PLFXpert 0 #1 September 5, 2006 And why. I started this thread b/c I LOVE Maggianos. http://www.maggianos.com/ It's ma furvrit.Other than the fact that Italians seem to love blondes, I love the food. I love the atmosphere. I love the music. And I LOVE that they serve a side of spinach for 4-billion and I get to bring it home for Chef Boy-ar-Billy to make his famous and most delicious spinach dip. What's yours?Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matthewcline 0 #2 September 5, 2006 You know you'll ge the Hooter's answer 'cause of the Boobies conection (although some one will make the lame "they got good wings" arguement), the is Bonfire. I like Chilies and Outback Steak House. For me and the Family, we can all be in a different mood for eats, and still be happy. Of course the China King Buffet does get a bunch of our earnings.An Instructors first concern is student safety. So, start being safe, first!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #3 September 5, 2006 Billy loves Outback b/c he can get steak. (We don't have it in MY house.) And I haven't been there in a LONG time, but I have enjoyed Hooters' wings, too. So there, I said it: "They got good wings." The only China King Buffet I've been to is w/ other skydivers in Deland--we'd go after jumping. I prefer sushi and I'm scared to eat sushi that's on a buffet, or even made by the "buffet" chef. But, they make these sweet dumplings---shoot I have no idea what they're called. But they're like funnel cakes w/ powdered sugar and stuff. Mmmmmmmm. I love those things. I like 'em 'cause they're greasy.Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #4 September 5, 2006 Depends on what I'm in the mood for, I have many different ones for different cuisines. But it isn't a chain, that's for sure (well, except for In-N-Out, but that's not so much a proper "restaurant," anyway). Chain restaurants are fine when you want something predictable in a strange town, but in general, I prefer restaurants that are unique (or small, local chains) rather than pre-fab."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katiebear21 0 #5 September 5, 2006 Any Japanese Hibachi Restaurant or Cheap Mexican Joint! Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #6 September 5, 2006 Patit Creek Restaurant in Dayton, WA. Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adventurechick 0 #7 September 5, 2006 Bonefish!! Their food is absolutely amazing! PMS #449 TPM #80 Muff Brother #3860 SCR #14705 Dirty Sanchez #233 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #8 September 5, 2006 I agree, sometimes. I went to this hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant once and had, seriously, the BEST soup I've had in my life. Of course, I only know what they SAID was in it. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #9 September 5, 2006 Ooo, you're not kidding. I love the hibachi. OK, let's just make this clear right now: I LOVE to dine out different places.Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #10 September 5, 2006 They're my second favorite; tied with Carrabbas (both owned by the same).We have a Bonefish right by my house (Maggianos is about 20-30 minutes west); so we go there more often. It's hard to "cross the ditch" as we beach folk call it.Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #11 September 5, 2006 Of course I'm going to say Freebirds, BUT there are some other really great smaller local resturants that are GREAT. One is Mr. G's which is a really badass pizza place, not your typical pizza hut type of joint but a "high end" pizza place. Then there's a couple of really great hole-in-the-wall beer joints that have incredible burgers, some really good family run Mexican food places and some other local flavor.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Orchid 0 #12 September 5, 2006 WASA......is the best little sushi place in my town. A little hole in the wall, but it's great! :p"Love is doing small things with great love." Lacrosse: Legally beating men with sticks since 1492 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #13 September 5, 2006 QuoteI agree, sometimes. I went to this hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant once and had, seriously, the BEST soup I've had in my life. Of course, I only know what they SAID was in it. I've had some of the best food of my life at holes-in-the-wall. My favorite sushi restaurant here in Seattle LOOKS like a place you wouldn't want to eat raw fish (on the outside). It's in a strip-mallish setting on a busy intersection. Go inside and it's modest, but clean, and friendly, and it has some of the best sushi I've ever had (and definitely the best value by a long shot). I would never have gone in there on my own, but I read a positive newspaper review and decided to give it a shot, and now I recommend it highly to all my friends and take all my out-of-towners who want sushi there. Like I said, chain restaurants have their place, and I definitely enjoy them at times on the road when I'm just not feeling adventurous and I want something that I know will be good. But I've never had a truly sublime eating experience at a chain restaurant. I read reviews and listen to recommendations and have ended up at some truly memorable restaurants that way. Except, of course, In-N-Out. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #14 September 5, 2006 Quotenot your typical pizza hut type of joint but a "high end" pizza place. Oooooo....we have a place called "Marios". Yummmmmmmmm!!!!! The BEST pizza EVER!Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gofast_ER 0 #15 September 5, 2006 BRAZZAZ! It's a Brazilian steak house. I can't believe how good it was. A little expensive though I may not agree with what you have to say but i'll defend to the death your right to say it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #16 September 5, 2006 Loads of favs for all types of food...... (1) Indian - Sultan (St Ives) (2) Chinese - The Welcome (St Ives) (3) Thai - Bankok City (Cambridge) (4) Japanese - Teri-Aki Restaurant (cambridge) (5) Posh Nosh - The Pink Geranium (melbourn, Cambs) . (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindercles 0 #17 September 5, 2006 QuoteI agree, sometimes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindercles 0 #18 September 5, 2006 QuoteOf course I'm going to say Freebirds I certainly wouldn't call it one of my favorites, but I do give it credit in that I worked there for four years and I can still occassionally stomach their food. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #19 September 5, 2006 Again. I agree. But, like you (at least I think) I wait to hear a recommendation in the news or by a friend or family member. But I also do appreciate some chains; like Maggianos. My furvrit.Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #20 September 5, 2006 QuoteA little expensive though When it comes to what I'll put in my body, likely I'll pay good money.Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #21 September 5, 2006 I said that just for you. Seriously. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mayberry 0 #22 September 5, 2006 Mike's American Grill here in Springfield. Great food & atmosphere, about a mile from my house. Once a year our neighbor takes us to Chez Francois over in Great Falls. Awesome place, way out of my league but worth it. I normally wouldn't go there but it's his favorite and he picks up the tab. DonDon Here's to friends! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #23 September 5, 2006 I think my favorite places are all hole-in-the-wall joints. Having been in LA for most of my life before (and even when I made some decent money) I never found the "great" restaurants to be particularly great. Expeinsive? Yeah. But the Water Grill and Pacific Dining Car, that kind of stuff with the 5-Star ratings, never did it for me. Here in Fresno, there is a Spanish Tapas restaurant called La Paella that is simply some of the finest food I've ever had. The wife and I picked a neighborhood close to it. It's in a little shopping center. The best damned Thai food I ever had was at another hole in the wall in Norwalk called the Renu Nakorn. Off of the I-5 and Rosecrans. Ask for the Kao Soi - awesome. For Mexican food, troll around the bad neighborhoods. If you walk in to some dive and see "Sesos" on the menu, you know you are in good and can get some authentic Mexican food. Rigos Tacos on Washington, just west of downtown Los Angeles, is great. Until you've had their al pastor, you just haven't had Mexican food. And off of downtown LA on the 110 and 11th Street is an Arco Gas Station with the best damned fried chicken. Sure, the neighborhood is shitty, but the chicken isn't. These are all places where the food - not the alcohol or atmosphere - reigns supreme.. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #24 September 5, 2006 QuoteChez Francois over in Great Falls. Awesome place, way out of my league but worth it. I normally wouldn't go there but it's his favorite and he picks up the tab. Just goes along w/ my theory: People spring for the wrong things. As a woman, I don't get my nails done (only once in my entire life as a gift). I don't go to a salon (Great Clips for $12). But I WILL spring on a good moisturizer and a yummy meal.Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #25 September 5, 2006 There are so many depending on my mood... Indian: a small hole in the wall take Away in Farnborough UK called Tasty Bites. French in North America: le 917 in Montreal... Awsome 4 course meals for $30. Ribs: Baton Rouge. Its a chain in Canada but have BY FAR the best baby back ribs I have ever had. Lebaneese: Basha's in Montreal, but partuicularly the one on St Cath, opposite Eaton Center. I could go on...Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites