Tony's Grill and Restaurant

PRETEND THERE IS A PICTURE HERE. I FORGOT TO TAKE A PICTURE!

Tony's Grill & Restaurant: 2660 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti

Tony's Grill is located in the building where the Country Squire Restaurant was (remember them?) across from Putt-Putt (or whatever it's called) on Washtenaw Ave (which we did golf at afterwards to burn some calories). It shares a parking lot with a strange little strip mall (then again, aren't all strip malls strange?) with a Thai place I'll end up eating at, a TCBY, a Hungry Howie's, some Hair Salon that looks closed and whatever else is in there. I do have to ask, though. What makes a grill separate from a restaurant. Is it because there is grilled food? Most restaurants have grills. At least American fare restaurants. Why is it called "Tony's Grill and Restaurant?" Do they want to accentuate the grill part? The world may never know. (Not that it matters; since my visit it has changed names again and is under new management. I am going to be a little annoyed if I have to go again because they've changed the menu.)

A cute little joint; I had eaten at the place when it was the Country Squire a few times. In fact, this is the place that I learned about the balancing of an egg on the Equinox. Christy tells me that this is not true, but I saw it and I'd like to believe in the fantasticalness of only being able to balance an egg upright on the first day of Spring. Plus, I'm too lazy right now to look it up. If any of you do, please only tell me the results if it upholds my fantasy idea of the Spring thing.

My Meal: Gyro & Fries. Diet Coke (damn, diet Coke)

My Cost: $9.88

Atmosphere: Okay, so we are the youngest people in this place (Christy and I) besides the 4-year old eating with her guardian (I'd say father but that would be presumptuous). A biker group comes in as we are eating. That pretty much sums up the atmosphere. It is exactly what you'd expect a restaurant like this to be like. Homey, outdated, 70's - 80's pop playing, little counter by the grill; you get the feeling. I do give it props for being really clean. My usual idea of these places are that they are not clean. Also, gotta say that the booths were really comfortable.

Service: Katey threw down, man. In a restaurant with about 20 customers, she was the only waitress working. She was buzzing like a little bee. Very friendly and may I add efficient (I am a fan of efficiency being in the biz myself). She seemed like a very sweet lady and made me smile every time she came to the table. Katey was not at all stressed out and very nice with all the commotion going on around her.

Taste: Best Gyro that I've had yet during this project. Oh wait, its the only Gyro I've had. Well, no mind. It was good. Great Tzatziki. Not a ton of onions and the gyro meat was not as rich as others I've had. All the food came out at the perfect temperature. I know that sounds silly, but think about it: how many times have you gone to a restaurant and had your fries smoking and your burger cold? It happens a lot. It takes talent to platter things to maintain proper temperatures. The fries were a bit disappointing in texture, but they tasted great. The Diet Coke was okay for Diet Coke.

Value: Not a lot to say about it. The food was what I expected and it cost about what I expected to pay in the midst of these soaring food price problems. The service was great and the food was good. Not a lot of coin shelled out. Sounds good.

Breakdown
Atmosphere 1 2 3 4 5
Service 1 2 3 4 5
Taste 1 2 3 4 5
Value 1 2 3 4 5

OVERALL: 3.75

ELEPHANT COUNT

Unfortunately, I cannot give Tony's more than 1 elephant in the fact that it no longer exists. I would have given it 2, but that would seem pointless as I can't ever go back again. It is true what they say, you can never go back.

Cheers................

Smoke House Blues

Smokehouse Blues: 4855 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor

A Memphis Style BBQ joint located on Washtenaw Ave., in Pittsfield Township; Smokehouse Blues boasts a full service bar, traditional Southern Barbecue, typical American grill fair and a catering business. This is another example of a restaurant that appears to be a chain (not a mom and pop) but isn't. I actually went in and asked before we ate. Deborah and I went after seeing the Dalai Lama speak so we were in a pretty contented, the world is a beautiful serene place sort of mood.

I have to admit, that I was scared. I had been to Smokehouse Blues a few years back with my buddy, Matt and was really disappointed. Deborah was encouraging and I felt calm enough to embark on the adventure. I am so glad I did!

My Meal: Fried Okra Appetizer, Tennessee Two Step Platter w/ Pulled Pork, 1/2 Slab of Memphis-Style (Dry Rub) Ribs, Southern Greens, Mac & Cheese and Corn Bread, with a Diet Coke (I really do prefer Diet Pepsi over Diet Coke, but alas, that was all they had)

My Cost: $31.73
Atmosphere: Very dark. When you walk in, the first thing you see is a bar with big screens and a ton of liquor bottles (I tend to notice liquor bottles) stacked up behind. A few people were hanging out watching the Pistons and I was a little jealous of them (I love the Pistons). We were seated in the main dining (non-smoking, I think) area. Pretty typical booths. The space was a strange mix of chain bar and grill feel: nondescript, sterile (think chili's or applebee's) and nostalgic blues restaurant. Great posters of jazz musicians on the walls and a beautiful hutch in the corner (i totally want to steal it). The music was awesome; jazz and blues all the way.

Service: Our server, Chris, was awesome. One of those awesome servers that you totally want to hang out with. Personable and laid-back, he was extremely knowledgeable about the food and offered great suggestions. Our food was timely and he was attentive. The only weird part is the strange young woman who took our actual orders (Chris must have been busy with something). The first thing she said is "I like your hair, where'd you get it done?" Now, I'll accept the compliment, but it was a bit off-putting and inappropriate for the moment. Plus, it caught me off guard. I'm not a fan of being caught off guard (are you?). Also, she happened to be in the restroom at the same time as her; awkward. Plus, I said, "you're out of soap." She said, "I'll get someone to replace it right away." She did not. Dirty liar. The next time I went in (I drink a lot of soda), I went into the men's bathroom to wash my hands. Bonus points for the great photographs leading to the charmless, soapless restrooms.

Taste: F**king incredible! I am no longer skeptical. The pulled pork knocked me so far out of my boots that I landed at another table across the room. Tender and smoky with just enough heat to make you feel it and a great hickory flavor. The fried okra was spot on with some lightly spiced breading that wasn't soggy or too thick. The roumalade was great, though I do regret the use of the Cajun ranch dressing. My ribs were cooked beautifully with a great amount of sweet heat. Falling off the bone good. Oh, the greens - not too peppery (I've found that at times) and not greasy (I've eaten greasy greens). Plus man, that mac and cheese is to die for. It actually made me feel like I was getting a hug from my Southern grandma (though my grandmothers were not Southern, nor did they ever make mac and cheese to my recollection). I tried Deborah's BBQ beans and they were scrumptious. The cornbread was my only disappointment, but I used it to soak up all that yummy BBQ sauce from the pulled pork and everything was all right.

Value: I got exactly what I paid for and then some. Awesome portions (not heaping, but big enough), great flavor and great service. I only wish I would have had soap in the bathroom. I'm going to forgive this a bit, just because the food was so good. I mean, this was good.

Breakdown
Atmosphere 1 2 3 4 5
Service 1 2 3 4 5
Taste 1 2 3 4 5
Value 1 2 3 4 5

OVERALL: 4.25

ELEPHANT COUNT

Bloody fantastic, chaps! I highly recommend Smokehouse Blues. And I can say that I don't believe it was because of the Dalai Lama. This is a good restaurant. Plain and simple. Soul Food at it's best here in Washtenaw County.


Happy Eating......at Smokehouse Blues

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant

Ichiban Japanese Restaurant: 4641 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor

That is Alison and me standing outside the new Ichiban Japanese Restaurant. It is located in the strip mall across from Spicetree Apartments along with Bistro Bar and Grill, Dynasty Buffet, the Comcast Office, the Bingo Hall and the drive-thru Starbucks which used to be a Blockbuster (do you know where I mean, yet?). I wore a skirt that day and Alison is wearing shorts because it was actually sunny and warm. Remember it being sunny and warm? I digress.

Ichiban is not a chain. Despite several accounts to the contrary, I have been assured that it is solely owned and operated by Sky Chen. The restaurant opened on Valentine's Day of '08 and means "number one." By the way, it is pronounced "itchybon" (a really fun word to say over and over again). No, there is not a fellow Ichiban in Florida or any where else for that matter. Hence, the "number one."
My Meal: Fried Oysters, Ichiban Combo Platter, Hibachi Steak (teriyaki style) w/ Clear Soup, House Salad, Vegetables and Steamed Rice, Green Tea and Diet Pepsi (notice the recurrence of the diet Pepsi throughout my reviews, I love me some diet Pepsi)

My Cost: $38.80

Atmosphere: It is an amazing space. Driving up to the restaurant (which used to be a terrible deli (I did eat there once)/DTE energy payment center), I was a little hesitant to believe that this could at all resemble a Japanese Steak House atmosphere (though, I've only been to one besides). When I walked in, it was as if I had been transported into another place, possibly Japan (though I've never been and can't be sure). A separate room houses Hibachi tables with family-style dining; the typical chef at the table, fire leaping, and laughter erupting style. The separate dining area encloses an expansive bar/sushi station, individual booths and "tartar" tables with private dining behind a cloth curtain. We opted for the private tables in the larger dining room. The decor is elegant and sophisticated with beautiful Japanese prints, amazing wood-work and soft, subtle lighting. The Japanese music is quiet and non-intrusive, adding to the ambiance. The carpeting was beautiful as well! I never look at carpeting! Overall, the dining experience is heightened by the slow, graceful feel of the space. Bonus points for the awesome HD big screen T.V!

Service: Fine, overall. Our server (didn't catch her name) was polite, informative and patient with my annoying questions. The food was prompt and she came back often to check on us without being a nuisance.

Taste: Here's another: "oh, dear." First off, I admit the huge mistake of getting the fried oysters as an appetizer. In my defense, the server did recommend them as a popular item. My first bite resulted in a slightly chipped tooth due to the stone/shell left on the oyster. They were greasy, flavorless and just a bit too squishy. Never get fried oysters at a Japanese restaurant. Unfortunately, I learned this from Christy afterwards (thanks for the laughing at me, too, man). You will recall that I have very limited experience in the Japanese food realm and will be learning a lot through this process. Second, the spring rolls were greasy and just not very flavorful. The shrimp was okay, I mean it is fried shrimp! How can you go wrong. The chicken katsu was overcooked, but had some nice flavor. I'm glad for the fruit sauce; a blend of mango and seasoning in gelatinous form. The apps tasted a lot better with the fruit sauce.

The standout of the whole meal was the incredible dressing on the house salad. I've had this soy-orange-ginger dressing in several different Asian settings and though I've always been a fan of its flavor, been less satisfied with its texture and consistency. (you know, the gritty chalky type thing). Anyway, this dressing was so good I wanted to drink it straight. With a hint of garlic and a good blend of acidity, savory and sweet, this dressing was extremely creamy with no grit or chunks of ginger. The greens were actually, well, green - not just a bunch of iceberg dumped in a bowl with a couple of matchstick carrots for color. The salad was the bomb! I mean the real bomb. Thank goodness, because my teriyaki hibachi steak was terrible. Loads of grisle, chewy and tough, it was like eating part of my shoe with a hint of soy and pineapple, without having a knife to cut it. The teriyaki sauce was definitely runny and annoyingly combined with the water left on the bottom of my plate from not properly draining the steamed vegetables. To give some credit, the vegetables were fresh, steamed perfectly and well-portioned. I just wish that I wouldn't have had watery teriyaki sauce poured all over them. The plate also contained the biggest carrot I've ever seen at a restaurant. I will give a bonus point for that. I also have to compliment them on the clear soup, a nice simple flavor profile with not a lot of fishy taste (I've tasted fishy clear soups, yes indeed). The tea was also excellent and so was the diet Pepsi.

Value: Well, hmm. Okay, so it definitely was not as good as what I spent for it. If I'd have spent half of the money, I would have been a little happier. If I'd spent a quarter of the money, I'd have been golden. Alas, I did not, so I cannot be happy or golden. I do give a point in value for being able to eat in such a beautiful atmosphere.

BREAKDOWN
Atmosphere 1 2 3 4 5
Service 1 2 3 4 5
Taste 1 2 3 4 5
Value 1 2 3 4 5

OVERALL: 2.75

So it doesn't seem as bad as I made it out to be after doing the rating system. I would remind you that the 5 in Atmosphere really bumped this baby up. Look at value. See? Look at Taste. See? Not a fan, overall, though I can see why people would return. I admit that I did not try any sushi and I have heard that they have great sushi and that the fish dishes are to die for (metaphorically, of course).

ELEPHANT COUNT

So, it will definitely take someone dragging me at gunpoint, begging or me being hungry with no possibility of any other food source (including my own arm) to get me back there. I would have actually given it half an elephant if I knew how. Not for me. Sorry Ichiban.

Paradise Restaurant

Paradise Restaurant: 883 West Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor

Located in the Collonade Shopping Center (Big Moes, some hair place, etc. etc.) near the Briarwood Mall, Paradise Restaurant specializes in Chinese and Vietnamese Cuisine. As the first Chinese restaurant visited in my quest for W.C. restaurant knowledge, I was actually feeling a bit confident about the experience. Frankly, I've eaten at Paradise before, so I knew that I'd be okay. Being Christy's favorite Chinese place in the area, I thought it would be a good one to start at, to sort of rev me up for all the other Chinese places I will have to eat at.

Why do I dislike Chinese food? Good question. First, it is (in my experience) always disgustingly greasy. I once got garlic green beans (thinking it would be a healthier option) from an anonymous Chinese place (which I will visit again, sometime) that were covered in so much oil and butter that it ate through the carryout container. Second, I once got food poisoning (it had to have been) from eating at a Chinese restaurant and so even the thought of Chinese makes me a bit queasy (I will, unfortunately be eating there again as well - YEAH FOOD POISONING). Third, the descriptions and names of foods are never appetizing to me. (come-on Rainbow Beef? Sounds like something that spoiled out a few weeks ago) Fourth, the plate comes and everything is brown. Now I know I don't see color very well, but when everything seems to match on a plate, I'm a bit suspicious. Fifth, it is often too salty.

So, there's the facts, man. Enjoy the review.

My Meal: Egg Drop Soup, Kon Pao Tou-Fu, Hot Tea

My Cost: $13.57

Atmosphere: Pretty typical. Extra points for the giant Buddha statue when you walk in. Points deducted for the fake flowers (not a fan at all, don't understand fake plastic trees, either (Radiohead reference)). Christy will be happy to know that I did visit the restroom and found it to be very clean and fresh smelling. A subtle floral aroma. The music was awesome; tripped out 70's disco and Crystal Gayle type ballads- all in Chinese! Definite extra point, there. Everything pretty clean, except our table. Side comment: the silverware was the heaviest I'd ever felt at a restaurant - almost weapon class. Overall, the dining room felt really cozy. In fact, I didn't want to get up right after eating. So we sat and chatted.

Service: Luckily, I was eating with Christy. The lady who owns Paradise is apparently not a fan of me. I am trying hard not to judge the service on past experiences, but she is not so nice to me. She loves Christy, though. Who can blame her. Service did improve over the last few times I've been there, so I can only assume that she warms up to more "regular" customers. Points taken away for not recommending a popular or favorite dish. How can there not be a most popular dish at a Chinese restaurant? Anyway, she was prompt, attentive and courteous. I am giving bonus points to the cute guy in jeans who kept refilling our water glasses.

Taste: Great portion sizes, flavorful kon pao sauce and the tofu was fried perfectly. The egg drop soup lacked a little seasoning, but what do I expect from egg whites and broth? The consistency was great, though - nice ribbons of egg white with none of those chunky ends or slimy pieces (yeah, you know what I mean). The rice was sticky but not dry. The only thing I would have liked was for there to be more heat to the kon pao sauce. I asked for medium and it was really mild. I guess I could have eaten those deadly dried peppers, but really, am I going to? The veggies were fresh and cooked really well. Pretty standard, though not to greasy. I may have to reevaluate my first point.

Value: Good portion size (isn't that what I'm looking for?) for the money. Pretty standard but worth the money. Drinking a lot of tea also helps.

BREAKDOWN
Atmosphere 1 2 3 4 5
Service 1 2 3 4 5
Taste 1 2 3 4 5
Value 1 2 3 4 5

OVERALL: 3.25

Elephant Count

I will probably eat at Paradise again (Christy likes it). I give it two elephants and recommend it for those looking for a comfortable yet affordable night of Chinese. The carryout would be a great option, as well.



Happy Eating!

Paesano's

3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor

A family owned restaurant situated in the heart of Strip Mall Row: Washtenaw Ave., Paesano's is a startling beauty amidst the Arborland Mall and the odd new complex containing the vitamin store and Jimmy John's and whatever else people who buy vitamins and eat at Jimmy John's in the same trip purchase. Truthfully, I've often avoided Paesano's just because of my twisted perception of it being difficult to get to (you know what I'm talking about, that damn middle lane where cars are always trying to merge eastbound and often cut my car off (a tad resentful)). I'm sorry Paesano's; it turns out that you aren't painfully difficult to get into and your parking lot is quite a bigger than apparent from the road (bonus points: as I get older, parking becomes more important, especially when the ol' hip is acting up).

An authentic Italian restaurant committed to true Italian lifestyle and culture; Paesano's sees itself as more than just a place to eat. Offering cooking classes, Italian language classes, wine education seminars and winemaker dinners, this place is a cornucopia of all things Italian. (or at least of all things regarding Italian language, food and wine - and possibly interior design, but not knowing anything about Italian interior design, I am not able to verify this for sure) If you are interested in this cornucopia, they've got a pretty good website (paesanosannarbor.com) where you can check out the menus, find out about events (just noticed the totally awesome Don Giovanni Opera Dinner!), learn about the staff and a few more neat little Paesano's bobbles. (Do you feel a positive review coming on? Just wait...)

My Meal: Coffee, Palate Teaser of zucchini mousse with mint and raw sugar, Caprese (fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato and balsamic reduction), House Salad, Grilled Garlic Pork Chop with spring onion barbecue sauce and chive roasted potatoes

My Cost: $40.81

Atmosphere: I'm going to refer to the style of the interior space (notice the subtle language change from normal to "snooty") as "quaint elegance." The main dining area is large but feels cozy, comfortable and modern without being gaudy (I totally love that I just got to use that word!). The room did not appear overcrowded (though all tables were occupied) and our table felt relatively private though we were seated next to other diners. The lighting was dim enough to mask the dirty jeans and the fact that I had not bathed that day, yet I could still read the menu without taking off my glasses (note to reader: I have very bad vision and will take away points from restaurants whose menu fonts are tiny and/or their dining rooms are too dark to see the silverware). I did get a chance to visit the restroom this time (Yeah Christy!) and found it to be warm, inviting and very clean with a fresh scent (bonus for the great photos of Italy (Check it out Jess E.)). Bonus points are also awarded for the sweet middle section of the ceiling with the rustic wooden beams and the Italian language class being taught to a table of customers by Salvatore Bisaccia while we ate.

Service: Lisa, Robin and I were served by Dani. Dani was okay. She did warm up after a bit, becoming more personable and funny. She was adequately attentive and answered all of my specific questions (thumbs up for this as it tends to annoy servers in some establishments - and that is why I test them out on it). I enjoy that she brought up the palate teaser (for free! I'm poor so that's great) and made me feel really special about it. Frankly, I really like feeling special. I do have to say, however, that I was a bit disappointed that she did not know what was in the palate cleanser and politely argued with me about the mint (I was right, not that I need to be right (but I was))

Rant: I understand servers at your local dive not knowing (and/or caring) about every product, but damn man, that is part of what you pay for at the "fancy" places. Step it up people! Get to work. Sorry, rant over.

I will give credit to all the other employees I passed on the way to and from the restroom. Everyone said hello and smiled; that must get tiring and I appreciate it.

Taste: Again we conjure my philosophical food dilemma and a possible topic to explore throughout this journey: I am picky and critical (some say hypercritical) about food. As I stated in my opening blog, I am required to ask my server what she/he recommends and/or what is popular. I am then required to eat said item and remain objective regardless of my personal feelings towards said item (remember hot dogs? they'll be coming, don't you worry).

So, I ask you friends, what do you do in this hypothetical situation:

Let's say we ask a server, we'll call her Dani for convenience sake, what she recommends. She immediately tells you the Grilled Garlic Pork Chop is great and states, and I quote(hypothetically, of course): "If there is one thing Isabella (the hypothetical chef in this hypothetical situation) cooks well is a fantastic pork chop." Okay, so you get the pork chop and find it to be the best seasoned piece of cardboard you've ever tasted. Great sweet and smokey barbecue flavor with a little bit of heat accentuated by the light flavor of fresh spring onions smothering all those layers of paper. What do you do? How do you remain objective (hypothetically) and not take double points away now that you have had your hopes and dreams of eating the best pork chop of your life so viciously dashed? I mean, imagine that this thing is like eating a fantastically seasoned phone book. Now, when I say phone book, of course I am referring to a small town phone book, but still! Could you bring your own phone book and pay half price? How do you cut through your phone book with just a steak knife. Clearly, I am disappointed (hypothetically). Am I an a***ole for expecting something remarkable when told I would get it? Am I being too critical just because she told me it would be great and then I was disappointed? Was it great and I am just too picky? These are questions I will ponder while jogging and playing sudoku.

Anyway, the rest of the meal was excellent in quality, preparation and taste, so I gotta give 'em credit. The ingredients were incredibly fresh, crisp and flavorful. The seasonings had a great balance. My coffee was even great and bonus points for having raw sugar! I highly recommend the balsamic reduction on the Caprese Salad and found my potatoes to be totally edible and actually tasty (not a potato fan - you will find that I am not a fan of a lot of foods and should possibly seek out other lines of work where I do not have to encounter such foods). Damn you overcooked pork chop! It would have been a stunner if not for you.

Value: Tough. Disregarding the pork chop, this was a great meal and worth every penny. Unfortunately, I cannot disregard the pork chop as it was my entree! Good seasonings, good products, a little rough and the pork chop cooking. I should have eaten more bread and drank more coffee to make up for the expensive phone book.

Breakdown

Atmosphere 1 2 3 4 5
Service 1 2 3 4 5
Taste 1 2 3 4 5
Value 1 2 3 4 5

OVERALL: 4

After all my pork chop ranting, I've got to say that I will definitely be eating at Paesano's again. It's a good Italian place with quality ingredients and excellent atmosphere. It feels like the type of place you go to when you want something better without having to put on the heels (though you could if you wanted). Great date restaurant or special occasion venue with friends and family. I'll just stay clear of the pork chop!

Elephant Count

Inaugural Restaurant: The Full House

The Full House - 57 Ecorse Rd, Ypsilanti

The Full House was opened at about 9:10 am on June 15, 1973. This is according to the little story in the menu. ( I admit that the little menu stories always add some points for me. I enjoy being able to read something while waiting for my food). Claimed to be the longest running, single operator restaurant in Ypsilanti (though I'm not sure if this is good or why it even matters), they say that they have had the pleasure of serving 10 million burgers to their customers throughout the years. Well, make that 10 million and 4, because Deafula, Alison, Deborah and I decided upon burgers, of course.

My meal: King Burger (1/2 pound, the works, no cheese), Fries, Coleslaw and Drink (diet Pepsi)
My cost: $9.28

Atmosphere: The dining room is pretty clean and really outdated (bonus points for retro/vintage style without even trying to be retro/vintage style). I love the fact that the non-smoking section has ash trays (just in case). The Full House doesn't present itself as anything other than a local burger joint where you could meet friends and have a beer (if you so choose). It felt very Ypsi to me, which is something I just can't explain. You have to feel Ypsi to understand, but for me it is a very good thing. The menu design is cute and the booth is comfortable. The room is not crowded and the addition of video games, keno machines and tv's lends to the feel of a working man's establishment. I definitely could see myself (a few years ago) sitting there after work b.s.ing with fellow Full Housers.

Service: I thought the service was excellent and extremely attentive (a couple of my fellow diners thought it was a bit overboard and I could see that). Our waitress, Claudette, was friendly and knowledgeable about the products. She did seem to get a bit confused when we were ordering but we were a bit confusing. Unfortunately, points were lost for the mistake in Alison's order and the forgetting of which meals were which (a personal pet peeve and I believe it is poor customer service, especially since you wrote it down!).

Taste: Oh, dear...hmmm. So this brings up an interesting question; perhaps a personal philosophical food dilemma? Am I hypercritical about food because I am in the food industry? My fellow diners thought the food was good (or as Deafula puts it P.A.B = Perfectally Acceptable Burger (I am going to use the P.A. thing from now on, thanks friend!)). I completely differ in my opinion. I thought that the coleslaw was pretty tasty (fresh,seasoned well and innovative because of the mustard dressing - not something we see often my friends). But the burger and fries? Not so good, especially not for a place that claims itself as the best/only burger in town. I don't understand that: when a place makes a claim about the quality of product and it isn't true. Do they believe it? First, there are other burgers in Ypsi. Second, it is definitely not the best one. Okay, rant over. I thought that the burger was dry and lacking in any seasoning. I'm often glad for condiments. My fries were inconsistent: a strange combination of soggy and crispy with some not cooked all the way through. I once learned that this happens from oil that is too high or too dirty. I cannot comment on that being as though I didn't look at the oil. I do have to say, however, that Deafula's fried okra was yummy. Not soggy, not oily, great flavor and Claudette gave us Frank's Red Hot (bonus points).

Value: Got what I expected. Not too cheap and not too expensive. I also drank enough diet Pepsi to offset any and all extra costs associated w/ the meal.

Breakdown
Atmosphere 1 2 3 4 5
Service 1 2 3 4 5
Taste 1 2 3 4 5
Value 1 2 3 4 5

OVERALL: 3.5

Elephant Count:

So, realistically, I will never choose to eat at the Full House on my own. I will need someone to hold me at gunpoint, beg (it only works w/ love) or be famished with no other possibility of nourishment. Sorry, Full House, it isn't that you're bad, it's just that I don't want to eat at you again.



1 down....several hundred to go....



Happy Eating!

The Criteria (or okay okay, I'm blogging again)

Hello Fellow Foodlovers!

I apologize for the delay in writing. I've missed you. I've missed you all. Thank you for being patient. Deafula finally just called me out the other evening on the way to the Ghostland Observatory show (by the way: strobetastic!) about my lack of followthrough on the whole review part of this process. It is what I needed. Thanks friend. I warn you: I am lazy, busy and slow. This is a deadly combination in the blogging world, I fear. But together we will mush on.

Anyway, about the review portion of this whole task (I now refer to it as such because I am no longer disillusioned to believe that this is a little hobby). I will use the following criteria graded on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being poor, 3 being acceptable/average, 5 being excellent) to standardize the process:

1. Atmosphere - based on Cleanliness, Comfort and Style (sorry Christy, I don't think I'll get a chance to use every bathroom, though that could launch a whole new blog)
2. Service - based on Attentiveness, Friendliness and Promptness (notice I say friendliness and not cheerfulness-I believe cheerfulness can be faked quite well while friendliness cannot) I also want to add that while writing this I realized I am a fan of the -ness endings
   
3. Taste - Quality of Products, Cooking Technique, Seasoning
4. Value- When all is said & done, was it worth what I paid? I will also give each restaurant a $ sign for cost of basic meal ($ <> 30 dollars) I knew that one day those <> symbols would pay off!
5. Overall-An average taken of all the above

I have also decided that I will give each restaurant a rating of 1 - 3 elephants based on my returnability probability. The reason for this is simple: I love elephants and I love the word elephants. 1 elephant means that I will only return if dragged by gunpoint and/or really really hungry and someone I love begs me (I am working on my unhealthy, gunpointing relationships..hhm hhmm). 3 means I will eat there so much that it may become my very own "Cheers."

So I guess that's all there is about that. On to the reviews.....



Happy Eating!

The (Incomplete) List

So what is a restaurant? I've been asked that question by a few brilliant people since announcing my plan.

dictionary.com's definition: an establishment where meals are served to customers

jess's definition: an establishment where meals are served to customers

But, for this project, I will add the following stipulations:

1. 75% of the food must be prepared (from raw to finished) in-house.
2. It must have a printed menu of its food items
3. The meal must be packaged in-house if grab and go.
4. Coffee shops which sell pastries and vendor produced products (like deli sandwiches, etc.)and some ready-to-use soups do not count (sorry coffee shops) unless they adhere to the principle set forth in 1.
5. Bagel shops don't count unless they make a bunch of meals on bagels. (i.e. #4)
6. Grocery stores are not restaurants no matter how pretty the deli (yeah, I'm talking to you Plum Market and Whole Foods).

Based on this criteria, I have compiled a(n) (incomplete) list. This list took me about 4.8 hours to compile. Compile is my word of the day and I have successfully utilized (another day word) it twice.

It is much harder than I anticipated to find every restaurant in Washtenaw County. It seems as though even the faithful Internet is no match for the task. Not only had I never heard of Sharon Township, neither it seemed had Google. (Sorry Sharon Township)

I think I have a good start, however, and with your help, can add even more.

Maybe it is better that I have only found 457 restaurants thus far. Maybe it is God's way of making the task seem less daunting. Maybe there really are no restaurants in Lodi, Lima, Bridgewater, Augusta, Freedom, Northfield, Salem, Sharon, Superior, Sylvan, Webster or York.

Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

Anyway, here is the list so far. Feel free to let me know if I am missing any places (and I'm sure there is a bunch).Please, though, let me know not only the name of the fine establishment but the address if at all possible.

And please, do not give me your review. Though I value your opinion, I just won't listen. It may sway mine.

So far we have:

A Hello Faz Pizza
Shehan-Shah Indian Cuisine
Achilles Restaurant
Siam Cuisine
Afternoon Delight
Siam Kitchens
Ahmo's Deli
Siam Square Thai Cuisine
Aladdin's Mediterranean Cuisine and Juice Bar
Smokehouse Blues
Ali-Baba
Soup Du Jour
All Star Grille
Smokin Q 4 U
Aloha Grill
Steve's Lunch
Alpha Koney Island
Stucchi's
Amadeus Cafe & Restaurant
Studio 4
Amer's
Sunflower Cafe
Angelo's on the Side
Summit Party Shoppe
Angelo's Restaurant
Sushi Cafe
Anthony's Gourmet Pizza Inc
Sushi.come
Arbor Brewing Company Pub
Sweetwaters Café
Argiero's Italian Restaurant
Sze-Chuan West
Arirang Restaurant
Taqueria La Fiesta
Artisan Bistro
T K Wu
Ashley's
The Arena
Aut Bar
The Backroom
Ayse's Turkish Cafe
Tio's
The Backroom
Totoro
Bandito's
Touchdown Cafe
Banfield's Bar and Grill
Tuptim
Banfield's Westside Grill
University Cafe
Banh Na
Uptown Coney Island
Beijing Restaurant
Victors At The Campus Inn
Bell's Diner
Villa Pizza
Bell's Pizza
Village Kitchen
Bella Ciao
Vinology
Bella Italia
Wastenaw Milk and Ice Cream
Bella Napoli Pizza e Ristorante Italiano
Weber's Restaurant
Benny's Family Dining
Weng's Kitchen
Bewon
West End Grill
Big City Small World Cafe
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Big House Pizza
Yotsuba
Bistro Bar & Grill
Zanzibar
Blimbyburger
Zingerman's Delicatessen
Blue Nile of Ann Arbor
Zingerman's Roadhouse
Broadway Café & Jumbo Steak Hoagie
China Gardens
Broken Egg
Chinese Tonite Restaurant
Brown Jug Restaurant
Cleary's Pub
Cafe 303
Collins Pizza Inc
Café Japon
Common Grill
Cafe Marie of Ann Arbor
Inverness Inn
Cafe Oz
Main Street Coney Island
Cafe Rendez-Vous
Mike's Deli
Cafe Zola
Ollie's Main Street Pizza
Carson's American Bistro
Prego Italian Grill
Casa Devarti
Schumm's Restaurant
Casey's Tavern
Stivers Restaurant
Champion House
Thompson's Pizzeria
Chan Gardens
Wolverine Food & Spirits
Chia Shiang Restaurant
Campfire Family Steakhouse
China Gate Restaurant
China One
China Stone Intl
Fenders Bar & Grill
Chop House
Lighthouse Coffee CO
City Limits Restaurant & Night Club
Milan Coney Island
Classic Cup Cafe
Mr Bread Basket
Cloverleaf
Roys BBQ
Coffee Break the
Sam's Italian Pizzeria
Conor O'Neill's
Aegean Restaurant
Cottage Inn
Brecon Grille
Cottage Inn Pizza
Country Creek Family Diner
Creekside Grill & Bar
Drowsy Parrot
Cubs' Ac
Guilin Restaurant
D J's Pizza & Subs
Jasmine Thai & China Bistro
D'Amato's
Joyful House
Da Vinci's Pizza
Kelly's 107
Demeter World Cuisine
Lucky Bucks Cafe
Diag Deli & Pizza
Mac's Acadian Seafood Shack
Dinersty Restaurant
Marco Polo Restaurant
Dominick's
Papa's Coney Island
Dynasty Chinese Buffet
Pastries & More
Earthen Jar
Pat's Two Dragon Pub
The Earle
Raisin River Cafe
The Earle Uptown
Saline Cafe
Eastern Accents
Saline Inn
Emerald City
Signature Grille and Catering
Eve
2.99 Pizza Co
Evergreen Restaurant
Abe's Coney Island
Fabulous Food
Alnoor Restaurant
Fleetwood Diner
Americana Coney Island & Restaurant
Flim Flam Restaurant & Deli
American Eagle
Foods Of India
Arbory Restaurant
Frank's Restaurant
Arthur's Inc
Fraser's Pub
Aubree's Pizza
Fuji Restaurant
Beef Fajita
Gallagher's Eatery & Sports
Bentley Mariott Hotel
Gandy Dancer
Big Dee's Famous Sausages
Geppetto's Pizza Soft Serve Ice Cream & Shakes
Big Sky Diner
Godaiko Japanese Restaurant
Biggie's Fine Foods
Golden Chef Chinese Restaurant
Bill's Drive-In
Goodtime Charlies
Bombadill's Café
Goodnite Gracie
Bomber Restaurant
Gourmet Garden
Brother's BBQ & Grill
Graham's Restaurant
Cady's Grill
Gratzi
Chick-Inn Drive-In
Great Lakes Chinese Seafood Restaurant
China Star
Grizzly Peak Brewing Company
China Chef
Guy Hollerin's
Chinese Buffet 2
Gypsy Cafe
D C Mex Restaurant Group Inc
Happy Wok
Dalat
Heidelberg Restaurant
Depalmas Ristorante
Hello Pizza
Di Maggio Spicy Pizza
Hinodae Japanese Restaurant
Express Fish & Chicken
Holiday's Restaurant
Family's Fried Chicken
HomeTown Buffet
Filling Station The
In & Out Pizza
Food Garden
Inn Season Café
Freewill Diner
Izzy's Hoagie Shop
French Quarter
Jamaican Jerk Pit
Full House
J T's Dawg House
Gabrielle's Hoagie Shop
Jefferson Market
Golden Crust Pizza
Jerusalem Garden
Golden Wall
Jonathan Family Restaurant
Haab's Restaurant
Kabob Palace
Hana Korean Restaurant
Kagayaki Japanese Restaurant
Harvest Moon Cafe
Kai Garden
Hawkins Place
Kave's Kafe
Hidden Dragon Chinese Rstrnt
Kerby's Koney Island
Holmes Road Diner
Kerrytown Bistro
Howard's Hoagies Restaurant
Khana Khazana
Hunan Gardens Restaurant
King Burger
J J's Pizza
King Shing
Kaya Sushi
Knight's Steak House
La Fiesta Mexicana
Kosmopolitan Deli
La Fuente
La Dolce Vita
Luca's Coney Island
Lai Lai Restaurant
Lucky 7 Chinese Food
Le Dog
Lucky Garden Chinese
Leo's Delicatessen & Catering
Marias Italian Bakery & Pizze
Leopold Bros Of Ann Arbor
Mazaris Family Grill
Little Porky's Pizza-n-More
Milano's Pizza
Logan
Nelly's
Lord Fox
Ogden's Truck Stop
Lotus Thai Restaurant
Papa V's
Lucky Kitchen Chinese
Pea Pod Inn Inc
Lulu's Cafe Llc
Pittsfield Pizza & Bbq
Madras Masala
Pizza & Chicken Stop
Magic Wok
Pizza Perfect
Maize And Blue Deli
Primo's Coffeehouse
Makkara
Real Pizza Pittsfield
Mandarin Chinese Restaurant
Red Sea Ethiopian Cuisine
Mark's Mid-Town Coney Island
Restaurant-Nick's
Marnee Thai Restaurant
Roundtree Bar & Restaurant
Mary's Fabulous Chicken
Roy's Squeeze Inn
Mediterrano
Sinbad Koney Island
Melange Bistro Wine Bar
Stephens Brothers Inc
Metzger's
T C's Speakeasy Bar & Grill
Michael's Chop House
Tap Room
Middle Kingdom
Taqueria La Loma
Miki Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar
Theo-Door's
Ming Tree
Tony's Grill
Missaigon
Tower Inn Cafe
Mitch's Place
Town Café
Monkey Bar
Vinnie D's
Moveable Feast
Wolverine Restaurant
Mr Pita & the Coffee Beanery
Ypsi Gas & Mart
Mr Spot's
Ypsilanti Seafood Market
Mr. Greek's Coney Island
2.99 Pizza Co
Mughal Asia
Abe's Coney Island
New Garden Buffet
Alnoor Restaurant
New China Wok
Americana Coney Island & Restaurant
New Star Chinese Restaurant
American Eagle
New York Pizza
Arbory Restaurant
Nikko's Pizza
Arthur's Inc
Northside Grill
Aubree's Pizza
No Thai
Beef Fajita
Oasis Deli
Bentley Mariott Hotel
Old German Restaurant
Big Dee's Famous Sausages
Old Siam
Big Sky Diner
Old Town
Biggie's Fine Foods
Oliver's Pizza
Bill's Drive-In
Omega Pizza
Bomber Restaurant
Oriental Express
Cady's Grill
Oscar's Cafe & Deli
Chick-Inn Drive-In
Our Town Deli
China Chef
Pacific Rim
Chinese Buffet 2
Paesano's
D C Mex Restaurant Group Inc
Palio
Dalat
Panda House
Depalmas Ristorante
Panda Korean & Chinese Food
Di Maggio Spicy Pizza
Paradise Restaurant
Family's Fried Chicken
Parthenon Restaurant and Bar
Filling Station The
Piggy Back Cafe
Food Garden
Pita Kabob Grill
Freewill Diner
Pizza Bobs
French Quarter
Pizza House
Full House
Prickly Pear Southwest Cafe
Gabrielle's Hoagie Shop
Quarter Bistro & Tavern
Golden Crust Pizza
Raja Rani
Golden Wall
Real Seafood Co.
Haab's Restaurant
Red Hawk Bar & Grill
Hana Korean Restaurant
Red Hot Lovers
Harvest Moon Cafe
Rick's American Cafe
Hawkins Place
Rod's Diner & Corp
Hidden Dragon Chinese Rstrnt
Rush Street Restaurant
Howard's Hoagies Restaurant
Sabor Latino
Hunan Gardens Restaurant
Sadako Japanese Restaurant
J J's Pizza
Saica Restaurant
LA Fiesta Mexicana
Saigon Garden
Lucas Coney Island
Salvatore's Pizza
Lucky 7 Chinese Food
San Fu Restaurant
Lucky Garden Chinese
Scorekeepers
Marias Italian Bakery & Pizze
Seoul Corner
Mazaris Family Grill
Seoul Garden
Milano's Pizza
Senor Lopez Mexican Restaurant
Nelly's
Seva Restaurant
Ogden's Truck Stop
Sevens the
Papa V's
Shalimar
Stephens Brothers Inc
Pea Pod Inn Inc
T C's Speakeasy Bar & Grill
Pittsfield Pizza & Bbq
Tap Room
Pizza & Chicken Stop
Theo-Door's
Pizza Perfect
Tower Inn Cafe
Red Sea Ethiopian Cuisine
Wolverine Restaurant
Restaurant-Nick's
Ypsi Gas & Mart
Roundtree Bar & Restaurant
Ypsilanti Seafood Market
Roy's Squeeze Inn
Alley
Sinbad Koney Island
Classic Pizza
Frank's Place
Cousins Heritage Inn
Hungry Wolf Restaurant
Dexter's Pub On Main St
Manchester Bakery
Food Zone Chinese Restaurant
Melissa's Café
Mary T's
The Moveable
Noble Romans Pizza Express
Ollie's Main Street Pizza
Reddeman Farms Restaurant
Pleasant Lake Inn
Wings N Things
Whistle Stop Restaurant
Coffee Mill Café
Bridgewater Bank Tavern
Dan's River Grill
Food Art

Wow! It looks overwhelming on paper (screen/paper/whatever). If you read this whole list, I'll give you a cookie. I make a mean cookie. But, there will be a test. Be warned, I ain't no pushover.

I am surprised at how many of these restaurants I've actually been to.

I am also surprised by the large quantities of Chinese and Sushi restaurants. Oh, by the way, Chinese is my least favorite type of food and seaweed (yes, sushi lovers) nauseates me by smell alone. I also hate hot dogs, so all those Coney Islands are gonna be a treat. At the very least, it should be funny.

Thank goodness I love pizza. There are a lot of local pizza places.

I am a bit disappointed that the Transylvanian restaurant closed in Ypsi. I never got a chance to try it. I suppose most people didn't try it and that is why it closed. If only I started this 5 years ago.

If only...

Happy eating!jess

The Beginning: Would You Like to Have Dinner?

I plan on eating at every restaurant in Washtenaw County.

Originally, I said I would do it in three years but that now seems a bit unrealistic. There are a lot of restaurants in Washtenaw County. I mean, a lot a lot. Someone even told me Ann Arbor (the biggest city in Washtenaw County) has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. Is that true? I have no idea, but I like the person and I'm going to take their word for it.

Knowing this, what made me come up with this crazy idea, you ask?

Well, I'm in food. I love food. I eat a lot of food. I cook food. I talk about food. I love the word food (look at it for a moment; doesn't it make you just giggle?). I watch shows (even the terrible ones) about food. I read about food. I even read and watch things about people reading and watching and talking about food.

And it seems that because of this intense foodiness, people are often asking me what my favorite local restaurants are.

I've been giving the same 3 as a stock answer for at least 5 years. (Gratzi, Zola, Bomber)

After some thought, I realized that this was unfair to all the other restaurants I haven't eaten at before or haven't eaten at in the last 5 years. In order to give an accurate and honest opinion, I have to eat at every restaurant in the area. It just seems wrong to be so foodie and not try all of the food my local communities have to offer.

So where do I go from here?

First: Ground Rules

1. I will not count any national chains such as Applebee's, Chili's, Friday's, McDonald's (you get the idea, right?). It isn't that I have anything against said restaurants. Who doesn't get a craving for those intensely fabulous never-ending chip and salsa platters at Chil's? Is it just me? The reasoning for this is simple: these restaurants aren't local. Enough said.

2. I only need to eat at 1 location of any local chain. For example, I must eat at Mr. Pizza as it is local, but I do not have to eat at every Mr. Pizza. The reasoning for this is simple:chain restaurants are meant to offer consistency in product regardless of which location you dine at. So, if you've eaten at one, you've eaten at them all.

3. If I have not eaten at a particular restaurant in the past year, then I have to eat there again. Now this causes some issues, so I've made it even more complex. From the point of my start date, I do not have to eat at a restaurant again if I have already eaten at it since the start of my challenge. I do, however, have to eat at a restaurant again if I did not eat at it within one year of my start date. Does that make sense? Not really. Okay, so let's say I eat at Holiday's on 4/14/08. The start date of my challenge is 4/22/08. If I do not eat at Holiday's again by 4/22/09, I must add Holiday's to the list and count it as part of the challenge. If I eat Holiday's after my start date, I do not have to eat at Holiday's again in the duration of the project regardless of the length it takes for completion. This makes no sense whatsoever. All I know is that I have to eat at a lot of restaurants.

4. I may eat at a particular restaurant as many times as I want during the project, but may only review the restaurant based on my first experience. I do eat at Holiday's a lot and I wanted to make sure I could eat there still...a lot.

5. I must ask the waitperson what the best seller/#1 item/favorite item is. I must then eat said item no matter how gross it may seem to me.

6. I must take at least 1 person w/ me or verify by receipt that I did eat at a particular place at a particular time.

7. I must (try) to maintain an objective viewpoint regardless of what I have been told about a certain venue or my feelings on a particular type of food (just to let you know, I hate hot dogs).

8. I must document each dining experience, write a brief review and post it for all to see.

9. Each establishment will be judged on a predetermined set of criteria graded from poor to excellent utilizing a 5 point scale.

10. I must keep a running total of the cost of doing this crazy f*king thing. (Plus, then I can constantly be faced with the guilt of knowing how much money I could have put into a sensible savings account or IRA, just to raise the stakes.)

Second: Find Out What Washtenaw County Is?

What exactly is Washtenaw County? I looked it up on ewashtenaw.org to find out:

Ann Arbor
Chelsea
Milan
Saline
Ypsilanti
Barton Hills (Village)
Dexter (Village)
Manchester (Village)
Ann Arbor (Twnshp)
Augusta (Twnshp)
Bridgewater (Twnshp)
Dexter (Twnshp)
Freedom (Twnshp)
Lima (Twnshp)
Lodi (Twnshp)
Lyndon (Twnshp)
Manchester (Twnshp)
Northfield (Twnshp)
Pittsfield (Twnshp)
Salem (Twnshp)
Saline (Twnshp)
Scio (Twnshp)
Sharon (Twnshp)
Superior (Twnshp)
Sylvan (Twnshp)
Webster (Twnshp)
York (Twnshp)
Ypsilanti (Twnshp)

Land Area: 710 sq miles

3rd: The Restaurant List

This is not easy as it seems. I am currently going to use the following resources to compile a preliminary list:

ecurrent.com/guides/restaurants2007.php
yellowpages.com
restaurantlistings.com
menuism.com

By cross-referencing each local government with these restaurant guides, I believe I can garner a fairly accurate list. So scientific! But hey, if anyone has any other ideas, it would be much appreciated. I would hate to spend half my time trying to find the restaurant list. (Especially since I know I will spend half my time physically trying to find these restaurants. I am very bad at directions and don't read maps very well.)

4th: The Start Date: 4/22/08

Why this day? Well, it's Earth Day. I like that. It's a Tuesday, which seems like an exciting day to start a new project. Lastly, the date is comprised of all even numbers. I like that, too.


Coming soon..."The List!"

Happy Eating,

Jess