Week 42 ... Overpriced Bread Maker

I never understood people's need to overpay for the simplest of things. Starbucks comes to mind. It's coffee after all. There must be some psychological reasoning behind it but that's above my pay grade. Panera is another such place that falls into that category. After all it really is soup and and sandwich, throw in some wi-fi, some cool chairs and some trendy millennials and voila. You can charge whatever you want.

Maeve, Becky, and I ventured into the Panera with no great expectations. We have been to this establishment before and rarely return as there are other sandwich places closer to home. We approached the counter and ordered. Maeve had a bread bowl of broccoli and cheese soup. Becky and I each ordered the soup and half sandwich. Throw in three drinks and you are at $33. While it is good prices for NYC, it is above par for Greenville.

After we ordered we found a nook in the backroom to camp out and wait for our disc to start glowing. A few minutes later it went off and I retrieved the food. The food was marginal at best. Maeve's bread bowl had a small amount of soup in it. My panini was mostly bread. Throw in a side of bread and it was carb fest. I assume Becky enjoyed her meal as she rarely complains even if the food was horrible...lol

Overall if you are looking for free wifi and a place to camp out for a few hours then Panera is a good place to hit. However if you are looking for a satisfying meal, it wouldn't be my go to place.

Ratings            ( 0 to 5 stars)

Service           2 stars

Food               2 stars

Next Up  Brixx Wood Fired Pizza

Week 41 ... Another Tex Mex Joint

It seems there is a lot of Tex Mex restaurants that have sprung up in the last 5 years. I enjoy the food so have no problem with it but they are all not equal. We previously went to Tijuana Flats and enjoyed ourselves. This week  we went to Salsaritas which bills itself as the "Fresh Cantina"

Salsaritas is located in the back of the Shops at Greenridge. It is kinda in a weird location considered it is surrounded by clothing stores. As you entered the restaurant you approach the counter to order your food with the preparer. It is similar method that you would find in Chiptole or Qdoba. The menu is also very similar to those types of restaurants. It's burritos, nachos, quesadillas,etc...

Maeve and I ordered a Quesorito, which is burrito stuffed with fillings covered with queso. Maeve ordered a small Chicken Quesorito. I had the normal size Steak Quesorito. Becky ordered a plate of homemade nachos with chicken. 

Maeve and I enjoyed the Quesoritos. The small Quesorito is plenty enough for a individual. I had to push thru to finish the normal size Quesorito. Also, I don't think the appearance of the Quesorito is that appealing. It is very weird looking at a all white food plate but that could just be me, Becky really enjoyed her nacho platter with her Coors Lite. She thought the chips were excellent because they were very lite. Overall we enjoyed our Friday night at Salsaritas.

Ratings           ( 0 to 5 stars)

Service          3 stars

Food              2.5 stars

Up Next is Panera Bread

Week 40... This Will be Quick

For the life of me I can't find the photos I took on my iPhone of our dinner at PF Changs. Therefore for those who enjoy my pictures of the establishment you will be disappointed.

(Stock Photo)

For those who aren't up to speed, PF Changs is a upscale Chinese restaurant chain. For the avid readers of the blog the group has been to multiple Chinese restaurants so the bar has been set. PF Changs would have it's work cut out to bump off some of these.

As we entered PF Changs we were seated by the hostess. The restaurant gives off the aura of a upscale eatery. The place was semi-crowded with patrons. As soon as we sat down the waitress came right over to answer our questions and take our drink orders.

We started off with a order of Pork Dumplings for the table. Maeve ordered the Chicken Lo Mein. Becky had the Spicy Chicken which is a favorite of PF Changs. I ordered the Mongolian Beef which is a tendered flank steak in a wok with garlic and scallions.

The food came out hot and the presentation looked great. We all found the food excellent. The portions however were much smaller then other Chinese establishments we visited. Also the price per entree was significantly higher as compared to other eateries. 

Overall PF Changs is a quality fine dining restaurant, however it's pricing is prohibitive compared to other local Chinese restaurants.

Ratings           (0 to 5 stars)

Service           3,5 stars

Food                3.5 stars

Up Next is Salsaritas

Week 39 .....  A Sandwich Joint

A apologies to those avid followers of the Woodruff Rd food blog. I haven't updated in awhile. However we have been going to restaurants so updates should come much faster.

We now have entered the shopping center called the Shops at Greenridge. There are multiple establishments in this shopping center. The first up is sandwich joint called Which Wich.

For those who never been there, I really enjoy their order methodology. You enter and on your left is a huge menu board on the wall. Underneath is brown bags that have all the sandwiches and toppings on the bag. You grab a pen and mark the bag with your order. You then hand it to the cashier and off it goes to the sandwich makers.

We went around dinner time so the place was fairly empty. I have been there at lunchtime and seen the place packed. Maeve ordered the Philly cheese steak. Becky had the Black Bean sandwich. I had the Meatball sandwich. 

Like I have said that I have been there before during lunch but for some reason the food was much better at lunch. Maybe I shouldn't order a Meatball sandwich from a non-Italian establishment might be better idea. Maeve thought her cheese steak was just average. Becky however enjoyed her black bean sandwich. With that said it still is a good go to place for lunch as the sandwiches are solid.

Ratings              (0 to 5 stars)

Service             3 stars

Food                 2.5 stars

Next Up  P.F. Changs

Week 38... A Port in a Storm

We are under a major flash flood watch this weekend. However, we decided to sneak out out between the drops and head out to Tijuana Flats. It is a new Tex Mex restaurant that opened in the last 6 months.

We were greeted at the door by the server who walked us through the menu. She made some recommendations for us and directed us tot he counter to order. It was very helpful for a first timer like us. We started off with the Chips and Queso which is a good benchmark for Tex Mex.

Maeve ordered the Steak Flautas  on fried flour tortillas based on server recommendation. Becky ordered the Chicken and Bean tacos served in pink tacos for Breast cancer awareness month. I ordered the Chicken Chimichanga severed in flour tortilla with a side of rice.

A couple of nice things about Tijuana Flats is that they serve beer and wine. They have multiple craft beers on tap which I enjoy with this type of food. They also have a Hot Sauce bar where you can sample multiple types of sauces from Mild to Insane.

The food was delivered to the table by the server after we ordered at the counter. It was very good Tex Mex. The food was very hot and fresh which works for me every time. The portions were perfect size for all us. Overall between the food, service,and atmosphere, I highly recommend trying Tijuana Flats for a fun night of good Tex Mex food.

Ratings                    (0 to 5 stars)

Service                      4.5 stars

Food                         4 stars

Next Up is Which Wich

Week 37 .... A Pleasant Surprise

We have been off for a few weeks and were no rush to head to our next stop on our Woodruff Rd Quest. The next place up was Oriental House which was going under major exterior renovations. Maybe that is was gave us pause.

We arrived around 5:45pm and much to our surprise there was a line for tables. However we showed up with the perfect number of 4 and waited for less then 5 minutes. We had Grace, Maeve, Becky and myself for this junket.

I don't want to broad brush all Chinese restaurants but sometimes their health standards are a little lackadaisical, IMO. The Oriental House was one of the cleanest restaurants I have been in. The kitchen/grill was visible to all the patrons. With that background we proceeded to order. We all ordered the Combo plates. They include a Entree served with rice or lo mein, appetizer and a drink. We started with the chicken Egg Roll to start.

Grace had the General Tso Chicken with Lo Mein. Maeve had the Beef with Lo Mein. Becky had the Chicken with fried Brown rice. I had the Hunan Beef with Broccoli and fried Brown rice.

Overall we were very satisfied with our meals. The meals came out hot and plentiful. We had leftovers for the next day which is a good sign for Chinese. The service was very good with plenty of staff to assist. As I said from the title we were "Pleasantly surprised". We will be back again. Although it seems you have to go early as there was a much longer line on the way out.

Ratings               ( 0 to 5 stars)

Service              4 stars

Food                  4 stars

Next Up is Tijuana Flats

Week 36 ... Two Steps Back

A few weeks back we pulled into the Hardees parking lot. There was nobody in the lot and the store looked empty. We made the decision to move onto Chilis that evening. It was time to retrace our steps and dine in at Hardees.

There weren't many willing participants for this trip. However I was able to persuade Maeve to join me on this sojourn. As we entered the place was empty except for another group of diners. The lady behind the counter was very friendly. Maeve ordered the Chicken Fingers with Curly Fries. I had the 1/3 pound Charburger with Onion rings.

The trepidation we had on this trip wasn't warranted. The food was good. Maeve really enjoyed the curly fries. I thought my cheeseburger was acceptable. We had thoughts of Jack in the Box in our heads. So compared against that it was good. It just isn't on the same level of a Culvers for example.

Ratings                      ( 0 to 5 stars)

Service       3 stars

Food          2.5 stars

Next Up is Oriental House

Week 35 ... Good Chinese In Greenville

We have been looking forward to going to Lieu's for awhile. We heard a lot of good things about the food there. Becky, Maeve , and myself headed down Woodruff and over 385 behind the Fuddruckers to get there. The place was filling up so we arrived just in time. Anything after 6:30pm on a weekend means you will be waiting.

We were all famished and therefore ordered some appetizers to get it started. We decided on the steamed pork dumplings. They were excellent. They came out piping hot in a closed container served on a bed of lettuce.

For the main courses, Maeve ordered the Lieu's Spicy Chicken which is lightly battered, fried and tossed with a sweet sauce. Becky had the Sichuan Salmon Fillet which salmon pan fried with garlic and shitake mushrooms in a Sichuan chili sauce. I ordered the Mu Shu Pork with vegetables and eggs served with Chinese thin pancakes and hoisin sauce. All these meals were on recommendations from our waiter.

The food was fantastic. We all enjoyed our meals. The nice thing about Chinese is that you always have leftovers. So we enjoyed it for the next few days also. The bar has been set high for Chinese on Woodruff Rd, but we have a few more to go to see if anybody can match Lieu's.

Ratings                 ( 0 to 5 stars)

Service           4 stars

Food               4.5 stars

Next Up is Hardees

Week 34 ... The Original In My Book

Before all these fancy burger places started spring up there was Fuddruckers. Five Guys, Smash Burger, Whatburger, et al all owe their success to Fuddruckers. This week we traveled to this burger joint as we crossed over 385 and onto the next segment of Woodruff Rd.

With apologies to waiters and waitresses, I enjoy ordering my food right from the cashier and picking it up at the counter. You get right to the point. Becky and Bridget ordered the Cajun Chicken Sandwich. Becky had a domestic beer which is nice about Fuddruckers. Grace had the Southwest Salad with Chicken. Maeve and I ordered Cheeseburgers, but I had bacon on it. We all shared a order of Frings ( Fries and Onion rings)

For a Friday night the place was very crowded. The food took over 15 minutes to come out which isn't a problem considering the size of the crowd. We all went up to the fixin station and dressed our burgers. I really enjoy all the selections they offer. The food was excellent and we all enjoyed our meals. However we had one hiccup that bothered Maeve. They failed to put cheese on her burger. It was very upsetting to her. The stress in one's life is tough sometimes. 

Fuddruckers is definitely a go to place for a casual meal without costing you a arm and a leg. The original still maintains its place among burger joints.

Ratings               ( 0 to 5 stars)

Service                 3 stars

Food                     3.5 stars

Next Up is  Lieu's Chinese Bistro

Week 33 .... What Could Have Been

The gang sans Becky was all set to go to Hardees. I'm not sure we were dreading it but there wasn't much enthusiasm for this trip. However when Grace, Maeve, and myself arrived in the Hardees parking lot there wasn't any activity in the store. No cars or people in sight. Therefore we made the decision to press on to the next location which was Chilis.

Chilis is probably my favorite of these type of chain restaurants. It is in the same genre as a Applebees,Ruby Tuesdays, et al. As we entered, the place was relatively busy but had no problem being seated straight away. Maeve ordered the Big Mouth Bites which is 4 mini burgers with applewood smoked bacon.  Grace had the Quesdilla Explosion Salad with Chicken. I had the Buffalo Ranch chicken sandwich.

Overall it is good go to place if you are looking for a good sit down meal. I have in the past had the fajitas. They are excellent. 

Fun with French Fries!!!

Ratings                (0 to 5 stars)

Service                  3.5 stars

Food                      3.5 stars

Next Up   We will skip Hardees and move to Fuddruckers

Week 32 ... A Bug's Life!!!

Becky was away for this week's journey to Bojangles', Famous Chicken and Biscuits. After what happened to the gang, she couldn't have picked a better week to miss.

We strolled into the Bojangles right around dinner time only to find the place vacant of any customers which is warning sign number one. As you enter the Bojangles, it is like walking into a time machine and being transported back to the early 1980s. The interior of the store is very dated. I'm not looking for ambiance when I dine at fast food restaurants but something in the 2000s would be nice.

Warning sign number two occurred when I noticed there were only two people working in the restaurant, nevertheless we ordered. I had the Grilled chicken sandwich combo. Maeve had the 4 Piece Supreme combo. Bridget had the Chicken and Biscuit sandwich. Grace ordered the infamous Cajun Chicken Filet Wrap.

Our food arrived and we started eating when all of the sudden Grace screamed. The meal was over and we were done with Bojangles.

WARNING ON PHOTO BELOW

Hence a Bug's Life...ugghh

Ratings                (0 to 5 stars)

Service                  1 star

Food                      0 stars

Next Up             Hardee's

Week 31... I'm Moving Out!!

This week we headed out to the "Neighborhood" aka Applebees. Applebees is one of those places that is a notch above fast food but yet isn't quite fine dining. It all seems very processed to me.

As we sat down they hand you a massive menu that has just about everything under sun on it. It is actually a two part menu. They always seem to be changing their menu but is really the same menu with different variations. There is only so many ways you can do chicken or a steak.

As we were perusing the menu, I noticed the two for twenty special that was featured. It is two entrees and one appetizer for twenty bucks. However it requires skilled negotiations to find somebody to partner up with you. I went with the fallback and guilted Becky into it. Had to talk her down from the salmon and into the Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken. I had the Three Cheese Chicken Penne to complete the twofer. Maeve went with the 4-Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders. Bridget ordered the Chicken Fajita Rollup.

Our waitress was very nice and attentive. The food came out hot. However there is just something missing in the taste. It just all seems very bland to me. There was nothing that stood out to the group. None of us finished our meals and didn't bother taking anything home. This shouldn't disparage chain restaurants as Bonefish does a nice job as a example. This was our first chain restaurant of our journey so hopefully things will look up.

Ratings             (0 to 5 stars)

Service           3.5 stars

Food               2.5 stars

Next Up          Bojangles Chicken and Biscuits

Week 30 ... Simply the Best Chicken

This week we ventured out to Chick fil A. We really haven't been exposed to Chick fil A until we moved to South Carolina. Since we have been down here it is our go to place for great fast food chicken. I don't even like using the word fast food as it has a bad connotation. Chick fil A blows thru that stereotype.

Chick Fil A has a very focused menu. It's chicken or chicken. They don't try to be all things to everybody. Becky ordered the Asian Salad, Emily had the Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap. Grace and I both had the original Chick fil A Chicken Sandwich with their delicious homemade sauce. Maeve went with her usual Chick Fil A nuggets.

Overall you just can't go wrong with Chick Fil A. It is definitely the best chicken restaurant out there if not the best overall fast food restaurant. Now if they would only open on Sundays, only kidding.

Ratings                ( 0 to 5 stars)

Service                   4 stars

Food                       4 stars

Week 29 ... Make It Stop!!

What is it with the buffet model for restaurants? Just how much can one person really eat? This week we went to Stevie B's Pizza Buffet. This place is very similar to the Pizza Inn which we dined in many weeks ago. Basically it is as much lower quality pizza one person can eat.

As you walk into Stevie B's you pay the cashier and proceed to go down a cafeteria line of all types of pizza. These aren't high quality pizza's that a pizza aficionado would appreciate. These are closer to a high quality frozen supermarket pizza.

After you have finished gorging on pizza, bread sticks, and salad, they actually offer a pizza dessert. This is where I draw the line. However it didn't stop the girl's from trying the Smores pizza.

Overall I can say we tried another pizza buffet but I think my pizza buffet days are behind me. One man can only eat so much marginal pizza.

Ratings                   ( 0 to 5 stars)

Service                    2 stars

Food                        1.5 stars

Next Up                  Chik fil A

Week 28... Asian Smorgasbord

First off like to apologize for the long interruption between posts. I'm thinking of redoing the blog, but still haven't decided on best approach.

Onto the Hibachi Grill and Buffet which is where the gang visited in early June. It is another huge buffet that seem to proliferate in South Carolina. It is large place that can sit a big crowd.

As you enter the restaurant, they sit you around the outside of the restaurant with the middle filled with food stations with all sorts of food offerings. Mostly of Asian variety but however they also cater to kids with pizza, chicken nuggets, etc..

As with most buffets we have come across, these are filling stations for people who are looking to pack on the calories. The food is average at best but there is plenty of it. You have to pick and choose and scope out what looks good. There are certain foods that belong in a buffet but others that require preparation.

A very good feature about Hibachi Grill and Buffet is that you can take uncooked meats and vegetables and give them to the chef to prepare for you. He has a tip jar there in front of the grill. I recommend that you tip before he starts cooking.

Ratings           ( 0 to 5 stars)

Service                 2.5 stars

Food                     2 stars

Next Up            Stevie B's Pizza Buffet