This is my 3rd review of The Capital Grille. Companion and I arrived at 5:30 and were seated immediately. Our waiter was Derick.
We started off with fresh bread and salted butter and the offer of drinks. Since we were driving, we declined the cocktails and ordered soft drinks.
Our first item was an item that was not on the menu, but is often available, Lobster Bisque. A pale pink pool of lusciousness with nice sized pieces of lobster swimming in it. A pour of sherry into it provided a perfect accoutrement.
Next, both of us ordered the 2 pound lobster. Why such a behemoth you may ask? Because this is one of the only places in the valley that prepare a perfect broiled lobster. Most places provide either a boiled or steamed lobster, but lobster aficionados prefer it broiled with lots of real salt butter to dip it in. Not the most slenderizing dish, but absolutely delicious. We added sides of creamed spinach and roasted mushrooms. The Creamed Spinach was adequate, with my preference being the creamed spinach from Lawry's Prime Rib, but he mushrooms made up for it and were perfectly cooked and seasoned.
Dessert was the Apple Crostata, with ice cream slowly melting over it.
A good waiter or waitress can easily make or break a meal, and Derick was an outstanding waiter, bringing food as it was ready, and observing from afar if we needed anything without being obtrusive.
5 stars for outstanding food, great service, and excellent cleanliness
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Sloan's
81539 US Hwy 111
Indio, CA 92201
We stopped at Sloan's after a long day driving and were hoping for a decent dinner. What we received far exceeded our expectations.
We had hardly been seated when our waitress arrived with menus and offering to take drink orders. Not only were the drinks brought quickly, but were refilled as often as necessary during our meal.
The menu is large and looks extremely appetizing. I especially appreciated the creativity in their dishes. Instead of the same tired items that one finds on most menus, they have added spices, or ingredients to liven them up.
I chose the special of the night, which was a beef stroganoff made with prime rib. Companion ordered the pork chop which came with two sides.
In due course, a large plate appeared that was filled to the top with my stroganoff. Instead of mixing the sour cream into the gravy, they chose to put he gravy and meat on top of the noodles, and then placed a large dollop of sour cream as the crown. As crazy as it may sound, the meat was real prime rib, cut into good sized chunks, and plenty of it. I enjoyed the sour cream as an accompaniment to the dish instead of having the whole dish swimming in it.
Companion had a nice pork chop, with homemade garlic bread, mashed potatoes, and corn.
Portions are very large, and good sanitation was very apparent. Food was seasoned perfectly, and service was quick and always with a smile.
While I may have gained a pound eating this meal, it was well worth it. Highly recommended.
5 Stars
Indio, CA 92201
We stopped at Sloan's after a long day driving and were hoping for a decent dinner. What we received far exceeded our expectations.
We had hardly been seated when our waitress arrived with menus and offering to take drink orders. Not only were the drinks brought quickly, but were refilled as often as necessary during our meal.
The menu is large and looks extremely appetizing. I especially appreciated the creativity in their dishes. Instead of the same tired items that one finds on most menus, they have added spices, or ingredients to liven them up.
I chose the special of the night, which was a beef stroganoff made with prime rib. Companion ordered the pork chop which came with two sides.
In due course, a large plate appeared that was filled to the top with my stroganoff. Instead of mixing the sour cream into the gravy, they chose to put he gravy and meat on top of the noodles, and then placed a large dollop of sour cream as the crown. As crazy as it may sound, the meat was real prime rib, cut into good sized chunks, and plenty of it. I enjoyed the sour cream as an accompaniment to the dish instead of having the whole dish swimming in it.
Companion had a nice pork chop, with homemade garlic bread, mashed potatoes, and corn.
Portions are very large, and good sanitation was very apparent. Food was seasoned perfectly, and service was quick and always with a smile.
While I may have gained a pound eating this meal, it was well worth it. Highly recommended.
5 Stars
Black Bear Diner #1 - Mt. Shasta
We were passing through Shasta, California and the opportunity to eat at Black Bear Diner number one was presented. With the wait for a table, I decided to avail myself of the restroom. There are two, and they are both unisex. The previous user was a man, and he left his calling card all over the floor and on the seat. I was forced to clean up with a paper towel from the dispenser, but the trash can was overflowing, and I had to add to the pile on the floor.
On exiting, our table was ready and we were seated at a sixtop instead of a normal table. Drinks were ordered, and the waitress brought the wrong drinks. She said she could not remember what was ordered for drinks, so she just brought what she thought might have been ordered.
Next, main courses were ordered. I ordered a patty melt with coleslaw, and companion ordered a small steak with mashed potatoes and green beans.
The patty melt was brought out after an interminable wait and not only was the bread burnt but so was the patty. There was absolutely not one drop of seasoning on the patty melt. As for the coleslaw it had no dressing on it. The waitress finally brought out a dish of a sweet pink substance she called dressing. I also asked for some mayonnaise to make the dressing more palatable. In all the years I have done tastings, (more than 17) I have never before had coleslaw with a pink dressing on it. Essentially my meal was almost inedible. When the waitress was asked about the lack of seasoning, she retorted that some customers don't like seasoning, so they don't use any anymore!
As for companions steak, it was left unfinished because it was dry and overcooked and once again had absolutely not one drop of seasoning on it. Companions mashed potatoes were literally dumped on the plate and smothered in a gravy that was supposed to be beef flavored but created many doubts. It was gelatinous and did not look at all appetizing. The green beans were flaccid and dark green having been sitting I'm sure, in a pot for hours.
Service was extraordinarily slow by any standard. As far as sanitation goes, companions silverware appeared to have been used by someone else first, and had to be replaced twice because the replacement was also dirty.
I have evaluated many Black Bear Diners and most of them have been given either three or four stars. For this one I can only give a rating of one star. Perhaps it is time to close down Black Bear number one and turn it into a museum or something else. The food here is not on par with any other black bear I have ever eaten in. I cannot recommend people eat in this establishment.
On exiting, our table was ready and we were seated at a sixtop instead of a normal table. Drinks were ordered, and the waitress brought the wrong drinks. She said she could not remember what was ordered for drinks, so she just brought what she thought might have been ordered.
Next, main courses were ordered. I ordered a patty melt with coleslaw, and companion ordered a small steak with mashed potatoes and green beans.
The patty melt was brought out after an interminable wait and not only was the bread burnt but so was the patty. There was absolutely not one drop of seasoning on the patty melt. As for the coleslaw it had no dressing on it. The waitress finally brought out a dish of a sweet pink substance she called dressing. I also asked for some mayonnaise to make the dressing more palatable. In all the years I have done tastings, (more than 17) I have never before had coleslaw with a pink dressing on it. Essentially my meal was almost inedible. When the waitress was asked about the lack of seasoning, she retorted that some customers don't like seasoning, so they don't use any anymore!
As for companions steak, it was left unfinished because it was dry and overcooked and once again had absolutely not one drop of seasoning on it. Companions mashed potatoes were literally dumped on the plate and smothered in a gravy that was supposed to be beef flavored but created many doubts. It was gelatinous and did not look at all appetizing. The green beans were flaccid and dark green having been sitting I'm sure, in a pot for hours.
Service was extraordinarily slow by any standard. As far as sanitation goes, companions silverware appeared to have been used by someone else first, and had to be replaced twice because the replacement was also dirty.
I have evaluated many Black Bear Diners and most of them have been given either three or four stars. For this one I can only give a rating of one star. Perhaps it is time to close down Black Bear number one and turn it into a museum or something else. The food here is not on par with any other black bear I have ever eaten in. I cannot recommend people eat in this establishment.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Zinburger
Zinburger
344 N Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85234
We had 6:00 reservations, and on our arrival noted that the place was packed and people were waiting in line. Our reservation time was honored and we were seated within a few minutes.
Zinburger is a chain of over 200 sports bars across the nation. While a bit noisy, as many sports bars are, service was excellent and the food was quite good. It has the appearance of an old garage complete with roll up doors (which were open on this night), and has seating both inside and on t he patio. This is a very "hip" joint!
Companion #1 had a birthday, and ordered the Wagyu burger, which was cooked exactly as ordered.
Companion #2 and #3 chose from the Arizona Restaurant Week menu. Companion #2 ordered the Zinburger cooked medium well, and instead of being like cardboard, it came out perfectly cooked and with juices running down their arm.
Companion #3 wanted the burger rare, and that is exactly how it came out. The burger was so juicy that it had to be eaten in a napkin to catch all the juice from it along with a second napkin to keep the fingers clean!
I ordered the Caesar Salad, which was quite tasty and nicely made.
It should be noted that all portions served are large. Among the sides ordered were onion rings and breaded and fried zucchini. Neither of them was finished because of the quantity. Onion rings were served with ketchup and barbeque sauce, which was a bit unique.
While most drinks ordered were soft drinks, one Yuzu/Lime Margarita was ordered and shared around the table for tasting. We all agreed that the cocktail was very good, but even better without the salt on the rim of the glass. Drinks were replaced with fresh ones as soon as they got half empty.
Noteworthy was that our server kept checking back with us to see if we needed anything and to make sure we were happy with our meals.
Also noted was that management hired employees that were not afraid to express their lifestyle with their dress and/or looks, and I give kudos to them for that. In this day and age, employees should not have to be afraid that their lifestyle won't allow them to make a living.
While I normally reserve 5 stars for very upscale restaurants, I give 5 stars to this one for service, excellent food, and fantastic human relations.
Highly recommended
344 N Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85234
We had 6:00 reservations, and on our arrival noted that the place was packed and people were waiting in line. Our reservation time was honored and we were seated within a few minutes.
Zinburger is a chain of over 200 sports bars across the nation. While a bit noisy, as many sports bars are, service was excellent and the food was quite good. It has the appearance of an old garage complete with roll up doors (which were open on this night), and has seating both inside and on t he patio. This is a very "hip" joint!
Companion #1 had a birthday, and ordered the Wagyu burger, which was cooked exactly as ordered.
Companion #2 and #3 chose from the Arizona Restaurant Week menu. Companion #2 ordered the Zinburger cooked medium well, and instead of being like cardboard, it came out perfectly cooked and with juices running down their arm.
Companion #3 wanted the burger rare, and that is exactly how it came out. The burger was so juicy that it had to be eaten in a napkin to catch all the juice from it along with a second napkin to keep the fingers clean!
I ordered the Caesar Salad, which was quite tasty and nicely made.
It should be noted that all portions served are large. Among the sides ordered were onion rings and breaded and fried zucchini. Neither of them was finished because of the quantity. Onion rings were served with ketchup and barbeque sauce, which was a bit unique.
While most drinks ordered were soft drinks, one Yuzu/Lime Margarita was ordered and shared around the table for tasting. We all agreed that the cocktail was very good, but even better without the salt on the rim of the glass. Drinks were replaced with fresh ones as soon as they got half empty.
Noteworthy was that our server kept checking back with us to see if we needed anything and to make sure we were happy with our meals.
Also noted was that management hired employees that were not afraid to express their lifestyle with their dress and/or looks, and I give kudos to them for that. In this day and age, employees should not have to be afraid that their lifestyle won't allow them to make a living.
While I normally reserve 5 stars for very upscale restaurants, I give 5 stars to this one for service, excellent food, and fantastic human relations.
Highly recommended
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Flemings Chandler
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Chandler, AZ 85226
Companion and I arrived at 5:30 and were seated immediately. Our waiter Byron introduced himself and took our drink order. An Iced Tea and a Shirley Temple. Bread was brought out along with two small cruets, one with salt butter and the other with a house made cream cheese spread with caramelized onions and possibly a touch of Balsamic in it. Delicious!
Even though there was a menu provided for Arizona Restaurant Week, we decided to order off the menu. Companion started with a bowl of Lobster Bisque and I started with the Caesar Salad. Companion had pieces of shell in the bisque, which if nothing else proved it was from a real lobster.
Some dishes should never be tampered with, and my Caesar Salad was one. In all my years reviewing restaurants this was the first and only time I declared a salad inedible and sent it back. It had a very strange flavor and was in no way reminiscent of a Caesar Salad. It was replaced by a bowl of the same Lobster Bisque. It was quite adequate, but could have done with the addition of a bit of sherry or cognac at the table. Companion and I differed on the lobster pieces with myself preferring an actual piece of lobster and companion enjoying the shredded lobster on top. C'est la guerre!
We decided to share an order of Sweet Chili Calamari, which was one of the highlights of the meal. The sweetness was offset by pickled onions and slices of red sweet pepper. A truly great tasting dish. The calamari was nicely tender, but unfortunately, we were brought the calamari and no dishes to eat it off of.
For main courses, companion ordered the Ribeye Steak, done very rare, and I ordered the Pork Tomahawk which is a fat pork chop with a long frenched bone. Sides were Creamed Spinach, Grilled Asparagus, and Mac and Cheese.
Companion did not enjoy the Ribeye because of sinew running through it, though the meat itself was cooked perfectly as ordered.
My Pork Tomahawk was cooked beautifully and was nicely seasoned. It was served according to the newest guidelines that say pork can now be served pink. No more cardboard pork chops! I often order pork chops as a test of the chef's ability to cook to order, as many chefs overcook it until it turns to shoeleather. This chef knows his stuff.
Sides were adequate, though the asparagus could have done with a bit of hollandaise of some fleur de sel on it. I carry my own tin of Maldon Sea Salt for these occasions. Creamed Spinach was topped with shaved parmesan cheese and was acceptable, but no competition at all for Lawry's creamed spinach which is the gold standard. Companion enjoyed the Mac & Cheese stating that this did not come out of a box but was made in house.
As it should be, everything was perfectly clean.
Dings - My pet peeve, that steakhouses should not serve serrated knives because they tear the fibers of the meat. For what this meal cost, steak should be perfectly tender and easily cut with a sharp knife.
Portions were good sized and doggy bags were asked for,.
3 stars for excellent service and decent though not great food
Chandler, AZ 85226
Companion and I arrived at 5:30 and were seated immediately. Our waiter Byron introduced himself and took our drink order. An Iced Tea and a Shirley Temple. Bread was brought out along with two small cruets, one with salt butter and the other with a house made cream cheese spread with caramelized onions and possibly a touch of Balsamic in it. Delicious!
Even though there was a menu provided for Arizona Restaurant Week, we decided to order off the menu. Companion started with a bowl of Lobster Bisque and I started with the Caesar Salad. Companion had pieces of shell in the bisque, which if nothing else proved it was from a real lobster.
Some dishes should never be tampered with, and my Caesar Salad was one. In all my years reviewing restaurants this was the first and only time I declared a salad inedible and sent it back. It had a very strange flavor and was in no way reminiscent of a Caesar Salad. It was replaced by a bowl of the same Lobster Bisque. It was quite adequate, but could have done with the addition of a bit of sherry or cognac at the table. Companion and I differed on the lobster pieces with myself preferring an actual piece of lobster and companion enjoying the shredded lobster on top. C'est la guerre!
We decided to share an order of Sweet Chili Calamari, which was one of the highlights of the meal. The sweetness was offset by pickled onions and slices of red sweet pepper. A truly great tasting dish. The calamari was nicely tender, but unfortunately, we were brought the calamari and no dishes to eat it off of.
For main courses, companion ordered the Ribeye Steak, done very rare, and I ordered the Pork Tomahawk which is a fat pork chop with a long frenched bone. Sides were Creamed Spinach, Grilled Asparagus, and Mac and Cheese.
Companion did not enjoy the Ribeye because of sinew running through it, though the meat itself was cooked perfectly as ordered.
My Pork Tomahawk was cooked beautifully and was nicely seasoned. It was served according to the newest guidelines that say pork can now be served pink. No more cardboard pork chops! I often order pork chops as a test of the chef's ability to cook to order, as many chefs overcook it until it turns to shoeleather. This chef knows his stuff.
Sides were adequate, though the asparagus could have done with a bit of hollandaise of some fleur de sel on it. I carry my own tin of Maldon Sea Salt for these occasions. Creamed Spinach was topped with shaved parmesan cheese and was acceptable, but no competition at all for Lawry's creamed spinach which is the gold standard. Companion enjoyed the Mac & Cheese stating that this did not come out of a box but was made in house.
As it should be, everything was perfectly clean.
Dings - My pet peeve, that steakhouses should not serve serrated knives because they tear the fibers of the meat. For what this meal cost, steak should be perfectly tender and easily cut with a sharp knife.
Portions were good sized and doggy bags were asked for,.
3 stars for excellent service and decent though not great food
Friday, August 9, 2019
Lisa's Rum Cake
Lisa's Rum Cake
219 S Dillard Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85233
My spouse and I decided to get married and I only gave Lisa 1 weeks notice that I would need a two tier wedding cake. Instead of saying no, as most places will on such short notice, they said yes and we sat down with a book of gorgeous cakes that they have made for others. After going through page after page of pictures we finally settled on a pretty white cake with some touches of purple on it. It wasn't hard to select the type of cake, as Lisa is the daughter of Cathy, the inventor of the original Cathy's Rum Cake. Ours also included a layer of fresh strawberries in it. Having purchased a number of cakes from Cathy's, we were sure that this would be a wonderful cake and we were not disappointed. Lisa's even arranged to have the cake delivered at the appointed time, and once again there was no disappointment. Before leaving we took home a number of "cuts" which are pieces of different cakes. One of them didn't even make it home it was so good.
Everyone at the wedding raved about the cake, and even though it was a small wedding, almost no cake was left, and leftovers were gone in a day.
If you need a terrific cake, even something not a wedding cake, I suggest you run - not walk, to Lisa's. You will never be disappointed.
5 stars for incredible cake and service
219 S Dillard Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85233
My spouse and I decided to get married and I only gave Lisa 1 weeks notice that I would need a two tier wedding cake. Instead of saying no, as most places will on such short notice, they said yes and we sat down with a book of gorgeous cakes that they have made for others. After going through page after page of pictures we finally settled on a pretty white cake with some touches of purple on it. It wasn't hard to select the type of cake, as Lisa is the daughter of Cathy, the inventor of the original Cathy's Rum Cake. Ours also included a layer of fresh strawberries in it. Having purchased a number of cakes from Cathy's, we were sure that this would be a wonderful cake and we were not disappointed. Lisa's even arranged to have the cake delivered at the appointed time, and once again there was no disappointment. Before leaving we took home a number of "cuts" which are pieces of different cakes. One of them didn't even make it home it was so good.
Everyone at the wedding raved about the cake, and even though it was a small wedding, almost no cake was left, and leftovers were gone in a day.
If you need a terrific cake, even something not a wedding cake, I suggest you run - not walk, to Lisa's. You will never be disappointed.
5 stars for incredible cake and service
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Boulders on Southern
A group that I belong to has been meeting regularly at this location. I have eaten there several times now, and I must say the food is excellent.
Today, I had two fish tacos, which were excellent and came with a small salad also. That along with a bottomless iced tea plus tax, tip, and license plate came to $17, which was quite reasonable.
I am also very fond of their fried artichokes as well as their shishito peppers with Canadian bacon and goat cheese.
They have no problem splitting dishes between two people, including cutting one of their enormous burgers in half and splitting it along with the fries between two people.
I have not tried the pizza yet, but from what everyone says, it is delicious.
For smokers, they have a smoking area out on the patio complete with ashtrays. Its a bit warm in the summer, but delightful the rest of the year.
Their beer list reads like a who's who in the world of brewing, and while I have not counted, it looks like they have over 40 beers available.
The place is clean and amiable.
I suggest you run, don't walk to this great place. It's informal and the food is great.
4 stars for atmosphere, cleanliness and quality food
Today, I had two fish tacos, which were excellent and came with a small salad also. That along with a bottomless iced tea plus tax, tip, and license plate came to $17, which was quite reasonable.
I am also very fond of their fried artichokes as well as their shishito peppers with Canadian bacon and goat cheese.
They have no problem splitting dishes between two people, including cutting one of their enormous burgers in half and splitting it along with the fries between two people.
I have not tried the pizza yet, but from what everyone says, it is delicious.
For smokers, they have a smoking area out on the patio complete with ashtrays. Its a bit warm in the summer, but delightful the rest of the year.
Their beer list reads like a who's who in the world of brewing, and while I have not counted, it looks like they have over 40 beers available.
The place is clean and amiable.
I suggest you run, don't walk to this great place. It's informal and the food is great.
4 stars for atmosphere, cleanliness and quality food
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