Week 24.... South of the Border

The new trend in fast food is Tex Mex for lack of a better word. There is Chiptole, Qdoba, Tijuana Flats just to name a few. We went to Moe's Southwest Grill this week, which is similar to those chains.

The Moe's on Woodruff Rd is located in one of the many strip malls that line the road. It has outdoor seating and a big lobby. When we entered, the store was empty for the most part. However the staff was very friendly and the place was clean. Two key components for me when it comes to these quick serve restaurants.

Becky and Maeve ordered Quesadillas. Becky had the vegetarian and Maeve had the chicken. I ordered the Home Wrecker Jr burrito which had chicken, seasoned rice, sour cream, pico de gallo, lettuce, and shredded cheese. We all enjoyed our meals. They weren't off the charts but just satisfying. They come with a side of nacho chips which is nice. Overall, we would go back but only after trying the other Tex-Mex chains first.

Ratings            (0 to 5 stars)

Service             3 stars

Food                 2.5 stars

Next Up            Your Pie

Week 23 ... A Southern Smorgasbord

If you have ever been to Lancaster, Pa, they have a few eating places called Smorgasbords. They are a gastronomical overload. It requires days to recover from the meal as you are most likely taking in more then 2000 calories in one sitting. While Green Tomato Buffet isn't on the scale of those places, it does offer huge amounts of food. You could really rack up the calories if one needs to do that.

The Green Tomato Buffet offers something for everybody. We started with the Salad bar which had a plethora of fresh crisp vegetables. They also offered macaroni and potato salad along with traditional salad items. There was also a selection of fresh breads and soups as a starter.

The main entrees on offer were baked and fried chicken,fried chicken livers, pot roast, smoked sausage, and turkey with dressing. Along with the main entrees they have every conceivable side one could imagine. They have anything from fried green tomatoes to rutabagas. The three of us tried a little bit of everything. We found that this is the way to approach these massive buffets. Have a little bit of everything.

After you have gorged on the massive dinner buffet, they hit you with a just as big dessert area. It has everything. It includes, cakes, ice cream, pies, fruit, ice cream, etc...

The Green Tomato Buffet is one of those places would be great if you had a large group of growing boys who need calories. The type that could put down 3000 calories and not gain a pound. What I find amazing is that all the food was only $7.99 pp. Not sure the business model but it's impressive.

Ratings            (0 to 5 stars)

Service           3 stars (mostly self serve)

Food               3 stars 

Next up           Moe's Southwest Grill

Week 22 .... Exit 98 revisited

I spent many summers down the Jersey shore and in my 20's specifically at Point Pleasant Beach the home of Jersey Mike's sub shop. I would spend many a weekend day getting a sub from them for lunch. So I was much looking forward to going to the Jersey Mike's on Woodruff Rd. It's almost as though they are following me.

Jersey Mike's isn't your typical sub chain but more of a higher quality sandwich shop. Their prices are definitely higher then Subway but the food is worth it. Becky ordered the Turkey Breast and Provolone Mini which is a 5" sub. It had the usual fixing but she really enjoys the Hot Cherry Pepper Relish. Maeve and I split the 14" Giant Chipotle Cheese Steak with grilled onions,peppers, and chipotle mayo.

The sandwiches were very good. I particularly really enjoyed the cheese steak. It had to be one of my top ten cheese steaks of all time, which includes Pat's and Geno's visits. I think it was the combination of chipotle mayo on the sandwich. I will definitely be going back for another one of those cheese steaks.

Ratings              (0 to 5 stars)

Service                 3.5 stars

Food                    3.5 stars  

Week 21 Swimming Upstream

If you know Woodruff Rd then you know it is filled with many low and mid range eating establishments. While I enjoy those places, it was with great anticipation that the gang was ready for Bonefish Grill. We arrived to this fine establishment and asked for the "Lawlor" table.

Being a upscale restaurant the service was excellent. Not sure why every waiter needs six pens in their pockets but it is what it is. We started off with a order of Chipotle Shrimp Flatbread. A fantastic starter for the group.

For our main course, Becky had the Bonefish House Salad with Salmon. Maeve had the special which was a Shrimp and Scallop Firepot. I ordered the Fish and Chips. All of our meals came out hot and were delicious. I particularly would put my fish and chips in the top five of all time, which is high considering my time in Ireland. The portions were perfect size which in my opinion is when you don't need to take a nap after you eat.

After dinner was done, Maeve ordered the freshly made doughnuts for the table. All I can say about them is 'wow!!". They were awesome. They came with a side of hot fudge, hot caramel, and whipped cream. Needless to say they didn't last long.

Overall everybody really enjoyed their meals. It is a nice diversion from some of the other places we have dined at on Woodruff Rd.

Ratings          (0 to 5 stars)

Service             4 stars

Food                 4.5 stars

Next up            Jersey Mikes

Week 20.... Reinvention?

Wendy's was one of the first national competitors to McDonalds with a premium hamburger. The company was founded by a Dave Thomas, who was a great American. He has since past on and the company has floundered. Lately they have tried to rebuild the brand  with upscale stores and adding premium salads. But at the end of the day you will always be judged by your burger.

Our local Wendy's was renovated about a year ago and we haven't been there yet. So we were anticipating this stop. Maeve and I ordered the traditional Dave's Hot and Juicy 1/2 LB Double with sea salt fries. Becky had the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Half size.

Becky really enjoyed her salad and thought it was above average with fresh produce. Maeve and I however thought the burgers were just average. The fries as always are excellent. At the end of the day the Wendy's burger is still the same burger that I had 25 years ago except in a trendier lobby. I don't know if their business plan will work but with the competition out there for fast food it is a tough ask.

Ratings      (0 to 5 stars)

Service          2.5 stars

Food              2.5 stars

Next Up Bonefish Grill