It was Wednesday night and I was in no mood to cook. My good friend Rick mentioned Chicago Restaurant and I had to try it. It was kind of daunting to have to circumnavigate the construction that was taking place at Shallowford and Johnson's Ferry, but it was worth it. Just walking through the revolving door into the dimly lit cozy atmosphere made me appreciate the drive.
The interior was covered with a hardwood floor, even a raised tier of tables to help isolate some of the diner's from the outlying tables. Each table was lit by its own small lamp, giving a comfortable feel as I slid into the maroon suede backed booth.
I ordered a Bass Ale and a water, which arrived very promptly. For dinner, I ordered a full rack of the "Danish" BBQ ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad with balsamic vinaigrette. The server informed me that Danish ribs are shorter but thicker ribs, so I expected a tiny plate.
The salad arrived first, kudos oh wise and powerful server, and it was delicious. The spring mix lettuce was crisp and fresh, topped with Gorgonzola cheese, tomatoes and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette complete with a fresh baked honey glazed croissant. Impressive.
The ribs arrived next, the full rack was enormous...a very healthy portion and worth the price of admission. The meat practically leaped off the bone and the sauce was a tangy sweet blend of BBQ flavors that was finished with fresh cracked pepper. The smoked flavor of the oh-so-tender meat blended miraculously with the sauce to make a symphony of taste,
The Garlic mashed potatoes were also wonderful. Russet potatoes, chunks of skin still in there, with black pepper and slightly sweet, slightly spicy roasted garlic, heated to perfection. I had asked for a side of au pouivre sauce to taste over the potatoes and just to sample for future reference, and it too was amazing...subtle...flavorful...and only a hint of the peppercorn spice.
I finished my meal with a slice of tiramisu. You know, when a restaurant makes their own desserts, I get kind of concerned about tiramisu because there are so many ways to mess it up. Chicago did it right. It was the perfect balance of creamy mascarpone cheese for sweetness, espresso, kahlua and amaretto with ladyfingers for texture that just sent my mouth on overload. If you are ever in Marietta and want a delightful meal, Chicago awaits you.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Coffee...sandwiches...and all that Jazzman's
Alright, I know this is just another on-campus KSU eatery, but it is worth some mention. Jazzman's cafe in the social sciences building has continuously risen above the standards of the other food establishments in the student center. The staff has always been courteous and quick to help at the counter. The coffee is just so tasty and the food...well, the food is above "school food" standards and deserves some credit.
The sandwiches always have some variety to them, whether it is a buffalo chicken wrap or a chicken pesto sandwich, or even a vegetable hummus wrap. Of those, I enjoyed the buffalo chicken wrap, the crisp tenders slathered in the tangy spicy buffalo sauce with fresh lettuce and creamy ranch dressing really hit the spot.
They make some delicious fresh salads. My favorite is the chicken ramen salad with oriental dressing. Imagine fresh spring mix greens with peanuts, fresh cilantro, grilled chicken, and these ramen noodles drenched in a tangy sweet sesame-ginger dressing that sends the tastebuds soaring. Definitely good stuff.
Compliment any of your food selections with a fresh made pastry, smoothie, or cappuccino and its a winning mix in my opinion.
They open on weekdays at 7:30am and close at 8pm, but only during the school year. The food puts them on the top of the list right next to Hemingwayz in my opinion. Prices range from $3-5 breakfast and $5-7 for lunch/dinner items.
The sandwiches always have some variety to them, whether it is a buffalo chicken wrap or a chicken pesto sandwich, or even a vegetable hummus wrap. Of those, I enjoyed the buffalo chicken wrap, the crisp tenders slathered in the tangy spicy buffalo sauce with fresh lettuce and creamy ranch dressing really hit the spot.
They make some delicious fresh salads. My favorite is the chicken ramen salad with oriental dressing. Imagine fresh spring mix greens with peanuts, fresh cilantro, grilled chicken, and these ramen noodles drenched in a tangy sweet sesame-ginger dressing that sends the tastebuds soaring. Definitely good stuff.
Compliment any of your food selections with a fresh made pastry, smoothie, or cappuccino and its a winning mix in my opinion.
They open on weekdays at 7:30am and close at 8pm, but only during the school year. The food puts them on the top of the list right next to Hemingwayz in my opinion. Prices range from $3-5 breakfast and $5-7 for lunch/dinner items.
Los Reyes...standards just seem so, standard...
Let me begin by saying I want to keep all the Spanish words in this review to a minimum. I have read many reviews, some good some bad, and find myself wincing every time some reviewer finds it necessary to decorate every inch of their article with the language of the ethnic restaurant where they went to eat. This practice is pointless. If you want a feel for the food and the culture, eat at the restaurant then go meet and talk to the people from that country, get to know them. It is a rewarding experience. *Hopping off my soapbox now*
I went to Los Reyes after a long day of classes and tutoring for a beer and a great meal. The exterior and the interior had something in common, they captured the feel of every huge well-funded Mexican restaurant chain I had ever encountered before with unique and colorful decorations. The dining room with dimly lit with a star pattern over the ceiling and a bright mural over the far wall depicting a rural Mexican town and landscape dotted with some symbolic representations of the sun, corn and indigenous Americans. This visual ambiance was complemented with mariachi style music piped in through the sound system.
I ordered a 32oz dos equis beer and the "Bistec Picado Los Reyes", beef tips in a spicy sauce.
The beer as well as the complimentary chips and salsa arrived promptly. The salsa was fresh, mildly spicy and tasted of lime, not bad. The entree arrived within a few minutes on the expected nuclear hot plate that reminded me of my mortality and frailty. The flavor of the steak tips was nice, a light spice comparable to paprika (none at all), but a good combination of garlic, tomato, beef flavor, and onion with a hint of cumin. The accompanying rice was lightly seasoned with tomato and chicken stock. The refried beans were thick, tasty and a good addition. Overall, not bad. The service was okay, I did not get a check back from the server until after I finished eating and it took about 10 minutes for the bill....bad bad server, no cookie. I will not post the location etc as I actually reccomend Calzadore's over Los Reyes.
I went to Los Reyes after a long day of classes and tutoring for a beer and a great meal. The exterior and the interior had something in common, they captured the feel of every huge well-funded Mexican restaurant chain I had ever encountered before with unique and colorful decorations. The dining room with dimly lit with a star pattern over the ceiling and a bright mural over the far wall depicting a rural Mexican town and landscape dotted with some symbolic representations of the sun, corn and indigenous Americans. This visual ambiance was complemented with mariachi style music piped in through the sound system.
I ordered a 32oz dos equis beer and the "Bistec Picado Los Reyes", beef tips in a spicy sauce.
The beer as well as the complimentary chips and salsa arrived promptly. The salsa was fresh, mildly spicy and tasted of lime, not bad. The entree arrived within a few minutes on the expected nuclear hot plate that reminded me of my mortality and frailty. The flavor of the steak tips was nice, a light spice comparable to paprika (none at all), but a good combination of garlic, tomato, beef flavor, and onion with a hint of cumin. The accompanying rice was lightly seasoned with tomato and chicken stock. The refried beans were thick, tasty and a good addition. Overall, not bad. The service was okay, I did not get a check back from the server until after I finished eating and it took about 10 minutes for the bill....bad bad server, no cookie. I will not post the location etc as I actually reccomend Calzadore's over Los Reyes.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Taco-Mac Beer, Burritos and MORE BEER!!
Beer! Glorious beer, so tasty and scrumptious!! *Cough!* So... I went to Taco-Mac in the hopes of a tasty evening meal after work at KSU. The ambiance inside the place is quite the contrast to the form-follows-function exterior. You get the "feel" of a sports bar when you walk in. Numerous TV's dot the walls, neon lights for various beer brands light up the area...then there is the wall of fame. Adorning one wall of this restaurant is a wide assortment of beer taps. Not just one row, but from waist height to ceiling, rows upon rows of beer taps. Above these are plaques for the people who have tasted at least 300 of the varieties of beer they carry. Next to the wall of taps is an equally impressive wall covered with reach-in cooler with every variety of beer you could possibly conceive of and more.
I sat down at the bar in front of this shrine to beer and was greeted immediately by the bartender. I ordered the flying gonzo stout beer, delicious dark brew with a rich body and full flavor that sent my mouth on overload. For food, I ordered a half pound of the boneless chicken wings with habanero bbq sauce. Just before the wings arrived, I ordered the Sweetwatter Happy Ending stout beer, another delicious move. The wings were spicy, tangy, sweet, with a good crunch and a slow burn that lingered until I dipped them in the HOMEMADE ranch dressing.
For dessert, I ordered the chocolate chimichange, a deep fried burrito filled with chocolate, nice flavor. The chocolate was diminished somewhat by frying, but the caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream really brought out the better flavors of the dessert.
Overall, this was a very good meal and I really enjoyed the environment. One a side note, beer connoisseurs-> this place is HEAVEN. They have a four page list of beers to choose from with accurate descriptions and pricing.
I sat down at the bar in front of this shrine to beer and was greeted immediately by the bartender. I ordered the flying gonzo stout beer, delicious dark brew with a rich body and full flavor that sent my mouth on overload. For food, I ordered a half pound of the boneless chicken wings with habanero bbq sauce. Just before the wings arrived, I ordered the Sweetwatter Happy Ending stout beer, another delicious move. The wings were spicy, tangy, sweet, with a good crunch and a slow burn that lingered until I dipped them in the HOMEMADE ranch dressing.
For dessert, I ordered the chocolate chimichange, a deep fried burrito filled with chocolate, nice flavor. The chocolate was diminished somewhat by frying, but the caramel sauce and vanilla bean ice cream really brought out the better flavors of the dessert.
Overall, this was a very good meal and I really enjoyed the environment. One a side note, beer connoisseurs-> this place is HEAVEN. They have a four page list of beers to choose from with accurate descriptions and pricing.
- Location: 600 Chastain Road Kennesaw, GA 30144
- Phone: 770-874-8771
- Website: www.tacomac.com
- Kids menu: small selection, but they have beer for mom and dad.
- Best dish: Habanero BBQ boneless hot wings.
- Price range:$6-$25.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
O'chimpanzee's again? OH HELL NO! HOW REVOLTING
I am breaking from the usual review style format to write about something very pressing and very important to me. For a long time now, I have realized the importance of many approaches when providing customer-service in and out of restaurants. As I write this, my mind races with several blood-boiling questions:
One woman didn't like her Caesar salad because the salmon was overpowering. Another woman sent back her salmon because she never had it before and hated the strong taste. A man remarked that he should have gone with his first choice and ordered a slab of prime rib. How had I, a server, served these people? By dousing them with sales expectations and motivated product placement I gave them what *I* wanted, NOT what they wanted. These people did not have a good experience and it was my fault for doing the job the corporation told me to do. I had prioritized the motivated sales campaign over the guests and left them in the dirt. I had lost any sense of balance between corporate expectations and guest expectations. I had become the commercial.
Why am I telling you about Grady's when the title says something else?
O'Chimpanzee's (name changed to protect the not-so-innocent) has begun a campaign to "revolution"-ize their concept. They are remodeling their restaurants, retraining their crews, and restructuring their approach to be the "best in the class". What does this all mean?
When servers approach their tables they use motivated sales pitches to drive home the products offered into the minds of the guest with an expected 1 in 10 success rate, at what cost? see above. The most frequently used method is something akin to:
"Hey welcome to O'Chimpanzee's. My name is Lamefucktard. You know you could really go for a Banamonkeyslushie. It's delicious and made with fresh bananas. It's so refreshing."
formulaic indeed...you have....name product+describe product+reinforce pleasure from product= stupid billboard sign with an apron.
What is wrong with this approach? Well, according to any corporation seeking to sell a product...nothing. But ask yourself, dear reader, how many times have you heard this pitch? The radio? Television perhaps? On the phone maybe? How about on billboards? Maybe on the sides on trucks as they drive by flipping from one message to the next? What about bathroom walls? Oh and don't forget the coupon dispensers at supermarkets, not to mention commercials during the first 15 minutes of a movie.
Okay, so corporations who own these restaurants want to get the message out...nothing wrong with that. They use TV commercials, radio spots, mail out coupons, even phone surveys with some product placement. The REAL question is, why do people go out to eat?
First, they go out so they can avoid having to cook. Perhaps, they are traveling, moving, or just dog tired and want someone else to cook for them. Not a big deal, walk in sit down and BLAMMO hungry diner's paradise.
Second, they go out to spend time with other people. It's a birthday, anniversary, bridal shower, bachelor party, baby shower, secret romantic rendezvous, two angry spouses out to drink away their dissatisfaction for the loved one left at "home", etc.
Third, They enjoy the food and service of the establishment and just want to patronize a corporation they loyally love and adore because the corporation is so good at dictating exactly what they love and adore. Um, no.....not gonna happen.
In the first case...people are tired and want somewhere to relax and "get away from it all." If you have a server pushing this that or the other on them several times during the experience, how relaxed will they be? That Bananamonkeyslushie will do NOTHING for them, and if you keep pushing it on them...it will get shoved where the sun doesn't shine.
In the second case...people want to talk, to converse, to share meaningful dialog, to express themselves to one another, and to just be around people they care about. If a self-righteous overly aggressive company formulated Bananamonkeyslushie pusher comes to their table to interrupt their conversations about the husband who was found naked with her best friend, they will not score any bonus points, they will not pass go, and they will not collect a 20% tip.
I guess the major issue I am getting at is that these people, these human beings, these guests are there to enjoy themselves. So why not treat them like people instead of wallets with no brains?
Customer service truly begins when you start to find out what the guest wants and you get it for them, when you take interest in their dietary needs. When you unmask the server and show that it is a genuine compassionate person behind the apron whose only intention is to see those people leave satisfied. So take the Bananamonkeyslushies back to Shmuck E Sleeze where it belongs.
- What defines a good experience?
- What is the biggest priority when dealing with customers?
- What sort of balance should be maintained as a salesperson when dealing with company pressures and guest satisfaction?
- Why the fuck must everything be a walking billboard?
One woman didn't like her Caesar salad because the salmon was overpowering. Another woman sent back her salmon because she never had it before and hated the strong taste. A man remarked that he should have gone with his first choice and ordered a slab of prime rib. How had I, a server, served these people? By dousing them with sales expectations and motivated product placement I gave them what *I* wanted, NOT what they wanted. These people did not have a good experience and it was my fault for doing the job the corporation told me to do. I had prioritized the motivated sales campaign over the guests and left them in the dirt. I had lost any sense of balance between corporate expectations and guest expectations. I had become the commercial.
Why am I telling you about Grady's when the title says something else?
O'Chimpanzee's (name changed to protect the not-so-innocent) has begun a campaign to "revolution"-ize their concept. They are remodeling their restaurants, retraining their crews, and restructuring their approach to be the "best in the class". What does this all mean?
When servers approach their tables they use motivated sales pitches to drive home the products offered into the minds of the guest with an expected 1 in 10 success rate, at what cost? see above. The most frequently used method is something akin to:
"Hey welcome to O'Chimpanzee's. My name is Lamefucktard. You know you could really go for a Banamonkeyslushie. It's delicious and made with fresh bananas. It's so refreshing."
formulaic indeed...you have....name product+describe product+reinforce pleasure from product= stupid billboard sign with an apron.
What is wrong with this approach? Well, according to any corporation seeking to sell a product...nothing. But ask yourself, dear reader, how many times have you heard this pitch? The radio? Television perhaps? On the phone maybe? How about on billboards? Maybe on the sides on trucks as they drive by flipping from one message to the next? What about bathroom walls? Oh and don't forget the coupon dispensers at supermarkets, not to mention commercials during the first 15 minutes of a movie.
Okay, so corporations who own these restaurants want to get the message out...nothing wrong with that. They use TV commercials, radio spots, mail out coupons, even phone surveys with some product placement. The REAL question is, why do people go out to eat?
First, they go out so they can avoid having to cook. Perhaps, they are traveling, moving, or just dog tired and want someone else to cook for them. Not a big deal, walk in sit down and BLAMMO hungry diner's paradise.
Second, they go out to spend time with other people. It's a birthday, anniversary, bridal shower, bachelor party, baby shower, secret romantic rendezvous, two angry spouses out to drink away their dissatisfaction for the loved one left at "home", etc.
Third, They enjoy the food and service of the establishment and just want to patronize a corporation they loyally love and adore because the corporation is so good at dictating exactly what they love and adore. Um, no.....not gonna happen.
In the first case...people are tired and want somewhere to relax and "get away from it all." If you have a server pushing this that or the other on them several times during the experience, how relaxed will they be? That Bananamonkeyslushie will do NOTHING for them, and if you keep pushing it on them...it will get shoved where the sun doesn't shine.
In the second case...people want to talk, to converse, to share meaningful dialog, to express themselves to one another, and to just be around people they care about. If a self-righteous overly aggressive company formulated Bananamonkeyslushie pusher comes to their table to interrupt their conversations about the husband who was found naked with her best friend, they will not score any bonus points, they will not pass go, and they will not collect a 20% tip.
I guess the major issue I am getting at is that these people, these human beings, these guests are there to enjoy themselves. So why not treat them like people instead of wallets with no brains?
Customer service truly begins when you start to find out what the guest wants and you get it for them, when you take interest in their dietary needs. When you unmask the server and show that it is a genuine compassionate person behind the apron whose only intention is to see those people leave satisfied. So take the Bananamonkeyslushies back to Shmuck E Sleeze where it belongs.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Hemingwayz in earnest review
"Chow, Surf, and Chill," said the motto as it quaintly hung below the Hemingwayz name. The walls were painted shades of red and orange reflecting the light from the huge windows, giving an overall warm welcoming feeling. I made my way across the hardwood floor past the comfy booths to gaze at the menu covering the wall. Who needs waiters? I ordered my lunch at the counter and waited with hunger and baited hope for a good lunch.
My Kilamanjaro Chicken wrap and fresh made potato chips were up and ready at the pickup counter within a few minutes. I took my basket of goodies over to the small table of condiments and found the seasonings they set aside for the chips: ranch, BBQ, jalapeno, "secret spice" and cheese flavors lined the table top. A little spice later I sat down and began to devour this rare treat.
The wrap had a nice combination of flavors: the tangy creamy spice of the volcano sauce balanced the crisp texture of the fried chicken and lettuce while the creamy ranch cooled everything off with a nice finish of dill. I couldn't taste the provolone but who cares, it was good. the chips were next, crisp, hot and fresh...very nice. overall, a good meal and worth the price of admission.
My Kilamanjaro Chicken wrap and fresh made potato chips were up and ready at the pickup counter within a few minutes. I took my basket of goodies over to the small table of condiments and found the seasonings they set aside for the chips: ranch, BBQ, jalapeno, "secret spice" and cheese flavors lined the table top. A little spice later I sat down and began to devour this rare treat.
The wrap had a nice combination of flavors: the tangy creamy spice of the volcano sauce balanced the crisp texture of the fried chicken and lettuce while the creamy ranch cooled everything off with a nice finish of dill. I couldn't taste the provolone but who cares, it was good. the chips were next, crisp, hot and fresh...very nice. overall, a good meal and worth the price of admission.
- KSU campus next to student dormitories and North parking deck.
- phone 770-795-9299
- hours Mon-Thu 7:30am-9:30pm Fri 9am-9pm
- Kids menu? no, it's on a college campus
- Best dishes: Kilamanjaro chicken, the Cubano, Chicken lips
- Price range: $4.69-$5.29
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Open Seasonings at Calzadores
Calzadore's, the deer hunter as named under the sign, is a tiny little place tucked away on Johnson Ferry road near Shallowford in the Kroger mall. It seems I have a knack for finding restaurants by Krogers. Anyways, this place is notable for Mexican food and ambiance.
It was lunchtime and I had just finished a trip through everyone's favorite nightmare, Wal-Mart. The interior was dimly lit with a sort of "hacienda" feel to it. Stucco or pseudo-stucco covered the walls that were pervaded with the soft rounded arch motif, decorated with deer head trophies, Mexican sun emblems and landscape paintings reminiscent of the Mexican countryside. Quiet romantic music played which was overshadowed by the big screen TV showing a futbol game with two of the Mexican league teams kicking around their fates. The manager and a few of the servers were cheering on the game, yes this definitely had a homey feel today.
My server came over very quickly after i sat down and came back instantaneously with a beer before I could finish ordering it. They offer a number of American domestics, but what is the point of that when going to an ethnic restaurant? Their selection of Mexican beers is good, Dos Equis, Dos Equis Amber, Corona Light&extra, Carta Blanca, Negro Modelo, Tecate, and Bohemia. I don't want to leave out their very nice selection of Tequilas for shots or margaritas, but since I don't drink tequila...I will.
The menu sports a nice variety with many options outside the expected echiladas, tacos, rellenos, burritos, chalupas, and fajitas. To be different I ordered Camarones al Chipotle. shrimp cooked in a creamy chipotle sauce. The food arrived before I could finish the beer, great timing!
The shrimp were good-sized, plump and tender. The sauce was a creamy spicy cheese based sauce with that light smoked flavor from chipotle peppers. The accompanying rice and beans had much more flavor than I had come to expect from other Mexican restaurants. Overall a very delicious entree.
For dessert I ordered another negro modelo and some flan. The Mexican caramel custard came out chilled with whipped cream. The flavor with smoky sweet with a caramel finish and a rich pudding texture. Fantastic! A great finish to a great meal. I must say this is among the better Mexican restaurants around.
It was lunchtime and I had just finished a trip through everyone's favorite nightmare, Wal-Mart. The interior was dimly lit with a sort of "hacienda" feel to it. Stucco or pseudo-stucco covered the walls that were pervaded with the soft rounded arch motif, decorated with deer head trophies, Mexican sun emblems and landscape paintings reminiscent of the Mexican countryside. Quiet romantic music played which was overshadowed by the big screen TV showing a futbol game with two of the Mexican league teams kicking around their fates. The manager and a few of the servers were cheering on the game, yes this definitely had a homey feel today.
My server came over very quickly after i sat down and came back instantaneously with a beer before I could finish ordering it. They offer a number of American domestics, but what is the point of that when going to an ethnic restaurant? Their selection of Mexican beers is good, Dos Equis, Dos Equis Amber, Corona Light&extra, Carta Blanca, Negro Modelo, Tecate, and Bohemia. I don't want to leave out their very nice selection of Tequilas for shots or margaritas, but since I don't drink tequila...I will.
The menu sports a nice variety with many options outside the expected echiladas, tacos, rellenos, burritos, chalupas, and fajitas. To be different I ordered Camarones al Chipotle. shrimp cooked in a creamy chipotle sauce. The food arrived before I could finish the beer, great timing!
The shrimp were good-sized, plump and tender. The sauce was a creamy spicy cheese based sauce with that light smoked flavor from chipotle peppers. The accompanying rice and beans had much more flavor than I had come to expect from other Mexican restaurants. Overall a very delicious entree.
For dessert I ordered another negro modelo and some flan. The Mexican caramel custard came out chilled with whipped cream. The flavor with smoky sweet with a caramel finish and a rich pudding texture. Fantastic! A great finish to a great meal. I must say this is among the better Mexican restaurants around.
- Location 3165 Johnson Road., D-2 Marietta, GA 30062
- Second Location 2731 Sandy Plains Road. Marietta, GA 30066
- Phone: (Johnson Ferry) 770-641-8625
- Phone: (Sandy Plains) 770-578-0710
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10:30pm
Sat 11:30am-10:30pm
Sun 11:30am-10pm - Kids: small menu but a lot of a la carte stuff available
- Best dishes: fajitas, camarones al chipotle
- Price Range: Lunch $4.50-7.25 Dinner $6.25-18 (fajitas for two)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)