quiet and peaceful. Service a bit slow, but didn't matter as we relaxed with the views.
Food was good, not great, but good. Poor choices for kids menu, either that, or my son ordered the wrong thing. My strawberry daiquiri was terrible. They brought me another one, just as bad. It tasted like an unflavored, but strawberry colored slushi. Would have appreciated better service.
Would go back, but don't expect service or menu like original Anthony's. If you want something different, try this one, but if you want authentic Anthony's, go back to the other one.
Food was good, not great, but good. Poor choices for kids menu, either that, or my son ordered the wrong thing. My strawberry daiquiri was terrible. They brought me another one, just as bad. It tasted like an unflavored, but strawberry colored slushi. Would have appreciated better service.
Would go back, but don't expect service or menu like original Anthony's. If you want something different, try this one, but if you want authentic Anthony's, go back to the other one.
CLUBSIDE CAFE, Olympia
I admit I found this place a little too late. I knew about it, but delayed going. Darn.
Wonderful food, good service, diner setting. Have been a couple times now. Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches are yummo! Very authentic. But word on the street is they are filing bankruptcy and have cut back hours dramatically. If you can still get in for lunch - you'll enjoy. Haven't tried their breakfasts yet, but need to do it soon, just in case they leave!
Wonderful food, good service, diner setting. Have been a couple times now. Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches are yummo! Very authentic. But word on the street is they are filing bankruptcy and have cut back hours dramatically. If you can still get in for lunch - you'll enjoy. Haven't tried their breakfasts yet, but need to do it soon, just in case they leave!
JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE, Lacey
Yummy!!! This saves us a 40 minute drive to Sakura every two months or so.
The setting is classy and nice. Chefs are funny, entertaining, good at what they do, and best of all - make great food. The sauces are different from Sakura's, but very likable.
Setting, food, service - all great. Definitely a great place to go for a night out, birthday, anniversary, or just to enjoy a good meal! Finally, a good restaurant, close to home!
The setting is classy and nice. Chefs are funny, entertaining, good at what they do, and best of all - make great food. The sauces are different from Sakura's, but very likable.
Setting, food, service - all great. Definitely a great place to go for a night out, birthday, anniversary, or just to enjoy a good meal! Finally, a good restaurant, close to home!
Friday, April 13, 2007
SAIGON RENDEZ-VOUS, Olympia
We are taking Saigon Rendez-Vous off our list of recommendations for Chinese food in Oly. We had been there about 3-4 times in the past, but on Tuesday, it was probably the worst food I've had in a LONG time.
Something was wrong with the pork in their rice. It looked all dried and shriveled up, tasted awful, and we're thankful we didn't eat enough of it to get food poisoning. Nothing was good. Sweet and sour sauce was rancid.
I won't go on and on. Just don't eat there.
Something was wrong with the pork in their rice. It looked all dried and shriveled up, tasted awful, and we're thankful we didn't eat enough of it to get food poisoning. Nothing was good. Sweet and sour sauce was rancid.
I won't go on and on. Just don't eat there.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
HONG KONG Restaurant, Tacoma
Awesome Chinese food. Yes, my family and I drive all the way to Tacoma for Chinese food. We can't find anything good in town! We found this one on a fluke - after running errands all day, we were starving for lunch, and this had a few cars parked out front (good sign) so we stopped. If it wasn't the best we've had in a LONG time!
So we went Saturday night for early dinner. First of all, ambience is what a Chinese food restaurant should be. Chinese calendar for placemats, big fish in tank in the lobby, and ornate decorations and ceiling tiles.
Food is awesome. We highly recommend Dinner D, subbing Almond Ming for Almond Fried Chicken. Our meal was truly one of our best there. Dinner D includes pan fried potstickers, we side order their BBQ Pork (so tender), and their egg rolls are huge, crispy and are served with yummy sweet sauce. My mongolian beef was the best ever, almond fried chicken was right on, and sweet and sour pork was perfect. Soup was good too.
Next time you're driving thru, call them and get take out if you don't have time to stop. Well worth it!
So we went Saturday night for early dinner. First of all, ambience is what a Chinese food restaurant should be. Chinese calendar for placemats, big fish in tank in the lobby, and ornate decorations and ceiling tiles.
Food is awesome. We highly recommend Dinner D, subbing Almond Ming for Almond Fried Chicken. Our meal was truly one of our best there. Dinner D includes pan fried potstickers, we side order their BBQ Pork (so tender), and their egg rolls are huge, crispy and are served with yummy sweet sauce. My mongolian beef was the best ever, almond fried chicken was right on, and sweet and sour pork was perfect. Soup was good too.
Next time you're driving thru, call them and get take out if you don't have time to stop. Well worth it!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
RICARDO'S, Lacey
A restaurant in Lacey that makes you go WOW! They are so good.
When you first pull up, off Lacey Blvd., it's hard to expect much from what looks like a single story rambler. But boy do looks deceive!
The ambience inside is very inviting, peaceful and mature. Not for the little ones. It's a little cramped, but the wonderful service makes that almost unnoticable. The wait staff is attentive, professional, and very attentive - making you feel like you're the only ones there.
We've frequented this establishment maybe half a dozen times, and all but once, did they live up to their own standard time and time again.
You start off with some wonderful homebread bread (which the owner suggested was great for French Toast the next day). I can highly recommend their salads, flavorful bisques, wonderful crab cakes, and the desserts are homemade and to die for. We thoroughly enjoy the "Big Pappa" or the Stuffed Pork Chop - both so heavenly with their taste, sauces and presentation.
Hands down, the best food in Lacey! Give 'em a try!!
www.chefricardos.com
When you first pull up, off Lacey Blvd., it's hard to expect much from what looks like a single story rambler. But boy do looks deceive!
The ambience inside is very inviting, peaceful and mature. Not for the little ones. It's a little cramped, but the wonderful service makes that almost unnoticable. The wait staff is attentive, professional, and very attentive - making you feel like you're the only ones there.
We've frequented this establishment maybe half a dozen times, and all but once, did they live up to their own standard time and time again.
You start off with some wonderful homebread bread (which the owner suggested was great for French Toast the next day). I can highly recommend their salads, flavorful bisques, wonderful crab cakes, and the desserts are homemade and to die for. We thoroughly enjoy the "Big Pappa" or the Stuffed Pork Chop - both so heavenly with their taste, sauces and presentation.
Hands down, the best food in Lacey! Give 'em a try!!
www.chefricardos.com
FALLS TERRACE, Tumwater
My co-eater and I went to Falls Terrace for several special occasions including birthdays, family get-togethers and our pre-wedding dinner was here. Always been great food, wonderful service.
But then something happened. We took an out of town guest there in Winter 2006, and our food and drinks were very sub-par, or below. Service was, well, can I say, lousy. It sucked. I was embarrased compelled to write a letter. The manager was very accomodating and responded with a one page letter to us, and invited us back.
So earlier this month (March 2007), we invited the same out of town guest to accompany us. Wow, what a transformation. The menu was improved, service was wonderful, and food was delicious. From the drinks to the deserts, we enjoyed a wonderful dining experience.
Falls Terrace is definitely back on track and the place to go for ambience, fine dining and good service in Olympia.
Check 'em out at www.fallsterrace.com
But then something happened. We took an out of town guest there in Winter 2006, and our food and drinks were very sub-par, or below. Service was, well, can I say, lousy. It sucked. I was embarrased compelled to write a letter. The manager was very accomodating and responded with a one page letter to us, and invited us back.
So earlier this month (March 2007), we invited the same out of town guest to accompany us. Wow, what a transformation. The menu was improved, service was wonderful, and food was delicious. From the drinks to the deserts, we enjoyed a wonderful dining experience.
Falls Terrace is definitely back on track and the place to go for ambience, fine dining and good service in Olympia.
Check 'em out at www.fallsterrace.com
PINTS & QUARTS, Lacey
Best burger in Lacey! I order the Pints & Quarts burger, with fries, and it is delicious!
My co-eater enjoys the Pub Clubhouse, and ranks it right up there with the Tumwater Valley Bar and Grill in Tumwater. We go here a couple times a month, and the food stays consistant.
Their fries are unique and yummy. Their halibut and chips challenges our favorite in Hoodsport.
It is a bar, so ambience is dark with bar table & stools. Plasma TV's feature ESPN 24/7. Some tables offer cribbage boards too. Quaint and pleasant. Can be very very busy on weekends and nights. I highly suggest lunch time.
Come hungry and with an hour to kill. Their portions are large and service can be slow.
Hint: Order your food when they ask for your drink order.
Prices are very reasonable and food is well worth the wait!
My co-eater enjoys the Pub Clubhouse, and ranks it right up there with the Tumwater Valley Bar and Grill in Tumwater. We go here a couple times a month, and the food stays consistant.
Their fries are unique and yummy. Their halibut and chips challenges our favorite in Hoodsport.
It is a bar, so ambience is dark with bar table & stools. Plasma TV's feature ESPN 24/7. Some tables offer cribbage boards too. Quaint and pleasant. Can be very very busy on weekends and nights. I highly suggest lunch time.
Come hungry and with an hour to kill. Their portions are large and service can be slow.
Hint: Order your food when they ask for your drink order.
Prices are very reasonable and food is well worth the wait!
MERCATO'S, Olympia
This is a great restaurant featuring Italian cuisine. Ambience is very rich in colors and texture, can be a bit noisy, but very entertaining. Outside dining on sunny days is also available. Service is excellent. Expect to use your entire lunch or dinner hour.
They welcome you with their freshly baked flat bread and serve it with a yummy blend of oils.
My favorite dish there is the Chicken Caesar salad. Hands down, the best I've ever had (and I've ordered a few). The croutons are big and crunchy, lettuce is crisp and fresh and the chicken is bland (in a good way), blending well with the dressing and cheese. Soooo good. I get it almost every time!
It's located right across from Farmer's Market, and on a sunny Friday, can be very busy!
Bon Appetit!
Check 'em out at www.mercatoristorante.com
They welcome you with their freshly baked flat bread and serve it with a yummy blend of oils.
My favorite dish there is the Chicken Caesar salad. Hands down, the best I've ever had (and I've ordered a few). The croutons are big and crunchy, lettuce is crisp and fresh and the chicken is bland (in a good way), blending well with the dressing and cheese. Soooo good. I get it almost every time!
It's located right across from Farmer's Market, and on a sunny Friday, can be very busy!
Bon Appetit!
Check 'em out at www.mercatoristorante.com
EL SOL, Lacey
This is a new find! It's been around for about 4 years or so, but it's new to us! It's off Martin Way behind the Chevron station down by Nisqually.
The food was genuine, authentic, Mexican food. I ordered the El Sol Fajitas - a perfect blend of steak, grilled chicken and yummy shrimp mixed with onions and bell peppers. Soooo good!!
My co-eaters had enchiladas in a chipolte sauce, and a chicken enchilada from the kid's menu. Both said they were excellent.
Their service was wonderful. Very polite, accomodating and pleasant. Prices are very competitive and reasonable. They also feature a 50% off one item coupon in the Val-Pak mailings. That's how we found out about them and thought we'd give them a try.
Alcoholic drinks were so yummy! It's hard to believe, but I have yet to find a good strawberry daiquiri in the South Puget Sound area. This was a first!
It's located in a strip mall, so the ambience is very simple. It's family run, and you do get that feeling while you're there. Nice change of pace.
We would give this an A+ and definitely go back.
The food was genuine, authentic, Mexican food. I ordered the El Sol Fajitas - a perfect blend of steak, grilled chicken and yummy shrimp mixed with onions and bell peppers. Soooo good!!
My co-eaters had enchiladas in a chipolte sauce, and a chicken enchilada from the kid's menu. Both said they were excellent.
Their service was wonderful. Very polite, accomodating and pleasant. Prices are very competitive and reasonable. They also feature a 50% off one item coupon in the Val-Pak mailings. That's how we found out about them and thought we'd give them a try.
Alcoholic drinks were so yummy! It's hard to believe, but I have yet to find a good strawberry daiquiri in the South Puget Sound area. This was a first!
It's located in a strip mall, so the ambience is very simple. It's family run, and you do get that feeling while you're there. Nice change of pace.
We would give this an A+ and definitely go back.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)