Saturday, August 21, 2010
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Friday, March 26, 2010
Chili's Bar & Grill - Madison East / East Towne Mall for lunch
Today I joined my wife and toddler-son for lunch at Chili's. We chose Chili's because it's been a long time since we've been there. Years in fact. The last time we went, I found a piece of the blender broken off into my mashed potatoes. They did cover my meal for me that day, but I still wonder how they didn't notice a piece of the blender missing. Or maybe they did and didn't know how to handle it with presumably several orders of mashed potatoes already out in the dining room.
Today we were seated promptly enough. Our host was curteous, and may have deliberately put us where my boy wouldn't be a distraction to other diners. Or it was dumb luck. The server was nice and accommodating, including my vegetable-for-fries swap request, and he seemed to be on his game.
Free chips and queso/salsa aren't by any means out of the ordinary, but appreciated, and their's are surprisingly crisp, thin, and I enjoyed the less chunky and flavorful queso.
The menu was a severe disappointment. There is no specific menu for lunch, sans the soup and salad combo that I believe was only offered during typical lunch hours (which my wife ordered). Everything else on the menu is always on the menu, and at the same price. I was maybe hoping to get a small piece of salmon or steak with some veggies on the side, which I've come to expect (from similar chains like Applebee's and Friday's) would be in the $7-$9 range. Here if I wanted anything like that I was going to have to dish out $10+, and more likely in the neighborhood of $12-$14, and that would have been for dinner-sized portions. So I settled for a sandwich, which was in the $9 range. A Steakhouse Sandwich, which is a piece of flatbread, with chunks of grilled steak, not-very-fresh greens, and a side of pico de gallo. The vegetable side they were able to accomodate me with was a rather small portion of steamed broccoli with shredded (salad) carrots. The sandwich was okay. The sauce was bland, but at least the steak and flatbread were warm and fresh. The texture was right on.
So based on my perusal of the menu, and mediocre sandwich experience, I won't be lunching at Chili's in the near future.
Today we were seated promptly enough. Our host was curteous, and may have deliberately put us where my boy wouldn't be a distraction to other diners. Or it was dumb luck. The server was nice and accommodating, including my vegetable-for-fries swap request, and he seemed to be on his game.
Free chips and queso/salsa aren't by any means out of the ordinary, but appreciated, and their's are surprisingly crisp, thin, and I enjoyed the less chunky and flavorful queso.
The menu was a severe disappointment. There is no specific menu for lunch, sans the soup and salad combo that I believe was only offered during typical lunch hours (which my wife ordered). Everything else on the menu is always on the menu, and at the same price. I was maybe hoping to get a small piece of salmon or steak with some veggies on the side, which I've come to expect (from similar chains like Applebee's and Friday's) would be in the $7-$9 range. Here if I wanted anything like that I was going to have to dish out $10+, and more likely in the neighborhood of $12-$14, and that would have been for dinner-sized portions. So I settled for a sandwich, which was in the $9 range. A Steakhouse Sandwich, which is a piece of flatbread, with chunks of grilled steak, not-very-fresh greens, and a side of pico de gallo. The vegetable side they were able to accomodate me with was a rather small portion of steamed broccoli with shredded (salad) carrots. The sandwich was okay. The sauce was bland, but at least the steak and flatbread were warm and fresh. The texture was right on.
So based on my perusal of the menu, and mediocre sandwich experience, I won't be lunching at Chili's in the near future.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
P.F. Chang’s in Middleton for friday night dinner
Having a sitter, the wife and I ventured to the west side/Middleton where we knew we could find a chain/franchise restaurant we haven’t been to yet that we couldn’t sanely do with a toddler and a baby. We ended up at P.F. Chang’s.
At first impression, it was classier than I imagined it would be, especially after walking between the two giant Xi’an’s Terracotta Army replica statues, which kind of set me up for a different, sillier experience. Instead we were refreshed to be seated in a comfortable booth under warm lighting, in a warmer, softer, respectfully quiet, but still lively, more up-classed environment than expected. The only drawback to the booths though, was that they are raised, and a little on-display. I hate being on display. I’m more of a chill, slouch, drink beer, and not worry about my presentation kind of guy. I like concealed, corner booths. Throwing caution aside I slid in and cuddled close with my lovely wife, ordered a Capital Maibock and examined a menu filled with new potential experiences.
Our server was extremely helpful, made recommendations when asked, and was clearly knowledgeable about the menu. She convinced us to get started with the popular lettuce wraps. We opted for tofu. Now, my experience with tofu can be described as what I would think eating a tasteless sponge would be like, but that’s probably more of a reflection on the few places I’ve tried it, and how it was prepared. I’ve almost grown to detest the stuff, but figured I would give it one last chance. I can’t say I’m disappointed I did. My opinion is right back to being based on who, and how it is prepared. It was good, darn good, and the lettuce wraps, which I’ve never had before, were pretty awesome. I could have filled up on those, but I am glad I didn’t.
My Capital Brewery Maibock, served in a tall flute glass, was downright delicious. I’m a bit of a “beerhead”, and even an entry-level home brewer, but I don’t have a beer blog (yet), so a quick note on tasty beers might become common, but I promise to keep them short. If you are interested in beer, and you’re local, I strongly recommend checking out the Madison Beer Review blog. I’ve been enjoying it for a while now. Anyway, I believe it or not, have never had a Maibock from Capital Brewery. Boy have I been missing out. For a clear, light amber colored beer, it provides a sweet, malty, full body, but not too syrupy. It is in fact, crisp, and light. I give it an “A”, and it moves immediately into my top-10, and into my refrigerator.
Back to dinner; we shared Chicken over Black Bean Sauce, and Kung Pao Scallops, with a side of Garlic Snap Peas, over white rice (me), and brown rice (wife). Everything was fabulous. The scallops were really tender, and not rubbery like you’ll get at a cheap buffet, and the chicken was of the highest quality, and the sauce on it was amazing. The snap peas were fresh to boat. The only complaint I had about the food was that my white rice wasn’t sticky. I like my white rice to have a rib-sticking consistency, and I always assumed that was how it was supposed to be, but I could obviously be wrong there. I had trouble picking it up with my chopsticks, which I’m fairly good at operating, because it fell apart too easily. The dinner experience as a whole was very good. We were talking about how good the lettuce wraps, chicken, and scallops were for a good chunk of the ride home.
Service was good, food was great, and with a seasonal beer, soda, appetizer, two entrees, and a small side, I was set back about $54 after tax and tip, which compared to my last few $50+ meals, was money very well spent.
At first impression, it was classier than I imagined it would be, especially after walking between the two giant Xi’an’s Terracotta Army replica statues, which kind of set me up for a different, sillier experience. Instead we were refreshed to be seated in a comfortable booth under warm lighting, in a warmer, softer, respectfully quiet, but still lively, more up-classed environment than expected. The only drawback to the booths though, was that they are raised, and a little on-display. I hate being on display. I’m more of a chill, slouch, drink beer, and not worry about my presentation kind of guy. I like concealed, corner booths. Throwing caution aside I slid in and cuddled close with my lovely wife, ordered a Capital Maibock and examined a menu filled with new potential experiences.
Our server was extremely helpful, made recommendations when asked, and was clearly knowledgeable about the menu. She convinced us to get started with the popular lettuce wraps. We opted for tofu. Now, my experience with tofu can be described as what I would think eating a tasteless sponge would be like, but that’s probably more of a reflection on the few places I’ve tried it, and how it was prepared. I’ve almost grown to detest the stuff, but figured I would give it one last chance. I can’t say I’m disappointed I did. My opinion is right back to being based on who, and how it is prepared. It was good, darn good, and the lettuce wraps, which I’ve never had before, were pretty awesome. I could have filled up on those, but I am glad I didn’t.
My Capital Brewery Maibock, served in a tall flute glass, was downright delicious. I’m a bit of a “beerhead”, and even an entry-level home brewer, but I don’t have a beer blog (yet), so a quick note on tasty beers might become common, but I promise to keep them short. If you are interested in beer, and you’re local, I strongly recommend checking out the Madison Beer Review blog. I’ve been enjoying it for a while now. Anyway, I believe it or not, have never had a Maibock from Capital Brewery. Boy have I been missing out. For a clear, light amber colored beer, it provides a sweet, malty, full body, but not too syrupy. It is in fact, crisp, and light. I give it an “A”, and it moves immediately into my top-10, and into my refrigerator.
Back to dinner; we shared Chicken over Black Bean Sauce, and Kung Pao Scallops, with a side of Garlic Snap Peas, over white rice (me), and brown rice (wife). Everything was fabulous. The scallops were really tender, and not rubbery like you’ll get at a cheap buffet, and the chicken was of the highest quality, and the sauce on it was amazing. The snap peas were fresh to boat. The only complaint I had about the food was that my white rice wasn’t sticky. I like my white rice to have a rib-sticking consistency, and I always assumed that was how it was supposed to be, but I could obviously be wrong there. I had trouble picking it up with my chopsticks, which I’m fairly good at operating, because it fell apart too easily. The dinner experience as a whole was very good. We were talking about how good the lettuce wraps, chicken, and scallops were for a good chunk of the ride home.
Service was good, food was great, and with a seasonal beer, soda, appetizer, two entrees, and a small side, I was set back about $54 after tax and tip, which compared to my last few $50+ meals, was money very well spent.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Laredo’s east (Madison) for lunch
First I would like to make it clear that I am a big fan of Laredo’s east on Lien Road. I eat lunch there almost weekly with colleagues. We have chosen to do so for a number of reasons; 1) service, 2) affordability, 3) food, and 4) proximity.
Today we had to take a late lunch (1:30ish), which is a strong factor in where to go, because we might be more likely to try something that is normally very busy during the normal lunch hour. However, we decided on Laredo’s anyway, because I carried a coupon.
One thing you don’t have to do a lot of when you’re a regular at Laredo’s, is ask for much. In choreographed dance, you are seated and served with chips and your beverage, and by 3 different people. Soon after orders are taken, glasses are swept up and returned full, and swiftly, chips and salsa are restocked at the almost immediate indication that they are going to be consumed, and we’re often even asked if more tortillas are needed for the scraps before the ones we have are even gone. They shuffle people in and out of there very quickly, sensitive to the folks that need to get back to work. Sometimes the line to pay gets a little lengthy though.
I’m partial to Chorizo, I could eat the stuff daily, but when I feel like being different, I often eat the lunch fajitas (chicken today), which comes piled high, in a way that is clearly too much food to eat for lunch. I stuffed myself to the gills, and was still no member of the Clean Plate Club today. The tortillas were so hot and fresh, they proved difficult to handle. The chicken and mixings were just as fresh, hot, and tasty as usual. I just love the food here, and for a hair over 9 bucks (soda & tax included), not too pricey, especially for a sit-down joint with nearly flawless service, and good, hot food. In my several dozen trips, only once did they seem to screw up our order, and that was due to a new, down computer system (I think), which only caused delay, but not a mixup.
Simply put, give Laredo’s a shot if you haven’t. It’s easily the best Mexican choice on the east side, it’s fast, it’s cheap, the service is really awesome, and a pitching wedge from E. Washington Ave., it’s easily accessible from almost anywhere east of the Isthmus.
Today we had to take a late lunch (1:30ish), which is a strong factor in where to go, because we might be more likely to try something that is normally very busy during the normal lunch hour. However, we decided on Laredo’s anyway, because I carried a coupon.
One thing you don’t have to do a lot of when you’re a regular at Laredo’s, is ask for much. In choreographed dance, you are seated and served with chips and your beverage, and by 3 different people. Soon after orders are taken, glasses are swept up and returned full, and swiftly, chips and salsa are restocked at the almost immediate indication that they are going to be consumed, and we’re often even asked if more tortillas are needed for the scraps before the ones we have are even gone. They shuffle people in and out of there very quickly, sensitive to the folks that need to get back to work. Sometimes the line to pay gets a little lengthy though.
I’m partial to Chorizo, I could eat the stuff daily, but when I feel like being different, I often eat the lunch fajitas (chicken today), which comes piled high, in a way that is clearly too much food to eat for lunch. I stuffed myself to the gills, and was still no member of the Clean Plate Club today. The tortillas were so hot and fresh, they proved difficult to handle. The chicken and mixings were just as fresh, hot, and tasty as usual. I just love the food here, and for a hair over 9 bucks (soda & tax included), not too pricey, especially for a sit-down joint with nearly flawless service, and good, hot food. In my several dozen trips, only once did they seem to screw up our order, and that was due to a new, down computer system (I think), which only caused delay, but not a mixup.
Simply put, give Laredo’s a shot if you haven’t. It’s easily the best Mexican choice on the east side, it’s fast, it’s cheap, the service is really awesome, and a pitching wedge from E. Washington Ave., it’s easily accessible from almost anywhere east of the Isthmus.
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