What I really mean!!

  • $ - Taco/Hotdog $tand/Truck, Dive bar or Donut shop. Probably have enough cash in your wallet.
  • $$ - If you had to eat out every meal, this would be a good option but don’t forget the morning workout.
  • $$$ - A night out and away from the kids while paying a $itter.
  • $$$$ - New client/customer but your not ready to stick your nose in his a$$. Split a plate with your significant other.
  • $$$$$ - Only when your boss or someone else pays or you really, really, really me$$ed up!!
  • :( - I would rather eat a big steaming pile of _______ (fill in the blank)!!

Monday, October 20, 2008

The Flying Saucer

If memory serves, everyone one of the blogs I’ve done to date has been a blog about food. I suppose this is a good thing since it’s a food blog but I had to let everyone know about the “Flying Saucer”.

While meeting with some folks in Dallas this past week we indulged in several beers at several different locations but the only must stop I noted is the Flying Saucer. There are a couple of locations in the Dallas area and this day we hit the Addison location.
It’s not often that I get to indulge in beers at 2:30 in the afternoon but I’ll use the excuse that I wasn’t driving and this is where we ended up. Unfortunately we had just eaten lunch or I would have knocked down a bratwurst with my beer. The food menu appeared to be the standard bar menu but the beer menu is what fascinated me.
This location has over 200 beers in house (bottles and draft) covering all shades of the beer spectrum. Don’t be afraid to ask the bar tender for some help, I did and he did a great job guiding me though the menu and providing samples. Multiple samples!!!
As usual, I stayed in the dark end of the spectrum indulging in a Murphy’s Stout (Draft), Left Hand Black Jack Porter (Bottle) and a brew I wish I had and should have know about prior to this visit, the New Belgium 1554 (Draft). This was the highlight of my trip. The 1554 is a Schwarbier (Black Beer) type that is, as described by the Flying Saucer web site, “Other than being dark in color, 1554 has little in common with Porters or Stouts. The beer is fermented at relatively high temperatures using European lager yeast that imparts a refreshing, zesty acidity. Chocolate and coffee tones in the nose give way to a surprisingly clean finish”.
Now I’m on the quest to finding the 1554 in the bottled version here in Boise. I’ve got some good leads so keep your fingers crossed.
Make sure to visit the Flying Saucer at any of their locations and see for yourself what a wonderful place this is. It’s like finding Oz only you won’t want to go home!!!!!!!!!

http://www.beerknurd.com/

Friday, October 10, 2008

Moose’s Tooth

I’m going against what I said in a previous blog about waiting to make three visits to an establishment prior to writing the blog. After visiting this place a second time my thoughts are confirmed that this is one of the best Pizza places I have ever been to and is a must visit when in Anchorage. I would wait until next year though. After being there for 4 days this week I can honestly say I've seen my first 4 days of winter. It never got above freezing and snowed most of the time. Welcome to AK!!!

The “Tooth”, as some of the locals call it, has a pizza menu consisting of 38 of their favorites as well as the build your own menu, 6 salads, sandwiches and my favorite, 17 hand crafted beers on tap.
This visit I indulge in the “Greek Gyro” pizza that consists of the traditional cucumber yogurt sauce, greek sausage, roma tomatoes, red onions and provolone cheese. This flavorful pizza is served up on a hand tossed crust that mixes the perfect amount of crunchy and chewy. Caesar salad made a nice side dish.

OK!!! BEER!!! Oh yeah!!! 17 of them!!! My first visit to this establishment earlier in the year was a blur. I think I must have tried all 17. This time I proceed with a little more patience and sampled the Pipeline Stout, Prince Williams Porter and the First Tap – Smokin’ Willies Porter. All three were some of the best dark beers I’ve had in a long time but the Smokin’ Willies jump out as the clear choice of the night. Not much different than their PW Porter but I preferred the milder hops flavor of the Smokin’ Willies. Since I was driving I only had two while waiting on the pizza to go but next time I will be sure to take a cab down and back to allow myself the means to indulge in some of the other fine brews or possibly something sweet like the “Pipe Line Stout Chocolate Cake” or “Moose Pie”. Or maybe, I'll get a growler to take back to the room!!! Wish I would have thought of that before now. @$%#!!!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Sub vs.Sub vs.Sub vs.Sub????

OK, I know it’s been a while since the last blog and for that I apologize. I have a new rule in blogging. I plan to visit a restaurant or eatery three times prior to blogging about it unless they really piss me off, disappoint me beyond belief or some other reason that would fall into the category. I might even be so thrilled I can’t wait to let everyone know about it. It can happen. Ha, Ha, Ha!!!

And now…..for the much anticipated moment and your chance to get warmed up for the presidential elections, except you get three choices, the Sub vs. Sub blog. Yeah!!!!!! Bells….whistles…streamers…etc.

I want to know your favorite sandwich joint out of the three chain sub shops listed. I’m sure that most of readers have been to each of these multiple times but really haven’t put much thought into which one they would go to if they were side by side.

Subway – Yep. You’ve been there a thousand times but is it because you really like it or is it just really convenient?
Quiznos - Yep. Just ok with me. I eat here mostly in airports. Good substitute for a fast food choice on the road but not going out of my way to find a location in town.
Blimpie – Yeah. I certainly like this one better but they don’t seem to be as conveniently located as their top competitor.
Port of Subs – Hooray!!! Hands down my favorite of the three. Relatively new to this area in comparison but widely located throughout the west and growing. I would actually like to own one or five of these. Yummy!! If for some reason you haven’t been yet. Go before you vote. I think you’ll side with me on this one. Not and over abundance of these around town yet but more popping up every year.

In addition to your votes I would also be interested in tying sub shops local to the Boise area. Write in a tell us your favorite. Cobby’s, Deli George, Hugo’s???? Just some of my favorite non-national chain sub shops and delicatessens. Has anyone been to Gandolfo’s?????? Also new to Boise, haven’t been yet but hear the advertisements on the radio.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Los Beto's

With two locations in Boise (Fairview and State St.) you would think I would have been there before now. Nope, not the case and I am very disappointed that I wasted all of those trips to what I thought was the best Mexican food in town. Chapala’s has always been a long time favorite of mine and I would find myself dining there at least once a week until I met its match. I will miss the chips and salsa but they can keep the rest as far as I’m concerned.

My all time favorite Mexican dish is none other than Carnitas. Tender chunks of pork simmered or braised in green chilies and seasoning then typically broiled or fried prior to serving providing a crust like exterior that melts in your mouth. Whoa!!!!…….Almost passed out and am salivating to the point of needing to change my shirt. Chapala’s does a decent job but you’re in for a real treat at Los Beto’s

They have a nicely proportioned menu that will meet the request of the patrons; I just haven’t tried anything but the Carnitas yet. Not sure that I can. I get the Carnitas plate, AKA #13 that is served with beans, rice and homemade flour or corn tortillas. Several other plates accompany the #13 on the menu board but the also serve and believe they are famous for there burritos; breakfast lunch and dinner. Price is right as well. Breakfast can be purchased for under $3, lunch is a couple bucks more and I would be surprised if anyone left that place hungry. As with all great food establishments, get there early or stand in line. They are also open 24 hours a day. Next time your out late down town and just can’t stomach the Yankee Dog, have the cabby stop by on the way home.

I will be dinning at Los Beto’s today for the #13 with corn tortillas and quite possibly could do the same tomorrow as well. If I’m not eating pork on a daily basis it’s not for the lack of trying. PORK RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Original Pancake House – Eagle, ID

Usually I will visit a place at least twice before forming an opinion worth blogging about and this establishment is no different. I have actually been to this location 4 times since they opened and have had the same opinion each of these visits with the exception of this last visit that truly amplified my opinions from the previous.
Almost more important than food quality to me is the service. I expect good service every time I go out to eat. Maybe my expectations are too high of this place but I think most readers would agree with me after one visit to the Original Pancake House that their service SUCKS!!!!! On past visits I have thought the same but never stressed too hard about it while expecting the delay to get food that is actually of very good quality. If you have nothing to do for the morning and can wait for an exorbitant amount of time to get your meal, this is your place. My advice is to bring something to do, read the newspaper, finish some knitting, write a novel, etc.
On this past Saturday our family met up with some others for a “kid’s breakfast” prior to starting school this week. All in all there are 4 adults and 5 kids. Yes this is a larger party of people and the standard delay is expected for such thing. My wife showed up at the place at 9 am with the rest of us not due until 9:30 am. She ordered for everyone at that time expecting the food to be on the table shortly after the rest of the party arrived. Not so, in fact it took almost an hour to get the order to the table. Not even the whole order either. Apparently when you order corned beef hash you should call in the night before. Everyone was done eating before I got my order. Quality is tops for their eggs, bacon, hash, omelets and of course the pancakes but the service needs some serious help if they plan to stay in business. Also, if plan to drink coffee it may be a good idea to take a larger cup with you or drink slowly from theirs. You see staff wondering around but they are mostly empty handed.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Food Nights - To do and not to do in Maui

After being here in Maui for just over a week now we have had our food experience ups and downs. Ups would include last night’s dinner at Mama’s fish house (see previous blog) and the meals we have cooked here at the condo. Including the Bonsai burgers (teriyaki burgers topped with fresh grilled Pineapple), the Coconut and Panko Crusted Mahi-mahi topped with fresh Mango Salsa paired with coconut white rice and tonight’s dinner consisting of Beef Filets topped with caramelized Maui sweet onions, blue cheese and red wine reduction, served with fresh garlic green beans, chopped romaine salad and steamed Alaskan King Crab legs. Yes we have eaten very well and I have enjoyed cooking for everyone. It’s nice to stay at a location that will allow us to do this but part of vacation is enjoying the local fare.

Up – Old Lahaina Luau - http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/index_main.html

Hands down this is one of the best experiences I can recall on vacation. This luau is full of Hawaiian history and traditional dance. Oh, and the food isn’t bad either. Kailua pork tops the menu coked in the traditional style ”Imu” (pit oven in the sand covered with banana leaves). Also on the buffet is steak, chicken, fish, salads, fruit, etc. Most things on the buffet line where quite enjoyable including the macadamia tarts served on the desert tray at each table. This place is sold out every night so make sure to get your reservations well in advance and I would suggest asking for the traditional seating up front. $95 per person and worth every penny. All food, drinks (including alcoholic) and entertainment is included but make sure to tip your waiter. Best Mai Tai in the world.

Down – Quicksilver Sunset Dinner Cruise

Wow. Not a good wow either. We decided prior to our visit we would not seek out a dinner cruise while we are here. I envisioned a short boat ride eating mediocre food with watered down drinks and poor entertainment. What we got was much worse.
The couple we are vacationing with had been on a dinner cruise while on their Honeymoon 7 years ago and enjoyed every minute of it. We agreed that if we could find the same one they had gone on then that we would book the trip. While in Lahaina picking up the tickets at Boss Frog’s that I purchased for the Luau we asked the gentlemen about this dinner cruise. Apparently our friends were drunk the whole time when here before or in the twilight zone. At Boss Frog’s they have never heard of this dinner cruise our friends spoke of. Never the less, they of course recommended one that we are sure to enjoy. Great deal too. Book now and get your tickets two for one or $38 per person. Also promised to be a five star romantic experience. Yeh right.
From the time we board the boat to now and beyond I regret making the decision to book this trip. As we find our seat on the boat I have the immediate thought that most of the other patrons booked there tickets through Wal-Mart. Our group is dressed up and ready for a fabulously romantic experience and some of the others are in flip flops, swim suits, spandex, moo moos and tank tops. As we leave the dock and head out to sea about 1 mile off the coast, yep one whole mile before we stop and spin in circles waiting for dinner and the sun to set. Did I mention the entertainment? A one man band singing requests and an occasional Hawaiian style song? He sounds very similar to the worst Karaoke singer you have ever seen or heard but plays his own guitar so most of the songs are barley even recognizable.
Dinner time and we can’t wait for the Prim Rib, Chicken, coconut rice, etc. Oh, woops, I guess we waited to long to get in line. Out of 61 paying customers on boards I would guess there was only enough food for 50. They ran out of food on a dinner cruise buffet???? What little food we did get was over cooked, under cooked or just flat tasteless. Good thing they gave us free alcoholic beverages. Oh, but only two drinks per person until you have to pay for the rest. They did give out complimentary drinks to those of us who didn’t get much to eat. A poor offering to top of one of the worst vacation experiences of my life. Five star service my butt. At least we are open minded enough to make the most out of it and laugh the evening away not letting it ruin our vacation.
Next time we will spend an additional night at Mama’s fish house or cooking at the condo.

Mama’s Fish House - Paia, HI

Located on the island of Maui, Mama’s is a must stop for any couple or group visiting the island. The setting and view from the restaurant is like that of a scene from a movie. Sandy beach, ocean waves, sunset and palm trees complete this surreal visual experience.
Open up your wallet. When preparing to dine at Mama’s make sure to make a reservation and be prepared to spend some dough. This place is packed on a regular basis especially around sunset time so call well in advance. You may also want to think of getting a second or third job to fund this experience. Expect to spend at least $100+ per person if you planning on drinking on your visit. If it’s any indication of what your getting into, the house wine is Pride Vineyards http://www.pridewine.com/ . We selected the Pride 2006 Cabernet Franc at $120 a bottle. Of course the restaurant marks it up 100% but still worth every penny.
First class treatment from start to finish can be expected. Valet the car when you get there and work your way to the bar. They serve a variety of tropical drinks as well as any others you can think of. Be sure to check out the wine list as well.
The appetizer menu is not completely overwhelming but the 4 of us attending this night found a couple that tempted our taste buds. Macadamia nut crusted crab cakes and lobster guacamole find their way to the table and in to our mouths in a matter of minutes. Not overly impressed with the crab cakes (mine are hard to beat) but thrilled with the explosion of flavor in the guacamole. A little disappointed in the portion size of our fist delivery but overall a pretty good pick.
Salads and soups are next on the menu but having a hard time justifying a $20+ salad I opt for the Crab and Corn chowder and the wife spies the Chilled Cucumber soup. After tasting both of them I decide I have made the better decision but both are a wonderful second course.
Don’t feel ashamed to split dishes here. The chef will send each dish out as he normally would but the waiter will gladly bring you a second plate to split the meal. This is a good way to cut down on the cost a little while still enjoying yourselves and not overeating. Especially when you entrĂ©e is a Mahi-mahi stuffed with Lobster and Crab crusted with macadamia nuts and tipping the economic scale to the tune of $46. This dish was rich enough and well portioned for two and sparked the taste buds with every bite.
Dessert is not an option tonight and not because of the price or selection. Surprisingly enough all of us are full after splitting appetizers, soup and entrees. As a last effort to secure our nights enjoyment our waiter surprises us with a complementary port wine and slice of Mama’s Chocolate Kuau Pie. This pie is similar to a chocolate moose pie on a Carmel cookie crust. Not my favorite but the rest of the table made sure there was not a crumb left on the plate.

Total cost for 4 adults indulging in pre dinner cocktails, two appetizers, 3 bowls of soup, two entrees and a very nice bottle of wine, plus tip………..$420. Was it worth it you ask? I would go back again tonight if I could.
http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/