Week 27.... A Irish Wake

This week we went to McAlister's Deli. It is chain of gourmet delicatessens spread throughout the Southeast. Suffice to say I don't think any of the Jewish and Italian deli's in NYC have anything to worry about.

There was four of us on this trip to McAlister's. Bridget already had a bad experience at the location in Clemson and wasn't about to give it another go. As we walked in we could see the place was understaffed as there was many people waiting on their food. We were in no rush so that really didn't bother us. 

Becky ordered the Savannah Salad which is sliced, grilled chicken breast, dried cranberries, Gorgonzola cheese, honey roasted almonds, tomatoes and cucumbers.Maeve ordered the Broccolli cheddar soup in a bread bowl. Emily had Spicy Southwest Chicken Griller which is sliced, grilled chicken breast topped with guacamole, fire-roasted corn & poblano pepper relish, pepper jack cheese and chipotle ranch sauce on a ciabatta roll. I had the Turkey Reuben. Emily and I both had Broccolli Cheddar soup as a side.

The food was delivered after a 15 minute wait which seems long for sandwiches, soup and a salad. Also they delivered the wrong salad to Becky, which was quickly rectified. The food was average at best. When you compare to Panera Bread for example, it doesn't hold up against it. The soup was warm and the bread was bland. Becky as always enjoyed the salad. Needless to say I think we should have listened to Bridget as she was spot on.

Ratings            (0 to 5 stars)

Service                2 stars

Food                   2 stars

Next Up              Hibachi Grill and Buffet

Week 26 ... Breakfast All Day

We had a full crew with us this week as we journeyed to the Epicurean, formerly known as Stax. It is a classic diner where they have a wide ranging menu with all sorts of options. The Epicurean could easily fit on Route 4 in Moonachie,NJ. I'm not sure how the Greeks ever got into the diner business but I am sure glad they did.

As the six of us sat we were handed a well developed menu that had something for everybody. Emily straight away declared her allegiance to breakfast. The rest of the party went for the dinner options.

Emily had the Ambrosia Omelette, which had sliced gyro,red peppers,Greek feta cheese and baby spinach. Becky went with the Tomato Pie and Garden Salad. Maeve had the Almost Local Philly cheesesteak. Grace had the Gyro with beef and lamb. Bridget went with the Greek Chicken Souvlaki with authentic Tzatziki sauce. I had the Reuben with Caesar Salad.

The meals came out hot and fresh after about 20 minutes. They were definitely cooked to order. We all enjoyed our meal with maybe the exception of Becky who thought the tomato pie was too cheesy. I particularly enjoyed the corn beef on the Reuben. The girls Greek dishes were fantastic. Emily's omelette had three eggs and was huge. needless to say it wasn't finished. 

Overall, I highly recommend Epicurean for those craving a good Jersey diner. The only downside is that they close at 10pm which is un-Jersey like.

Ratings          (0 to 5 stars)

Service                    4 stars

Food                        4 stars

Next Up                   McAllisters Deli

Week 25... Your Money

I can't believe we are already at our 25th restaurant. For those familiar with Woodruff Rd, we aren't even close to ending this journey. While Team McNamara hasn't formally counted all the restaurants. I am estimating the number around 125.

This week Grace joined us as we went to Your Pie which is a homemade make your own pizza joint. I am not sure if Seinfeld took the idea from Your Pie or vice versa.

The way it works is that you enter restaurant and join a line. As you approach the counter you choose the dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings for your personal pizza. For those ordering salads, its the same procedure but with salad options.

I had a specialty pizza with Pepperoni. Maeve had the Meatball panini. Grace and Becky both had bread salad bowls. The food is made in front of you then put into the coal fired oven for cooking. You grab your drinks and have a seat. They'll bring the food out to you when it is done. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

Everybody was happy with their meals. The food was hot and fresh. The produce in the salad was crisp. No major issues at all. It is good place to go for a cheap date as they serve beer and wine. As far as being a great pizza place it just isn't. There is much better pizza put there at a much better price. However I could see myself going there again before a movie.

Ratings                 (0 to 5 stars)

Service                  3 stars

Food                      2.5 stars

Next Up                Epicurean