Archive for the ‘ Restaurant Reviews ’ Category

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The Coffee Pot and Mountain Arts Pottery in Bozeman

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

I often have people suggest places for me to try and/or visit—I love it because the suggestions are almost always spot-on.  The Coffee Pot and Mountain Arts Pottery in Bozeman were no exception.

Conveniently located right off the main highway on your way to/from West Yellowstone, The Coffee Pot is a great place for a light lunch, wonderful coffee & teas, and the most scrumptious pastries you’ll ever enjoy (as good as Grandma makes).

I had a slice of Quiche Lorain…let me tell you, this wasn’t your Costco variety, this was home-made with quality ingredients you can taste. I then had to try one of their pastries for dessert…I opted for a peach turnover—the crust was flaky and so full of peaches I could hardly contain my excitement.

The Coffee Pot/Mountain Arts Pottery are housed at the same location, which makes for more than just a place to tantalize your taste buds…it’s an experience.  You’ll find yourself enamored with the variety of handthrown pottery…from platters, mugs, dishes to canister sets—all in wonderful glazes. The two business are run by a lovely couple, Dave and Jennie Lockie.

The “Mountain Arts Pottery” studio is located in the back of The Coffee Pot, where Dave and his small team collaborate and produce everything you see in the store. It’s really quite an operation with very humble beginnings as Dave tells it.  I had a wonderful time meeting Dave and Jennie and I’m sure you will too.

I have found Bozeman to be a place filled with wonderful surprises, unique and eclectic places abound.  If you’re in the Bozeman area, you simple must stop by The Coffee Pot/Mountain Arts Pottery.

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Posted in Montana Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews | 4 Comments »

Liberty Market Restaurant Review – Gilbert, AZ

Monday, May 31st, 2010

Liberty Market Restaurant in Gilbert, AZ

Liberty Market Restaurant in Gilbert, AZ is an eclectic place where tasty food is served-up in a modern, refurbished building located in historic downtown Gilbert. The fairly new restaurant dons the original name of the building, “Liberty Market…”which, for more than 70 years, was a family-run grocery store that served the small farming community.

Liberty Market in downtown Gilbert

Liberty Market in downtown Gilbert

The Liberty Market owners kept the original shell/look of the building, which includes tumbled brick walls and a brick oven that is used to cook their wonderful pizza. Back in the 30s when Liberty Market first opened, the population of Gilbert was a paltry 800 people…today, more than 200,000 call it home. The downtown area has been completely restored with a number of restaurants, shops and a great little park that celebrates its history with an array of water features. The area is very pedestrian-friendly and worth a leisurely stroll after your meal.

The food at Liberty Market is fairly simple, but full of flavor. Lunch consists of sandwiches, salads and pizza. Dinner is a bit more robust with apricot glazed chicken to grilled halibut—and of course, pizza from their brick oven. I have never been to Liberty Market for breakfast, but they do have a nice coffee bar and some huge cinnamon rolls. At lunch you get your choice of sides (let me highly recommend the sweet potato salad…it’s D’Lish!).

Liberty also serves beer, wine and a nice selection of desserts.

Liberty Market bathroomsOh, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the bathrooms…yes, the bathrooms. The bathrooms at Liberty are a bit unusual with an interesting story behind them…apparently there are four restaurant partners along with the chief that run the place—each took the opportunity to design their own themed private stall (5 in all), even playing independent music. Once you’ve concluded your business, you exit into a common wash area. If you haven’t realized yet…these are communal bathrooms.

Bottom line…Liberty Market is absolutely worth a visit: www.LibertyMarket.com

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Posted in Arizona Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews | 1 Comment »

Green Vegetarian Review – Tempe, AZ

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Even non-vegetarians will find a lot to like about Green Vegetarian.  Located on the border of Scottsdale and Tempe, Green is tucked in a rather obscure corner of a strip mall.  I had heard great things about the place and have tried to find it before, but without the exact address it can be a challenge (especially if you’re driving south).

At first glace, Green looks like a very small and unassuming place, but once inside you’ll find an eclectic mix of artwork and decor in an airy, inviting setting.

I was waiting for a friend to arrive and was pleasantly greeted at the front counter and offered something to drink while I waited (no pretense of payment, which was cool).

I had the coconut curry with faux chicken and brown rice (unfortunately there was no coconut to be found), which was quite good even with the missing key ingredient.  The vegetables were cooked to perfection and the medley of spices were outstanding.  Green offers up freshly made lime or lemon aid which is a great addition to mix with their two brewed teas.

Green also has a small market where you can buy tasty stuff to-go, like Honest Tea, which I’m a big fan of.

Chef Damon Brasch describes his cuisine as New American Vegetarian and has a quote on their site with the following words…”…this is where I learned to celebrate food.”  I just love the idea of “celebrating” food.  I really enjoy cool and unique places to eat—if you’re like me, you’ll LOVE Green Vegetarian (even if you’re not a vegetarian).

http://www.greenvegetarian.com

Post Review Comments: I had tried (numerous times I might add) to obtain some additional information and images to be used for this post, unfortunately Mr. Brasch and/or his store manager couldn’t be bothered to respond to my requests, which I find incredibly odd.  I even posted a comment on their Facebook page, but it was merely deleted.  VERY un-cool if you ask me, and will certainly weigh on my decision to ever visit Green Vegetarian again.  I am however a reasonable person, so if the folks at Green wish to rectify the situation, I’m happy to remove this portion of the post.

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Posted in Arizona Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews | 1 Comment »

Spud Fish & Chips Restaurant Review – Seattle, WA

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

I was born in the Seattle area and have very fond memories of my Father taking my sister and I to Spud Fish & Chips near Green Lake.  Every time I’m in the Seattle area, I go out of my way to visit the Spud (the one on Alki Beach is my favorite).

I have traveled all over the world and often try the local fish and chips, but nothing has ever compared (except for Point Loma Seafood in San Diego) to the Spud.  I’ve even had fish and chips in London, which is supposed to be the one food item the English can actually do well…no such luck.

The problem is, most restaurants prepare their fish and chips in a beer and/or flour batter, and I think what the Spud and Point Loma Seafood uses is a corn-meal mix, which makes for a thin, crunchy texture that is far superior to the way most everyone else prepares it.

The Spud Fish & Chips has been around so long, that my Father’s Father used to take him to the place when he was a kid—the Spud has been around since 1934.  On a sunny day, be prepared to wait in a long, long line.  However, trust me when I tell you, it’s worth the wait.

I usually order a single with extra fish (that’s two pieces of cod fish with fries) and a chocolate shake.  Note: Be prepared to pay extra for tartar and ketchup (don’t ask me why).  I love getting my order to-go and then eating on the beach in Alki.

http://spudfishandchips.com

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Posted in Restaurant Reviews, Washington Restaurants | 1 Comment »

Mai Thai Restaurant Review – Boise, ID

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

I’ve only been to Mai Thai a few times (and it’s been a few years now), but let me tell you…I have gone out of my way to go to this place.  It’s outstanding! I used to travel to Boise once in a while for business and would visit Mai Thai several times during each of my stays.

The attention to detail is amazing…unique décor, wonderful flat and silverware, zen-like ambiance, and of course, outstanding food presented in an artful form.

The front part of the restaurant is a lounge-like bar, then you enter the dining area in the back where a wonderful water feature runs the length of the room which makes for an intimate setting.

If you’re looking for a Thai restaurant with a modern flair, check out http://www.maithaigroup.com the next time you’re in the downtown Boise area.

Posted in Idaho Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews | 2 Comments »

Point Loma Seafood – San Diego, CA

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

I used to live and work in San Diego and used to visit Point Loma Seafood at least once per week.  If you want really fresh and outstanding seafood, this is the place!  I LOVE the fish & chips and this is some of the best I’ve ever had.  The only other place I’ve ever had great fish/chips is in Seattle at the “Spud.” 

They have a great selection of smoked fish, outstanding sushi, etc. You won’t be disappointed in the food.

Things to know before going…the place is always packed!  There is very limited parking, so you may have to walk a bit.  They have an enclosed patio area, but you’ll probably want to eat outside and gander at the fishing boats in the marina.  Note:  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR FOOD UNATTENDED to get ketchup or something…the birds will eat it in a blink of an eye…I’ve seen it happen a number of times.

Also, as I was saying, this place is packed all the time…there are no lines, it’s organized chaos…work your way up to the front of the counter (don’t be afraid that you are cutting in front of someone, it’s every person for themselves).   You place your order and will be given a number…once they call is when you pay and pick up your order.

Enjoy…

http://www.pointlomaseafoods.com

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Posted in California Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews | No Comments »

The Seafood Market Restaurant in Mesa, AZ

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

The name “Seafood Market Restaurant” conjures in the mind’s eye a place that would specialize in just great seafood.  While this place apparently serves  fresh seafood, it does so with such an air of mediocrity that one cannot help but be disappointed–unless of course you don’t care about appearance, presentation, atmosphere and taste.  

If what you seek is a place that just serves “fresh” seafood, then this place will provide your palette with a level of sustentative adequacy.

I think what the “Seafood Market Restaurant” lacks is a sense of identity…and, a chef rather than a cook.

I don’t want to mislead the readers of this review…the food is not bad; it just did not meet MY expectations (or that of my date).  If a restaurateur is going to serve an expensive product, the presentation needs to match its cost.  The restaurant décor, atmosphere, flatware, dishes, presentation, etc. made me feel like I was in a small town restaurant that did not have to compete with anyone.

Example of the poor presentation

I would be fascinated to learn the background of the owner of this place…what motivated them to open, what or who inspired the concept, etc.  The general location is in a pretty nice area, so I wonder who they might be catering too that enjoys the place well enough to afford its existence.   Like so many amazing places in the valley,     this is NOT a place you would go out of your way for

The Seafood Market Restaurant website

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Posted in Arizona Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews | 6 Comments »

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