tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52216262040560077772024-03-21T11:25:06.246-04:00Fish Free Restaurant ReviewsAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-86167723089034275142012-07-24T21:09:00.002-04:002012-07-24T21:09:53.192-04:00Black Diamond Steakhouse- Newry Maine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlackDiamondSteakhouse">https://www.facebook.com/BlackDiamondSteakhouse</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMXNmj33RKfCq3z9XXSLY1J_Dfbv9H45tJUAN5CdpE_4RCkw6iirRPI3JgaGmFiF8tx6HmeLxWiQ9ia2kAkOKE3g0X2p3Uzmhj7xQbmnfLIrsZV7bify-ZsRXNyCmxfQNLvQk14rcVE4F/s1600/Black+Diamond+Steak5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMXNmj33RKfCq3z9XXSLY1J_Dfbv9H45tJUAN5CdpE_4RCkw6iirRPI3JgaGmFiF8tx6HmeLxWiQ9ia2kAkOKE3g0X2p3Uzmhj7xQbmnfLIrsZV7bify-ZsRXNyCmxfQNLvQk14rcVE4F/s320/Black+Diamond+Steak5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My wife and I only went to the Black Diamond Steakhouse on the Sunday River Rd in Newry Maine, when our first choice ended up being closed for a special event and we ended up being happy that we did. It was the weekend of the Tough Mountain Challenge at Sunday River ski resort so everywhere in town was busy. The Black Diamond Steakhouse was no different but only being a party of two we were seated almost immediately when we arrived. Looking around the dining room you see lots of ski memorabilia on the walls and a huge moose head on the wall...WELCOME TO MAINE ! The staff was in (somewhat) organized chaos and the manager was very busy busing tables, seating people, bringing out food and pouring drinks. It looked as though the Black Diamond was very undermanned for the amount of people that were eating but they certainly get an A for effort. As far as the food goes, if you like the classic steakhouse menu then you're going to like it. If your a food yuppie and prefer your food fancy with ingredients that you can't pronounce then pass on by. For an appetizer we had fresh cut french fries topped with gravy.<br />
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The fries and gravy were good but the portion a little small and we finished them in abut 30 seconds. Simone went veg head with her meal and ordered a portabello mushroom cap stuffed with boursin cheese and topped with breadcrumbs.<br />
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I had the Chicken Cordon Blu , both meals came with the salad of your choosing, a diner roll, vegetable of the day and a choice of starch. For our starch we ordered the Rice Pilaf. My chicken was fresh prepared and perfectly moist. Stuffed full with ham and Swiss, It was not breaded like some Cordon Blu, so you can even claim it was healthier. The rice was fluffy and nutty due to the toasted orzo. It was a perfect pilaf. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewOoBU7-CmhCLUBpbAgph7DIL13KC3p-sJjjgVLaGvJITcKWJGL640Kt7gHlql517qIFwcOqqCU3LhMmDN5oeLpooFLweAqJ6TSr0ELaJqHgNZkt2GIGaVsw6YXJiXjk_s__iUFgQM40E/s1600/Black+Diamond+Steak4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewOoBU7-CmhCLUBpbAgph7DIL13KC3p-sJjjgVLaGvJITcKWJGL640Kt7gHlql517qIFwcOqqCU3LhMmDN5oeLpooFLweAqJ6TSr0ELaJqHgNZkt2GIGaVsw6YXJiXjk_s__iUFgQM40E/s200/Black+Diamond+Steak4.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
The green beans on the side were tender but not overcooked and the dinner roll was light and fresh tasting. Simone and I both enjoyed our meals and cleaned the plates. We had received a coupon for a free dessert from the hotel we were staying at so we could not pass up the classic Brownie a la mode. A nice hunk of a rich brownie topped with classic vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, chopped nuts and whipped cream. It was just as mom would have made had she loved me as much as she claims. Overall this was just a simple comforting meal. There was no wow factor but one wasn't needed. It was a good and satisfying meal. The service under the circumstances was also very good and we could not have asked for much more. 4 stars for the Black Diamond Steakhouse,</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-23767077401216649272012-06-07T20:38:00.000-04:002012-06-07T20:38:06.576-04:00Casa Novello- Westbrook Maine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.casawestbrook.com/">http://www.casawestbrook.com/</a><br />
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Simone and I went to Casa Novello this past Sunday night with our Portland Dine around Club Card ( I should get some kinda discount for plugging this damn thing all the time). At the suggestion of other yelpers we made reservations but didn't really need them as the place had plenty of seats. Its about a 10 minute drive from downtown Portland to get to the Casa and from the outside its nothing special. Inside is also just okay as far as the decor, but what is lacking in decor is made up for with the smell of fresh tomato sauce and garlic coming from the kitchen. A little Italian music in the background and some dimly lit lighting and you almost feel like your in an Italian Cafe in Northern Italy (or so I'm told). The meal starts off with some slices of Italian Bread and a side of Olive Oil and rosemary freshly mixed by the waitress. The bread was okay but not as good as I have had in other places. There were many delicious sounding items on the menu but we decided on two homemade meatballs for an appetizer/side order. Simone also got an appetizer portion ( which could feed two people) of house made Butternut Squash Ravioli and I decided on the monster entree portion of house made Pasta with Bolognese Sauce(that could feed 12 people). The meatballs came out first.<br />
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<img alt="Casa Novello" height="150" src="http://s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/EzWAF0MgQvo0B7cTV38GTw/l.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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They were about the size of a pool table ball and were topped with a fresh sweet tomato Marinara. These were hearty and tender with a mild hint of garlic and Parmesan. They were very tasty and better then my mothers ( probably because my mother never made me any). <br />
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Simones Ravioli came with an interesting Cinnamon and caramelized onion cream sauce. Not a combination that normally goes together but somehow worked . It was the perfect marriage in this sweet dish.<br />
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I choose Angel hair pasta for my Bolognese. The pasta was cooked perfect and topped with the rich Bolognese made with shredded and chunks of beef pot roast. My only complaint about this was the sauce to pasta ratio was a bit stingy. To make up for the lesser amount of sauce I used the remaining sauce from the meatballs and it worked just fine.<br />
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When in Venice ( or Westbrook) do as the Italians do and order cannoli for dessert! Simone I each ordered a cannoli because I don't like to share. It was good with a nice crispy crust and smooth but not to sweet ricotta filling. The only thing i would have enjoyed with this would have been some kind of chocolate but it was still enjoyable. As a surprise the waitress figured out her tip for us ( 20%- she thought a lot of herself) and also did not punch our card thus allowing us to use our dine around club card a second time at Casa (that's almost unheard of and possibly against the club rules). Overall I really enjoyed this place and would suggest it to anyone looking for good Italian fare. 4 stars</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-47537802765601392022012-05-16T11:21:00.001-04:002012-05-16T11:21:18.240-04:00The Muddy Rudder- Yarmouth Maine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://muddy-rudder.com/">http://muddy-rudder.com/</a><br />
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I have passed by the Muddy Rudder on the border of Freeport and Yarmouth Maine a million times on my way to and from Portland, but have never stopped as I never really figured id like it do to being known as a seafood lovers place. However ,I had a Portland Dine Around Club coupon so I figured id give it a try for brunch on a cold Sunday morning in April when I couldnt find anyplace in Portland that didn't have an hours wait. Simone and I arrived at around 11:00am and the place was strangely empty. This is always a concern for me, but I have been driving by many a time in the summer when the parking lot is full so I figure it is more of a reflection of the time of year then the food quality. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK2wT8mPMpmJ9k09ozyH0RJKh4WNovWkYa8veVbL7ubC4q4WK5mH4v66UgN7JXCJf9nESrINuXLKMKz2iaixQkJw31SLB-W1JHFfrrDou9nt0eucYRLk7N6L5M9-hXj6-a5yQ0vTMEm9w/s1600/rudder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK2wT8mPMpmJ9k09ozyH0RJKh4WNovWkYa8veVbL7ubC4q4WK5mH4v66UgN7JXCJf9nESrINuXLKMKz2iaixQkJw31SLB-W1JHFfrrDou9nt0eucYRLk7N6L5M9-hXj6-a5yQ0vTMEm9w/s200/rudder.jpg" width="200" /></a>Upon arrviving the (very cute) hostess sat us at a table with a nice view of the marshy waterfront and then the (very cute) waitress brought us some waters, coffee and menus. Simone tried the Creme Brule French Toast with a side of Bacon and I was convinced by our (very cute) waitress to try the days special Monte Cristo Sandwich. I hesitated a bit on my choice as I do not usually like Monte Cristos that much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGxQO-bNAO3macF9wEJBeuKo5yrSbJBOh9mSrEDFogeRuQNLeuj2-Hrwc2199CsDNe5QPQ9htnYEcSkLoiJZmnlk08Rq-uC24lE8QbM987XyO-YULmK_5i-p8GXgQ_JpoPmUlOwm5Xw9J/s1600/rudder1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGxQO-bNAO3macF9wEJBeuKo5yrSbJBOh9mSrEDFogeRuQNLeuj2-Hrwc2199CsDNe5QPQ9htnYEcSkLoiJZmnlk08Rq-uC24lE8QbM987XyO-YULmK_5i-p8GXgQ_JpoPmUlOwm5Xw9J/s200/rudder1.jpg" width="200" /></a> I usually get ones with Deli Turkey, Deli Ham and thin somewhat soggy bread. This one however exceed all my expectations. This was real moist and tender Roasted Turkey, sliced about 1/4th of an inch thick , piled high with crispy bacon and a generous amount of Swiss. The bread was nice large thick cut french toast bread that was dipped in a cinnamon egg batter and grilled crispy on the outside and moist but not soggy on the inside. The sandwich was huge and delicious, the best Monte Cristo I can remember having. It came with hash brown casserole that was not as good as the sandwich. The hash browns were overpowered in the dish by the onions and it lacked some salt and pepper. I ate them but they could have been better. <br />
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Simone's Creme Brule French Toast also exceeded our expectations. Thick Cut French Toast Egg battered thick slices of french bread were grilled, then topped with Sugar and carmelized until golden brown. They looked prettier then the (very cute) waitress that served them and tasted sinfully sweet. Simone also ordered a side of bacon which could have been a bit crispier. In what can only be described as genius, she took some Bacon and wedged it between the french toast slices dipped it in syrup and made mini salty and sweet breakfast sliders. YUM. With the amounts of food we were able to bring some french toast home for another meal. However, we were not able to bring the (very cute) waitress home therefor we will be back for more trips in the future. The Muddy Rudder was an unexpected find. Four stars</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-8886697994602772392012-05-16T11:11:00.002-04:002012-05-21T10:53:24.298-04:00The Pointe Afta-Winslow Maine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Pointe Afta bar and restaurant is located on 252 China Road in Winslow, Maine. It has been around for longer then I can remember and over the past few years I have come to love the atmosphere, the people and the food. This is not your clean cut, spotless classy neighborhood restaurant. In fact I'll be up front in saying the outside has seen better days and the restrooms could use some TLC. But when you walk through the door you are immediately taken back to a time when you could go to your favorite spot to watch the game on the TV with your friends over a cold beer (or twelve) and talk about the old times. There is New England sports memorabilia all over the walls, arcade games, a couple different rooms for functions and an outdoor patio. Another great thing about this place is Stan, the owner who always chats it up with customers and keeps watch over his business each and everyday (I never have seen him in the evenings for some reason). Once you get to know Stan you will always feel welcomed at his bar. So what about the food ? Its consistently good bar food essentials such as wings, nachos and mozzarella sticks along with a huge selection of burgers and sandwiches named after local New England and Maine athletes and coaches. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigh8zxxWGIkvAkBN6wr0aXTDh8TnG2TjZw_c6SO-QIMJeIitBYkCf_75PpV88aw9-V6UmJtgJVonUyeMaQQkzqwn98G6oWuNv9mGZeq0sN3rLfu0YIhKqB-E64IaXyMsP4TkgBlygyZXS1/s1600/l..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigh8zxxWGIkvAkBN6wr0aXTDh8TnG2TjZw_c6SO-QIMJeIitBYkCf_75PpV88aw9-V6UmJtgJVonUyeMaQQkzqwn98G6oWuNv9mGZeq0sN3rLfu0YIhKqB-E64IaXyMsP4TkgBlygyZXS1/s200/l..jpg" width="200" /></a>My suggestion would be the Scott Wood. This is my go to hot baked sandwich, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Mozzarella, mushrooms and Mayo. The melted cheese, the gooey tangy mayonnaise, the sweet Teriyaki and smokey grilled chicken are a delicious combination. On the side you can't go wrong with spicy curly fries or onion rings (not homemade but always crispy). On this trip, Simone and I discovered a new favorite- Buffalo Chips. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkPutZ54CUZx8SOz_vH68SNZzQTEtxJ3Uk2deVHHLbPrUmXahJPOjpW0btbCltUgwZhCFP-sezhXIhvRI53XLfNi34PsiqMODmvlJPMtyp5e4osOAyT17w9xn6rzt07NI2TTQOeXfqWLg/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkPutZ54CUZx8SOz_vH68SNZzQTEtxJ3Uk2deVHHLbPrUmXahJPOjpW0btbCltUgwZhCFP-sezhXIhvRI53XLfNi34PsiqMODmvlJPMtyp5e4osOAyT17w9xn6rzt07NI2TTQOeXfqWLg/s200/l.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
A potato take on the classic Buffalo style wing. House made thick cut potato chips are served extra crunchy topped with melted Monterrey Jack cheese, bacon bits, Blue Cheese, Ranch Dressing and Hot Sauce. These are dirty because they will remind you of great sex, hot, messy and you'll be wanting more. These are a meal by themselves ( which would be good to know before you order your meal). After finishing a delicious dirty plate of these addictive chips we ended up having to take most of entrees home. Simone ordered a sandwich special consisting of Grilled Chicken Breast, Bacon, Swiss and Honey Mustard on Foccacia. <br />
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This sandwich was basic but well prepared and although Simone could only eat a quarter of it after all the chips it was enjoyed again for dinner along with the remainder of my Scott Wood sandwich. I would recommend The Pointe Afta to all of you. There is a reason it has been in business forever. Good Service, Good Atmosphere, Good Food and cold beer adds up to 4 stars and many return visits.</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-83602001888606452412012-04-08T09:14:00.002-04:002012-05-17T08:10:09.928-04:00Mr. Bartleys Burger Cottage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Right across the road from the sophisticated and elite
Harvard University in Cambridge Mass, is the small and crowded, boisterous dive called Mr. Bartleys
Burger Cottage. If you are looking for a quite laid back tea sipping lunch, then
keep on walking because this is not your place. However if you want arguably the
best burger you may ever eat in a crowded loud and kinda insane atmosphere then
you have found your place. About 50 or so burger combinations grace this menu
and there is also some other stuff, but honestly who cares? The burgers are
ground fresh each day and start out by being formed into baseball size patties
and then slapped on the grill and charred until a nice crust forms on both
sides. Simone and I hadn't even planned on eating here, but were directed by
the hotel concierge that this was the ONLY place to go if I wanted a great
burger. </div>
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We arrived at 1:00pm with a small line out the door, but we only had to
wait 5 minutes before seats were found for us at one of the long community
tables with 25 of our closets friends. Sitting across from each other, arm to
arm with no room to move we were packed in like a sardine can. You have no
choice but to sit, eat and be merry. And don't even try to talk with whomever
you came with...just write your conversations on a napkin or learn sign
language. The waitstaff literally yells out your order to the three short order
cooks manning the grill who are also dropping some great fries (regular and
sweet potato) and fresh onion rings in a culinary circus of madness. Simone
ordered a soup that was very good..but really again...whos cares?</div>
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I ordered what
you go to Bartleys for..a burger. The Democrat to be exact, medium well ( as
suggested by my concierge unless you like your burger mooing). It arrived as
ordered. It was an inch thick topped with about another inch of grilled
sauerkraut, a couple slices of melted Swiss cheese and a good portion of creamy,
tangy house made Russian dressing. The bun was mostly useless and disappeared
under all the toppings. It was a dream come true. Fresh, Rich, Beefy, Drippy,
Melty, Sloppy and Delicious. The kraut and dressing spilled down the sides of my
mouth but I wore it loud and proud. I was able to finish the monster, and still
had room to take on a milk shake to go. I choose the Elvis Frappe which included
Chocolate Ice Cream, Bananas, and Peanut Butter blended up into a delicious
smooth, rich coma inducing dessert. A perfect way to end the insanity. Overall
the food gets 5 stars, the atmosphere 4. I loved Mr. Bartleys Burger Cottage. </div>
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</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-23565438378528151752012-04-08T08:51:00.000-04:002012-04-08T08:51:21.296-04:00JJs Eatery Too-Old Orchard Beach, Maine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Have you ever gone to the beach in early March in the
state of Maine and then tried to find a bathroom? Unless you want to wait in
line with twenty five or so disease invested teenagers then its virtually
impossible. This is how my story of JJs Eatery 2 in Old Orchard Beach Maine
begins. It was a rare 80 degree day in early spring and Simone and I just had to
go....and JJs located right alongside the railroad crossing in OOB was open for
Business (mine and theirs). It is actually one of the only places open year
round, and although from the outside it may not be the most inviting, the inside
was clean and the people are friendly. After enjoying the pristine clean
restrooms we felt obligated to eat something so we sat down and looked over the
menus. Nothing on the menu will really grab you attention. It is basic bar food
with lots of to be expected fried fish options. However the Turkey Vegetable
Soup grabbed Simones attention and a Pork Quesadilla on special looked good to
me. The food did not take long to arrive. The Soup was served in a coffee mug
or bowl and included fresh pulled dark and white meat turkey and large diced
turkey, carrots and onion in a turkey broth. Simple and yet very well seasoned
and tasty and Simone enjoyed it. </div>
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My Quesadilla was also pretty good and grilled
crispy. It was loaded with diced roasted pork (I would have liked pulled
better), a generous amount of mozzarella, tender apples, crisp smokey bacon and
well caramelized sweet onions. They offered sour cream and salsa on the side but
with this Quesadilla it was not really needed. Overall, this was a good choice
for a decent meal in OOB when most other places are closed. The bathrooms and
restaurant are clean, the staff is friendly and the food will not wow you, but
it definitely will hit the spot. 3.5 stars for JJs Eatery 2 </div>
</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-36010110397458588852012-04-01T20:38:00.001-04:002012-04-01T20:38:24.539-04:00Sam Lagrassa's- Boston Mass<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EvR0VfawyKTlOmAnGSjpw5cHBGjU0cihXsQSqGkGdMBJ4Lu-WZVXygRTvzRct-8R8mc-4fSkb0JDY4VY4z5Bj42AqwhML2lhpb7gUvQZNzoTkeL44a6omzCQTKpa-th3JImm7YIE1VFY/s1600/DSCF4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EvR0VfawyKTlOmAnGSjpw5cHBGjU0cihXsQSqGkGdMBJ4Lu-WZVXygRTvzRct-8R8mc-4fSkb0JDY4VY4z5Bj42AqwhML2lhpb7gUvQZNzoTkeL44a6omzCQTKpa-th3JImm7YIE1VFY/s200/DSCF4882.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EvR0VfawyKTlOmAnGSjpw5cHBGjU0cihXsQSqGkGdMBJ4Lu-WZVXygRTvzRct-8R8mc-4fSkb0JDY4VY4z5Bj42AqwhML2lhpb7gUvQZNzoTkeL44a6omzCQTKpa-th3JImm7YIE1VFY/s1600/DSCF4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EvR0VfawyKTlOmAnGSjpw5cHBGjU0cihXsQSqGkGdMBJ4Lu-WZVXygRTvzRct-8R8mc-4fSkb0JDY4VY4z5Bj42AqwhML2lhpb7gUvQZNzoTkeL44a6omzCQTKpa-th3JImm7YIE1VFY/s1600/DSCF4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EvR0VfawyKTlOmAnGSjpw5cHBGjU0cihXsQSqGkGdMBJ4Lu-WZVXygRTvzRct-8R8mc-4fSkb0JDY4VY4z5Bj42AqwhML2lhpb7gUvQZNzoTkeL44a6omzCQTKpa-th3JImm7YIE1VFY/s1600/DSCF4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EvR0VfawyKTlOmAnGSjpw5cHBGjU0cihXsQSqGkGdMBJ4Lu-WZVXygRTvzRct-8R8mc-4fSkb0JDY4VY4z5Bj42AqwhML2lhpb7gUvQZNzoTkeL44a6omzCQTKpa-th3JImm7YIE1VFY/s1600/DSCF4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>I am here to report, that everything you have heard in
the food reviews and watched on TV shows is true. Sam LaGrassa's is for real. I
decided to go to this Boston deli located close to the theater district, when I saw it on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
on the Food Network and then researched it on yelp. While on a weekend getaway in
Boston with the wife I decided to give it a try. I had read about the huge lines
that usually form at Sams ( which is only open for lunch Mon-Fri) and decided
to go after the lunch Break working crowds.<br />
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My plan worked and when we arrived
there were only about ten people<br />
in front of us. Amazingly it only took about
two minutes until we arrived at the front of the order counter where the now
infamous owner was waiting for us. We barely had enough time to figure out what
we wanted but I decided to order the Corn/Beef and Pastrami on Rye Sandwich
Platter with Fries and Slaw.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic16AezHPULtSP4Znc8fam0uwW-JnCeyUPZ9Rjiko5dnrOIpWNrsDDgA_WBQVoHSOTX72JLlAA-cplRluBpGt1ZV2IDGNUfNlUGcHU55Hb6x2f52L5pis4cm9vxRhOLSE2l_Pn3aO0pvPi/s1600/DSCF4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic16AezHPULtSP4Znc8fam0uwW-JnCeyUPZ9Rjiko5dnrOIpWNrsDDgA_WBQVoHSOTX72JLlAA-cplRluBpGt1ZV2IDGNUfNlUGcHU55Hb6x2f52L5pis4cm9vxRhOLSE2l_Pn3aO0pvPi/s200/DSCF4878.JPG" width="200" /></a>Simone went with a vegetarian Portabello, Cheese
and Pesto Sandwich. I ordered my Sandwich and watched as about thirty pounds of
house cured Beef and Pastrami was thinly sliced on the slicer and then slapped
down quickly on homemade rye, topped with slaw and another slice of rye and
quickly cut just in time to join the straight from the fryer french fries. The
whole process took about 30 seconds and four people...amazing. Simone's sandwich
took a few more minutes to prepare as hers was toasted in the Panini Press.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NlnRffYN4dpYh2E74WRGYBsE1I0WnQg2-_jtwtCl6b8__3-mYqBN2lHdZ8nbHUvlqIlmGPSgUBbYtb_3pE6E-N0d87oigOpKV8x85umcQbYIMAWQQA4mJcj4pI9ffOZ3GgMyEq4WEo3U/s1600/DSCF4879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NlnRffYN4dpYh2E74WRGYBsE1I0WnQg2-_jtwtCl6b8__3-mYqBN2lHdZ8nbHUvlqIlmGPSgUBbYtb_3pE6E-N0d87oigOpKV8x85umcQbYIMAWQQA4mJcj4pI9ffOZ3GgMyEq4WEo3U/s200/DSCF4879.JPG" width="200" /></a>While they cooked her sandwich we found a seat with a street view and sat back
and watched the sandwich magic continue. These guys operate behind the counter
like a fine oiled machine and its entertaining to see. My sandwich was great,
Corned Beef, Pastrami, Swiss, Slaw and Tangy Russian Dressing. Sams Corned Beef
and Pastrami is described as Rumainian...whatever region of the earth it is from
does not matter...im just going to call it friggin good. The Slaw is also good
, although not as creamy as I like and a little heavy in celery seed. The bread
is made fresh daily and you can taste it. The Rye was excellent and laced with plenty of seeds.My sandwich was huge but It was so good I couldn't help but
finish it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkmYCHXpTnqW6_Dk8ZxHSs56h99gb2H_bMUgFC6m0bfD4cnbeBezi0lyKPanTdx0uxvkBfmTAP4wiUDJKxb_EeXStgUsMDHDmAdrTDcvLjgkdi7p7krfHeJZ4JOWtp0o_NtEt43kgznev/s1600/DSCF4881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkmYCHXpTnqW6_Dk8ZxHSs56h99gb2H_bMUgFC6m0bfD4cnbeBezi0lyKPanTdx0uxvkBfmTAP4wiUDJKxb_EeXStgUsMDHDmAdrTDcvLjgkdi7p7krfHeJZ4JOWtp0o_NtEt43kgznev/s200/DSCF4881.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Simone's sandwich was also very good. Like almost everything at Sams,
the Pesto is nothing short of perfection, especially if you are a garlic lover
as it is pretty heavy in it. The sandwich was stacked high with Monteray Jack
Cheese and Portabellos which also had a good amount of Garlic in them. This may
not be the best sandwich choice for a first date, but after 5 years of marriage
my loving wife was not concerned with the abundance of Garlic. On a side note,
after you have eaten at Sam's, take the long walk up two flights of stairs to
get to the restrooms. Do this up and down a few times, and you will have worked
off enough calories for maybe another sandwich ! Overall we ate great meal and
had a great experience at Sam Lagrassa. Although it has had its share amount of fame, it still holds true to its neighborhood deli feel and it is truly a great sandwich. 4.5 stars. </form>
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</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-66954187328235926622012-03-28T09:44:00.001-04:002012-04-01T21:09:22.812-04:00Q Restaurant -Boston, Mass<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.thequsa.com/">http://www.thequsa.com/</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfb7qIqD1mgGHSSTCTTc0hk2L3zrtOEd8gCiFqASntuWrGDtp9mF0bYHKxS5zGj_7-P4IgPp6m_dFy4MKVe7zmjoVoDQ78nly0yPGph2C2YJQ2NhoPIyt5TESr-7CYCn2HoTZ4uH-vU_K/s1600/DSCF4857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfb7qIqD1mgGHSSTCTTc0hk2L3zrtOEd8gCiFqASntuWrGDtp9mF0bYHKxS5zGj_7-P4IgPp6m_dFy4MKVe7zmjoVoDQ78nly0yPGph2C2YJQ2NhoPIyt5TESr-7CYCn2HoTZ4uH-vU_K/s320/DSCF4857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4I2BkaKnd3JoWnHqdShi_paj5oTlPOk-6f0_w-i2z1iDJ9sWQK0TGAq7yPDI8_1CpGd45tKnwFmuusZqCt_Z5m1kPlELSa57GVo1XtNl_-Dj7WatYM6CVi0is4lfqb3PrCxAprRH3yCWw/s1600/DSCF4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4I2BkaKnd3JoWnHqdShi_paj5oTlPOk-6f0_w-i2z1iDJ9sWQK0TGAq7yPDI8_1CpGd45tKnwFmuusZqCt_Z5m1kPlELSa57GVo1XtNl_-Dj7WatYM6CVi0is4lfqb3PrCxAprRH3yCWw/s200/DSCF4860.JPG" width="200" /></a>Q is located just a two minute walk from the Boston Opera House and the Paramount Theater on Washington St. in Bostons Theater/Chinatown district. The main reason that people love Q is the Chinese Hot Pot. This a little more upscale then most places in Chinatown so its a great place to go before taking in a show. <br />
Its a fun experience of you are one of those that likes to play with your food. Simone was under the weather so also a big pot of boiling broth was just what the doctor ordered. There are many different choices on the menu for your hot pot, but if you would rather not cook your own food then the Q has got you covered. Sushi and other popular Asian dishes are also available.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifXQ2le9we_LedM1tkqk_esEfhd2_aErM1faJ1Ke8YM4V9u1NfB1iiiq2Fhep13MFJv1J7AJXGY9gfPo4tXY4Gs4qwsOvRFOo-VtvfLDnazMwNtUJcWPmhyphenhyphenCz2I_L9YNeaFe46Ye9iGA5/s1600/DSCF4865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifXQ2le9we_LedM1tkqk_esEfhd2_aErM1faJ1Ke8YM4V9u1NfB1iiiq2Fhep13MFJv1J7AJXGY9gfPo4tXY4Gs4qwsOvRFOo-VtvfLDnazMwNtUJcWPmhyphenhyphenCz2I_L9YNeaFe46Ye9iGA5/s200/DSCF4865.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBD6WqKa53ZR3HOFFvlzmt5BGaGuj3ZCbRc6THA9J8mhpdoeZzNrZET8EmjcPrjHdlRYvAG3jsPm57pMGP1j7pizjKjvLx9M8mp4JIoP3BT9pN8PnQ9Y-WGfR0QSgRqaJPZseLybRMeIZX/s1600/DSCF4863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBD6WqKa53ZR3HOFFvlzmt5BGaGuj3ZCbRc6THA9J8mhpdoeZzNrZET8EmjcPrjHdlRYvAG3jsPm57pMGP1j7pizjKjvLx9M8mp4JIoP3BT9pN8PnQ9Y-WGfR0QSgRqaJPZseLybRMeIZX/s200/DSCF4863.JPG" width="200" /></a>For our hot pot broth we went with a combo pot. One side Miso Broth and one side Basic Broth. Both are mild and very well flavored with vegetables and herbs. For our vegetables, we went with a veggie platter assortment, a wild mushroom assortment, and Chinese broccoli. For the meat, thin sliced Lamb and Sirloin, and for the starch, Udon Noodles. The Broth came out within two minutes of ordering, and the meats and veggies within another minute. This was quick service at its best. The broth quickly started boiling. Simone seemed a little confused and gave away our hot pot rookie status by asking for a fork to accompany our chopsticks so the waiter graciously explained the Hot Pot process to us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXi4LssCLijV6gK8j7yun1lpZuKXHjKkhrYvSHZmD_nMOs_PQXmhmDne6KGRBiLy1bbyIY6cho7xANzMvMTDkmyPVJPEKLeqq0R1kslfs6gExmZvpeYCHKigYe-zXWQ9NtCLZ1f1HFBU6D/s1600/DSCF4866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXi4LssCLijV6gK8j7yun1lpZuKXHjKkhrYvSHZmD_nMOs_PQXmhmDne6KGRBiLy1bbyIY6cho7xANzMvMTDkmyPVJPEKLeqq0R1kslfs6gExmZvpeYCHKigYe-zXWQ9NtCLZ1f1HFBU6D/s200/DSCF4866.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQqVdTgBYifbX7KmpQlR6bssF0AdtXpkFL3C6yCW_hqdlVO1eJ6SoO0NFtQ10-JWW5rh_qwwnPSFRbCtNNOquZxxVpE7Sny6muKqqgzBZ8bSV6YmZUnQDLVyJSzk2evdFHuybb_1nThtn/s1600/DSCF4867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQqVdTgBYifbX7KmpQlR6bssF0AdtXpkFL3C6yCW_hqdlVO1eJ6SoO0NFtQ10-JWW5rh_qwwnPSFRbCtNNOquZxxVpE7Sny6muKqqgzBZ8bSV6YmZUnQDLVyJSzk2evdFHuybb_1nThtn/s200/DSCF4867.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Basically just drop your vegetables into the broth of your choice and cook them for as long as you desire, then at the last minute add the noodles and meat and cook for about ten seconds and at that point you are good to go. Scoop it all out into your bowl, add your condiments of choice, more broth if you want, and enjoy. The great thing about it , the more you cook, the better the broth gets as it absorbs the different flavors. And if you don't like the food well its kinda your own fault...you're then one that cooked it. That being said, our food was great ( because I cooked it). I'm not much of a soup guy but at least for one meal I changed my mind. Hot Pots can be a great meal on a cold night or just something if you want a healthier, fresh option when you go out to eat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPSkNMD_4ao4NTHsMHp2NoDn1dbWezoqW6r2RCU8H00x7CFEaBJLegg5AvVWg4Ge8foo0ZClgaCgUE8Lc-7Bgi0a5aX0AncZNzsOwt59G0SD6ctf-JBImBucwdRxYqoBmBk17JdrlvQyZ/s1600/DSCF4870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPSkNMD_4ao4NTHsMHp2NoDn1dbWezoqW6r2RCU8H00x7CFEaBJLegg5AvVWg4Ge8foo0ZClgaCgUE8Lc-7Bgi0a5aX0AncZNzsOwt59G0SD6ctf-JBImBucwdRxYqoBmBk17JdrlvQyZ/s200/DSCF4870.JPG" width="200" /></a>When we fished with our meal we had some Ginger Coconut Ice cream for Desert. It was cooling and smooth and hit the spot. Overall the Q was a bunch (or should I say bowl) of fun. They do not take reservations so go on a weekday or plan on arriving early or waiting. If you do need to wait they actually give you an I-Pod with games on it to keep you amused. This is definitely a strong four to five star meal and a place I would return to again.</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-67719704082312715742012-03-18T20:53:00.003-04:002012-03-18T20:53:49.913-04:00Moody's Diner-Waldoboro Maine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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http://www.moodysdiner.com/<br />
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Moody's Diner is located along Coastal Route 1 in Waldoboro, Maine. It is well known in these parts, mostly for the pie and (of course) seafood. Obviously we know which one I wasn't going to eat. I rolled in to the Diner at 4:00pm on a sunny Sunday afternoon. At this time of the day you would expect the place to be virtually empty, but to my surprise it was almost full. This was a good sign. On this outing, I was a party of one so I had no trouble finding a spot in a booth. Moody's is pretty large and also includes a motel (kinda) and a gift shop. All that its missing is a laundry mat and gas station. Sometime soon I'm sure they will put one of these in, after all this is in Maine. So onto the menu. I was really craving meatloaf in some form, and Mac and Cheese, however it was no where to be found ( no meatloaf in a diner..really?) I then noticed a seldom seen in this century menu item called Chicken Croquettes with Gravy..and decided to go with those. They came with the option of two or three and your choice of potato, vegetable, roll or biscuit. I choose to go with a biscuit to start and then fries and coleslaw with the meal. While waiting for my meal I noticed a TV behind the register. Oddly, it was only playing advertisements for the diner itself. I thought this was a little pointless. Why advertise the place when I'm already here ? All I really wanted to see was some sports.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuMEOMwxLE-N4cI3l5bQt9FViNAV41lHG5oXEgsNo1ckPWZvXVF2GmvSnP8hkZadTC9aN95ouc38UmomLJvl2FJS94sN63iLmHSMDw_RcZ6LqwQC1u7ncb1GhAnHKCd3c4in8zVar6syE/s1600/DSCF4606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuMEOMwxLE-N4cI3l5bQt9FViNAV41lHG5oXEgsNo1ckPWZvXVF2GmvSnP8hkZadTC9aN95ouc38UmomLJvl2FJS94sN63iLmHSMDw_RcZ6LqwQC1u7ncb1GhAnHKCd3c4in8zVar6syE/s200/DSCF4606.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig775CpZ_-8v64SwpmvrnMNW37CnzjrrYuItElxluF7ZCr9U4lvTCkFhNNMsmrWqtuWyj3ljuiHQFtBPf8WTLMcM3aC95u1CB1qcO0Ka2qbS5ScHn9OY9KnKJ8pp6cIWhJEzRKT9isIrt8/s1600/DSCF4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig775CpZ_-8v64SwpmvrnMNW37CnzjrrYuItElxluF7ZCr9U4lvTCkFhNNMsmrWqtuWyj3ljuiHQFtBPf8WTLMcM3aC95u1CB1qcO0Ka2qbS5ScHn9OY9KnKJ8pp6cIWhJEzRKT9isIrt8/s200/DSCF4608.JPG" width="200" /></a>My biscuit arrived quickly and It was great. Warm throughout, flaky, buttery and light. One of the best I have ever had and I could have eaten a dozen of these if I was allowed. It was truly the best part of my meal. It didn't take me long to finish it off and soon behind it came the Croquettes. For those not from the 1950's a Chicken Croquette is basically every thing you would find on a roasted chicken dinner plate (Chicken, stuffing, potatoes, gravy) combined , breaded and fried to a golden brown. These were a bit bigger then golf balls and were very tasty and well seasoned..however they were only luke warm in the middle so that was disappointing. The gravy worked well with the Croquettes and also helped to warm them a bit more. The fries although not homemade were good and crispy and worked well to mop up the extra gravy. The coleslaw was very good, and not overly creamy. I finished most of my plate but saved some room for the famous pie. Moody's has about 10 or so kinds of pie... I had my heart set on a slice of pecan...once again my heart was broken. A diner with no pecan pie or meatloaf...not good. So choice number two was a peanut butter cream pie, and I have to say this was also very good. <br />
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About an inch of peanut butter mousse is topped with about another inch of whipped cream all in a nice flaky pie crust. A good way to end the meal. To be honest I was hoping to be amazed with Moody's, however I was somewhat let down. Yes, it was good.. but for all the press it gets I was kind of expecting more. The prices are also great ( my meal came to just $12.50) . So if you happen to be driving by and are looking to save a little cash and still get a good meal stop in, just don't set your expectations to high. 3.5 stars.</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-31794533399423077412012-02-21T09:22:00.003-05:002012-02-21T12:21:10.975-05:00Po' Boys & Pickles-Portland Maine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.poboysandpickles.com/menu.html">http://www.poboysandpickles.com/menu.html</a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwbCgawT_i5w8O8B6ysROiLT6pdqUQjDkrOnkF1VdeYqkyEgjSi5l0IW4FMOHAoC1UdCZhc-w9TKHOERGOVUlNl4xtYUqzd8Da7Fd2DVvRqJwBZqmGOzqt5UR6l2WwajSSY9TffHveZJe/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwbCgawT_i5w8O8B6ysROiLT6pdqUQjDkrOnkF1VdeYqkyEgjSi5l0IW4FMOHAoC1UdCZhc-w9TKHOERGOVUlNl4xtYUqzd8Da7Fd2DVvRqJwBZqmGOzqt5UR6l2WwajSSY9TffHveZJe/s320/l.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16tEUV6QVMCW5wnhj1UwiZY8iD15IglUP1q3CCrjFSyXQFCPaEDHmaxbjG_ELxWc_WMUzZjsqeg35ZpqtIGcuNKzWGARDSCl45InuYmfxSQxVoOPkQ2RngHsteDHxwr7Syp4Wm9Ge7C7d/s1600/2012-02-20_15.43.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16tEUV6QVMCW5wnhj1UwiZY8iD15IglUP1q3CCrjFSyXQFCPaEDHmaxbjG_ELxWc_WMUzZjsqeg35ZpqtIGcuNKzWGARDSCl45InuYmfxSQxVoOPkQ2RngHsteDHxwr7Syp4Wm9Ge7C7d/s200/2012-02-20_15.43.06.jpg" width="200" /></a>Who doesn't love a good sandwich ? Satisfying and filling a sandwich is the ultimate comfort food. And one of the Kings of sandwiches is the New Orleans Po' Boy. On 1124 Forest Avenue in Portland Maine there is small joint that strives to give you this taste of the Bayou, and its called (of course) Po'Boys and Pickles. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyGA92hVEN_5WtD5-P8xG_qlFYsROSglGhQ9xEZTpie6V-559S1r0Mypp_MGsr3WW-VKRNGD9zjHgs-B_C5PhqS9U80a_HQ6nH-RHxmEYEQu0vz84x_qusvt4vU3-MXWbShCH_fJP5_g6/s1600/2012-02-20_15.16.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyGA92hVEN_5WtD5-P8xG_qlFYsROSglGhQ9xEZTpie6V-559S1r0Mypp_MGsr3WW-VKRNGD9zjHgs-B_C5PhqS9U80a_HQ6nH-RHxmEYEQu0vz84x_qusvt4vU3-MXWbShCH_fJP5_g6/s200/2012-02-20_15.16.01.jpg" width="200" /></a>Simone and I went to Po' Boys and Pickles after we had an afternoon of rock wall climbing and we had built a pretty good appetite. This sandwich shop did not let us down. At Po'Boys the service is part counter and part waited table service. When you walk in you walk up to the counter, check the menu board and give them your order. You then find your seat and they find you when the food is ready.<br />
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There are many sandwich options, all of them unique with toppings. All sandwiches come with sliced pickles on the side. The pickles are made in house and are delicious (this coming from me who doesn't normally enjoy them). Have them on there own, or as my wife did, stuff them into the sandwich. There also many options for sides to go with your sandwich. Fries, Rings, Slaw, Fried Pickles, etc..<br />
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For our orders, Simone decided on the Dirty Bird ( because she like the way the name rolled off her tongue)<br />
and I went with the Reggie Loaf ( because I like Reggie?) We also choose to have a side of Gravy Fries and also some house made Praline Crusted Bacon (hell yea). In reverse order, the sandwiches arrived first, then the fries and then the bacon. I figured this must be what its like being in the French Quarters of New Orleans. The sandwiches were large and stuffed full.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGI-DqDZYhjryaJVwnbIxOUf-nPyl12qxHbOpi-HTkYFBQZG5iac8SIRj_zRGvujVNgB766Oa5m0GKsl9fCSrmoCiMcySsORhTwsSTchQXTFfViOQmscIXPlrakdYFwzxq5csCmozP6jA/s1600/2012-02-20_15.24.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGI-DqDZYhjryaJVwnbIxOUf-nPyl12qxHbOpi-HTkYFBQZG5iac8SIRj_zRGvujVNgB766Oa5m0GKsl9fCSrmoCiMcySsORhTwsSTchQXTFfViOQmscIXPlrakdYFwzxq5csCmozP6jA/s200/2012-02-20_15.24.27.jpg" width="200" /></a>Simone's Dirty Bird had seasoned roasted chicken, bacon, lettuce and tomato with pickled garlic mayo. There was more perfectly crisp Bacon in this sandwich then on most truckers breakfast plates which was fine because it tasted so good. The roasted chicken was also moist and the garlic mayo was actually very mild and added to the sandwich instead of overpowering it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh52Zzh4d_i6Di4khnnj48duxbR2Du6oMXKwiVm-wigyrLIF2MYCpTZ1cN96Je4sRNe5FpeS0XhGhyphenhyphenQIQSchmsw1VwuAx1yRBacRWwYYIHOi70lazWI2XDNcG4k_HA-U6K9jmi9RBqihvv/s1600/2012-02-20_15.24.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh52Zzh4d_i6Di4khnnj48duxbR2Du6oMXKwiVm-wigyrLIF2MYCpTZ1cN96Je4sRNe5FpeS0XhGhyphenhyphenQIQSchmsw1VwuAx1yRBacRWwYYIHOi70lazWI2XDNcG4k_HA-U6K9jmi9RBqihvv/s200/2012-02-20_15.24.11.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The Reggie Loaf consisted of two 1/2 inch slices of house meatloaf, topped with gravy, french fries, lettuce, tomato and Horseradish mayo. The meatloaf was moist and perfectly seasoned, the fries were still crispy in the sandwich even when drizzled with the gravy, and the Horseradish mayo had just enough kick but was not overpowering. Again, another great Sandwich. The bread roll on both our sandwiches was also surprisingly light and airy on the inside and nice and crusty on the outside. A sandwich is only as good as the bread its served on and this bread was perfect to soak up all the juices from the sandwiches<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-aEAb7hmuKASj4HnZNn_5uZ1FiRztO2FNKcMOTvqYGMjVvuJGeyN-n66msfk6MQgKsY_JzadeXP9wgRrhJnu5YLw5RX_rR7uB_WZ6dtLRVMFm06QN_lCwt2_CnjTxbTQTNrVeWaNSAzo/s1600/2012-02-20_15.25.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-aEAb7hmuKASj4HnZNn_5uZ1FiRztO2FNKcMOTvqYGMjVvuJGeyN-n66msfk6MQgKsY_JzadeXP9wgRrhJnu5YLw5RX_rR7uB_WZ6dtLRVMFm06QN_lCwt2_CnjTxbTQTNrVeWaNSAzo/s200/2012-02-20_15.25.12.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
On the side, our Gravy Fries were crispy ( at least at the top of the bowl) and the gravy flavorful. We finished off the entire bowl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31D6-Z89z30U28nbpZOIYaCrX-0F4WEJ-XKg3qN5NGqN27j20QjYVLUOPcfP2PSVcMqZbH2evf-3UEfqnMnIxWP8YMcb1fxiZbOl7HELuFd6FA5KxnRW8d-Tk7d5cWB0JtdeQx72kn0yN/s1600/2012-02-20_15.28.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31D6-Z89z30U28nbpZOIYaCrX-0F4WEJ-XKg3qN5NGqN27j20QjYVLUOPcfP2PSVcMqZbH2evf-3UEfqnMnIxWP8YMcb1fxiZbOl7HELuFd6FA5KxnRW8d-Tk7d5cWB0JtdeQx72kn0yN/s200/2012-02-20_15.28.23.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The Praline Bacon ( which I also suggest adding to your sandwich) was decadently sweet with half melted crumbles of brown sugar coating it. Some peaces could have been crispier but that didn't stop me from finishing it all. Amazingly, we finished our entire meal but left no room for dessert. Maybe next time. Po' Boys and Pickles was a great find, and a very satisfying and filling meal. 4 Stars.<br />
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<br /></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-53845355489416010232012-02-15T11:09:00.000-05:002012-02-15T11:09:15.112-05:00Byrnes Irish Pub-Brunswick, ME<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2cVAP6mYYexJ8Q6JSAzvxI7rjDEulAIxFs6lK5dYFmftc3olIGpGb_EqLqnkBV6fCf_0d7dUe1VMPiBRsyXHfb0fTZNJAu21y2AaHUSQAxpu0px5sQUsCZRu7iS4519MFxXZBDUv4KQ8/s1600/DSCF4440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2cVAP6mYYexJ8Q6JSAzvxI7rjDEulAIxFs6lK5dYFmftc3olIGpGb_EqLqnkBV6fCf_0d7dUe1VMPiBRsyXHfb0fTZNJAu21y2AaHUSQAxpu0px5sQUsCZRu7iS4519MFxXZBDUv4KQ8/s320/DSCF4440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <a href="http://byrnesirishpub.com/">http://byrnesirishpub.com/</a><br />
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Bynres Irish Pub is located at 16 Station Street in Brunswick, Maine (there is also another Location in Bath, ME). My GPS didn't actually recognize the street so if you happen to have the same mentally retarded GPS, then just follow the signs to the train station which is off from Maine Street and that's were you can find Bynres. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iQNDnKjqZRHCDwycYMGLZTqLbhNlZMY1Zkxq3OVBeIt67BwKCfO1Y7FnKTPToyKInHwvPqIm5ajh6WpbwpGq9TI9Mklj_pXiN2nC8HZEJDhFtZ9RYDtoXDbkPCNvi6gE0LcZmLJYKwlc/s1600/DSCF4442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iQNDnKjqZRHCDwycYMGLZTqLbhNlZMY1Zkxq3OVBeIt67BwKCfO1Y7FnKTPToyKInHwvPqIm5ajh6WpbwpGq9TI9Mklj_pXiN2nC8HZEJDhFtZ9RYDtoXDbkPCNvi6gE0LcZmLJYKwlc/s200/DSCF4442.JPG" width="200" /></a>The wife and I arrived at about 6:30 on a Monday night and there were only about 4 couples and some folks at the bar. This concerned me, usually at this time of night a place should be packed full and also being located 2 minutes from a local college I would expect it to be busier. However the place was very clean and we were waited on within a few minutes of seating ourselves. Bynres is decorated with an obvious Irish and local sports teams theme and its fun to sit back and take a look at the memorabilia on the walls while chugging your beer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ9xk0gyU8zVphl7Oklii6-bkwExNXUrxGM8Svkldfpa41wSIj-IxIiLueW7JGO654I5AE_ylcjkUBaY_b5UphWq5T5USUwYRZMhAJNt6nkuX2K2x-vQWwbv4PajSkD3TxTX7qzfJYx6K/s1600/DSCF4443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ9xk0gyU8zVphl7Oklii6-bkwExNXUrxGM8Svkldfpa41wSIj-IxIiLueW7JGO654I5AE_ylcjkUBaY_b5UphWq5T5USUwYRZMhAJNt6nkuX2K2x-vQWwbv4PajSkD3TxTX7qzfJYx6K/s200/DSCF4443.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
We started our meal with a creation called Cashelmole from the appetizer menu. Half Guacamole, Half Salsa and Laced with huge hunks of Cashel Bleu Cheese, this was served with perfectly crispy toasted Pita Bread wedges. The dip started with the flavor of a creamy cool avocado and cheese but finishes with a fiery hotness that hits you in the back of the throat. It is great, and we finished the entire bowl. It is also offered on almost all the sandwiches for a small added charge. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpp8Jdt6BfuhD-K7nomZSMfxhyjr4JPL4i5E639Aa1QcXBYRX0uaqBWtI8QQ80utU_6Rw6B28EljK3IcuZVpnzDkdyb1dFcT_UPbQnxqGSzn4nd_blQ3_rkoon20AmHfmS6ivx_8e1eKo/s1600/DSCF4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpp8Jdt6BfuhD-K7nomZSMfxhyjr4JPL4i5E639Aa1QcXBYRX0uaqBWtI8QQ80utU_6Rw6B28EljK3IcuZVpnzDkdyb1dFcT_UPbQnxqGSzn4nd_blQ3_rkoon20AmHfmS6ivx_8e1eKo/s200/DSCF4448.JPG" width="200" /></a>As we finished our appetizer the meal arrived right on time. Simone had ordered the Americanized Shepherds Pie. I ordered a Karls Irish Pastrami Burger, one of the house specialties. The restaurant gives the option of also upgrading your sandwich with a pretzel bun so I went ahead and did that also.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyMzoFSCT01u2oToFmvPjXZnchzQiMoAPDQmZMNeMygEcFgVW4cEQiGP5pjDUqKceB2g_o503q2wPA4y8jwHAN4RDPAWdVFrMfIjWtyqVSgHpdu4hT5QaG8y9q2hSPYlvNhqx4AaE-Vmm/s1600/DSCF4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyMzoFSCT01u2oToFmvPjXZnchzQiMoAPDQmZMNeMygEcFgVW4cEQiGP5pjDUqKceB2g_o503q2wPA4y8jwHAN4RDPAWdVFrMfIjWtyqVSgHpdu4hT5QaG8y9q2hSPYlvNhqx4AaE-Vmm/s200/DSCF4450.JPG" width="200" /></a>My burger was excellent. Cooked perfectly medium well, it was juicy yet still dead. The burger sat on top of a bed of cool Cole slaw and was topped with a generous portion of flavorful grilled pastrami and melted Swiss which was then drizzled with Thousand Island Dressing. Half Reuben, half burger and completely good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ro8TYVgnWdoI0Z-SeKhFICfvloPCmk6YeFfmvkJUA-bk-s8R1oolyuZDvDi7bHkjIU88Im0o1v7kf-qDswh6R4KlwysE96_Yvlc3uB6bAl_IdtFCtNbEUjupz6yTIWG9hOJBnUos3Znk/s1600/DSCF4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ro8TYVgnWdoI0Z-SeKhFICfvloPCmk6YeFfmvkJUA-bk-s8R1oolyuZDvDi7bHkjIU88Im0o1v7kf-qDswh6R4KlwysE96_Yvlc3uB6bAl_IdtFCtNbEUjupz6yTIWG9hOJBnUos3Znk/s200/DSCF4445.JPG" width="200" /></a>Simones Shepherds Pie was unfortunately a disappointment. The menu says ground beef and pork simmered in Guinness Onion Gravy which sounds excellent but we both found this to be very bland. The gravy tasted like water and the mashed potatoes that topped of the pie also tasted like they had been blended in the same water. After adding lots of salt and pepper the dish was a bit better but still sub par for an Irish Pub that should specialize in dishes such as this. So overall, regarding the food I will refer to the timeless recording artist Meatloaf (which is also one of my favorite foods), "Don't be sad cause two out of three ain't bad". Two very good dishes, one below average equals out to 3.5 stars for me. We will probably be back but not for the Shepard's Pie.<br />
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</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-77416243216003270512011-12-28T19:22:00.004-05:002011-12-28T19:39:34.437-05:00Julian Serrano- Aria Resort, Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFjt1BS8JtQ/TvutN_FsOrI/AAAAAAAAARE/AF6nUlBW5Ys/s1600/DSCF3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFjt1BS8JtQ/TvutN_FsOrI/AAAAAAAAARE/AF6nUlBW5Ys/s200/DSCF3313.JPG" width="150px" /></a><a href="http://www.arialasvegas.com/dining/julian-serrano.aspx">http://www.arialasvegas.com/dining/julian-serrano.aspx</a><br />
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Julian Serrano is located just inside the casino entrance to Aria resort at The City Center on the Vegas Strip. It is an upscale fine dining restaurant that features Spanish tapas (or sharing plates). Simone and I arrived in our finest t-shirts, shorts and sneakers. Although not exactly dressed for a formal dinner, I let the hostess know I had made a reservation and we were quickly escorted past the rich and almost famous to the corner table at the far end of the dining room. Reservations are an absolute necessity if you plan to get a table at this restaurant <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">( especially when dressed like a tourist from Maine).</div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmZ90-Fx2Ok/TvutbOx2pPI/AAAAAAAAARM/zCbFC9QhRVw/s1600/DSCF3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmZ90-Fx2Ok/TvutbOx2pPI/AAAAAAAAARM/zCbFC9QhRVw/s200/DSCF3108.JPG" width="200px" /></a>After being seated, our very formal waiter quickly offered us a very expensive wine menu and so we decided to get a diet soda and water ( from the tap). We looked over the menu and decided that we wanted to try the Paella as our entree that we would share. The Paella takes at least 35 minutes to prepare so we placed our order before deciding on our smaller tapas plates. First up we decided on a plate of marinated olives. When they arrived we realized that they were not pitted, so we had fun seeing who could make the biggest mess while trying to get the pits out. The waiter seemed amused by this. The olives were very good and were marinated in roasted garlic and baby onions.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ00gR_pbms/TvutmETm5fI/AAAAAAAAARU/DfdKQT5ZJMM/s1600/DSCF3110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ00gR_pbms/TvutmETm5fI/AAAAAAAAARU/DfdKQT5ZJMM/s200/DSCF3110.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For our second tapas we decided to get more adventurous and ordered the Albondigas, which were mini Meatballs cooked in a Tomato and Sherry Sauce. They were some of the most tender meatballs I have ever eaten and they just melted in the mouth. The sauce was mild and light with a nice hint of sherry and also included some roasted baby potatoes.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-cqNPPwyZA/Tvuts2ubTYI/AAAAAAAAARc/dJuerimKT7A/s1600/DSCF3112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-cqNPPwyZA/Tvuts2ubTYI/AAAAAAAAARc/dJuerimKT7A/s200/DSCF3112.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Our last tapas choice was the new age Egg Potato & Morcilla dish. The dish was a combination of sauteed Wild Mushrooms and Blood Sausage with a soft poached egg, atop a pool of Potato Foam topped with Manchego Cheese Air. This dish was truly memorable and one of the most unique things I have ever eaten. The richness of the sausage and egg combined magicaly with the smokey earthiness of the mushrooms and the potato foam and Manchego air melted away to create a creamy sauce for it all. This dish was a real culinary adventure.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPAr2he9cs0/Tvutzzl-FbI/AAAAAAAAARk/XTQ54wg87Gs/s1600/DSCF3114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPAr2he9cs0/Tvutzzl-FbI/AAAAAAAAARk/XTQ54wg87Gs/s200/DSCF3114.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Our Valencia Paella was ready and came to the table piping hot and served in the cast iron pan it was cooked in. It was a delicious combination of baked Saffron laced Spanish rice with house made Chorizo sausage, sauteed Rabbit and tender grilled Chicken topped of with roasted Haricot Verde Green Beans.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AOFF3JYpqak/TvuuDK9iONI/AAAAAAAAAR0/zfFfZiaQBdc/s1600/DSCF3116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AOFF3JYpqak/TvuuDK9iONI/AAAAAAAAAR0/zfFfZiaQBdc/s200/DSCF3116.JPG" width="200px" /></a>We managed to finish off the rather large Paella meal, and then wrapped things up with a dessert tapas of Almond Sponge Cake with Homemade Almond Ice Cream. It was super dense, super moist and super good.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztdWptHmGEU/TvuuJ2suU0I/AAAAAAAAAR8/lIsaL4VT0yg/s1600/DSCF3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztdWptHmGEU/TvuuJ2suU0I/AAAAAAAAAR8/lIsaL4VT0yg/s200/DSCF3315.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Our entire meal and experience at Julian Serrano was one that I will not soon forget. It was creative, unique and prepared perfectly. I would recommend this to anyone that doesn't mind shelling out a few extra bucks to have the perfect culinary adventure. And next time I'll even wear pants. 5 stars. </div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-27831442309800179672011-12-26T09:03:00.001-05:002011-12-26T09:08:11.615-05:00Du-par's- Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.du-pars.com/">http://www.du-pars.com/</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BBJFI2aFG1I/Tvh8kYNS1dI/AAAAAAAAAQg/vMlsdA9pI6U/s1600/DSCF2795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BBJFI2aFG1I/Tvh8kYNS1dI/AAAAAAAAAQg/vMlsdA9pI6U/s200/DSCF2795.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This Du-par's is located at the Golden Gate Casino in historic downtown Freemont Street in Las Vegas. It is tucked away in a corner off from the casino floor, and if you can find it then its worth the search. I don't often recommend eating at a downtown casino however go ahead and give this a try. Du-par's has been operating in military like fashion since the stone age. The staff has been around the same amount of time, but they are true professionals and we were well taken care of. </div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2zY4HCmdLQ/Tvh8yAw1r7I/AAAAAAAAAQw/oFIefUReMPI/s1600/DSCF2799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2zY4HCmdLQ/Tvh8yAw1r7I/AAAAAAAAAQw/oFIefUReMPI/s200/DSCF2799.JPG" width="200px" /></a>When we first walked in to the large retro style dining area at 5:00pm we were one of only a hand full of customers. One elderly man was just leaving and as he passed by and smiled he gave us an ominous warning "Stay away from the beef stew". I'm not entirely sure if he was serious but we took his word for it and looked beyond that particular item. Simone ordered herself a pretty basic Roasted Turkey Sandwich on Wheat Bread. The Turkey was a bit dry but was nicely seasoned and thick hand sliced. The bread was good and the Lettuce and Tomato were Fresh. The french fries that came along side it were crispy and very good. Simone also ordered a side of Ranch for her sandwich.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qv4aWJP0vf8/Tvh8rduofPI/AAAAAAAAAQo/FZaT8ThT5Bk/s1600/DSCF2798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qv4aWJP0vf8/Tvh8rduofPI/AAAAAAAAAQo/FZaT8ThT5Bk/s200/DSCF2798.JPG" width="200px" /></a>I ordered the classic diner entree. Chicken Fried Steak. A ten ounce sirloin was pounded thin, thickly coated with seasoned flour and then fried to crunchy perfection. It was melt in your mouth tender and not greasy like I expected. It was served with rich and creamy Mashed Potatoes and very buttery delicious roasted vegetables. The potatoes and steak were both drowned in a thick stick to your arteries white peppery cream gravy. It even came with a fresh baked dinner roll for mopping up any leftovers. This was a huge meal and altogether completely satisfying. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BnhWgZ252g/Tvh8445pLGI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/AKjEqnv8GmY/s1600/DSCF2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BnhWgZ252g/Tvh8445pLGI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/AKjEqnv8GmY/s200/DSCF2800.JPG" width="200px" /></a>In typical diner fashion the dessert menu was loaded with pies and pastries just begging to be eaten. At Du-pars , they further entice you by displaying all pies directly above the bar stool counter. We decided to try a slice of the sweet Pecan Pie of course topped with Vanilla Ice Cream. The crust was perfectly flaky and buttery and we finished every last bite. So don't be scared off by its location ( or its beef stew) stop in and give Du-par's a chance. Its a great satisfying and filling meal at a pretty good price. 4 stars.</div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-83337397216005152242011-11-28T09:12:00.002-05:002011-11-28T13:19:07.355-05:00Binga's Stadium Smokehouse and Sportsbar- Portland, Maine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5waFg0tzWTp6lPLr1_3FElwxcOc3QdqPQPEujRLuLwzOrdabIuf78s2blvvIWhmMls5xt9mon4uwxRBKHweai5mL9CPetoO_v9fZJTPGcwtkPJsdwXtFfmbMjh1crP7BavS-381JMK1Ah/s1600/DSCF4103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5waFg0tzWTp6lPLr1_3FElwxcOc3QdqPQPEujRLuLwzOrdabIuf78s2blvvIWhmMls5xt9mon4uwxRBKHweai5mL9CPetoO_v9fZJTPGcwtkPJsdwXtFfmbMjh1crP7BavS-381JMK1Ah/s320/DSCF4103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bingasstadium.com/">http://www.bingasstadium.com/</a></div><div style="border: currentColor;">We went to Binga's Stadium on 77 Free Street in Portland Maine because we had been in town for a boxing event and at the event they told us to bring our ticket stub in for half price wings. So with money savings on our mind we went out to lunch the very next day. We got to Binga's right at opening and we were starving as we had skipped Breakfast. It is located directly across from the Civic Center so I imagine it must get busy after Hockey games. However, we went on Sunday morning and had the place to ourselves. From the outside Binga's looks like every other neighboor hood bar, but inside it is very clean and actually pretty swanky. There are TV's everywhere showing the games and even separate TVs for the individual seating booths. The bar has a huge assortment of beers on tap. Just as large as the beer assortment is the wing sauce assortment, 28 to be exact ranging from the traditional Buffalo to Peanut Butter and Jelly. You can have your wings three different ways. Smoked, Breaded or Boneless Tenders. We decided to try the smoked with a Buffalo Bacon Nacho Sauce. </div><br />
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<div style="border: currentColor;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MLp6ol8dcEp2vkrwD-LFnyY0hI5fFoNV-fXKJLErD4ZBAcqGds-_7gJay_tcs8SSTZDKnwv9ZXmnl3GxtE7g0llUe2aAEkvIHFtu-q-43JjGehOQb_lWp_J9Qn61kDWSUSRhQX9_CPZI/s1600/DSCF4090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MLp6ol8dcEp2vkrwD-LFnyY0hI5fFoNV-fXKJLErD4ZBAcqGds-_7gJay_tcs8SSTZDKnwv9ZXmnl3GxtE7g0llUe2aAEkvIHFtu-q-43JjGehOQb_lWp_J9Qn61kDWSUSRhQX9_CPZI/s200/DSCF4090.JPG" width="200" /></a>The wings arrived hot and messy, The Bacon laced Cheesy Buffalo Sauce was perfect with the meaty smoked wings and drumsticks. They were moist and had a decent amount of meat on them. They were top notch and served with a side of Blanch, with is a combo of Ranch and Blue Cheese dressing. If you're smart, take the left over dressing and put it to the side to dip your fries in later, you will not regret it. </div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
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</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoVO4pb30XH2NzcquXRzKB60xy1GtqZzVDPPLpq1aQP8oOw0dgfuQrn-7v7FZIGW6gAAuXSuHjov4iRudcXqIDA6HAINsw6esplZydpXQOpvEE3nr5ZkCASrVAlSV13zH135wAAwvDSQ7/s1600/DSCF4096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoVO4pb30XH2NzcquXRzKB60xy1GtqZzVDPPLpq1aQP8oOw0dgfuQrn-7v7FZIGW6gAAuXSuHjov4iRudcXqIDA6HAINsw6esplZydpXQOpvEE3nr5ZkCASrVAlSV13zH135wAAwvDSQ7/s200/DSCF4096.JPG" width="150" /></a>After destroying the wings , it was time to tackle the entrees. Simone ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich with pickles. Personally, I find pickles repulsive however Simone really likes them and such enjoyed her sandwich. The pork was moist, tender and smokey with just a hint of sauce. The bun was very good, fresh and hearty from a local bakery and it sopped up the juices nicely. It came with a side of chips that we left for the next customer. </div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
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</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJtmn6sg5_6hXZ1w-FNG4S21tG9jovmPFo_CJ8YESziP-8hlsO8KKK5-AeKugoEu1e02JJzMbZMKPNdPr6g4SGz-B360OpSNHwnFJUvijNqqgqtthBdn2GBkUdjJ3D4eFfVDuvtxLupvn/s1600/DSCF4095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJtmn6sg5_6hXZ1w-FNG4S21tG9jovmPFo_CJ8YESziP-8hlsO8KKK5-AeKugoEu1e02JJzMbZMKPNdPr6g4SGz-B360OpSNHwnFJUvijNqqgqtthBdn2GBkUdjJ3D4eFfVDuvtxLupvn/s200/DSCF4095.JPG" width="200" /></a>For my meal I went with the Kimwich. House made Smoked Pastrami is griddled with melted Swiss and then topped with Red Cabbage slaw, house sauce and served on that great bakery fresh bun. This sandwich was awesome, The Pastrami with it juices and Swiss were grilled to a golden brown crisp together on the grill and combined for a delicious blend of salt and smoke. The slaw was not the creamy kind, but vinegar based and lent a perfect crunch to the sandwich. I could eat ten of these if I didn't care about my arteries.</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
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</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtUAcYmnVN23HlwrixFWX7Y9Rkayyennq0vVGrJ8Vrmh2hYfQP8MKQBwW7PJKiZpT1hykTMU6p4rSgQ-KsvhbfyFduCfoDeVswo9UPiogq55bz9NAlzpiELFAcS7kLKY386BYIe3ihFeE/s1600/DSCF4098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtUAcYmnVN23HlwrixFWX7Y9Rkayyennq0vVGrJ8Vrmh2hYfQP8MKQBwW7PJKiZpT1hykTMU6p4rSgQ-KsvhbfyFduCfoDeVswo9UPiogq55bz9NAlzpiELFAcS7kLKY386BYIe3ihFeE/s200/DSCF4098.JPG" width="200" /></a> I ordered fresh house made fries with my sandwich and Simone and I spilt those. Although not as crispy as I like my fries to be, they were still very good especially when used to mop up the leftover wing sauce and dip. </div><div style="border: currentColor;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWriIYBq1UukZ3JfqkuMouqHvTcMWbqIvKFkribSdV3g44RXVynziLFmGOEEk925tLorf-KkCMenDvx2ApIr4Hkt_3FsOR6PIZ09l4QR11M2oViO_tPUGJlHkCPRq8O5fhyhq9LfVdvy-/s1600/DSCF4093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWriIYBq1UukZ3JfqkuMouqHvTcMWbqIvKFkribSdV3g44RXVynziLFmGOEEk925tLorf-KkCMenDvx2ApIr4Hkt_3FsOR6PIZ09l4QR11M2oViO_tPUGJlHkCPRq8O5fhyhq9LfVdvy-/s200/DSCF4093.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
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</div><div style="border: currentColor;">Overall this was a get down and dirty sticky hands meal. It was pure goodness. This was a great authentic BBQ find in Portland and we will be back many more times. 5 stars for Binga's.</div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-68286859866315691522011-11-07T08:29:00.001-05:002011-11-07T08:30:54.164-05:00I Love Burgers- Palazzo Hotel and Casino ,Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iloveburgers.com/">http://www.iloveburgers.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx41hJVRfHM4GmYIqq479l81uCoUhLRX7aF3nTGBWlL1RxZbeVdPsk-Z-OowuuZwMABUhJGwkSakFjCrj_uw4LqkYUFU52qlRJpRsXIy5_fzqprSlqvnas1xmmnH2OG4WZSzPTSPfWsct/s320/DSCF2723.JPG" width="320px" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Who don't love burgers ? This was the question that I asked my wife as we passed by the sign while shopping at the Grand Canal Shops at The Palazzo in Las Vegas during our most recent vacation to sin city.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So it was we decided that for our next Culinary adventure we would sit down and gorge ourselves at I Love Burgers. The dining room is large with plenty of seating and lots of TVs to watch the games on. The menu is not overwhelming so you should not spend an hour trying to make a decision on what to eat (aka, that's you my dear wife). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1Oj64zlZLGcV5y1Ay5epzAYjMb5EAK3yIMU2bNodEiPPsSRJwiVRUcKU_yb2zQY0xG0NVHNDiiR-MHPeqE44-0w8JZnji2lBcu9GsSFA78-GC1CNJi2AF32f-wmd7V6HqscB8uyVldRf/s1600/DSCF2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1Oj64zlZLGcV5y1Ay5epzAYjMb5EAK3yIMU2bNodEiPPsSRJwiVRUcKU_yb2zQY0xG0NVHNDiiR-MHPeqE44-0w8JZnji2lBcu9GsSFA78-GC1CNJi2AF32f-wmd7V6HqscB8uyVldRf/s200/DSCF2717.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For our appetizer we went with Mac and Cheese Nuggets. Little gems of Mac and Cheese breaded, fried and topped with shredded Parmesan are served with a side of spicy cheese sauce, because what else would be served with cheese but more cheese ? We finished these off pretty quickly and easily. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We could talk about my wife Simone's choice for an entree but I'm going to be honest, I don't want to. It was basically Eggplant Parmesan in a hamburger bun. Yes it was good, but why you would order a vegetarian burger at a place the specializes in cooking MEAT Hamburgers is beyond me. So on to some real food.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKA7t38oFCNbz6VopnMBoYfa964oaCzj2WhJ30IRSdOLTU69kh_f1MHgqFV5l7Ywd58d0KmJp-6nwL5yzbAbU-d3h-ObAOEVOz92igTc9o9y7jOFubpWDu3iXCBfxNZvckSnSUK-qcZAI/s1600/DSCF2720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKA7t38oFCNbz6VopnMBoYfa964oaCzj2WhJ30IRSdOLTU69kh_f1MHgqFV5l7Ywd58d0KmJp-6nwL5yzbAbU-d3h-ObAOEVOz92igTc9o9y7jOFubpWDu3iXCBfxNZvckSnSUK-qcZAI/s200/DSCF2720.JPG" width="200px" /></a> I love Bacon... oh yes... Bacon Bacon Bacon... The I love bacon burger is kinda insane and you probably should consult you doctor before partaking in it. It is half a pound of ground sirloin and ground bacon pattied together and grilled up into one delectable smoky juicy mouth full of a burger meal. On top of this god like burger is yet more crispy applewood bacon, smokey Gouda cheese, fried onion straws and of course bacon mayonnaise. Absurdly delicious and filling, this was a treat for the tummy. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3hLhyikTkkJV6m7kh4bOM9ccPmnDCoEjVGCLCbj7VaalQRK-Nl3lbIju8lBtdyfWWkpArhk4tVvx-ovHQXSJfeYmVmx9JKCrwJqHtHFQgd88ZZ9evsscrTLUGhI5MInks151ICxZOVWw/s1600/DSCF2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3hLhyikTkkJV6m7kh4bOM9ccPmnDCoEjVGCLCbj7VaalQRK-Nl3lbIju8lBtdyfWWkpArhk4tVvx-ovHQXSJfeYmVmx9JKCrwJqHtHFQgd88ZZ9evsscrTLUGhI5MInks151ICxZOVWw/s200/DSCF2722.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not that it was at all needed but we also ordered a not to be missed side of crispy thin cut Garlic Parmesan dusted french fries and managed to get most of those down also. As I was being rolled out on that stretcher by the paramedics, I couldn't help but smile about my I love Burger adventure. 4 Stars.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-29364828341326757382011-10-03T11:36:00.000-04:002011-10-03T11:36:47.176-04:00Secret Pizzeria at Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N9gae8C5zfSLl7QFIC3v9uub498dFn7DxP3AgzTvNZDv43wb-_ph613F_Eogu99j9NbgPQCW9WN6AlPURJsf17kXZAAMugHN-rdS_eyPYnzn0Wc4-s12J1PVMwwbCa896dN5e7l0UBAs/s1600/DSCF2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N9gae8C5zfSLl7QFIC3v9uub498dFn7DxP3AgzTvNZDv43wb-_ph613F_Eogu99j9NbgPQCW9WN6AlPURJsf17kXZAAMugHN-rdS_eyPYnzn0Wc4-s12J1PVMwwbCa896dN5e7l0UBAs/s320/DSCF2679.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
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I will start this review with the following disclosure: The following Pizzeria does not exist. It has no menu, it has no website, it has no signs advertising a family meal deal. It is also not down a long hallway lined with old music album covers on the third floor of the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It is not one of the best deals on the strip. It is also not the Best Pizza on the Strip. I HAVE KEPT THE SECRET.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7BdcSWE4kZC8ykr2l_kj1TZQ6aioEutJIKysfRVCNDq73u6tR21DOW-Vv5H5LPQt4BJKLFNhjlHnUF6DzD94gLONPaCygPiJXqczlrj9JItPXT_Lmt1eSX-MHWgxfMvYhs2H4u51RcuM/s1600/DSCF2685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7BdcSWE4kZC8ykr2l_kj1TZQ6aioEutJIKysfRVCNDq73u6tR21DOW-Vv5H5LPQt4BJKLFNhjlHnUF6DzD94gLONPaCygPiJXqczlrj9JItPXT_Lmt1eSX-MHWgxfMvYhs2H4u51RcuM/s200/DSCF2685.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div>Now onto the food review... for the best pizza and best pizza deals in Vegas you need to find the secret Pizzeria at Cosmo. The cost is almost two dollars less per slice then any other pizza joint on the strip ( including my other favorite at the Wynn) and the super thin crust , fresh taste and general New York ambiance just can't be beat. Although thin , the crust is still sturdy enough to bend without breaking and strong enough to hold any toppings. Speaking of toppings... unless you order ahead of time ( is there an actual number to the place?) then you will be having your pizza topped with whatever the chefs whim is. There is no formal menu.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hn2Y0OwUBobCtbFXVOOgIcbhwzsIZ6-aLMsre2jAoyg-kKN_oRbg388CZhmwkVQuQ4FDzA8NICowr-0cEuF6VvYGMy7A6ceMMvvgyZi9i0FtHnYmODUElEqlgacHu2UVjgLEmLOHLkQ9/s1600/DSCF2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hn2Y0OwUBobCtbFXVOOgIcbhwzsIZ6-aLMsre2jAoyg-kKN_oRbg388CZhmwkVQuQ4FDzA8NICowr-0cEuF6VvYGMy7A6ceMMvvgyZi9i0FtHnYmODUElEqlgacHu2UVjgLEmLOHLkQ9/s200/DSCF2683.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On this day Simone and I had our choice of 5 different pizza pies. We both choose for our first slice portabello mushroom pizza with red sauce. With meaty fresh thin sliced mushroms, sweet fresh tasting marinara creamy mozzarella cheese and a crispy blistered crust this one was a winner. Savory till the last bite it leaves you wanting more... so I obliged. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mu5hJFpI_eF5yKKTVWf8gOaNqK9F4Kp0wkObVJFlqz3Qu04ERAdWTFNBISNYCJtfkjA9isEMbU8uvDSoYqBPoY1YyuKCH9Bl2O_rYtTbI1sR4WDDBv9rc2nT1uyc5NyTrQn5VW4I7hRs/s1600/DSCF2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mu5hJFpI_eF5yKKTVWf8gOaNqK9F4Kp0wkObVJFlqz3Qu04ERAdWTFNBISNYCJtfkjA9isEMbU8uvDSoYqBPoY1YyuKCH9Bl2O_rYtTbI1sR4WDDBv9rc2nT1uyc5NyTrQn5VW4I7hRs/s200/DSCF2684.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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This time when I went back to the counter looking me in the face was a white pizza with fresh roasted garlic, Ricotta Cheese and Olive Oil. This one may have been better then the mushroom. The crust was sauce less and had even more crunch. The garlic was sweet, the Ricotta Creamy and slightly melted and the Olive Oil was the icing on my pizza experience. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnbK6_Q5ZgSXom_ingaH6DKCcxer4VDrppXsJhAheFow0Nf6EG6AmUI5u5oAdXDw48Xwh6N9uYIVJfwvbMHSxS6CtGC99_Rj33xQPB7Pw6pRmoX8JHPKzC8gmVu3CbRhh4kYS63YJNBCW/s1600/DSCF2680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnbK6_Q5ZgSXom_ingaH6DKCcxer4VDrppXsJhAheFow0Nf6EG6AmUI5u5oAdXDw48Xwh6N9uYIVJfwvbMHSxS6CtGC99_Rj33xQPB7Pw6pRmoX8JHPKzC8gmVu3CbRhh4kYS63YJNBCW/s200/DSCF2680.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div>The Pizzeria does not seem to offer any sides and I didn't ask because none were needed. They do have fountain drinks and beer. Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes can be found at the stand up bar that you can eat on. Without any other choices, The pizza definitely stands alone (although three days later we went back and tried a cannolli for dessert and that was delicious as well).<br />
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New York thin crust pizza is what its all about here at The Cosmopolitan, and these guys are experts. Hands down, this is a 5 Star place. Just remember, you didn't here the secret from me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-71972803469419490922011-10-03T10:52:00.002-04:002011-10-03T10:53:59.950-04:00China Grill- Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRP8xy7TMk9oK9e2pmPPJOk4hqhOZQYZ_aL5uVrO57IHCRTkw6WSyrKrfOz-ELtrfycxif907oacxZnjFw60fm8QhpWhaQcIZ-NNzLpOges-yHzd_cPkIs0o7gLWC6JHk0NuwwkQE2-HP/s1600/DSCF2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRP8xy7TMk9oK9e2pmPPJOk4hqhOZQYZ_aL5uVrO57IHCRTkw6WSyrKrfOz-ELtrfycxif907oacxZnjFw60fm8QhpWhaQcIZ-NNzLpOges-yHzd_cPkIs0o7gLWC6JHk0NuwwkQE2-HP/s320/DSCF2643.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mandalaybay.com/dining/signature-restaurants/china-grill.aspx">http://mandalaybay.com/dining/signature-restaurants/china-grill.aspx</a></div>The China Grill at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas is not a Chinese food restaurant. As it was explained adamantly by my waiter , it is a global fusion that brings together the flavors of Japan, Thailand, Chinese and American cuisine ( I guess that meant no Pu-Pu platter for two). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE0xRE0ZcUM5iE2b48z6MPE5_SZsiOXqLAQhQ8ebmvsglVk0trKllTWzN1yivGWkrnuHE9OgvAZulwPwBJ11hMrg3p8Edrd6zuQ2CNdG45cHWygR2xxd7H78GEKZKs6RdqiKySNf_6HtF/s1600/DSCF2650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE0xRE0ZcUM5iE2b48z6MPE5_SZsiOXqLAQhQ8ebmvsglVk0trKllTWzN1yivGWkrnuHE9OgvAZulwPwBJ11hMrg3p8Edrd6zuQ2CNdG45cHWygR2xxd7H78GEKZKs6RdqiKySNf_6HtF/s200/DSCF2650.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With our no Chinese food explanation at the fore front of our minds Simone and I set upon the task of looking over the not so Chinese menu. All items on the menu are meant to be eaten family style and shared -much like in China (oops). At the suggestion of our waiter we started our fusion journey with the not Chinese Beef and Scallion Dumplings. The dumplings were soft and pillow like, filled with minced tender beef and chopped scallions and served with a micro green salad on top and of a pool of spicy sauce. Alone, they were bland but eating them in a 5 alarm pool of soy, ginger chili sauce took care of that problem nicely. After downing an entire glass of water to ease the fiery pain , we then decided to choose our entree. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgvrYOMkdtkBkCNT3ikNABQpLvYUb_NdChdCEN5DZJEJTL45f8rp-WbiBMelMHxDijxLzknEuuvjTJ2khd0G3s0niD0FCcqMyTIIgLHwjcSzb_9N6xVT2aVvaGqMDqiZs4iZV7_kW5qNY/s1600/DSCF2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgvrYOMkdtkBkCNT3ikNABQpLvYUb_NdChdCEN5DZJEJTL45f8rp-WbiBMelMHxDijxLzknEuuvjTJ2khd0G3s0niD0FCcqMyTIIgLHwjcSzb_9N6xVT2aVvaGqMDqiZs4iZV7_kW5qNY/s200/DSCF2652.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our entree choice was the not Japanese Sake Marinated Drunken Chicken, served with a sweet Hoison laced Ponzu sauce and Bok Choy slaw with crispy onions, and for our side a not Chinese Duck Fried Rice. The chicken arrived whole, but already cut for our convenience. It was excellent, the sweet Sake marinade combined with the natural juices of the chicken kept every bite moist and full of intense flavor. The slaw was crunchy and vinegary and was a great compliment to the dish. The side of duck fried rice was good also. The rice was very lightly fried with sesame and soy but not overwhelming in salt or oil. The shredded duck was rather dry, but the overall flavor of the rice was excellent. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVcU15MWQHIh3s_k3cqEjGlkaWWGUM0LECaC3l3e4X277jnJ0yklNwrYaIEHrzqZN2D52M8retlJ-mxBLveqdgzXjte8JZFyMC2ACLrdUDCv5hD26ONvYK8CdiAOYO19ztowRWUJ9_t6x/s1600/DSCF2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVcU15MWQHIh3s_k3cqEjGlkaWWGUM0LECaC3l3e4X277jnJ0yklNwrYaIEHrzqZN2D52M8retlJ-mxBLveqdgzXjte8JZFyMC2ACLrdUDCv5hD26ONvYK8CdiAOYO19ztowRWUJ9_t6x/s200/DSCF2653.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We finished the entire bird and rice and still had some room for Deep Fried Cheesecake for dessert. Cream Cheese filled fried wontons arrived with a five spice chocolate dipping sauce, assorted fruit and Mango Raspberry puree. The chocolate was rich and spicy with ginger overtones, and the Mango puree was fresh and sweet.. Both were great with the wontons. Overall this was a very good "fusion" meal at the Not so China Grill in Mandalay Bay. 3.5 stars.</div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-70546153798399274542011-08-29T18:15:00.000-04:002011-08-29T18:15:10.282-04:00Battista's Hole In the Wall- Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_rxngs5="114"><a href="http://www.battistaslasvegas.com/">http://www.battistaslasvegas.com/</a></div><div closure_uid_rxngs5="114"><br />
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</div><div closure_uid_rxngs5="114">Simone and I have always loved Battista's Hole In the Wall located just off the strip in Las Vegas. It has an old Vegas vibe, and always has very good home cooked Italian food. We first went to Battista's during our honeymoon on the advise of a travel book and we have been back three or four times since. With our vacation winding down and the reality of going back to our everyday world creeping in, we decided what better way to cheer ourselves up then to visit our old standby. Although located in a easy to miss small strip mall behind the Flamingo Hotel and Casino Battista's is always busy, no matter what time or what day you go, be prepared to either make a reservation or wait for at least 15 minutes. They are only open for dinner and locals and tourists alike fill up the many tables quickly. Waiting for a table at Battista's is torture for the soul. As you sit and take in the many pictures of celebrities, the mini Liquor bottle collection and the strange Knic-knacks that fill the ceiling you are overcome by the delicious aroma from the kitchen of fresh baked Garlic Bread and Ripe Tomato Sauce. </div><div closure_uid_84phgt="169" closure_uid_rxngs5="114"><div closure_uid_uh3j98="217" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a closure_uid_uh3j98="1104" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXzkOxRfWsT1BQpFKZHux5tBnYa3WicgmZpRDJ5CBO2wIyCYgwf8P_M45KJJCq5B7K8cfCyuI_gdpWwIo9cC0Ojk2ziGx1d06bh0A19kPfyM-3n7-qpw8qv74aZYC6NxNgyBv-j-SFFCR/s1600/DSCF3345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXzkOxRfWsT1BQpFKZHux5tBnYa3WicgmZpRDJ5CBO2wIyCYgwf8P_M45KJJCq5B7K8cfCyuI_gdpWwIo9cC0Ojk2ziGx1d06bh0A19kPfyM-3n7-qpw8qv74aZYC6NxNgyBv-j-SFFCR/s200/DSCF3345.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="217" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqOicPtZ7T3MvPNVoGIJmdphGgLNE-MXPGLuQ_9uzd6Ud8N6O4YtKAWxEMd_8G6Hgz-LYFdtgqes9jmd9gSFWjSAfnT7awz9hEDc4MuY8MLtnBMHlaA8tXbY-WoWrmPTjSp0CHpaRTHa4/s1600/DSCF3347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqOicPtZ7T3MvPNVoGIJmdphGgLNE-MXPGLuQ_9uzd6Ud8N6O4YtKAWxEMd_8G6Hgz-LYFdtgqes9jmd9gSFWjSAfnT7awz9hEDc4MuY8MLtnBMHlaA8tXbY-WoWrmPTjSp0CHpaRTHa4/s200/DSCF3347.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="217" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div closure_uid_84phgt="170">After about a 15 minute wait Simone and I were led to a table in one of the side rooms. It was only a few seconds before the waitress got to our table with two full pitchers of House Red and White Wine. This is one of the wonderful surprises that you get at Battista's. With every meal comes lots of House Red and White wine, and while a wine snob may not find this to be the best they have ever tasted, to a Maine redneck like me, it is perfection in a pitcher. </div></div><div closure_uid_84phgt="167" closure_uid_uh3j98="217" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div closure_uid_84phgt="171"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZWDEGZypFjUBzCEgcsZ-tK1HKALqUOd-IomHzodvzlYiTXOkTHBs8BO9zpVo5hV9EaYY6IJMifSwLE5oSxsQo8Chrt18POOLD_c5bVYkO3TJvn4_Cl4coOhn-ipH93CInJyq7aE1ltPh/s1600/DSCF3348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZWDEGZypFjUBzCEgcsZ-tK1HKALqUOd-IomHzodvzlYiTXOkTHBs8BO9zpVo5hV9EaYY6IJMifSwLE5oSxsQo8Chrt18POOLD_c5bVYkO3TJvn4_Cl4coOhn-ipH93CInJyq7aE1ltPh/s200/DSCF3348.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Also free with the meal is some very toasty Garlic bread that is pasted with crushed whole cloves of garlic. Don't worry about saving the bread for dinner, when you finish it they'll bring you more. </div></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_84phgt="139" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_84phgt="139" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Each meal also comes with Minestrone Soup or a fresh <a closure_uid_uh3j98="444" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59YDCHKY-8iwO7prbkeH9KvKy1tz7upnuFs5xo7vLgppIzWgBCm5vnFjVF1VBGHS0ims6McmXNm5jASVi6f2u_wlIAvvgjIPbUZgTsDVzbFne1jVm64aurSY1DI90hMc-wnHAcnnB4Nxn/s1600/DSCF3349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59YDCHKY-8iwO7prbkeH9KvKy1tz7upnuFs5xo7vLgppIzWgBCm5vnFjVF1VBGHS0ims6McmXNm5jASVi6f2u_wlIAvvgjIPbUZgTsDVzbFne1jVm64aurSY1DI90hMc-wnHAcnnB4Nxn/s200/DSCF3349.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Italian Salad with house made vinaigrette, salami, cheese, tomatoes and an olive. We have never had the soup ( don't want to fill up on all that broth) but we do enjoy the salad. To finish off the free stuff you also get a side of basic pasta with your choice of sauce.</div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="217" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="217" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a closure_uid_uh3j98="562" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus1VrbzeRMje6W7wzqeLJ-G3VwdbKAHEeMxFi6lBWW6hzL6yJYq1CyJx-cTIVUCHODyllqitsV8_qrgpTy-2jnelf950kybrX3r7mH1AKPrGfk_gogJDIMxcqGePL4OXecrjx76QtvYwK/s1600/DSCF3353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus1VrbzeRMje6W7wzqeLJ-G3VwdbKAHEeMxFi6lBWW6hzL6yJYq1CyJx-cTIVUCHODyllqitsV8_qrgpTy-2jnelf950kybrX3r7mH1AKPrGfk_gogJDIMxcqGePL4OXecrjx76QtvYwK/s200/DSCF3353.JPG" width="150px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="217" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div closure_uid_rxngs5="114" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div closure_uid_uh3j98="379">There are no menus on the table at Battista's. They are posted on the wall of every room. Although the prices at first glance seem pricey ( chicken at 27.00- insanity !) keep in mind you are getting endless wine and bread, fresh soup or salad, pasta and oh yeah, the best damn Cappuccino ever to finish the meal. More on that later.</div></div><div closure_uid_rxngs5="114" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_rxngs5="114" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div closure_uid_uh3j98="563" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div closure_uid_84phgt="172">For her meal, Simone had Spaghetti and Meatballs and I ordered Veal Parmesan. While we waited for our meal we were greeted with a song from our favorite little old man accordion player. It is rumored that he has been going from table to table performing since Battista's first came to Vegas more then 30 years ago. He looks to be in his nineties, but he plays a damn good accordion, and in my opinion ( which is always correct) He really just puts the icing on the whole Battista experience. Italian wine, Italian food and Italian music. You get it all when you are here. </div></div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="563" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="563" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div closure_uid_84phgt="144" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a closure_uid_uh3j98="1019" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6BzHyPxu0hmJ6dz5ZXJj9aA6lZEWwLNgC9cgv4HSoq2JiN4s0_kRcTQ2BYXBcANwbGRKU9wIT9IiM_qUfMYMpqEALJ1-e9bM-GFkbg6N8pj4UuaObHf1Kcwt6cr80bwgvEIoY4t2mYHA/s1600/DSCF3351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6BzHyPxu0hmJ6dz5ZXJj9aA6lZEWwLNgC9cgv4HSoq2JiN4s0_kRcTQ2BYXBcANwbGRKU9wIT9IiM_qUfMYMpqEALJ1-e9bM-GFkbg6N8pj4UuaObHf1Kcwt6cr80bwgvEIoY4t2mYHA/s200/DSCF3351.JPG" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3nNOAkBfwoWFvFOxALyGKaTpkpALwWLcBhKDi9jxPFQxOisCfdzgq1sfYvTOngcngthCjxrn-p9y9cSM-OFhnoOTcIstytyepWFmw5DQ9ISljUdAQYrhiHkEe1krNaayOUAiKiyB3IPC/s1600/DSCF3350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3nNOAkBfwoWFvFOxALyGKaTpkpALwWLcBhKDi9jxPFQxOisCfdzgq1sfYvTOngcngthCjxrn-p9y9cSM-OFhnoOTcIstytyepWFmw5DQ9ISljUdAQYrhiHkEe1krNaayOUAiKiyB3IPC/s200/DSCF3350.JPG" width="200px" /></a>The food arrived shortly after our evening serenade and although I have seen prettier dishes, they were cooked perfectly. The Veal was literally drowning in melted Mozzarella and fresh ripe tasting Tomato Sauce. If you do not love your cheese then avoid this. If you do love cheese ( and also baby cow) then this is the dish for you. Along with the Veal was a side of intense flavored spinach seasoned with spices including a good dose of nutmeg. This was different but good. Simone shared her meatballs which were also very good. Large, tender and well seasoned they mixed perfectly with the tomato sauce and al dente spaghetti. Surprisingly we finished everything ( including most of the wine-yow!)</div></div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="563" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div closure_uid_rxngs5="114" closure_uid_uh3j98="668" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div closure_uid_uh3j98="591" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div closure_uid_84phgt="164">After some deliberation we decided to finish the meal with the Italian specialty Cannoli, with of course two (free) Cappuccino's. The Cannoli shell was crispy and mildly vanilla flavored while the smooth and creamy cheese filling was rich and dense. </div></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_uh3j98="798" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZNo2QzROAL8aizXQysiSevagC55H-bycf0mmxm556E_9EQKQ884jQ4VrkcHKmibjKtH65hHmVJvjKTNLh0cZlqW7Q7S52uZCjXAQJLOuR7DcfVyVmUPcjkqbRrpy8ZbpxpyPH0EXpkI2/s1600/DSCF3354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZNo2QzROAL8aizXQysiSevagC55H-bycf0mmxm556E_9EQKQ884jQ4VrkcHKmibjKtH65hHmVJvjKTNLh0cZlqW7Q7S52uZCjXAQJLOuR7DcfVyVmUPcjkqbRrpy8ZbpxpyPH0EXpkI2/s200/DSCF3354.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="591" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="591" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div closure_uid_84phgt="173">The Cappuccino is not to be missed, it is unlike any other - Its not at all like coffee. Its not bitter but slightly chocolaty sweet and it is the perfect way to end your meal. </div></div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="591" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="591" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFZkdfFxVRuXf5vvDQ4hqnGXAHgGYAina6IRZjJS94KudYjAuCZwRnKFxqyrj3zJ23tNFbtr6WauxHSZk06AhePKAfxF-FqvDs3Rw7yv3S17k23j9vilKYGOAsCxHjJBrYuQ6DOa3HS37/s1600/DSCF3355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFZkdfFxVRuXf5vvDQ4hqnGXAHgGYAina6IRZjJS94KudYjAuCZwRnKFxqyrj3zJ23tNFbtr6WauxHSZk06AhePKAfxF-FqvDs3Rw7yv3S17k23j9vilKYGOAsCxHjJBrYuQ6DOa3HS37/s200/DSCF3355.JPG" width="150px" /></a></div><div closure_uid_uh3j98="591" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We love it here and would suggest it to anyone looking to get away from the craziness of the strip, get drunk on cheap wine, and have some damn good Italian food while being brought back to the old world . 4.5 stars for Battista's Hole in the Wall.</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-60108387709432211332011-07-15T15:41:00.000-04:002011-07-15T15:41:09.323-04:00The Common Man - Concord, NH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtSbGYy4De420IXj-9mbwi7y9_4lMrsUaCIR1eGkjKPK4da6z7zzrHggvO3gD8Eih3A3yGdAFYWJtxIoM0ZzxPxGXeROLvQpBGwku4D-5NA1cN7PZhsER4P7anAcvqGj-Iu0rJ5ow5hJs/s1600/DSCF1952_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtSbGYy4De420IXj-9mbwi7y9_4lMrsUaCIR1eGkjKPK4da6z7zzrHggvO3gD8Eih3A3yGdAFYWJtxIoM0ZzxPxGXeROLvQpBGwku4D-5NA1cN7PZhsER4P7anAcvqGj-Iu0rJ5ow5hJs/s320/DSCF1952_edited-1.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.thecman.com/restaurants/common-man-concord/">http://www.thecman.com/restaurants/common-man-concord/</a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Common Man is a New Hampshire family of restaurant's. We ate at the Concord location by the process of elimination when on a Sunday night we discovered that every restaurant we wanted to eat at in the downtown area was closed. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswnI6omIxEo2RCX6NWUxlI36qHxX-t8wP3BeOZMZ6DlmGhcywugZL-3MYq_AhWADT-YfRw1Xgk6DSLOYZcbCqt72b135JWxjfwxd88CpEhGaATo6ur_wETtdIM74CQqkWkbSg8H9G3Bfy/s1600/DSCF1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswnI6omIxEo2RCX6NWUxlI36qHxX-t8wP3BeOZMZ6DlmGhcywugZL-3MYq_AhWADT-YfRw1Xgk6DSLOYZcbCqt72b135JWxjfwxd88CpEhGaATo6ur_wETtdIM74CQqkWkbSg8H9G3Bfy/s200/DSCF1953.JPG" width="200px" /></a>The restaurant looks as though it used to be in old Bed and Breakfast. It is large and nostalgic on the outside and has two floors and lots of side rooms for plenty of seating area once you get inside. The restaurant was busy when we arrived but we found a seat on the second level bar and grill area. The menu looked great and it was hard to decide on any particular item as they all sounded so good. While we mulled it over Simone visited the cheese and cracker display. This is a great idea, local cheese's and spreads with simple buttery crackers that you can just help yourself to as a free pre-meal appetizer. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhyHniDDYMnKDpb69U-0NpJgkOrgCoWq7gnR2ma5fVhx-7qdS8M3Ux4pQdz6fWIWWU3fetOUJ-8SkAXPIQXch26H2cV_7_1jvascQF1Tmiouz6-p0GDyVUH193Iy8-wyRCiq6Gt8DjZ1y/s1600/DSCF1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhyHniDDYMnKDpb69U-0NpJgkOrgCoWq7gnR2ma5fVhx-7qdS8M3Ux4pQdz6fWIWWU3fetOUJ-8SkAXPIQXch26H2cV_7_1jvascQF1Tmiouz6-p0GDyVUH193Iy8-wyRCiq6Gt8DjZ1y/s200/DSCF1956.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Speaking of appetizers... after much debate we started with the Meatball Sliders. Pork and Beef Meatballs served open faced on nice thick garlic basted slices of toasted French Bread crostini, topped with Fresh Marinara and shaved Parmesan. The bread was perfectly crunchy without being dry, and the meatballs were flavorful and tender. This was a nice satisfying twist on the classic sliders.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For the entree we decided that we would try the special of the night. Potato Chip Pizza, that I could witness being made in the open kitchen area beside our table. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzOoWsDL1CFcerpTphl2RRJT8ckc6AktW0WkCPYSMmragYeQRT8h63OCkrbNYKF79QQB3QMPPnpfapnypLpOzpeUsxrYuuBqxULRxWruipgOd0E3bHtcTvYKM7I8ns71a26FO-uyy1q6b/s1600/DSCF1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzOoWsDL1CFcerpTphl2RRJT8ckc6AktW0WkCPYSMmragYeQRT8h63OCkrbNYKF79QQB3QMPPnpfapnypLpOzpeUsxrYuuBqxULRxWruipgOd0E3bHtcTvYKM7I8ns71a26FO-uyy1q6b/s200/DSCF1954.JPG" width="200px" /></a>The chef started by frying fresh thin sliced potatoes. While those were going he layed out a wafer thin flat bread pizza crust and topped it with a white cream sauce base. When the potatoes were done frying he piled them high on the crust and then smashed the living crap out of them with a paper towel (this was getting exciting). After demolishing the chips he topped the pizza with shredded cheese, loads of fresh bacon bits and even more crumbled Blue cheese. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CpziG0fUuC4YX64-cboHvFqq2tdv4EkOxqMWC-EV3GjVZZTk3UC-XN-IOnteSpmG1ozjN1x2xfxbJg0oniSN3yMXaL-lc-9zGoav3X6yLbnk-4nM5CqzDdJhHFPpuYQhIrP8WsZuQHNH/s1600/DSCF1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CpziG0fUuC4YX64-cboHvFqq2tdv4EkOxqMWC-EV3GjVZZTk3UC-XN-IOnteSpmG1ozjN1x2xfxbJg0oniSN3yMXaL-lc-9zGoav3X6yLbnk-4nM5CqzDdJhHFPpuYQhIrP8WsZuQHNH/s200/DSCF1958.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It all then got placed into the oven and after ten minutes it came out perfectly browned and crispy. The pie absolutely tasted as good as it looked. A cross between Potato Skins and Pizza, it was delicious and filling. Under all the cheese and bacon , the chips somehow remained crisp, adding a great crunch to the melted cheesy goodness.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Common Man provided us a uncommonly good meal. Thank God everywhere else was closed because we would have missed this experience. Next time you are in New Hampshire, take the time to find one of their many locations, it will be well worth it. 4.5 stars for the Common Man.</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-21297534034872104632011-07-07T21:39:00.000-04:002011-07-07T21:39:36.479-04:00The Rockin Diner- Rochester, New Hampshire<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rUjl_M-7gVU7gnhdFg7KhgQyaLKSlDCf9YvQqzfunHk0jCJ1hy0Z6WJ3a5YyK3h4TFyez55nEvx1uqCOv9C9XRjIA-b3sF9D2GPJdV87ekwOPJszwCeBxOJ2lqaeaHbit3iJ9ezcQvtl/s1600/DSCF1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rUjl_M-7gVU7gnhdFg7KhgQyaLKSlDCf9YvQqzfunHk0jCJ1hy0Z6WJ3a5YyK3h4TFyez55nEvx1uqCOv9C9XRjIA-b3sF9D2GPJdV87ekwOPJszwCeBxOJ2lqaeaHbit3iJ9ezcQvtl/s200/DSCF1816.JPG" width="150px" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rockindiner">https://www.facebook.com/rockindiner</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYo8D2WuOfHiyeZE1ppCbeuZ6wB5twDJQLcjYfrysAVxlRqf0yR6aNSfrc4wTnUFj1hnxNeK3vBGLU2dYwWKIxdgSwiROndSSIZzeJX1IbAd9hh39U3knfuibH5kXMXW53khEZfp0VPB0/s1600/DSCF1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYo8D2WuOfHiyeZE1ppCbeuZ6wB5twDJQLcjYfrysAVxlRqf0yR6aNSfrc4wTnUFj1hnxNeK3vBGLU2dYwWKIxdgSwiROndSSIZzeJX1IbAd9hh39U3knfuibH5kXMXW53khEZfp0VPB0/s200/DSCF1815.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
Another day another Diner. I just love these kind of places. Retro decor, classic comfort foods. Diners are just good old fashioned fun. With this in mind Simone and I on a recent getaway decided to try out the Rockin Diner on 77 Farmington Road in Rochester, New Hampshire. The joint was easy to find- it was across the parking lot of our Hotel and it was blindingly decked out in shiny chrome silver and pink. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZkhyCcoITD8XkJHaYjkrofaYEzB03U3XQKcZuVhjfMlK7VJ6d6AWQi4CVIGcUjyMwrcyaQxh3lRmu3oBYSlRMgQTEjZDYGu2OPbWMeGBWHtG6e0OrP-c7lKHfUN0JMzCras7-K_5f2TA/s1600/DSCF1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZkhyCcoITD8XkJHaYjkrofaYEzB03U3XQKcZuVhjfMlK7VJ6d6AWQi4CVIGcUjyMwrcyaQxh3lRmu3oBYSlRMgQTEjZDYGu2OPbWMeGBWHtG6e0OrP-c7lKHfUN0JMzCras7-K_5f2TA/s200/DSCF1823.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div>We arrived for dinner and were basically the only people there. This troubled me a bit. Diners are supposed to be packed with friends and neighbors and old men sitting at bar stools drinking coffee and talking about the old days. The only conversation going on here was by the three waitress that seemed to be looking for something to do. We were escorted to our seats by one of them and then another one came over to take our drink orders.<br />
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The waitress we had was absolutely full of no personality. While we inconvenienced her with our drinks we looked over the menu. I thought the Meatloaf sounded good and Simone must have agreed because she decided to get the same thing. After ordering the meatloaf I had to use the boys room. It was then that I noticed some very good sounding specials written on a chalkboard. <br />
Hmm... I guess the waitress decided I didn't need to know those.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJOOlFKHARFKID1eJmvbryNY_p1CJmYV15Ymk2A_dR_5fA-bDLhda3XNzJn1v0mI-3XxOMWyTS1qsVRkmp2Y_MRg1jv2F6YKsh8cgV3gcLxYXosj_gWIg-MUMHH_iHrSli7OBIM4Jm64r/s1600/DSCF1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJOOlFKHARFKID1eJmvbryNY_p1CJmYV15Ymk2A_dR_5fA-bDLhda3XNzJn1v0mI-3XxOMWyTS1qsVRkmp2Y_MRg1jv2F6YKsh8cgV3gcLxYXosj_gWIg-MUMHH_iHrSli7OBIM4Jm64r/s200/DSCF1820.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div>After a few minutes our Meatloaf arrived. Simone had hers with mashed potatoes and mine came with French Fries. Both of us had green beans on the side. I have to say that the Meatloaf was very good, It was moist and had a beefy onion flavor and was topped with a nice creamy gravy. My fries were thin and crispy and I enjoyed sopping up my gravy with them. Simone's potatoes were also good, and our green beans were soft and buttery. This was a classic meal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKpYVe54oUO4KBJDVIcObOptxkQn__CmzX_hzKoou3Qzj464ytXOw3Wc2L_c6jO03fGZyrow5aOzrn61ZVEd3C7kp5xWKC6CkrqOBsg5hyaY0lfrYPuVH5Acz8XH5E9V36FlpVbNwQfsy/s1600/DSCF1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKpYVe54oUO4KBJDVIcObOptxkQn__CmzX_hzKoou3Qzj464ytXOw3Wc2L_c6jO03fGZyrow5aOzrn61ZVEd3C7kp5xWKC6CkrqOBsg5hyaY0lfrYPuVH5Acz8XH5E9V36FlpVbNwQfsy/s200/DSCF1822.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not that the waitress cared to ask but we decided to order dessert anyway. Simone and I each had cheesecake. Simone decided to have the Pecan Bourbon Cheesecake and I went with the Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake. Simone Cheesecake looked impressive but lacked a little flavor and was kinda disappointing. My cheesecake tasted as good as it looked and was a nice way to end to my meal. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFEFEMnnjHl75htqfhblwMAWggVi69nlJLudNdoIcXoME5Mer_NogsCWkZmlmUn3PYDCw_gK4qjz2M-q1uE6dGVB19hTXig_HpZTlN0i9kjKDpfTmB_yX6hZgrblhkfTHxEhk04rBG044/s1600/DSCF1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFEFEMnnjHl75htqfhblwMAWggVi69nlJLudNdoIcXoME5Mer_NogsCWkZmlmUn3PYDCw_gK4qjz2M-q1uE6dGVB19hTXig_HpZTlN0i9kjKDpfTmB_yX6hZgrblhkfTHxEhk04rBG044/s200/DSCF1821.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, overall I wish that the Rockin Diner had been a little more rockin. The decor was fun and the food was good but the service was just average. Three stars for The Rockin Diner.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-79652069688557440442011-06-25T16:34:00.001-04:002011-06-30T22:03:23.601-04:00Shell's Southwest Grill- Rockland, Maine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://knox.villagesoup.com/business/el/shells-southwest-grill/317281">http://knox.villagesoup.com/business/el/shells-southwest-grill/317281</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqkIi3GFVyHEruEhG-6xVKzOupOE0H0duTzf0b5IhmjhZOmnij158eDujzeiPnnGCIhNYnf8leR1EbG8Ss4qB3Hd1eR_rRvE-r6Rv8_2753dmRHkjlm4RDPBbvVSAftm1mcVqdszz0Z0C/s1600/DSCF1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqkIi3GFVyHEruEhG-6xVKzOupOE0H0duTzf0b5IhmjhZOmnij158eDujzeiPnnGCIhNYnf8leR1EbG8Ss4qB3Hd1eR_rRvE-r6Rv8_2753dmRHkjlm4RDPBbvVSAftm1mcVqdszz0Z0C/s320/DSCF1599.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> The first thing you would think of for food when visiting Rockland, Maine is probably not Tex-Mex. You also would probably not count a food shack behind the police station in a parking lot at the public boat landing on the waterfront as one of your must eat destinations, but perhaps you should. Shell's Southwest Grill is a not to be missed food experience. A small food cart with lots of spicy attitude and food, its a place for those that are looking for something other then the usual seafood ( THAT'S ME !!).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> I found this place by looking at an old local flyer tacked to the wall at the train station. The add claimed it was home to the original pulled pork burrito ( I never knew there was a debate about this). I love pulled pork so I thought it sounded like a good place for lunch. The weather outside was rainy and dreary so I was looking forward to a real sit down restaurant affair. Needless to say, I was a bit surprised when I realized the Shells was basically a funky designed and painted shack with a few picnic tables placed on a lawn to eat at. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dz0hDO-ndq0DPHfEbbgIDYyqmzzGxQ22GdJOIarr429e3oPlniFeffTsMy-yIdz3f3Ru76lm1qywT7vT_9mXDcoNkEyZbIiTEmJeo82K86GzmpoZUKOgb2IINfJnzrSpy02JKvmHJ0Gb/s1600/DSCF1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dz0hDO-ndq0DPHfEbbgIDYyqmzzGxQ22GdJOIarr429e3oPlniFeffTsMy-yIdz3f3Ru76lm1qywT7vT_9mXDcoNkEyZbIiTEmJeo82K86GzmpoZUKOgb2IINfJnzrSpy02JKvmHJ0Gb/s320/DSCF1608.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I already knew what I was going to try but Simone was unsure of her meal so we looked over the hand written menu for a few moments. The ladies behind the counter ( I assume that one was Shell herself) highly recommended the 12 inch pulled pork burrito, a little spicy but wonderful they told me. I liked the sound of that and placed my order. Simone looking up at the cloudy skies and feeling the chill decided to warm up with some black bean & beef chili. I also ordered some homemade limeade which reminded of how summer is supposed to be. My pork was quickly placed on the grill to heat along with the tortilla. Cheese was melted on top and then the whole thing was topped of with a mountain of fresh made cilantro coleslaw and wrapped up. The ladies sadistically chuckled, and let me know that I was going to need lots of napkins for this meal but it would be well worth it. They also finished of Simone's Chili with some cheese and scallions. As the sprinkles came down, Simone and I had a seat at one of the picnic tables.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I hunched over with napkins in hand and took a large bite from my Burrito. While the ladies in the shack looked on , I proceeded to spill slaw and pork juice down my face. The ladies were correct- it was messy, but it was a delicious mess. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The pulled pork was juicy, tender and filled with a spicy and smokey heat from the rub. The slaw cooled the seasoning down just enough and the combo of the hot and cold just worked perfectly. This was so good that I had to find out what was on the pork so I asked. The response from the shack came quick. With another sarcastic and sadistic tone I was told that I would never know the rub, even if I guessed all day. The secret would die with Shell herself (even the other girl in the shed was not able to know- she could only cook and enjoy the mystery also). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydPADa_IlbKfmW-XC4HLJXovGGXRuwIX4VNZMIrt28P1nO-71aDCYbld2D9x8YkCkrgSFNhwBxeV5PpzKoInOaMgiX7esI0QdcOIv9s6OlHsjd2ba_cUjZk6s5rNR5nqDxUSE5e6VlONx/s1600/DSCF1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydPADa_IlbKfmW-XC4HLJXovGGXRuwIX4VNZMIrt28P1nO-71aDCYbld2D9x8YkCkrgSFNhwBxeV5PpzKoInOaMgiX7esI0QdcOIv9s6OlHsjd2ba_cUjZk6s5rNR5nqDxUSE5e6VlONx/s200/DSCF1601.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Simone's chili was also very good- It was received piping hot with a side of tortilla chips. It had great flavor with layers of smokey cumin, chili spices and Cilantro. It was thick, hearty and beefy and a great choice on such a cool damp day. I had no problam helping Simone finish it off.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Simone and I really liked this place. The location, the ladies, the funkiness and the food were all unique and I would urge you to take the time to find Shell's Southwest Grill and give it a try. It is truly some great Tex-Mex food in the heart of coastal southern Maine. (Just done ask about the pork rub) 4.5 stars for Shells.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><img height="72px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqkIi3GFVyHEruEhG-6xVKzOupOE0H0duTzf0b5IhmjhZOmnij158eDujzeiPnnGCIhNYnf8leR1EbG8Ss4qB3Hd1eR_rRvE-r6Rv8_2753dmRHkjlm4RDPBbvVSAftm1mcVqdszz0Z0C/s320/DSCF1599.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 347px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 439px; visibility: hidden;" width="96px" /></div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-49674709270294933752011-06-21T20:14:00.000-04:002011-06-21T20:14:16.314-04:00Miss Portland Diner- Portland ME<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.missportlanddiner.com/">http://www.missportlanddiner.com/</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not that you probably care, but my favorite kind of food is diner food. Its menu is simple and reminds me of home. Its comforting and filling and has no words that I can't pronounce. It is, at its heart, food for people that just want something good to eat and a place to sit down and talk with friends over a cup of coffee. So is the case with the Miss Portland Diner located on Marginal Way in Portland. Miss Portland is just what you imagine when you think of a Diner, it is one of the originals built by the Worcester Lunch Car Company, that made a bunch of them back in the late forties and Fifties. They have added on to the back of the car to provide for more seating over the years but the rest of the car is the original classic. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> We arrived on a rainy morning for a late breakfast and both seating areas were full. We were seated within about ten minutes and were placed in the front booth area which was part of the original building so I loved it. Nostalgia aside, we looked over the menu. Nothing fancy here, just the basics. I decided for my breakfast I would have my go to breakfast dish, Corned Beef Hash with scrambled eggs and a side of toasted Rye bread . Simone decided to go with French Toast and a side of Bacon. While Simone sipped her coffee the kitchen cooked our meal. It only took about ten minutes and our food arrived. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMQLXuXvJySq8pCulqavSFRKPq4OKq5CExDcgFvNotkhyQLGK0VLcmgZClzBOjraemaEMTmlDeI8AY8FMxht_jkzcaU6S06ginlxsi-il8iFEg6bISxvZqImM8Hcc9wb6TMtfGGVirCQv/s1600/DSCF1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMQLXuXvJySq8pCulqavSFRKPq4OKq5CExDcgFvNotkhyQLGK0VLcmgZClzBOjraemaEMTmlDeI8AY8FMxht_jkzcaU6S06ginlxsi-il8iFEg6bISxvZqImM8Hcc9wb6TMtfGGVirCQv/s200/DSCF1677.JPG" width="200px" /></a>My Hash was cooked perfectly, Homemade and nicely browned and crispy on the outside and still moist on the inside. It was different then some other hash I have had, as it had cabbage in it. This gave a great and unique flavor and also a little crunch and I loved every bite of it. This was definitely in the top 3 of my favorite hashes. The eggs were not bad, but were also not exactly scrambled. They were basically poured on the grill and then chopped up and put on the plate. They also needed lots of salt and pepper. The Rye bread was buttery toasty goodness. Although I wish the portion had been a bit bigger ( I so wanted more hash) the meal was very good.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Simone's French Toast was also very good. Hand hipped in a cinnamon egg batter and griddled to perfection served with melted butter on top and a side of syrup (you have your choice of the fake or real stuff for a small added cost). The bacon was cooked perfectly crispy and Simone was happy ( this is hard to do as my wife is very picky and always tells me when the bacon is "jiggly"). Overall this was very good diner food for an average price in a great nostalgic atmosphere, but I do wish the portions had been a bit larger. Miss Portland gets 3.5 stars.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Great Lost Bear on 540 Forest Avenue in Portland Maine will appeal to your senses. Your eyes will be captivated by the decor, your mind will be tested by the novel like size of the menu ( including a Bears load of local brews) and your taste buds will be tantalized by the all the deliciousness that they will experience. This is a place for foodies, families, hippies and college kids alike. Vegans, veg heads and meat eaters unite, I think anybody could find something they would enjoy on this menu.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Great Lost Bear is located just minutes away from a number of schools and colleges in the Portland area, this helps to keep the place hopping at all hours. Parking can be a bit troublesome but if you take the time to drive around a bit, a spot can usually be found in the small lot beside the building or along the street. Once inside you will probably get lost yourself ( apparently just like the Great Bear ). The rooms are a little dark and dimly lit, some may call this romantic, some with bad eye site may consider it a safety hazard. There are many side rooms with a larger dining room and bar area to sit at and if you are lucky you may even get to sit underneath a dead animal head on the wall. After being seated, Simone and I ordered our drinks and got down to the task of looking through the extensive menu options. After much debate, we decided to start with some healthy sounding Teriyaki Grilled Mushrooms with house made Parmesan Peppercorn Dip, and the not so healthy Poutine with local Pineland Farms cheese curds that was being advertised on the specials board. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn5JFl4vIL3VWd_CNS2zRB3XdE26wOilsj9-u40etd5vGBHIyzMT9KQ2enb4FvOavcfoTjrT8IxaxG9nezD2y_vgDXD2AZsxK6n90H2SXE6K4mm46octRQOmiSvva3Qntc8W27TY4pNg4/s1600/DSCF1666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn5JFl4vIL3VWd_CNS2zRB3XdE26wOilsj9-u40etd5vGBHIyzMT9KQ2enb4FvOavcfoTjrT8IxaxG9nezD2y_vgDXD2AZsxK6n90H2SXE6K4mm46octRQOmiSvva3Qntc8W27TY4pNg4/s200/DSCF1666.JPG" width="200px" /></a>The appetizers arrived and I was completely blown away by how delicious they were. Lets start with the Pountine ( which I have become an expert on over the years). This was better then any I have ever had. The fries were drowned in a rich gravy but somehow remained super crispy. The cheese curds were sharp and fresh tasting in all their melted goodness. Most Poutines I've had, have been sprinkled with bland curds that have just been chunky and stringy with gravy poured over them. The Poutine from the Great Lost Bear is nothing like that. The cheese, the gravy and crispy fries cook and melt together after being baked in a casserole dish in the super hot oven. I think this was the biggest difference and it really works perfectly.I almost ordered a second helping. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBQsDJBbvV5PS7SuA56b5kve4sE1qVag9_akc9FWNSVT0ew1ZC6tyoWd0rUCu5Br3Y8pnEyc-gazdbg-hIWRyxfAst3Fp3gYb-QpnltnVrtGsYwQBvt6TDN7bXBG0oipu05nXRXwJFGD1/s1600/DSCF1665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBQsDJBbvV5PS7SuA56b5kve4sE1qVag9_akc9FWNSVT0ew1ZC6tyoWd0rUCu5Br3Y8pnEyc-gazdbg-hIWRyxfAst3Fp3gYb-QpnltnVrtGsYwQBvt6TDN7bXBG0oipu05nXRXwJFGD1/s200/DSCF1665.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Not to be outdone by Poutine, the Mushrooms were equally as delectable. A simple sweet Teriyaki glaze combined with the flavors of the Char broiler grill to make these Mushroom morsels addictive. The Parmesan Peppercorn dressing was the best I have ever had. It was thick, cheesy and had just enough bite from the black peppercorns. The Teriyaki Mushrooms and Dressing worked perfectly together . Again, I almost had to order more.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF0QdAjpm-DZGsMTU3EZxcuRJjYtIMIIofJmOO0okdTBCy8L-NpMfGHIIM3qpBaWzJAvj2BXvw5MQFtIKkEuA1NZh3krDSmSGimwfXkoZlA1w9wIKVvnToa_dZVuOKm9HNJznIfFFe7Kw/s1600/DSCF1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWF0QdAjpm-DZGsMTU3EZxcuRJjYtIMIIofJmOO0okdTBCy8L-NpMfGHIIM3qpBaWzJAvj2BXvw5MQFtIKkEuA1NZh3krDSmSGimwfXkoZlA1w9wIKVvnToa_dZVuOKm9HNJznIfFFe7Kw/s200/DSCF1668.JPG" width="200px" /></a>After over filling on appetizers it was on to the meal. Simone ordered an appetizer side of the Specka Spanikopita, a Greek pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese and seasonings. It was baked to a flaky golden brown crust and came out of the kitchen piping hot. I found it to be a little bland and needed some salt but Simone enjoyed and finished it completely. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZwgzO5dgNS9kqlbEQ5mORKw35F2vI7Agu6EM1pDPJts_i2O-B2DU-DO9h0cURwYYlOLXg_zeIRWb7mJppU6WPRkIW4q0lxOR2Qxb8l2VYCkhyphenhyphenTc7r1VaboYWj6D9GudbpVmzJrwZJ1qN/s1600/DSCF1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZwgzO5dgNS9kqlbEQ5mORKw35F2vI7Agu6EM1pDPJts_i2O-B2DU-DO9h0cURwYYlOLXg_zeIRWb7mJppU6WPRkIW4q0lxOR2Qxb8l2VYCkhyphenhyphenTc7r1VaboYWj6D9GudbpVmzJrwZJ1qN/s200/DSCF1667.JPG" width="200px" /></a>For my entree I deiced to have the Thai Peanut Chicken Sandwich with a side of Red Beans and Rice. The chicken was grilled perfectly- moist and tender. The peanut sauce was good, not overly spicy but plenty of flavor. Much like the soanikopita, The red beans and rice were not as flavorful as I was expecting but a little dash of salt fixed that. Both the entrees were good but not as tasty as our appetizers and both of us agreed that we could have just kept eating the apps all night and skipped the actual meals.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHv-fJ9jWuARRlO348Ft7EejJoaDdG3rF8VxTrKDpY4DuDpXQR3gk4BTRnNqQi__w1mWUL0nJcV5rSB_CQ8iJsT8VRnFoWBIplvHqQnHuogO_483bMJORugPMka1qj7QNyRb9d_Vs4CiK/s1600/DSCF1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHv-fJ9jWuARRlO348Ft7EejJoaDdG3rF8VxTrKDpY4DuDpXQR3gk4BTRnNqQi__w1mWUL0nJcV5rSB_CQ8iJsT8VRnFoWBIplvHqQnHuogO_483bMJORugPMka1qj7QNyRb9d_Vs4CiK/s200/DSCF1669.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Somehow we managed to find space for dessert. Although we debated having the Carrot Cake special we ultimately decided upon the Snickers chocolate pie. This was a great choice. The crust was perfect. Flaky and tender. The filling was a semi solid fudgey, deep, dark, milky, chocolate lovers wet dream. And the whipped cream and caramel sauce was the perfect way to top it all off.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Great Lost Bear was as good as I hoped. The appetizers were the best I have ever had, The entrees although not as tasty as the appetizers were still good, and the dessert ( which the waitress told me wins awards) was a perfect rich and filling end to the night. I will definitely be back , especially for that Poutine. 4.5 stars for the Great Lost Bear.</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-27540817925714721392011-06-13T22:46:00.000-04:002011-06-13T22:46:24.258-04:00Bombay-Mahal- Brunswick, Maine<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86sk5vkbfux5OrfoLN_P1yjiEOvlEnJV4XuvClKVrx_3SceKwrBMPFfdfjUT0by3G-mG4gNnskxMKdZOV2mApgxRoT-5oFkXJWwYeAvRsa_HwgwvOkhGbFDxevLFr65hfJ2JXa5SzBPq7/s1600/DSCF1476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86sk5vkbfux5OrfoLN_P1yjiEOvlEnJV4XuvClKVrx_3SceKwrBMPFfdfjUT0by3G-mG4gNnskxMKdZOV2mApgxRoT-5oFkXJWwYeAvRsa_HwgwvOkhGbFDxevLFr65hfJ2JXa5SzBPq7/s320/DSCF1476.JPG" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.bombaymahalbrunswick.com/Bombay_Mahal_Indian_Restaurant,_Brunswick,_Maine.html">http://www.bombaymahalbrunswick.com/Bombay_Mahal_Indian_Restaurant,_Brunswick,_Maine.html</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So a few days ago Simone and I headed out for a weekend on the coast, and of course while on the coast we had to sample some of the fine cuisine that makes Maines coastal towns famous, Indian Food ! (Did you really think I was going to say Lobster ?). We found a great place on Main Street in Brunswick. Bombay- Mahal is a no frills tasty Indian Eatery. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnInEuXn0k6F8MLzbBxnrTSTmoNBD12HRj7FuR3cVLXmqUFPo4w6xON9SicFy4U90gOAqH-sYbUvGfhX5zt5e2AE56lYgmZ4iw-wMgOV6bZtfKjxbRZ7ddS6b_YW2qYd-e2wz8pk6MS1e8/s1600/DSCF1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnInEuXn0k6F8MLzbBxnrTSTmoNBD12HRj7FuR3cVLXmqUFPo4w6xON9SicFy4U90gOAqH-sYbUvGfhX5zt5e2AE56lYgmZ4iw-wMgOV6bZtfKjxbRZ7ddS6b_YW2qYd-e2wz8pk6MS1e8/s200/DSCF1488.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Simone and I visited late on a Friday night and had the place almost all to ourselves. When we arrived we were seated right away and the waiter asked us if we were familiar with Indian food. I let him know we were and then he told us about the evening specials. He was very happy to tell us that the eggplant was a house specialty. Now I'm almost as excited about eggplant as I am about seafood, so I respectively declined the eggplant dish. This was probably a bad idea because for the rest of the evening my waiter was almost somber in his mood. He went about serving us but was not real quick to smile or ask how our meal was or even if we wanted dessert. However, my meal was delicious and possibly the best Indian food I have ever had.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Simone and I started out with the Bombay Appetizer Sampler. The platter had something for everyone- a Ke<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsQeIsnliPczmhxn7yVj00Ndt0ghq0lOxkBrPDLntD5sCYy4F2Kljk_861xZLFkQe8lg0GMGOlK9z0DMHHZ3Ouh_2m9wR-ox-1onoRQEnrGaJ18WC8ZS4rza9BLjC4nE8T02xNPUelrC4/s1600/DSCF1478_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsQeIsnliPczmhxn7yVj00Ndt0ghq0lOxkBrPDLntD5sCYy4F2Kljk_861xZLFkQe8lg0GMGOlK9z0DMHHZ3Ouh_2m9wR-ox-1onoRQEnrGaJ18WC8ZS4rza9BLjC4nE8T02xNPUelrC4/s200/DSCF1478_edited-1.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a>ema Samosa, which is ground lamb, shredded potato and green peas folded over in puff pastry and baked. This was very good and not to spicy. Pappadam was a baked very thin craker which tasted like a Saltine but was good with condiments. Rikki Tikki Tavi was a fried round pastry pocket stuffed with spiced vegetables, this looked like it was over cooked but tasted better then it looked. The last (and I thought the best part of the platter) was the Chicken Pakoras with big chunks of Indian spiced chicken breaded with Chick Pea flour and deep fried. A nice ethnic twist on a chicken nugget. The platter came with a very spicy fresh made mango chutney. Simone enjoyed it but I, but I found it overpowering. It also came with a nice cooling yogurt Raita which was excellent, and a sweet tamarind sauce that was equally as good.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2L7a0VPQOE0W3LB3Gb_ILXgE_xlG5A_5LMobfdeX613MRHuCPvsLCib-8Fz7zON1IZjdmAJVUZjU8JJjmDUh0K2bWHQIold6mVlPdVW8e0vEAo_hci4oljw8dCOu15iXFC4Ga2NRXbFjE/s1600/DSCF1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2L7a0VPQOE0W3LB3Gb_ILXgE_xlG5A_5LMobfdeX613MRHuCPvsLCib-8Fz7zON1IZjdmAJVUZjU8JJjmDUh0K2bWHQIold6mVlPdVW8e0vEAo_hci4oljw8dCOu15iXFC4Ga2NRXbFjE/s200/DSCF1480.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a>For our next course, Simone and I had the Peshwari Nan Bread. Nan Bread is an unleavened white flour bread that is similar to pita bread. This variety came stuffed with potatoes,pistachios and almonds and was drizzled with butter. It was heavenly, sweet, savory and sinful.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38vPnkzUXeTgcQiyMuo15qs7phIVJi1eyzKLPMkZQst4Tn65mV9Op4lxjYkWhY45imb1A9ntR4d2GWLjr7ORkpMlwmJU1cGzV_GNPrjevmhFgJ8tvRIkxpDH4ygga4PjAWPxomSd1tLmy/s1600/DSCF1483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38vPnkzUXeTgcQiyMuo15qs7phIVJi1eyzKLPMkZQst4Tn65mV9Op4lxjYkWhY45imb1A9ntR4d2GWLjr7ORkpMlwmJU1cGzV_GNPrjevmhFgJ8tvRIkxpDH4ygga4PjAWPxomSd1tLmy/s200/DSCF1483.JPG" t8="true" width="200px" /></a>Simone and I finally made our way to the entree portion of our meal and decided to order the Moghalai Chicken with Briyani Rice. This is a dish consisting of boneless marinated chicken pieces sauteed in a creamy, silky, rich and smooth yogurt tomato and butter sauce then topped with almonds. This sauce was so good I could have just drank it. I don't ever want to know how much butter went into it , but it was well worth the early heart condition that I will probably develop if I keep eating food like this.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Not that my heartbroken waiter actually asked us ,but Simone and I did not order any dessert as we were way to filled up on all the buttery goodness of our meal. I think if we are in town again we will look to return to Bombay-Mahal. The food was absolutely a 4.5- the service a 3. Overall... I give this Brunswick Indian eatery a happy 4 stars. </div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5221626204056007777.post-91072656093802507662011-03-22T20:12:00.002-04:002011-06-20T17:11:57.237-04:00A1 Diner-Gardiner Maine<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <a href="http://a1diner.com/">http://a1diner.com/</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The A-1 Diner has been around for a long time. It has been reviewed by thousands including on the original episode of the Food Networks Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. It is located in an old trolley car on the Maine Street Bridge in Gardiner ME and it is the classic image of what a diner should be. However , when you get inside the small dining area and look up at the menu board featuring eclectic creations you will quickly realize that this is not your typical diner food ( although they do have that also).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a name='more'></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlsoiVu990XHjj3aPbTQ47PyPQBQLL3El_SpS4DZsHOEo_foMT6TLUuKj8dTig0flI76XhtOD6CVLcLxOBgQIop2c3Zex-vwjCwA4pOq9CaQLM4uD23vr1oueJxOH3I4mFSXWXWHdDNtT/s1600/DSCF1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlsoiVu990XHjj3aPbTQ47PyPQBQLL3El_SpS4DZsHOEo_foMT6TLUuKj8dTig0flI76XhtOD6CVLcLxOBgQIop2c3Zex-vwjCwA4pOq9CaQLM4uD23vr1oueJxOH3I4mFSXWXWHdDNtT/s320/DSCF1009.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> I have always enjoyed the breakfast at the A-1. My favorite is the garlic laced Corned Beef Hash ( which often runs out) however on this trip Simone and I decided to try some lunch. When we arrived at about 11:30 the place was virtually empty. This was probably due to the raging blizzard outside, but shortly after noon the place started hopping and the old trolley filled up quick. After looking at the regular menu and also the many specials of the day I decided to go with a simple yet tasty sounding Oakland Farms Burger special. Locally grown and farm raised, this burger came to the table topped with sweet caramelized onion and melted Gruyere cheese. I ordered it medium well and it was done perfectly. The burger tasted fresh and the onions were sauteed to almost a jam like consistency and they were the perfect compliment to the rich cheese. The only thing I wish was that the bun had been better quality as it was a bit dry and was the only thing that held this burger back. I also had a side of French Fries and those were excellent. They were cut fresh and when I dipped them in the bowl of delicious beef gravy , they could have been a meal themselves ( next time I'm ordering the large).</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hnZ5KJxo_eKDcebD5sVSzmKxTI3et_dkOlEvQp3YIIuiTMvB0Gek216G4K4alkF5je8zTAYlOvg-I3WGk2kXSPWhZPTFU2CNxaGuZkPm4QCqWcqo9eNU7aNZpq8D9x-II3qz4Zq96oic/s1600/DSCF1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hnZ5KJxo_eKDcebD5sVSzmKxTI3et_dkOlEvQp3YIIuiTMvB0Gek216G4K4alkF5je8zTAYlOvg-I3WGk2kXSPWhZPTFU2CNxaGuZkPm4QCqWcqo9eNU7aNZpq8D9x-II3qz4Zq96oic/s320/DSCF1010.JPG" width="320px" /></a>Simone ,as always, was freezing cold, so she opted to go with a bowl of Moroccan Stew that was on special. This was a vegetarian version of the classic Lamb stew. It was loaded with all kinds of vegetables including eggplant, garbanzo beans, squash, tomatoes,onions and garlic. It had some great flavorful overtones of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander and was a very hearty stew. It was served with a side of basmati rice which really wasn't need as the stew alone was plenty filling. Simone also had one of the famous A-1 Diner biscuits. It was also good, flaky and buttery and soaked up the stew well.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For dessert we split a piece of the Chocolate Torte. I apologize for the lack of a picture but this was so good I didn't have time to get the camera out, before it disappeared. Although the portion was small, the taste was huge. It was decadently moist and rich and almost a fudge like consistency. A perfect slice- next time I will not be sharing it.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once again, on this visit the A-1 Diner met my expectations. My burger was very good. It was classic and simply prepared, the way it should be and Simone's stew was a great way to warm up during a Maine winter. The torte to finish the meal was just amazing and put an exclamation point on our lunch. Four stars for the A-1 Diner.</div>Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06950982333499245747noreply@blogger.com0