Food Review: Pachamama May 7, 2008

Located in Terrace, Mayaguez

It feels like we’d been trying to make it to this little restaurant for about 2 weeks.  It’s so tiny and located where a beauty supply once was.  In fact, scizor wasn’t even sure where it was and his dorm is in Terrace.  We had a date to go last Friday but then his car broke down and we kept putting off the date.  Today, after taking over scizor’s iPod to get fixed, we finally made a stop at this little spot. 

The decor is very artisitic and quiet.  The atmosphere is intimate and seats no more than 18 people total.  The chairs and tables were very simple.  I really liked how cool and placid it felt.  There were beautiful pictures of orchids along the walls.  While the menu wasn’t official looking, the food was surprisingly international.  There were greek salads, tandoori chicken and even a type of fried rice.  When asking the waitress, she explains that the food is very natural and healthy.

I ordered some lasagna and scizor had the ceviche.  Both were very delicious.  As we quietly shared our meal, we noticed that a wall was lined with books.  A table was reserved just with a glass chest set.  There was an entire rack by the wall with magazines.  It made you just want to settle in for a quiet read with some fruit juice.  The retreat was welcome after having been caught in traffic in such oppressive heat.  For dessert I had coffee flan and it reminded me of when I was a little girl and would spend afternoons with my great-grandmother.  She used to love drinking her coffee, very light and sweet, and dunking in soft fresh bread into it.  That flavor was what the flan reminded me of and I was delighted by it.   

We agreed that we’re fully placing this place on our list of favorite new places.  The food was filling but not heavy.  The place was intimate yet airy and open.  The choices were healthy and we joked how the experience was a very organic one.  Considering that the propensity of Puerto Rican cuisine is mostly to deep fry with lots of starchy food, Pachamama seems to be a novelty.  I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to returning to try out some more things from the menu.  There wasn’t anything I didn’t recognize but I can’t think of many places, if any, in this area that would actually have them. 

A word of caution: because the place is so small, they only deal in cash.  Still, the prices are more than fair.   

Restaurant Review: Cacique Lounge and Cafeteria May 1, 2008

Located on the corner of calle De Diego and Avenida Betances (aka Post), Mayaguez

The first time I ever heard of this restaurant, I actually had to do a double take.  You see, there is a seedy motel in my hometown that also goes by the name “Cacique”.  When you ask someone to go there, it’s for obviously nefarious sexual reasons.  So when I got to college and someone asked me to go to the Cacique, I had to gasp and beg their pardon.  The fact that it was a girl who’d asked me and that she was then one of my closest friends… well, I knew she couldn’t mean it the way I thought she did.  Instead I brought myself to ask just where exactly she was inviting me. 

To my surprise, this place was just a block from my apartment.  And it had some very tasty Puerto Rican food.  I think I may have mentioned it in passing in my review of Sancho Panza, about how if I wanted some great rice and beans, the Cacique was where I went for them.  Everyday they have a list of specials and from this list is the student discount; $5 for a very delicious platter of the specials. 

Whenever I go, I usually have chicken in some fashion, rice and beans, and some tostones.  Their beans are just fabulous.  For a few years I was a constant regular there and the wait staff knew my order on sight.  They’d just ask if it was the same and they’d order it up for me.  This way the food would come to me that much sooner.  I believe one of the nicest waiters there is named Kevin.  They are always so nice and ensure that you get whatever it is you are craving.  The complimentary toast is just divine.  i noticed today that they changed it up and it was definitely for the better.  Instead of fresh bread slices, it seems they got rolls halved and then toasted to perfection on on side.  They are better bite sized pieces and just divine. 

They also have a wonderful selection of fresh juices.  I’m not a big fan but their lemonade is one of their best.  I prefer just taking some passion fruit.  It’s very good for lowering blood pressure.  The atmosphere there is friendly and casual.  The restuarant has an array of counter space filled with any sort of sweet you may wish to buy.  Then along the perimeter are tables meant to seat four.  Their proximity is a bit close but it allows for a casual atmosphere.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen this place truly empty.

Aside from delicious lunches and dinners, they have a wonderful breakfast assortment.  I’m not entirely sure what time they open, but I think it’s pretty early.  I think they might close at about 7pm or perhaps when the food runs out.  Get there too late and the food will be in short supply, especially the favorites.  They also have this wonderful sandwich menu.  I will admit that their chicken sandwich is my staple hangover food.  The way the swiss cheese gets melted to perfection deserves some sort of poetic ode.  I think I mentally compose one with every bite but then I forget to write it down. 

All in all, this is one of my favorite local haunts.  I’m actually a little surprised that I hadn’t written a review yet.  I know I had thought about it, I definitely didn’t need to wait until I went there to know how the place operates.  However, that seems to be my pattern.   No matter how many times I’ve been to a place, I wait to have eaten there recently in order to write up my review.  In fact, today when I was eating there I ran into the Dean of my Faculty.  It so happens he asked me if I reviewed the place yet.  It took me a moment to catch on what he was saying until I realized he reads my blog!  But, he was right.  I’ve reviewed it now.  He also provided me with the owner’s name, Renee.  I think I might have known that, the place is family owned.  So it’s just a small and tidy local.  I’m glad it’s just one block down.  Other places try to imitate it’s menu and style, but none even come close. 

Restaurant Review: Martin’s BBQ April 24, 2008

Located in University Plaza, Mayaguez

I realized this food place was in this shopping center very recently.  I’d spotted the sign along with the rest of the store signs on the major sign post.  So I knew it was there.  I go to Walgreens often enough that I see this sign posting each time.  But it never ocurred to me where precisely it was located.  My ‘hubby’ enlightened me and just this week I decided that we should go to it.  So we set a date for tonight (I wrote it into my agenda and everything so I wouldn’t forget) with the express purpose to give it a try and for me to write all about it. 

I have to admit that we went into it with fair hopes.  We were open enough to desire giving it a fair shot.  After all, we like trying out new places and seeing what sort of food they have especially since I began writing reviews on my blog.  There are our staple places for certain foods but we still like to try others.  It’s not unusual for us to go out on dates like this one.  Unlike other Puerto Ricans, we do not fear stepping out of the food box. 

Upon entering the establishment, I sort of wished I bothered with sunglasses.  The place is painted an unusually bright color.  We march across the long length of tables and head over to the food counter/checkout area.  First we carefully examined the menu, checking out the prices and everything.  I do not take my selection process lightly.  The guy behind the counter informed us that the roasted chicken would take 15 minutes or so because it wasn’t done.  We told him that was fine and I thought to order some chicken breast.  I was informed that it was cooked as ordered, and I was impressed. 

Sadly, I wish to say that my experience at this place continued along nicely.  Unfortunately, as we asked about other things on the menu, even the supposed specials of the day, they didn’t have anything.  To quote scizor, “I hate this place, it doesn’t have any food.”  So we sat down to wait for the chicken to be done.  When it was, the guy behind the counter said he hadn’t rung up our order.  When he asked me what mine was, I repeated my chicken breast order… which apparently they did not take nor had any notion of.  {This is the part where I gave the boy an even stare and arched a brow.  Scizor says that that was the moment I glared him to death and flustered him so much that he hurried to the back to see what he should do.)

Resigned, we ordered the roast chicken with different sides.  The selection seemed to be typical Puerto Rican fair.. the rice, the beans, the amarrillos, the yuca, the sweet potato, the guineos, etc. 

 Incognito pic taking for blogging!

Now, because scizor ordered up some mofongo, this proceeded to take another 15 minutes of us waiting with the rest of our food.  This was annoying and bothersome.  We’d already waited some 15 minutes before for the silly chicken!  But, I have to say one thing… it was worth it to see scizor’s face…

Of complete and utter disappointment

because his mofongo was pale and tiny.

I am shameless, so I admit to laughing so hard that I actually started crying.  But not so hard, mind you, that I couldn’t take the picture.  If it’s blurry you’ll now understand why.

The mofongo wasn’t bad even though the portion was small and bland.  The rice portion was way too much so I gladly shared with my ‘hubby’.  I’d also gotten the guineos en escabeche so I shared that too.  It seemed that they served him more chicken than they served me.  The chicken was the only truly good thing of the meal.  It was moist and pretty well seasoned.  We both agreed on that.   The soda was decent too.  Although I’d served myself up something from the iced tea fountain.  But when I drank it, it turned out to be soda but without the bubbles.  Of course, anyone else might have kicked up a fuss but I am actually fond of flat soda.  Still, it wasn’t the iced tea it was labeled as.   

For dessert we had a chocolate tres leches and a passion fruit cheesecake.  The funny thing was that scizor took up the former and I had the latter, but after we each had a bite of both, we switched.  He said the tres leches tasted funny, but I said it was cake soaked in chocolate milk and served with a swirl of chocolate mousse on top.  The cheesecake supposedly had passion fruit in it, something I really love.  But it just tasted like a regular cheesecake.  It was a bit too heavy for me but scizor seemed to have enjoyed it. 

The people who worked there weren’t helpful nor did they bother to explain how to order.  The menu was confusing and most of the things on it were not available.  One ate from styrofoam containers, not even real plates.  The soda fountain didn’t seem to have much ice in it and I ended up with flat soda instead of the proferred iced tea.  There seemed to be quite a few people running around in back with the food, but only one person was up front taking orders.  The wait seemed long for any sort of food and the food was actually some sort of disappointment. 

The actual seating area is large but the tables were slightly tilted.  There was music played throughout the establishment but it was random and didn’t hold any type of genre.  There were only one set of grabage bins and those were located in the back, not very convenient as you had to walk back to throw things out before walking the entire length of the restaurant in order to leave. 

Overall, we had a good time which had little or nothing to do with the food or service.  It just so happens that we know how to laugh even when a lot of things seemed to have gone wrong.  I hate to say it, but I can’t say that I can recommend going to eat at this place.  I’ve never stated this and I truly don’t know how to proceed with it.  But, I’m always honest and try to be as fair as possible.  I even asked around to see what other people thought and I also asked friends to see if anyone else had gone to eat there.  Sadly, no one seemed to have anything good to say.  I doubt I’ll ever go back to it and scizor and I are currently taking bets to see how long the place lasts before it folds. 

Food Review: Parque China April 10, 2008

Located in Terrace, Mayaguez

About 2 weeks ago I reviewed the chinese restaurant across from this one.  It’s always a clear distinction one must make when speaking of chinese joints.  This one is the one at the entry to the residencial dorm area known as Terrace.  Here is where my ‘hubby’ lives and as close to dorms as this campus can get.  It’s like a suburban area, with a handy park in the middle and it’s right next to campus, like literally.  There are quite a few food places stuck together.  Its quite necessary considering how a good portion of the students who live around campus live just in this area. 

Between the two chinese restaurants, I actually perfer this one to the other one.  The service seems faster and the people who work there seem nicer.  It’s also bigger and more brightly lit.  Perhaps that’s why I feel it seems to inspire more confidence than the other one. 

As far as food goes, the menu is the standard in these parts.  I’m fond of their chicken and broccoli and their orange chicken.  However, they sometimes overdo it on the orange zest and the latter dish can be a bit too strong.  Still, the portions are very large and definitely will fill you up for the price you pay.  The same as everywhere else, they also give you an order of fries to go with.  This has always bewildered me but I find I enjoy french fries with soy sauce quite a bit.  The drink selection is also pretty standard but at least here they have Snapple.  I rather love Snapple, so this is always a joy. 

Over all, the place is really quite nice but will always be debated between students in comparison to the restaurant just across the bit of highway in front of it.  You can’t confuse them but you can argue over which one is better.  I think they both have their pros and their cons.  But if I had to decide which one to go to between the two, I’d always pick this one. 

Restaurant Review: Western Buffet April 8, 2008

Located calle Bosque, Mayaguez

This is one of those joints where it’s an all-you can-eat buffet style with additional steak or shrimp platters.   The best thing about it is that Monday – Thursday they offer a student discount.  So, for $7 and some change you can gorge yourself on food plus dessert.  And for any who know us budget conscious college student types, this sort of pricing is a VERY good thing. 

The only sad part is that the food isn’t the best.  Sure, they have SOME things that are good.  I’m very partial to their fried yuca sticks, because yuca is so gosh darn good.  And I think the assortments to assemble salads, as well as their selection of various cold antipastos is not all that bad.  I’m fond of their rotini noodle salad.  They always have 2 selections of soup, one red based and one cream based.  Fridays seems to have more fish on the trays while the rest of the days seem to have roasted chicken and other types of meat.  I have never sensed much of a pattern with the food that they offer.  Then again, I don’t think I truly go there often enough to notice it. 

The sodas have free refills and I love it that they have mountain dew but I stick to the iced tea.  The dessert stations are either fruit, pudding or soft-served ice cream.  They seem to have downsized on the sprinkle and toppings station and I wonder why.  I guess perhaps Puerto Ricans aren’t that into it?  My one complaint with it all is that they don’t label their puddings.  So you sort of have to guess when you’re spooning yourself up.  Chocolate is easy to spot.  But sometimes you can get thinking it’s vanilla and end up with lemon.  Or avoid something thinking it’s the lemon and end up delighted to see it’s banana.  And yes, I really was delighted to find banana pudding on there!  Do y’all have any idea how difficult it is to find that stuff around here?!  Seriously!

The atmosphere is family friendly, no reservations required.  I’ve never seen it so full that there is a long wait and the tables are very accomodating to large groups.  The wait staff is pretty friendly and diligent in clearing off used plates and offering fresh ones.  But even if they aren’t they place seems pretty self serve.  So you can just walk up to the machine for more drinks or wander on over to the plates and nab yourself a few more.  However, if it weren’t for the student discount (and yes, ID flashing is required), I don’t think they place would be worthe price.  But, it’s located amongst all the student residencials in town, so I think they get a steady stream of students.  On the weekends it appears to be mostly families. 

I just hope they remember to stock up on banana pudding next time I go!

Restaurant Review: Chalupas March 31, 2008

Located on the corner of the calle Gautier

Now that I stop to think about it, there aren’t very many mexican restaurants around these parts.  A lot of places have the “wraps” and there’s the Taco Maker and, of course, Taco Bell.  But when it comes to more variety of mexican food, only 2 places in town come to mind.  This one is located right in front of campus (the in front part being rather relative because I’m referring to the fact that it’s in front of a part of the perimeter fence that is my campus… and my campus is quite large) next to the tiendita Holsum. 

When it comes to local places, this joint is fairly new.  I’d say it’s only been open for the past 2 years, no more than 3.  It closes down in the summer when there are hardly any students around and it never opens on the weekends (I’m assuming because there are hardly any students then either because most travel to their hometowns then).  However, during the week it’s the perfect place to get a sizable platter with tacos or burritos, flautas or nachos.  They have combos for about $5 + tax which are a right bargain.  Their burritos are delicious and huge, and on a student budget, that makes the place infinitely attractive. 

My classic order is the Chalupa Burrito, which is this large burrito, covered in melted cheese and a bit of pico de gallo, lettuce and tomato are on one side, guacamole and sour cream dolloped on the edge, and a couple of nachos to the other side of the burrito.  As y’all know, I’m a huge fan of sour cream, so I always ask for some extra.  Then I go about mixing the salad with the guacamole and sour cream, but not before scooping up sour cream on my nachos and consuming them first.  Then I slice into the burrito (because you can’t pick that bad boy up) while smooshing on some of the guacamole salad with it.  It’s truly filling and divine. 

On past visits we’ve had the tacos and the flautas and also, I believe, the quesadillas and I can honestly say that I’ve never been disappointed with their offering.  The decor is colorful and they have small tables meant for two (moved together should you need more) with lovely mosaic designs in bright patterns.  The service is friendly and the food is made promptly.  Before the waiters used to hit up the tables, now you have to order at the counters.  Still, that’s not to bad because you get to just mellow out and watch some of the sports or music videos being played on a largish screen tv to one side. 

All in all, I always wonder why I never come to this place more.  I suppose on a whole I don’t eat out much.  It’s been recently that things have been so hectic and I haven’t been cooking or baking much for myself in order to post about it.  Hence why you may notice that there have been quite a few reviews lately.  Still, the place is a nice little gem which is worth a visit if you are in the area and in the mood for some tasty burritos. 

Restaurant Review: La Muralla China March 30, 2008

located in University Plaza, Mayaguez

I had a hankering for chinese food when I got to Carlitos’ dorm room.  After a few games of Brawl, I managed to whine enough that I was hungry and convince the boys that they were hungry too.  So away we went to the chinese food place across from Terrace (not the one in it because Carlitos’ doesn’t like it but I far prefer it). 

Once there I went for the classic PepperSteak combo which includes fried rice and french fries.  I have no idea why most orders in PR seem to come with fries.  Seriously!  Even the taco places give your orders with fries.  I just don’t get it.  Especially chinese places where most go to just to have the fried rice with french fries and fried chicken.  That is NOT chinese food, but I’ll save that rant for another day. 

It’s true that this place does have the better rice because it has shrimp in it, but the other place makes better egg rolls.  They don’t add quite as much pepper to it.  The service at this place was a bit shotty because the girl at the counter was talking on her cell phone while taking our orders.  I did give her the “you twit, you’re being SO rude” look and that seemed to have worked because at that moment she at least decided to take our orders.  Overall, the food was good but it’s not the best place in Mayaguez for it.  The portions are plentiful though. 

Later, when we got back from Borders I could have sworn I left my cellphone here.  Luckily I didn’t and I’d just left it in the car.  It seemed tonight was not the night for cell phones.  You should all hop over to Carlitos’ blog (yes, the copycat has one now) to read the tale of what happened to his cellphone.

Restaurant Review: Chicken and Pizza Palace March 27, 2008

located in Columbus Landing, Mayaguez

(I think)

For the first time in a really long time I decided to go out for some drinks with some friends.  We’d just gotten out of the 4th meeting in so many days and we felt the need to unwind.  So myself, the president of student council and a few of his friends went up to Red Baron Pub.  We had a few (read: a lot) of drinks until the place was going to close down.  I was happily and bubbly drunk and feeling fine.  I was going to zig-zag my way home when the boys felt that they wanted some chicken (don’t worry, we did have a designated driver for this).

They kept mentioning this place and I was intrigued.  I’d never been and chicken to a drunken bombshell at 2am sounded mighty fine.  Now, I have to admit that I was glad that I went with some husky men to this place.  It’s seriously located behind one of the ghetto’s here in this town.  But damn do they serve up some fine chicken!  We ordered the box of 10 chicken parts with bread and fries. 

Let me tell you, for the $15 price tag, it is WELL worth it.  Especially when they put in way more than 10 pieces into that thing.   I was on my second piece, the boys were on their third or fourth a piece and there was STILL 10 pieces in that thing.  Not to mention the fries that were a veritable mountain and the toasted bread were plentiful, beautifully toasted and delicious.  I definitely wish to go back during suitable daytime hours to try it when I sober not when there was a bit of blood running in my alcohol stream.  I still think the place will be amazing and it’s perpetually open, the guys informed me.

A funny moment was when one of the boys asked me if I was enjoying the chicken or I was too snobby to appreciate the place.  I smacked him and said I was totally not a snob and I was loving the place.  Seriously, how can you go wrong with delectable fried chicken?!  Sheesh!  I think most people think I’m a snob because of the fact that I speak mostly English.  To most Spanish speakers they take that as a sign that I think I’m better than them.  But, whatever, they didn’t realize that I’m a foodie and those are the sorts of places I love to go to… you know, those small unique places that are scattered all over and have gems on the menu. 

From what I saw of the menu, the place offers pizza and sandwiches as well.  The place is well lit and clean, although there may be bars on the ordering windows.  It’s understandable given the projects some distance from the limits of the parking lot.  But, all the same, I think the guys were just trying to freak me out about the location.  I didn’t pay them much mind.  We feasted on chicken and fries and bread which brought us back from the limits of our alcohol induced fogginess.  There was even some leftover chicken which we kindly gave to a homeless man on our way back to the car.      

Restaurant Review: Popeye’s March 25, 2008

Located in Mayaguez, across from the Mall.

This place felt like it was taking forever to get built.  I think they had just about finished it when I left for holy week, but then it was holy week and I couldn’t take advantage of it.  It was a downright shame, really.  But, once we got back, we were among the masses to want to try it out (and I do mean masses most literally, that place has been perpetually packed everytime I’ve seen it!).  I mean, I hadn’t had Popeye’s  in YEARS!  So of course I was excited.

The think I love about the place is that the food has a lot more spice to it and the biscuits seem buttery.  I’m a big fan of biscuits and a lot of places here put honey on theirs and quite honestly, I’m not a big fan of honey.  But not here, it seems so much better their biscuits and you can pour yourself little paper dishes with more butter for appropriate dipping.  As a fast food joint, the service wasn’t so bad.  There were at least 20 people running about behind the counter.  It’s understandable that any new establishment will receive such a crowd. 

The one failing I find is that the menus are a little confusing.  Instead of showing you the standard combos and the fixed price, they show you the price of just what you are ordering, then you add another price to make it a combo.  This is odd to me, is it to trick the consumer to think they are paying less?  Its likely to confuse a lot of the people who eat there, I mean… a good majority of folks are confused even on how to use ATM machines!  So a Spanglish menu may yet be far too confusing for some.  Not everyone reads the menu right and the cashiers may be to harried to explain it completely.

But, there are free refills, so that is a bonus!  And, even though they called it a churro, they sell funnel cake!  I mean it!  It’s covered in cinnamon sugar, and I suppose that’s why they’ve gone and confused it with a churro… but churros are long sticks of a cake like batter fried up and covered in that cinnamon sugar.  Funnel cakes have a cake batter dropped into oil and fried in a pretty random shapes because as the batter falls from the funnel the strips land on one another and seem like a tangled web of cakey goodness.  I’m probably not explaining it right, but oh well!  They have it!  And as far as I could tell, no where else has funnel cake or anything remotely close.  But if they have been going around naming it the wrong things, no wonder I haven’t been able to find it! 

Overall, I think the food wasn’t as good as I remembered.  It was still pretty delicious and everything had a spicy kick to it, especially the honey mustard dipping sauce which the stupid cashier seemed not to know how to spell.  But that’s a rant for another day. 

Restaurant Review: LongHorns March 13, 2008

Located in Mayaguez, along Highway 2

When this steakhouse first opened, it was ALL the rage to go here.  It’s decorated in the typical western fashion, with rich dark woods and soft lighting that makes this place wonderful for intimate meals with a special someone.  The food is fantastic.  They bring forth a freshly baked loaf of whole grain wheat bread to the table on a cutting board with a knife, and a little cup of sweet soft butter to go with.  It is delicious beyond words. 

The appetizers are wide ranged and most seem to have a spicey kick to them.  Beware of the cheese fries with the jalapenos, that requires at least 4 people to dig into it as an appetizer.  The portions are quite nice.  We had the fircraker wraps which had what seemed like a whole head of lettuce underneath it.  They were crispy and light with a good zing to the cheese on the inside.  I thought it was perfect, Carlitos found it a bit hot but he’s not used to eating spicey foods at all. 

The restaurant offers a nice variety of beverages, non and alcoholic alike.  My staple when I go is the Desert Pear Margarita.  This is the one and only way that I seem capable of having tequila. 

For the main course I had the Renegade Steak with asparagus and caeser salad.  Once upon a time, the asparagus was fresh, but I think that is no longer the case.  I don’t think that enough people in these parts seem to order it and perhaps they’ve gone canned.  This I find to be such a pity because the fact that they had asparagus on the menu was one of my favorite things about the place.  Carlitos had the Rocky top chicken with mashed potatoes and alfredo pasta.  The pasta is really cheesy and good and the potatoes are very creamy and delicious. 

The dessert selection is quite wonderful.  I’m fond of any place that can give me more to offer than flan, which is what most places in these parts have to offer.  We went with the golden nugget fried cheesecake.  This delicious dessert is served in one very oversized wine goblet and layers ice cream with nuggets of fried cheesecake, whipped cream and a strawberry sauce.  Carlitos seemed to have his misgivings about my selection but his first bite into a warm nugget with the coolness of the whipped cream and ice cream had him decreeing it perfection. 

The other desserts are equally exceptional.  The regular cheesecake is marvelous, one hunking slice of cheesecake is always a good thing.  The chocolate stampede should come with a warning.  The pictures seem misleading because the plate seems so dainty.  What could possibly go wrong when it boasts 2 slices of a chocolate cake make with 3 types of chocolate and ganache, ice cream and chocolate syrup laden on top.  Well… the fact that about 5 people are needed to hack into it should be some clue!  And don’t think I’m exaggerating because, let me tell you, I can eat.  I think I can eat most men under the table and, in fact, I can out-eat Carlitos… and he’s one hunkering man at 6′6″ and heaven only knows how many pounds.  My entire family can eat and I’m not joking…. if you’ve gone and had appetizers and drinks and dinner and then want a stampede, be sure you’re a party of 3 or more.  You’re likely to need to be rolled out of the establishment. 

Overall, the place is a delight.  Service is friendly and never rushed.  To fully enjoy the experience, you should go in for leisurely meal and order it all bit by bit.  They also take orders to go at the bar which is pretty neat.  The wait isn’t long for that and chatting with the bartender is always a delight.  I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad experience the times that I have gone.  I’ve always walked away full of delicious food.  I have it as my favorite place to go when I want steak that isn’t skirt steak (known as churrasco in these parts).  My place for that is elsewhere.  Here they also have this humongous hunk of meat called the Longhorn.. and it’s well over a pound of juicy steak.  I’ve had this before and it really does hit the spot for red meat.  I’m not often a big fan of it, but sometimes you just need to sink your teeth into some.  

It may be a gimmicky place, but I don’t know of any other branch in my immediate area… so that makes it unique and fun, however… on a college student budget it’s labeled more as a place to go for a splurge and not for regular meals.  It can be quite pricey, especially if you go in for the full experience in all the courses.  But, I guarantee that you won’t regret it.