So, along with the restaurant review and the video blogs, Im going to be doing another segment called "Cravings." In this segment, we will be discussing 2 similar products or foods and talk about which one is better. For example; Carrots vs. Parsnips, then discuss the pro's and con's of each. If you have any ideas or suggestions for "Restaurants Reviews" or "Cravings" hit me up at: thepantrystache@yahoo.com
stay tuned! because we are only getting started!
-TPS
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
B.B. King's
so, sorry for the wait... got a little busy :) but here it is, the B.B. King's Blues Club review:
Visual Appeal:
I have to say, the reason why my fiancee' and I even tried B.B. King's is because we were walking to the movies one night and we happened to pass by. We heard the music and saw the dim blue lighting through the window, it just seemed like a "cool" place to hang out. The outside is covered in junior-high grade drawing of famous blues musicians; i.e. Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc. The inside is akin to an old "hole-in-the-wall" night club, and I mean that in the most charming way possible. Of course, it is dolled up a lot, but they purposely deliver that kind of familiar sense that you get while watching old flicks that have a jazz or blues scene(s) in it. If you know what I mean. If not, sorry. There is also a nice sized stage in the middle with a surrounding D.D.A. (designated dance area). In case you feel like shimmying around to the in house, B.B. King All-Star Band's, smooth grooves. All in all, you'd have to visit to get the full effect. But to address the topic, YES, the place is very appealing.
Customer Service:
Now I will have it know, I did visit twice so far and both within a week and a half of each other so that says something already. However, the first time, i'm guessing they were a little short staffed. The waitress brought us our water and then vanished, leaving the near by bartender to take our orders. She later re-surfaced to bring us our check and pitch dessert at us. The second time, I went with a couple of church buddies and I will say it was a slight improvement, seeing as though the waiter was constantly checking in with us. But to be honest, he was just a tad bit rude (walking away before i finished talking several times) and Never once made eye contact with any of us. EYE CONTACT IS CRUCIAL. it's like saying "you have my attention." so although the wait staff was kind of lame both times, i could see and hear the other tables and they seemed very pleased with their service. So maybe its just situational or simply just luck of the draw.
Presentation:
I'll just cut to the chase, there was absolutely nothing engaging about the plating itself. It is southern styled-soul food so it naturally looks tasty but there was nothing additional or extra curricular done to make it look "elevated" or "really well thought out." All entrees are served on white and red checkered paper on white plates....thats it. So aside from the actual food itself looking good. It was basically standard. No more. No less.
Taste:
Now, like I said before, it is southern styled-soul food. Comfort food, I don't think, is capable of being terrible. Otherwise it wouldn't be comforting. It would be disgruntling. I ordered the 'Catfish Po'Boy." Deep fried catfish chunks served on a hoagie bun with cole slaw and fries on the side. Carmen, my fiancee, got the "Good Ol'Cheeseburger." A juicy beef patty with melted american and cheddar cheese served on a bun with fries. So both of our dishes were basic. They have some pretty big bangers on there but i figured, "get the basic stuff and if that can wow you, the more complex dishes must be awesome."
And, although it doesnt happen to often, I was correct! The simple food that it was, was great! the burger was still juicy and the po'boy was tender and crunchy. Yummmmmm! In short: the food was good :)
Returnability:
Based off of all the criteria... if I had to rate B.B. King's out of 10. I would give it a solid 7. no higher because the service could be a little better and the presentation could be a lot better. But I have definitely referred it to a lot of friends already and I would definitely go back!
So there it is! B.B. King's Blues Club: 7/10. Go check it out and let me know what you think of it!
For pictures of the dishes and of the club go to The Pantry Stache facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pantry-Stache/145136318873999
Visual Appeal:
I have to say, the reason why my fiancee' and I even tried B.B. King's is because we were walking to the movies one night and we happened to pass by. We heard the music and saw the dim blue lighting through the window, it just seemed like a "cool" place to hang out. The outside is covered in junior-high grade drawing of famous blues musicians; i.e. Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc. The inside is akin to an old "hole-in-the-wall" night club, and I mean that in the most charming way possible. Of course, it is dolled up a lot, but they purposely deliver that kind of familiar sense that you get while watching old flicks that have a jazz or blues scene(s) in it. If you know what I mean. If not, sorry. There is also a nice sized stage in the middle with a surrounding D.D.A. (designated dance area). In case you feel like shimmying around to the in house, B.B. King All-Star Band's, smooth grooves. All in all, you'd have to visit to get the full effect. But to address the topic, YES, the place is very appealing.
Customer Service:
Now I will have it know, I did visit twice so far and both within a week and a half of each other so that says something already. However, the first time, i'm guessing they were a little short staffed. The waitress brought us our water and then vanished, leaving the near by bartender to take our orders. She later re-surfaced to bring us our check and pitch dessert at us. The second time, I went with a couple of church buddies and I will say it was a slight improvement, seeing as though the waiter was constantly checking in with us. But to be honest, he was just a tad bit rude (walking away before i finished talking several times) and Never once made eye contact with any of us. EYE CONTACT IS CRUCIAL. it's like saying "you have my attention." so although the wait staff was kind of lame both times, i could see and hear the other tables and they seemed very pleased with their service. So maybe its just situational or simply just luck of the draw.
Presentation:
I'll just cut to the chase, there was absolutely nothing engaging about the plating itself. It is southern styled-soul food so it naturally looks tasty but there was nothing additional or extra curricular done to make it look "elevated" or "really well thought out." All entrees are served on white and red checkered paper on white plates....thats it. So aside from the actual food itself looking good. It was basically standard. No more. No less.
Taste:
Now, like I said before, it is southern styled-soul food. Comfort food, I don't think, is capable of being terrible. Otherwise it wouldn't be comforting. It would be disgruntling. I ordered the 'Catfish Po'Boy." Deep fried catfish chunks served on a hoagie bun with cole slaw and fries on the side. Carmen, my fiancee, got the "Good Ol'Cheeseburger." A juicy beef patty with melted american and cheddar cheese served on a bun with fries. So both of our dishes were basic. They have some pretty big bangers on there but i figured, "get the basic stuff and if that can wow you, the more complex dishes must be awesome."
And, although it doesnt happen to often, I was correct! The simple food that it was, was great! the burger was still juicy and the po'boy was tender and crunchy. Yummmmmm! In short: the food was good :)
Returnability:
Based off of all the criteria... if I had to rate B.B. King's out of 10. I would give it a solid 7. no higher because the service could be a little better and the presentation could be a lot better. But I have definitely referred it to a lot of friends already and I would definitely go back!
So there it is! B.B. King's Blues Club: 7/10. Go check it out and let me know what you think of it!
For pictures of the dishes and of the club go to The Pantry Stache facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pantry-Stache/145136318873999
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Restaurant Reviews
So I decided, for the new years, I would like to try new restaurants...nice restaurants. So every time I try a new place, a review of the establishment will be posted. Not that my opinion matters that much but I think it would be fun, good enough explanation? GOOD!
The review will based off of a few things:
1.visual appeal- how inviting does the place look?
2. Customer service- were the workers professional and timely
3. Presentation-plating creativity and eye catchiness
4. Taste- is it yummy?
5. Returnability- would you go back?
I will also provide pictures for your enjoyment :)
So, whenever these jump off...check them out and let me know what you think...
Facebook me @ www.Facebook.com/bearcooks
The review will based off of a few things:
1.visual appeal- how inviting does the place look?
2. Customer service- were the workers professional and timely
3. Presentation-plating creativity and eye catchiness
4. Taste- is it yummy?
5. Returnability- would you go back?
I will also provide pictures for your enjoyment :)
So, whenever these jump off...check them out and let me know what you think...
Facebook me @ www.Facebook.com/bearcooks
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Cooking school?
So, about 2 months ago I started culinary school. Le Cordon Bleu Orlando, that's the place. After starting school and attending classes I have learned a few things very quickly. First, not a lot of people who are entering this feild have tough skin. And i dont mean the lack of coco butter, I mean sensitivity. There are 3 or 4 people in my class alone that have literally cried and spoke of dropping out because a chef instrustor critisized some of their work. Seriously? You havent even stepped foot into a kitchen yet, an operating one anways, and youre already crying? Nextly, many people just want the title without the hard work. If you want to be an excellent cook, you have to practice a lot. You have to know your products and know the techniques to create an awesome dish with them. Many of my classmates dont seem very interested in any of this. It's like they have the passion for FOOD or EATING and not COOKING or CREATING. it's just kind of backwards to me. Any thoughts?
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Welcome to the Pantry!
Hello, hello, hello! Welcome to The Pantry Stache! If there's anything that has to do with food, it's fair game here. I will share recipes, tips, and just open discussions about anything and everything food. I'm also looking to incorporate videos and pictures as well. If there is anything you read, see, hear, or taste that you'd like to talk about, let me know! Last of all, spread the word! Tell your friends, family, and fellow food lovers about my blog! Thanks for checking it out, drop me a line any time or get at me on facebook @ www.facebook.com/bearcooks
-Rich (TPS)
-Rich (TPS)
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