"Best of Bento is worth a shot if there is an earthquake and you are stuck between University Smoke Shop and Flowers. But, if the crack between you and Chipotle is less than 8 feet, I'm going for it." - Mike McEvoy
Best of Bento is located at the Ave just south of 43rd (close to Chipotle). Mike has walked by Best of Bento probably 25 times and he's never wanted to go in once. It makes Ichiro look like an art museum the way Best of Bento scares you away. According to Mike, here is the definition of bento: teriyaki in an elementary school tray but without the chocolate milk carton
The normal lunch deal is $5.99 with chicken rice, salad, and mee so soup. Mike ordered the combo meal which cost $7.99. It came with chicken Katsu, pork teriyaki, rice, salad, egg rolls and an orange slice (which Mike failed to eat. again, Mike was put onto this earth for one thing: to eat meat.) The egg rolls were really delicious. It took a while to order there due to a language barrier between Mike and the worker there.
Inside of the retaurant were about a dozen people and some tiki looking roof things. They also had giant copper fish on the wall which is fun. The environment was conducive for talking and hanging out. The water cups were a good size which is always a plus.
(sidenote: Contrary to popular belief: sushi is not a meal...for a guy. If you (a guy) are going to take someone (a girl) out to sushi, you need to eat at least one meal before the date.)
Taste: 3
Value: 3.5
Intangibles: 7
Total Score: 13.5 out of 30
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Pagliacci's [22]
Pagliacci's. You all know where it is. You've all been there. Now...the Mike's Ave Review of Pagliacci's pizza:
"I still believe that Pag's is the best place for pizza on the Ave. Don't take that you should go anywhere else for pizza from this review. They have a good variety of salads and slices AND they have a great coupon in the Student Survival Guide AND their pizza is delicious. I just think that people make too much of a deal about Pag's and I don't get that." -Mike McEvoy
Pizza for Mike is a big deal. At any sitting, anywhere, Mike mentally wants to go for half of a pizza or more. Two slices of Pag's doesn't fill Mike up. Eating ONLY two pieces of pizza is an anomaly to Mike.
WAIT! Mike just had an epiphany! Pag's is Mike's new Tulley's! You go to Tulley's for a little drink or a muffin to pass the time. It's not edifying in any way. Now, Mike will start to go to Pag's for only one slice. (Since that one slice of Pag's ranks lower than a snack for Mike.) Since he won't be going for a meal, this breaks the anomaly of ordering two slices of pizza at a pizza place! Hooray!
Taste: 8.5
Value: 6
Intangibles: 7.5
Total Score: 22 out of 30
"I still believe that Pag's is the best place for pizza on the Ave. Don't take that you should go anywhere else for pizza from this review. They have a good variety of salads and slices AND they have a great coupon in the Student Survival Guide AND their pizza is delicious. I just think that people make too much of a deal about Pag's and I don't get that." -Mike McEvoy
Pizza for Mike is a big deal. At any sitting, anywhere, Mike mentally wants to go for half of a pizza or more. Two slices of Pag's doesn't fill Mike up. Eating ONLY two pieces of pizza is an anomaly to Mike.
WAIT! Mike just had an epiphany! Pag's is Mike's new Tulley's! You go to Tulley's for a little drink or a muffin to pass the time. It's not edifying in any way. Now, Mike will start to go to Pag's for only one slice. (Since that one slice of Pag's ranks lower than a snack for Mike.) Since he won't be going for a meal, this breaks the anomaly of ordering two slices of pizza at a pizza place! Hooray!
Taste: 8.5
Value: 6
Intangibles: 7.5
Total Score: 22 out of 30
Northwest Fish & Chips [15.5]
"I don't want to say I was disappointed...but I was disappointed. When I walked in there was no sea captain working behind the counter. I would've even settled for a pirate. Just someone who looks like they just caught the fish I was about to eat." - Mike McEvoy
Northwest Fish And Chips (NWFAC for short) is located at the Ave and 42nd st. The first thing that Mike noticed was that there was no all you can eat fish and chips. Normally a fish and chips place has an all you can eat deal. That is the challenge of going to these places. (For example: The most Mike has eaten at an all you can eat fish and chips restaurant is 12 fish, 6 baskets of fries, and 6 bowls of chowder. His main gift in life is definitely eating.) They did, however, have a family meal on the menu. It was $20 with 12 fish and fries. It's good to know that most American families eat as much as Mike does in one sitting.
NWFAC also failed Mike with the lack of a "Captain's Booth" (i.e. a place that one goes when you attempt feats of eating massive amounts of food) What they did have at NWFAC's was a little basket with 15-18 fried shrimp and fries for $3.99. Good deal and okay taste (the fries were pretty bland), but you need to supplement with something else. For Mike's supplement he chose a bowl of chowder. (Bowl is a loose term here since it was a super tiny bowl.)
Overall, NWFAC adds variety to the Ave and has a niche there.
If this place were down on the Pier though, it'd be out of business in about 2 weeks.
Taste: 4
Value: 6.5
Intangibles: 5
Total Score: 15.5 out of 30
Northwest Fish And Chips (NWFAC for short) is located at the Ave and 42nd st. The first thing that Mike noticed was that there was no all you can eat fish and chips. Normally a fish and chips place has an all you can eat deal. That is the challenge of going to these places. (For example: The most Mike has eaten at an all you can eat fish and chips restaurant is 12 fish, 6 baskets of fries, and 6 bowls of chowder. His main gift in life is definitely eating.) They did, however, have a family meal on the menu. It was $20 with 12 fish and fries. It's good to know that most American families eat as much as Mike does in one sitting.
NWFAC also failed Mike with the lack of a "Captain's Booth" (i.e. a place that one goes when you attempt feats of eating massive amounts of food) What they did have at NWFAC's was a little basket with 15-18 fried shrimp and fries for $3.99. Good deal and okay taste (the fries were pretty bland), but you need to supplement with something else. For Mike's supplement he chose a bowl of chowder. (Bowl is a loose term here since it was a super tiny bowl.)
Overall, NWFAC adds variety to the Ave and has a niche there.
If this place were down on the Pier though, it'd be out of business in about 2 weeks.
Taste: 4
Value: 6.5
Intangibles: 5
Total Score: 15.5 out of 30
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Teriyaki First [15.5]
"When you walk into Teriyaki First there might as well be a sign that says order your food and get your business out of here. Except instead of "your business" it would be some choice language." - Mike McEvoy
Teriyaki First is on the Ave, just north of 52nd. It turns out that the restaurant only has 2 tables inside. The design was mainly for people to order food and take it to go. Mike decided to use one of the tables, but you totally feel an invisible force tugging at you to leave. Especially since sitting at 1 table takes up half the seating in the restaurant.
If you're up north on the Ave for some reason, then you can go there. BUT...This isn't the only thing Mike and his Ave review are about. He's also about connecting with people over a shared meal and talking about life. This restaurant was having none of that.
The food itself isn't bad and the menu is very diverse. Mike ordered the pork teriyaki which was served with rice and salad. It was pretty good. He felt filled up after the meal. The main downside is the long walk to get there. Since Mike hates any aerobic activity, the intangibles score will undoubtedly take a hit. And you need a jacket because it's cold inside.
More like: Teriyaki 8th.
Taste: 7
Value: 6.5
Intangibles: 2
Total Score: 15.5 out of 30
Teriyaki First is on the Ave, just north of 52nd. It turns out that the restaurant only has 2 tables inside. The design was mainly for people to order food and take it to go. Mike decided to use one of the tables, but you totally feel an invisible force tugging at you to leave. Especially since sitting at 1 table takes up half the seating in the restaurant.
If you're up north on the Ave for some reason, then you can go there. BUT...This isn't the only thing Mike and his Ave review are about. He's also about connecting with people over a shared meal and talking about life. This restaurant was having none of that.
The food itself isn't bad and the menu is very diverse. Mike ordered the pork teriyaki which was served with rice and salad. It was pretty good. He felt filled up after the meal. The main downside is the long walk to get there. Since Mike hates any aerobic activity, the intangibles score will undoubtedly take a hit. And you need a jacket because it's cold inside.
More like: Teriyaki 8th.
Taste: 7
Value: 6.5
Intangibles: 2
Total Score: 15.5 out of 30
Monday, January 26, 2009
Falafal King 2 [17.5]
"We were there from 12-1 and we were the only people in the restaurant. Maybe people don't know about Falafal King 2. Maybe they have problems with cleanliness? Who knows, but it was keeping people away from Falafal King 2." - Mike McEvoy
Compared to Alladin's falafal, the portion size at Falafal King 2 was much larger. Unlike Aladdin, which gives you all of your food INSIDE the pita, at Falafal King 2 you got a big plate with the lamb, veggies, and rice with the pita on the side. You had to assemble the meal yourself. (As Mike said: "You had to put it together yourself, like an Ikea meal." From now on this sort of meal presentation will be referred to as "Ikea-Style".) It is pricier than Aladdin and it was less tasty than Aladdin. Falafal King 2, however, was much more Ikea-Style than Aladdin.
Everything's not lost though. The service was REALLY good. The chef even came out at one point and asked us if everything was okay. That was awesome. For those who love comparing things; when all is said and done a simple math equation can sum it up: Falafal King 2 is less than or equal to Aladdin
Value: 4
Taste: 6
Intangibles: 7.5
Total Score: 17.5 out of 30
Compared to Alladin's falafal, the portion size at Falafal King 2 was much larger. Unlike Aladdin, which gives you all of your food INSIDE the pita, at Falafal King 2 you got a big plate with the lamb, veggies, and rice with the pita on the side. You had to assemble the meal yourself. (As Mike said: "You had to put it together yourself, like an Ikea meal." From now on this sort of meal presentation will be referred to as "Ikea-Style".) It is pricier than Aladdin and it was less tasty than Aladdin. Falafal King 2, however, was much more Ikea-Style than Aladdin.
Everything's not lost though. The service was REALLY good. The chef even came out at one point and asked us if everything was okay. That was awesome. For those who love comparing things; when all is said and done a simple math equation can sum it up: Falafal King 2 is less than or equal to Aladdin
Value: 4
Taste: 6
Intangibles: 7.5
Total Score: 17.5 out of 30
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Kiku Tempura House [20]
"Kiku was actually a hidden gem. Who knew that Kiku would be the place that would heap food onto my plate." - Mike McEvoy
Kiku has a great menu. A lot of combinations could be found. You could get chicken thighs on the bone with chi ken katsu (Becky Riggers: "Not to be confused with chicken Kitsu." (Kitsu being Becky's new puppy.)) Kiku it tucked away up north just past 50th. The food was a good quantity and it filled Mike up. That is a huge deal to Mike. 2 hours after he ate (when Mike would typically start another meal) he was still full!
There is still something, however, holding Mike back. He wants to give it a good score, but he thinks it was comparable to a first date. A first date that goes surprisingly well. After all is said is done, you don't remember what you talked about, you only remember that you felt good when you left. Mike wants to make sure that his current infatuation isn't blinding his better judgement. He wants to get past this phase and find out more of this Kiku. (Thank you Mike Gaffney for the relationship wheel.)
Taste: 7
Value: 8
Intangibles: 5
Total Score: 20 out of 30
Kiku has a great menu. A lot of combinations could be found. You could get chicken thighs on the bone with chi ken katsu (Becky Riggers: "Not to be confused with chicken Kitsu." (Kitsu being Becky's new puppy.)) Kiku it tucked away up north just past 50th. The food was a good quantity and it filled Mike up. That is a huge deal to Mike. 2 hours after he ate (when Mike would typically start another meal) he was still full!
There is still something, however, holding Mike back. He wants to give it a good score, but he thinks it was comparable to a first date. A first date that goes surprisingly well. After all is said is done, you don't remember what you talked about, you only remember that you felt good when you left. Mike wants to make sure that his current infatuation isn't blinding his better judgement. He wants to get past this phase and find out more of this Kiku. (Thank you Mike Gaffney for the relationship wheel.)
Taste: 7
Value: 8
Intangibles: 5
Total Score: 20 out of 30
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Burger Place [13]
"If you're going to spend $8 on a burger go to Red Robin and get a great burger and unbelievable fries! I hate that Jack in The Box is the best deal for a burger on the Ave!" - Mike McEvoy
Located on the Ave just south of 43 is A Burger Place. Mike feels that their slogan is "you can have whatever you like". But...It tells you the price of every item on the burger. Mushrooms, 50 cents. Onions, 50 cents. It's a bit different in that respect. A Normal burger starts at $3. Mike's burger was $5, then you had to add fries for another $3. It's nice to have options with your burger, but it's also nice to have the menu tell you what you want.
The burger size leaves a lot to be desired. Definitely not worth the money you spend.
Here's Mike's bottom line: "I don't care if it's grade D meat. I don't care if there's a little rat in my patty. I want a good sized, $3 burger."
Taste: 7
Value: 3
Intangibles: 3*
Total Score: 13 out of 30
*They had a big screen TV with only news on it. No ESPN. No Sport Center. Just lame news.
Located on the Ave just south of 43 is A Burger Place. Mike feels that their slogan is "you can have whatever you like". But...It tells you the price of every item on the burger. Mushrooms, 50 cents. Onions, 50 cents. It's a bit different in that respect. A Normal burger starts at $3. Mike's burger was $5, then you had to add fries for another $3. It's nice to have options with your burger, but it's also nice to have the menu tell you what you want.
The burger size leaves a lot to be desired. Definitely not worth the money you spend.
Here's Mike's bottom line: "I don't care if it's grade D meat. I don't care if there's a little rat in my patty. I want a good sized, $3 burger."
Taste: 7
Value: 3
Intangibles: 3*
Total Score: 13 out of 30
*They had a big screen TV with only news on it. No ESPN. No Sport Center. Just lame news.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sunney's [12.5]
"I wouldn't have guessed that the most famous Korean food of all time [Kim Chi] would have turned out to be so gross in real life." -Mike McEvoy
Sunney's is located between 47th and 50th on The Ave. It is, in fact, a Korean restaurant.
Mike was feeling adventurous and got the Bi Bim Bop. No one actually knows what Bi Bim Bop is made of. Mike decided to guess what it was made up of rice, egg, noodles...? Mike also tried every one's favorite Korean dish: Kim Chi. Kim Chi is basically boiled cabbage rolled up in seaweed. It was free, but after one bite, you definitely don't want more. Also, Korean food is like Indian food buffets. You end up smelling like the food for the rest of the day. You can be your own judge as to if that is good or bad.
Here's the funny thing. Mike went with someone who lived in Korea from the past year. This dude was amped on Korea. The people, the language, the food, everything. This guy decided to strike up a conversation with the cook there who was actually from Korea. It turns out, the cook hated Korea and that was why he was here now. It was like good cop bad cop, but with a country.
If you have Korean friends coming to town, bring them to Sunney's. You get an authentic Korean food experience. If you don't have Korean Friends coming to town...just walk away. Just walk away.
Taste: 6
Value: 3
Intangibles: 3.5
Total Score: 12.5 out of 30
Sunney's is located between 47th and 50th on The Ave. It is, in fact, a Korean restaurant.
Mike was feeling adventurous and got the Bi Bim Bop. No one actually knows what Bi Bim Bop is made of. Mike decided to guess what it was made up of rice, egg, noodles...? Mike also tried every one's favorite Korean dish: Kim Chi. Kim Chi is basically boiled cabbage rolled up in seaweed. It was free, but after one bite, you definitely don't want more. Also, Korean food is like Indian food buffets. You end up smelling like the food for the rest of the day. You can be your own judge as to if that is good or bad.
Here's the funny thing. Mike went with someone who lived in Korea from the past year. This dude was amped on Korea. The people, the language, the food, everything. This guy decided to strike up a conversation with the cook there who was actually from Korea. It turns out, the cook hated Korea and that was why he was here now. It was like good cop bad cop, but with a country.
If you have Korean friends coming to town, bring them to Sunney's. You get an authentic Korean food experience. If you don't have Korean Friends coming to town...just walk away. Just walk away.
Taste: 6
Value: 3
Intangibles: 3.5
Total Score: 12.5 out of 30
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Pizza Brava [18]
"Jordan, is it Pizza Bravo or Pizza Brava? On my receipt it says Pizza Bravo. What is the real name?" - Mike McEvoy
"Sign trumps receipt." - Ryan Church
Mike's Pizza Philosophy: "Never get pizza by the slice, just get a whole pizza. Mentally I cannot get it through my head that i can only eat 2 slices. Like in New York. There were giant pieces and I could barely finish 2 slices. In my mind i can eat 4-7 peices. It's sort of a mental block I can't break."
At Pizza Bravo you can get a gyro, pizza, or a hot sandwich. Mike, of course, had to try all of them. The gyro was decently sized but the taste wasn't that good. The sandwich was suffereing taste quality too. It can be compared to making food at home. It's basically the same quality. No special spices in the crust of the pita, just your run of the mill...food.
They did have a cool Seattle mural on a wall that Mike found himself constantly gazing at. So cool.
Taste: 5
Value: 6.5
Intangibles: 6.5
Total Score: 18 out of 30
"Sign trumps receipt." - Ryan Church
Mike's Pizza Philosophy: "Never get pizza by the slice, just get a whole pizza. Mentally I cannot get it through my head that i can only eat 2 slices. Like in New York. There were giant pieces and I could barely finish 2 slices. In my mind i can eat 4-7 peices. It's sort of a mental block I can't break."
At Pizza Bravo you can get a gyro, pizza, or a hot sandwich. Mike, of course, had to try all of them. The gyro was decently sized but the taste wasn't that good. The sandwich was suffereing taste quality too. It can be compared to making food at home. It's basically the same quality. No special spices in the crust of the pita, just your run of the mill...food.
They did have a cool Seattle mural on a wall that Mike found himself constantly gazing at. So cool.
Taste: 5
Value: 6.5
Intangibles: 6.5
Total Score: 18 out of 30
Friday, January 9, 2009
Pho Ty Ty [?]
This post is only to show the fact that Mike ate at the 3rd pho place on the ave. He doesn't know the name, but he for sure ate there.
Again, Mike can't tell the difference between Pho places, so for its review please see previous post.
Again, Mike can't tell the difference between Pho places, so for its review please see previous post.
Pho Tran [19]
"I can't tell you the difference between the 3 Pho places. You get the same looking bowl, the same Mongolian plum sauce, the same chopsticks, and every place gives you a cream puff at the end. That just doesn't seem right." - Mike
Mike likes pho. All 3 places he's been, he's liked. (He still is pissed off, however, about when Tyler tricked Mike into getting a medium. Not cool, Ty. Not cool.) Pho is a good value, and Mike leaves full. A key thing to remember at this place is to ration your water. You only get one because they don't refill it.
Again, Mike likes pho. But, if you put Mike in a hallway with pho on one end and a Chipotle burrito on the other, it would be like putting a dog in a hallway and putting a t-bone steak at one end and lettuce on the other. You do the math.
Value: 7
Taste: 7
Intangibles: 5
Total Score: 19 out of 30
Mike likes pho. All 3 places he's been, he's liked. (He still is pissed off, however, about when Tyler tricked Mike into getting a medium. Not cool, Ty. Not cool.) Pho is a good value, and Mike leaves full. A key thing to remember at this place is to ration your water. You only get one because they don't refill it.
Again, Mike likes pho. But, if you put Mike in a hallway with pho on one end and a Chipotle burrito on the other, it would be like putting a dog in a hallway and putting a t-bone steak at one end and lettuce on the other. You do the math.
Value: 7
Taste: 7
Intangibles: 5
Total Score: 19 out of 30
Pita Pit [11.5]
"Pita Pit is not somewhere I like to find my self on a rainy day. In fact, it's not a place I want to find myself on any day." - Mike
What is a pita? According to Mike, it's basically a burrito. Except you take out all of the good stuff in a burrito and replace it with salad.
Pita Pit's pitas are about $7.50. Mike did get double meat in his pita because he had a free coupon. Without the coupon it would have been $10. The people make you feel uncomfortable the whole time. Three tables line the south wall when you could easily fit 20 tables in the place. The restaurant is SOOOO empty that you could add a couple of streamers, The Jonas Brothers, and a six-pack of Rainier and you've got the perfect place for a high school dance.
Pita Pit is located on The Ave just north of 45th. It's nice because of the short walk. However, you are forced to walk by Mongolian Grill on the way back and you realize what a crappy deal you just made to get a dried piece of bread stuffed with salad. Boo Pita Pit.
Value: 2.5*
Taste: 6
Intangibles: 3
Total Score: 11.5 out of 30
*Worst food-with-bacon value, ever.
What is a pita? According to Mike, it's basically a burrito. Except you take out all of the good stuff in a burrito and replace it with salad.
Pita Pit's pitas are about $7.50. Mike did get double meat in his pita because he had a free coupon. Without the coupon it would have been $10. The people make you feel uncomfortable the whole time. Three tables line the south wall when you could easily fit 20 tables in the place. The restaurant is SOOOO empty that you could add a couple of streamers, The Jonas Brothers, and a six-pack of Rainier and you've got the perfect place for a high school dance.
Pita Pit is located on The Ave just north of 45th. It's nice because of the short walk. However, you are forced to walk by Mongolian Grill on the way back and you realize what a crappy deal you just made to get a dried piece of bread stuffed with salad. Boo Pita Pit.
Value: 2.5*
Taste: 6
Intangibles: 3
Total Score: 11.5 out of 30
*Worst food-with-bacon value, ever.
Monday, January 5, 2009
University Teriyaki [20.5]
"I have a tough time reviewing all these teriyaki places to find out which one is my second favorite (behind Tokyo Garden), and University Teriyaki is fighting for that second place."
- Mike McEvoy
University Teriyaki is literally the last place to eat on The Ave. If you can huff it all the way down there, you get what you walk for. It has 3 separate dining facilities which are usually full. Something is drawing people there, and Mike is still finding what that thing is. You walk in and there's usually a line. But they get you through quick. It's a veritable Teriyaki machine in there. You get a good amount of food for a pretty good value and it makes you satisfied. Mike got the chicken/beef which is a little pricier than either of the meats alone. (It's expensive to breed cows and chickens. And nearly physically impossible.) A plus for U Teriyaki is that they have very good salad. It won't affect the score at all because Mike believes that salad isn't food, per se. It's more what food eats.
For this review Mike is using the age old question WWBD? (That of course means What Would Bacon Do, which is Mike's new spin-wheel toy that answers questions like a piece of bacon would answer questions.) Bacon says: it will spit hot grease for U Teriyaki.
Value: 7.5
Taste: 7.5
Intangibles: 5.5
Total Score: 20.5 out of 30
- Mike McEvoy
University Teriyaki is literally the last place to eat on The Ave. If you can huff it all the way down there, you get what you walk for. It has 3 separate dining facilities which are usually full. Something is drawing people there, and Mike is still finding what that thing is. You walk in and there's usually a line. But they get you through quick. It's a veritable Teriyaki machine in there. You get a good amount of food for a pretty good value and it makes you satisfied. Mike got the chicken/beef which is a little pricier than either of the meats alone. (It's expensive to breed cows and chickens. And nearly physically impossible.) A plus for U Teriyaki is that they have very good salad. It won't affect the score at all because Mike believes that salad isn't food, per se. It's more what food eats.
For this review Mike is using the age old question WWBD? (That of course means What Would Bacon Do, which is Mike's new spin-wheel toy that answers questions like a piece of bacon would answer questions.) Bacon says: it will spit hot grease for U Teriyaki.
Value: 7.5
Taste: 7.5
Intangibles: 5.5
Total Score: 20.5 out of 30
Thai-ger Room [23.5]
"I'm not expecting that this ave review will be popular with the people. I'm willing to put Thai-ger room up against any other Thai place on The Ave [for best Thai food]."
It doesn't' have the environment of Thai Tom.
It doesn't have the class of Thai 65.
It doesn't have the crappiness and overall suck-factor of Appethai.
But...Thai-ger room culminates what a Thai restaurant should be about. It's located on the Ave just south of 43rd. The portions are large, and under $7, and their Pad See-euw is food to live by. It is typified by its wide rice noodles. It's one of the only meals that Mike prefers the noodles over the meat for last bite. (Last Bite: the giant bite of all of the best parts of your meal that you shove into your mouth to end your meal; e.g. eating the outside of a hamburger but saving the middle part with that little bit of bacon on it for last bite)
Intangibles: 7
Total Score: 23.5 out of 30
It doesn't' have the environment of Thai Tom.
It doesn't have the class of Thai 65.
It doesn't have the crappiness and overall suck-factor of Appethai.
But...Thai-ger room culminates what a Thai restaurant should be about. It's located on the Ave just south of 43rd. The portions are large, and under $7, and their Pad See-euw is food to live by. It is typified by its wide rice noodles. It's one of the only meals that Mike prefers the noodles over the meat for last bite. (Last Bite: the giant bite of all of the best parts of your meal that you shove into your mouth to end your meal; e.g. eating the outside of a hamburger but saving the middle part with that little bit of bacon on it for last bite)
Value:7.5
Taste: 9Intangibles: 7
Total Score: 23.5 out of 30
Sushi AOI [17]
"What is the thing about sushi? Do girls think it tastes good? Do they think it's healthy?
To me, sushi fulfills nothing in my desires for a meal. My desire to be full after a meal. My desire to eat something delicious. The greasiness I prefer in a meal." - Mike McEvoy
Sushi AOI is located next to Thai Tom on the Ave and 47th. Mike is no self-proclaimed sushi expert, so he can't really compare it to much, but Mike found a meal he enjoyed. He ordered a Bento Box with teriyaki chicken, rice, salad, 1 California roll, and some rice-mound-thing covered in a dead fish slab. It was, overall, a decent meal. The bento Box itself was a bit expensive. He could have gotten a roll of sushi for $8, but he splurged the $11 for the box. He's happy he spent the money on the extra food. Some would rate the taste high. Mike is not that someone. It's above average, but it's no Jack In The Box.
It's a decent place to take a young gal for an evening out.
Taste: 6
Intangibles: 7.5
Value: 3.5
Total Score: 17 out of 30
To me, sushi fulfills nothing in my desires for a meal. My desire to be full after a meal. My desire to eat something delicious. The greasiness I prefer in a meal." - Mike McEvoy
Sushi AOI is located next to Thai Tom on the Ave and 47th. Mike is no self-proclaimed sushi expert, so he can't really compare it to much, but Mike found a meal he enjoyed. He ordered a Bento Box with teriyaki chicken, rice, salad, 1 California roll, and some rice-mound-thing covered in a dead fish slab. It was, overall, a decent meal. The bento Box itself was a bit expensive. He could have gotten a roll of sushi for $8, but he splurged the $11 for the box. He's happy he spent the money on the extra food. Some would rate the taste high. Mike is not that someone. It's above average, but it's no Jack In The Box.
It's a decent place to take a young gal for an evening out.
Taste: 6
Intangibles: 7.5
Value: 3.5
Total Score: 17 out of 30
Friday, December 5, 2008
China First [12.5]
"When I was outside China First, I thought, 'I can do this.' Not that I hate China First, but as soon as I walked in and sat down I immediately regretted my decision to go there." - Mike McEvoy
China First is located on The Ave between 42nd and 43rd. What can be said about China First? Let's just say that the highlight was not the food or the atmosphere, but the fortune in Mike's fortune cookie. It said that 'someone is speaking well of you.'
Mike got a meal that consisted of BBQ pork and an egg roll, chow mein, almond chicken, 2 butterfly shrimp, and soup. That all cost $6. It sounds good and all, but let's analyze this. The BBQ pork was a bit different and looked liked 2 pringles that were made of pork. Pork Pringles. And the almond chicken sucked. It was covered in some random gravy substance. While Mike is a fan of gravy, this gravy was not "shui"-ing with him (you know, like feng shui). Bottom line, everything just tasted bad. Also, the restaurant is too Chinese-ee. It's like Christopher Walken in Balls of Fury. It made no sense.
If China First received a fortune cookie from Mike, the fortune would most likely say 'someone is speaking NOT well of you.'
Value: 4.5
Taste: 3
Intangibles: 5
Total Score: 12.5 out of 30
China First is located on The Ave between 42nd and 43rd. What can be said about China First? Let's just say that the highlight was not the food or the atmosphere, but the fortune in Mike's fortune cookie. It said that 'someone is speaking well of you.'
Mike got a meal that consisted of BBQ pork and an egg roll, chow mein, almond chicken, 2 butterfly shrimp, and soup. That all cost $6. It sounds good and all, but let's analyze this. The BBQ pork was a bit different and looked liked 2 pringles that were made of pork. Pork Pringles. And the almond chicken sucked. It was covered in some random gravy substance. While Mike is a fan of gravy, this gravy was not "shui"-ing with him (you know, like feng shui). Bottom line, everything just tasted bad. Also, the restaurant is too Chinese-ee. It's like Christopher Walken in Balls of Fury. It made no sense.
If China First received a fortune cookie from Mike, the fortune would most likely say 'someone is speaking NOT well of you.'
Value: 4.5
Taste: 3
Intangibles: 5
Total Score: 12.5 out of 30
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Inay's Manila Grill [22]
"I wouldn't suggest eating there everyday, but you should at least try it once." - Mike McEvoy
Inay's is located on the east side of The Ave between 50th and 52nd. The intangibles were off the chart for this restaurant. It really was a cool looking place with pictures, maps, aerial photos of islands, etc...
There were all sorts of entrees with an exceptionally nice lady whose name sounded like Jules or Julie. We'll go with Julia. The entrees consisted of lots of beef and pork dishes with a healthy portion of rice. The water cups themselves are big. Again, this Julia lady was really nice and helped out Mike decipher the Philippine dishes to find the right one for him.
The actual taste wasn't exquisite by any means, but Mike left with leftovers which is always a good sign. Mike thinks the Julia lady was a sweetheart.
Now to the pig ear:
There was a dish that consisted of pig ear mixed with onions and sauce. The instant Mike took a bit of said pig ear, he decided then and there that he was going to trick one of his co-workers (Jenn Lindsay) into eating it. After a brief planning meeting with Jordan (another co-worker) they put their plan into action. Mike and Jordan should earn an Emmy for the performance that followed. Within 40 seconds Mike had fully convinced Jenn that she needed to try this amazing piece of pork (which isn't a lie, per se, but the location of the origin of the pork was withheld). Jenn agreed and ate the pigs ear. It was hilarious!
Value: 7
Taste: 6
Julia moved to America 8 years ago from the Philippines. Mike was intrigued.
Intangibles: 9
Total Score: 22 out of 30
(The 22 is based on originality when it comes to Ave food...and Julia)
Inay's is located on the east side of The Ave between 50th and 52nd. The intangibles were off the chart for this restaurant. It really was a cool looking place with pictures, maps, aerial photos of islands, etc...
There were all sorts of entrees with an exceptionally nice lady whose name sounded like Jules or Julie. We'll go with Julia. The entrees consisted of lots of beef and pork dishes with a healthy portion of rice. The water cups themselves are big. Again, this Julia lady was really nice and helped out Mike decipher the Philippine dishes to find the right one for him.
The actual taste wasn't exquisite by any means, but Mike left with leftovers which is always a good sign. Mike thinks the Julia lady was a sweetheart.
Now to the pig ear:
There was a dish that consisted of pig ear mixed with onions and sauce. The instant Mike took a bit of said pig ear, he decided then and there that he was going to trick one of his co-workers (Jenn Lindsay) into eating it. After a brief planning meeting with Jordan (another co-worker) they put their plan into action. Mike and Jordan should earn an Emmy for the performance that followed. Within 40 seconds Mike had fully convinced Jenn that she needed to try this amazing piece of pork (which isn't a lie, per se, but the location of the origin of the pork was withheld). Jenn agreed and ate the pigs ear. It was hilarious!
Value: 7
Taste: 6
Julia moved to America 8 years ago from the Philippines. Mike was intrigued.
Intangibles: 9
Total Score: 22 out of 30
(The 22 is based on originality when it comes to Ave food...and Julia)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Burger Hut [20.5]
*Disclaimer* For this review Mike's eating partner Jordan Collier will do the review and at the end Mike will either agree or disagree with what he said.
Jordan - "They had the ketchup in a bottle, which I like"
Enraged Mike - "I hate ketchup packets! They're the devil!"
Located below 42nd on The Ave is Burger hut. When you walk in, you notice the lack of tables. There is just a U-shaped counter with stools. They also had a few bamboo looking things and thatched roof supplies. It was neat. The only thing you really need to know about the menu is The Burger Hut Special. It comes with an egg on it. Who doesn't like eggs? (Though it is a rhetorical question, the correct answer is bears.)
The way they make their burger is they make it on a griddle in front of you. Jordan personally hates that for some reason. (This being said, don't ever go to Subway with Jordan.) it's a good size. Somewhere between quarter pounder and whopper sized.
A nice perk to eating on the inside was that they had heat lamps on the inside. Him and Mike definitely didn't eat with a coat on. Water glasses were okay sized, but very medium. Burger Hut is a great place to go for a study break at any time of the day.
Mike agrees.
(Mike's Scores)
Value: 5
Taste: 8
Intangibles: 7.5
Total Score: 20.5 out of 30
Jordan - "They had the ketchup in a bottle, which I like"
Enraged Mike - "I hate ketchup packets! They're the devil!"
Located below 42nd on The Ave is Burger hut. When you walk in, you notice the lack of tables. There is just a U-shaped counter with stools. They also had a few bamboo looking things and thatched roof supplies. It was neat. The only thing you really need to know about the menu is The Burger Hut Special. It comes with an egg on it. Who doesn't like eggs? (Though it is a rhetorical question, the correct answer is bears.)
The way they make their burger is they make it on a griddle in front of you. Jordan personally hates that for some reason. (This being said, don't ever go to Subway with Jordan.) it's a good size. Somewhere between quarter pounder and whopper sized.
A nice perk to eating on the inside was that they had heat lamps on the inside. Him and Mike definitely didn't eat with a coat on. Water glasses were okay sized, but very medium. Burger Hut is a great place to go for a study break at any time of the day.
Mike agrees.
(Mike's Scores)
Value: 5
Taste: 8
Intangibles: 7.5
Total Score: 20.5 out of 30
Ginger Teriyaki [16]
"Some meals you eat, and then afterwards you need a cookie. Other meals you eat, and then afterwards you love life. After this meal, you definitely needed a cookie." - Mike McEvoy
Ginger Teriyaki is located on 45th just west of The Ave. To be real, everything about Ginger Teriyaki was average. Nothing was under the umbrella of super exciting.
For his meal, Mike got the spicy chicken Yaki Udon. (for all you teriyaki freaks out there, it was like the Yaki Soba but with thicker noodles.) Mike said it felt like eating octopus legs. He's never eaten octopus legs, but I trust his judgement. Like if Mike said he could throw a baseball 100 yards, I'd probably believe him.
The inside felt like new york city, which is not necessarily in the essence of teriyaki. It was crowded like NYC because there are only 4 tables inside the actual restaurant. There was also fighting and yelling like NYC. This came in the form of an old guy just sitting in there and for a while, and him trying to be shooed away by the owner. It makes you feel like you're actually in Times Square.
Again, based on what Mike ate, it was pretty average.
Value: 5
Taste: 5
Intangibles: 6
Total Score 16 out of 30
ps It should be noted that Mike is willing to re-review this meal based on the fact that Nolan claims their fried rice is amazing. We'll keep you posted.
Ginger Teriyaki is located on 45th just west of The Ave. To be real, everything about Ginger Teriyaki was average. Nothing was under the umbrella of super exciting.
For his meal, Mike got the spicy chicken Yaki Udon. (for all you teriyaki freaks out there, it was like the Yaki Soba but with thicker noodles.) Mike said it felt like eating octopus legs. He's never eaten octopus legs, but I trust his judgement. Like if Mike said he could throw a baseball 100 yards, I'd probably believe him.
The inside felt like new york city, which is not necessarily in the essence of teriyaki. It was crowded like NYC because there are only 4 tables inside the actual restaurant. There was also fighting and yelling like NYC. This came in the form of an old guy just sitting in there and for a while, and him trying to be shooed away by the owner. It makes you feel like you're actually in Times Square.
Again, based on what Mike ate, it was pretty average.
Value: 5
Taste: 5
Intangibles: 6
Total Score 16 out of 30
ps It should be noted that Mike is willing to re-review this meal based on the fact that Nolan claims their fried rice is amazing. We'll keep you posted.
Jewel Of India [19.5]
"Uhhhhh. I feel weird." - Mike McEvoy
On The Ave between 47th and 50th, The Jewel of India is an all you can eat Indian food restaurant. Again, anytime you go to a restaurant of ethnic origins, AND there are people of that ethnicity eating in that restaurant is always a plus. There was even a nice language barrier that had to be crossed in order to order. The place on the inside was very "India" feeling. There were lot's of elephants and folks with 8 arms on the wall. (Sidenote: why are there so many Indian places on The Ave? Everytime Mike goes into them there aren't many people inside. Somehow they survive.)
The Naan was delicious. Mike ate an entire loaf...or...pita of naan. Who knows. Anyways, pair that with the fact that it is a buffet and you have the fixins for a good time. Mike had 4 random entree things surrouinding a pile of rice. Mike approached this meal like a thanksgiving meal. The first round is for trying a little of everything, then the second round is for eating what you liked from the first round. Mike personally hated 75% of the food there, but luckily he found the red sauce with meat. Mike loved the red sauce with meat.
It was 10 bucks each after tax and tip which is a little steep. It was good tasting, but you have to have a lot of gross things before you get the good things.
Value: 5.5
Taste: 6
Intangibles: 8
Total Score: 19.5 out of 30
On The Ave between 47th and 50th, The Jewel of India is an all you can eat Indian food restaurant. Again, anytime you go to a restaurant of ethnic origins, AND there are people of that ethnicity eating in that restaurant is always a plus. There was even a nice language barrier that had to be crossed in order to order. The place on the inside was very "India" feeling. There were lot's of elephants and folks with 8 arms on the wall. (Sidenote: why are there so many Indian places on The Ave? Everytime Mike goes into them there aren't many people inside. Somehow they survive.)
The Naan was delicious. Mike ate an entire loaf...or...pita of naan. Who knows. Anyways, pair that with the fact that it is a buffet and you have the fixins for a good time. Mike had 4 random entree things surrouinding a pile of rice. Mike approached this meal like a thanksgiving meal. The first round is for trying a little of everything, then the second round is for eating what you liked from the first round. Mike personally hated 75% of the food there, but luckily he found the red sauce with meat. Mike loved the red sauce with meat.
It was 10 bucks each after tax and tip which is a little steep. It was good tasting, but you have to have a lot of gross things before you get the good things.
Value: 5.5
Taste: 6
Intangibles: 8
Total Score: 19.5 out of 30
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
