Spontaneity and inspiration are two words I wish were more a part of my life. I sometimes feel they are roadside casualty's left stranded somewhere near College Graduation Avenue and First Date Boulevard. One thing I know for sure is they will never resurface if I don't let them so lend me your ear; or eye since you are reading my blog.
Alright, enough of the hyperbole. The reason for this blog entry is I am fired up by the Whole Foods Market salad bar. Stop laughing. Really, a salad bar. Whole Foods Market is the worlds retail leader in natural and organic foods with more than 270 stores in North America and the United Kingdom. The store closest to me is located in Minneapolis at the corner of West Lake Street and Excelsior Boulevard near Lake Calhoun. CLICK HERE for details including address and store hours.
The Minneapolis location of Whole Foods was recently renovated and resulted in a fun and friendly eye candy of a store on par with the Lunds and Byerly's of the world minus all the guilt and harmful chemicals. Not surprisingly the salad bar fits with the theme of natural and organic. As you walk through the store entrance the salad bar is located at the far left side (no pun intended). There are three islands that allow you to serve yourself on either side. One is hot foods such as lasagna, chicken, soups, as well as potatoes and vegetables. Another is cold prepared salads which often contain spicy tofu, noodle/pesto, various potato, couscous, to name a few. But my favorite is the delectable salad bar which I will describe next.
Let us start with Lettuce shall we? Actually you can choose from romaine, mixed greens, spinach, etc. Tasty homemade croutons with lots of crunch and garlic. Speaking of garlic, try whole roasted cloves in all their anti social melt in your mouth glory. Huge beet wedges that sometimes require a knife and fork to eat. Popcorn sized blue cheese chunks that are creamy albeit pungent in flavor. You want beans? Try edamame, chickpea, kidney, etc. Cherry tomatoes that pop in your mouth when you bite them. They even have real bacon for you cruelty free meat lovers. (Is that an oxymoron?) Several salad dressings are provided (balsamic vinegar and olive oil is my favorite combo) along with liquid amino acids for our vegan friends. Of course there are many other fresh and amazing ingredients to choose from and the selection varies by what is in season.
We suggest you stop by Whole Foods if you are in the neighborhood. Actually you should make it a destination even if you are not nearby. There are lots of stores and restaurants within walking distance and the beaches and trails of Lake Calhoun are just across the street. Whole Foods is even a stop on the Three Rivers Park District bike trail. Check it out, you just might have a good time and a great salad to boot!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Jack Yee's Restaurant - Hopkins, MN - Review
Jack Yee's Restaurant
1016 Mainstreet
Hopkins, MN 55343
952.935.8621
Rating - 6 out of 10
Located in a old fashioned storefront building on Main Street USA, or Hopkins, MN in this case is Jack Yee's Restaurant. A local institution that has stood the test of time. I was surfing eBay one day and saw a Jack Yee's place mat for sale that was from the 1960's. From what we understand, back in the day it was quite a place, however in recent years business has slowed a bit and wear and tear have taken their toll. Surprisingly enough, the quality of food and service don't seem to be effected.
Ambiance/Decor
Jack Yee's is not the restaurant to visit if ambiance is what you are looking for. We have been there twice and both times it had a smell of what I would describe as musty with fryer grease overtones. The lighting is dingy and the decorations are dated. The tables and silverware were clean enough, however, we could not help but wonder considering the surroundings. The dining room is completely silent with the exception of television noise from the back room and a distant radio mysteriously playing classical music.
-1 points
Service
We were promptly greeted which was no surprise since we were the only patrons during our entire visit. The server approached quickly and brought menus and waters. He checked back often to see if we were ready or if we had any questions. Our sever was very knowledgeable about the beer and wine selections and brought the items we ordered in a timely manner. He was very appreciative for our business and had a polite conversation with us at the end of our meal. A side note is we think the night of our visit it was a one man show. Our waiter also cooked the food and took our payment at the host stand. Kudos for a job well done.
2 points
Presentation
The food itself was beautiful but presentation was not a major factor. Simple plates and bowls with the various food items and no garnish or creative arranging.
1 point
Flavor
Wonderful is one word that comes to mind when thinking about our meal. The egg drop soup was bright yellow, piping hot, and had lots of egg suspended in the fantastic broth. Peggy had the Triple Crown Delight with shrimp, scallops, and chicken all with mixed vegetables and a spicy brown sauce. Andy had the House Shrimp which was packed full of butterflied shrimp and crunchy broccoli all in a light and flavorful sauce. It was supposed to be spicy, but was very mild and I did not care one bit because of how great it tasted. Fantastic flavor kept me from bringing any home. I tried really hard and could not stop eating until it was all gone. Complements to the chef/waiter/host.
2 points
Value
Soup, two entrees, two Chinese beers, one glass of Merlot and the bill came to just over $37. We had a coupon worth $5 off the price so it was an even better bargain. Peggy and I were very happy with the meal and even more happy when the check arrived.
2 points
In closing we would like to recommend you try Jack Yee's Restaurant if you are looking for great old fashioned Chinese food. Adventurous types might even find a little charm in the musty dining room reminiscent of what you might find down a dark alley in Chinatown. If you have a tendency to be a neat freak or are very particular about your surrounding decor; then please heed our words and DO NOT visit the dining room, order take out or delivery instead.
1016 Mainstreet
Hopkins, MN 55343
952.935.8621
Rating - 6 out of 10
Located in a old fashioned storefront building on Main Street USA, or Hopkins, MN in this case is Jack Yee's Restaurant. A local institution that has stood the test of time. I was surfing eBay one day and saw a Jack Yee's place mat for sale that was from the 1960's. From what we understand, back in the day it was quite a place, however in recent years business has slowed a bit and wear and tear have taken their toll. Surprisingly enough, the quality of food and service don't seem to be effected.
Ambiance/Decor
Jack Yee's is not the restaurant to visit if ambiance is what you are looking for. We have been there twice and both times it had a smell of what I would describe as musty with fryer grease overtones. The lighting is dingy and the decorations are dated. The tables and silverware were clean enough, however, we could not help but wonder considering the surroundings. The dining room is completely silent with the exception of television noise from the back room and a distant radio mysteriously playing classical music.
-1 points
Service
We were promptly greeted which was no surprise since we were the only patrons during our entire visit. The server approached quickly and brought menus and waters. He checked back often to see if we were ready or if we had any questions. Our sever was very knowledgeable about the beer and wine selections and brought the items we ordered in a timely manner. He was very appreciative for our business and had a polite conversation with us at the end of our meal. A side note is we think the night of our visit it was a one man show. Our waiter also cooked the food and took our payment at the host stand. Kudos for a job well done.
2 points
Presentation
The food itself was beautiful but presentation was not a major factor. Simple plates and bowls with the various food items and no garnish or creative arranging.
1 point
Flavor
Wonderful is one word that comes to mind when thinking about our meal. The egg drop soup was bright yellow, piping hot, and had lots of egg suspended in the fantastic broth. Peggy had the Triple Crown Delight with shrimp, scallops, and chicken all with mixed vegetables and a spicy brown sauce. Andy had the House Shrimp which was packed full of butterflied shrimp and crunchy broccoli all in a light and flavorful sauce. It was supposed to be spicy, but was very mild and I did not care one bit because of how great it tasted. Fantastic flavor kept me from bringing any home. I tried really hard and could not stop eating until it was all gone. Complements to the chef/waiter/host.
2 points
Value
Soup, two entrees, two Chinese beers, one glass of Merlot and the bill came to just over $37. We had a coupon worth $5 off the price so it was an even better bargain. Peggy and I were very happy with the meal and even more happy when the check arrived.
2 points
In closing we would like to recommend you try Jack Yee's Restaurant if you are looking for great old fashioned Chinese food. Adventurous types might even find a little charm in the musty dining room reminiscent of what you might find down a dark alley in Chinatown. If you have a tendency to be a neat freak or are very particular about your surrounding decor; then please heed our words and DO NOT visit the dining room, order take out or delivery instead.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
White Stag Inn - Rhinelander / Sugar Camp, WI - Review
White Stag Inn
7141 State Highway 17 N
Rhinelander, WI 54501
715.272.1057
Rating - 3 out of 10
If you ever travel to Northeastern Wisconsin and are looking for a great steakhouse one place that comes to mind is the White Stag Inn located in Sugar Camp, just north of Rhinelander on Hwy 17. My parents have been there several times and thought it would be right up our culinary alley. Peggy and I had heard of this place for years and alas the time came for us to try the famed "north woods" icon.
Ambiance/Decor
If you are looking for "Up North" charm then this is the place to visit. Located in a beautiful setting of forest and fresh air the rustic exterior features a chimney billowing the aroma of grilled goodness. As you enter there is a large bar just past the host stand and several dining rooms branching off. The mood is created with subdued amber lighting and dark wood tones. Old pictures and trinkets adorn the walls and bring to mind being in a cabin at "the lake". To complete the cabin feel, there is an open fire grill located in one of the dining rooms so patrons can watch food being prepared by the chef.
2 points
Service
We all have choices of what to eat and where to eat it. Should we stay at home or go out? If the choice is going out then one thing that should hold true is great service. Why would you want to visit a place that has the opposite? With that being said, our dinner party had some of the worst service I have seen in a while. And believe me when I say this because Peggy and I eat out a lot. Our main server was average at best. Fairly friendly when present, but not present very often. And not very apologetic about the long waits between visits. In fact we waited roughly 15-20 minutes for our beverages to be delivered and then when they finally arrived late and with melted ice we had the extra special treat of them being delivered by a cross between Rosanne Barr and Rosie O'Donnell with peroxide blond hair to boot. She could dish out the insults quicker than the drinks. To this day when I think back to the nasty "stink eye" she laid on us I still get shivers down my spine. Word to the owners, do not employ people who are rude and crude, nobody wants to pay for getting insulted and being made unhappy and uncomfortable. Most people can get that for free at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
-2 points (Keep in mind that if the service was not as bad as it was this restaurant would have been rated above average.)
Presentation
Nothing special here. A slab of meat or fish on a plate, nothing else. Salad is basically a head of iceberg lettuce cut into quarters and dropped in a bowl. Rolls are served in a napkin lined bowl. No frills presentation at this joint.
1 point
Flavor
Peggy had the Swordfish ($20) a large steak grilled to order. She thought it was juicy and had a good grilled flavor. Mom tried the Haddok ($18) and thought it was some of the best fish she has had in a long time. Grilled white fish tender and flaky. Dad had the 10 oz. Beef Tenderloin Fillet ($27) which he said was excellent. A perfect medium rare bursting with juice. I had the 12 oz. Rib Eye ($22). While it was a perfect medium rare, at least two of the oz. were fat and gristle which I have come to expect when ordering the rib eye cut of beef. The steak was flavorful and filled with char grilled juicy goodness.
Accompanying the meal was a wedge iceberg lettuce salad that was just that, nothing special. Three homemade dressings (Creamy Russian, Garlic Caesar, and oil & vinegar with minced onions, garlic, and peppers) are served lazy Suzanne style. I asked the server what was the best and she suggested a scoop of each. I enjoyed each of them equally and like the idea of mixing. The only potato choice is baked with a cottage cheese and chive mixture in place of sour cream. Peggy and I loved the cottage cheese mixture since we serve almost the same at home. A bowl of warm rolls was enjoyed by all.
2 points
Value
Considering the what you see is what you get style of menu offerings we felt the White Stag Inn was a bit pricey. A 10 oz. beef tenderloin for just under $30 just does not cut it even when you throw in the 1/4 wedge of iceberg lettuce, a hot roll, and a baked potato. I have seen many of the same offered at similar restaurants in the area for as much as $10 less. $22 for a rib eye is not a lot but when you take into account the gristly nature of the meat $15 would be a little more appropriate.
0 points
I do realize that there are a lot of big time fans out there that have been frequenting the White Stag Inn for many years/decades. I understand that there is a big reputation at hand and I should not offend an institution that has stood the test of time. However in this day and age where the dollar is being stretched and competition is at a all time high, a restaruant cannot afford to fall off its game. Sure another day brings another dollar but this diner just might decide to spend their dollar at another place. Some day we may decide the give the White Stag Inn another chance, but as Tony Robbins says, "The road to some day leads to nowhere".
7141 State Highway 17 N
Rhinelander, WI 54501
715.272.1057
Rating - 3 out of 10
If you ever travel to Northeastern Wisconsin and are looking for a great steakhouse one place that comes to mind is the White Stag Inn located in Sugar Camp, just north of Rhinelander on Hwy 17. My parents have been there several times and thought it would be right up our culinary alley. Peggy and I had heard of this place for years and alas the time came for us to try the famed "north woods" icon.
Ambiance/Decor
If you are looking for "Up North" charm then this is the place to visit. Located in a beautiful setting of forest and fresh air the rustic exterior features a chimney billowing the aroma of grilled goodness. As you enter there is a large bar just past the host stand and several dining rooms branching off. The mood is created with subdued amber lighting and dark wood tones. Old pictures and trinkets adorn the walls and bring to mind being in a cabin at "the lake". To complete the cabin feel, there is an open fire grill located in one of the dining rooms so patrons can watch food being prepared by the chef.
2 points
Service
We all have choices of what to eat and where to eat it. Should we stay at home or go out? If the choice is going out then one thing that should hold true is great service. Why would you want to visit a place that has the opposite? With that being said, our dinner party had some of the worst service I have seen in a while. And believe me when I say this because Peggy and I eat out a lot. Our main server was average at best. Fairly friendly when present, but not present very often. And not very apologetic about the long waits between visits. In fact we waited roughly 15-20 minutes for our beverages to be delivered and then when they finally arrived late and with melted ice we had the extra special treat of them being delivered by a cross between Rosanne Barr and Rosie O'Donnell with peroxide blond hair to boot. She could dish out the insults quicker than the drinks. To this day when I think back to the nasty "stink eye" she laid on us I still get shivers down my spine. Word to the owners, do not employ people who are rude and crude, nobody wants to pay for getting insulted and being made unhappy and uncomfortable. Most people can get that for free at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
-2 points (Keep in mind that if the service was not as bad as it was this restaurant would have been rated above average.)
Presentation
Nothing special here. A slab of meat or fish on a plate, nothing else. Salad is basically a head of iceberg lettuce cut into quarters and dropped in a bowl. Rolls are served in a napkin lined bowl. No frills presentation at this joint.
1 point
Flavor
Peggy had the Swordfish ($20) a large steak grilled to order. She thought it was juicy and had a good grilled flavor. Mom tried the Haddok ($18) and thought it was some of the best fish she has had in a long time. Grilled white fish tender and flaky. Dad had the 10 oz. Beef Tenderloin Fillet ($27) which he said was excellent. A perfect medium rare bursting with juice. I had the 12 oz. Rib Eye ($22). While it was a perfect medium rare, at least two of the oz. were fat and gristle which I have come to expect when ordering the rib eye cut of beef. The steak was flavorful and filled with char grilled juicy goodness.
Accompanying the meal was a wedge iceberg lettuce salad that was just that, nothing special. Three homemade dressings (Creamy Russian, Garlic Caesar, and oil & vinegar with minced onions, garlic, and peppers) are served lazy Suzanne style. I asked the server what was the best and she suggested a scoop of each. I enjoyed each of them equally and like the idea of mixing. The only potato choice is baked with a cottage cheese and chive mixture in place of sour cream. Peggy and I loved the cottage cheese mixture since we serve almost the same at home. A bowl of warm rolls was enjoyed by all.
2 points
Value
Considering the what you see is what you get style of menu offerings we felt the White Stag Inn was a bit pricey. A 10 oz. beef tenderloin for just under $30 just does not cut it even when you throw in the 1/4 wedge of iceberg lettuce, a hot roll, and a baked potato. I have seen many of the same offered at similar restaurants in the area for as much as $10 less. $22 for a rib eye is not a lot but when you take into account the gristly nature of the meat $15 would be a little more appropriate.
0 points
I do realize that there are a lot of big time fans out there that have been frequenting the White Stag Inn for many years/decades. I understand that there is a big reputation at hand and I should not offend an institution that has stood the test of time. However in this day and age where the dollar is being stretched and competition is at a all time high, a restaruant cannot afford to fall off its game. Sure another day brings another dollar but this diner just might decide to spend their dollar at another place. Some day we may decide the give the White Stag Inn another chance, but as Tony Robbins says, "The road to some day leads to nowhere".
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