New York Pizza & Subs (Vinton, VA)

 You knew it was coming, after a trip to NYC this is a great place for pizza comparison. Mentioned in the Ray's blog from New York, I present to you the New York Pizza in Vinton, VA. I have been here numerous times before, but never to give a critique. Looking back on this experience I would have to say it was great like always. The staff was friendly and the taking of our order was prompt. The only downside is the wait for the fresh pizza, but you can't rush greatness. The pizza pictured to the side is a slice of the White Pizza. Similar to the Ray's Pizza slice from NYC to bring final judgement between which is better. Ray's had spinach, feta cheese, and mozzarella cheese; while NY Pizza has mozzarella, ricotta, olive oil, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. By far the NY pizza has a better taste and toppings were super fresh. The crust of the NY pizza tasted much better than Ray's and wasn't slightly chilled as found in NYC. Coming in at a 9 on the devouring scale, this place is great for pizza and should be considered for that particular craving. So what does all this mean? You don't have to leave Roanoke to get great NYC pizza, just head to NY Pizza and you will have a slice of Manhattan right in front of you.

The Olive Garden (Roanoke, VA)

When it comes to fine Italian food, this place is not on the top of my list. We decided to go to the Olive Garden with some friends, so I decided to break out my keen food senses. I had to remain unbiased, even though I truly think this place is over rated. The wait wasn't that bad, which was a shocker because this place is always busy. The salad and breadsticks were OK, but still the same bland taste you always get. The main course was a meal off the seasonal menu, the Carbonara Ravioli with Chicken. Stated on the menu as parmesan and pancetta-filled carbonara ravioli with pan-seared chicken in a creamy parmesan sauce. Looked good as you can see on the picture above, but yet again it was just OK. With fancy wording like that it should be pretty good not just OK! So like a typical Olive Garden experience it was just OK. Disappointing because I had hoped for a new light for this place, but really nothing has changed. Landing in at a dismal 4 on the devouring scale, this place should be a pass. I know many of you love the Olive Garden, but why? It is a sad excuse for Italian cuisine, and you can get better in the freezer section of the grocery store. So if you come here, just hit up the unlimited soup and salad. That is, by far, the best thing on the menu.

Qdoba Mexican Grill (SoHo, NYC)

When looking for a quick place to grab lunch before the bus left, Qdoba Mexican Grill seemed to be a good bet. Knowing what Moe's and Chipole had to offer, I thought that their counterpart may dish out some good eats. I decided upon the Queso Burrito (pictured above) with steak, queso sauce, black beans, cilantro lime rice, in a burrito shell. The overall taste was OK, nothing to write home to mom about. The seasoning for the steak was overpowering and the queso was too smoky from the fire roasted chilies. Disappointing experience due to the great ones had from their rivals. Hitting a 4 on the devouring scale, this is a place I would think twice before going to again. Rule of thumb though, bring antacids with you for the ride home. You will be thanking me later.

Little Cupcake Bakeshop (SoHo, NYC)

 Walking the streets in Greenwich Village, we came upon this cupcake shop and decided to stop in. Having such a good cupcake shop in town, I figured that this place could be a great out of the box experience. The decor of the Little Cupcake Shop was very quaint, and the service was prompt and friendly. However the final result of a classic yellow cake and chocolate was poor at best. Pricing was that of Bubblecake's, but the taste lacking. The cake was dry, not moist, and the icing had too much coca powder. Sad to say I will not be visiting this cupcake shop again due to taste. Falling in at a 2 on the devouring scale, this is yet another mistake on my New York adventure. So lesson learned and moving along for the next, more exciting place.

Ben Ash Delicatessan ( 7th Ave., NYC)

Well friends as you can see I went many places in the big city, and this place is one I wish I could have a do over. Not in a good way, but to go back to the Carnegie Deli across the street. Being close to our hotel this place seemed to call to me the whole time I was in NY, it looked promising with all those nice pastries that could be seen in the windows. Well, the last evening there I decided to try it out. Big mistake from the get go! Lesson One: If you are in NYC and a restaurant is mostly empty, don't go there!
Lesson Two: When you look on the menu and see that french fries for a side is $6, then beware!
Lesson Three: When the waiter states only 5% of the people that eat there are New Yorkers, red flag!
I hope that everyone can learn from those lessons, and apply them to big city food endeavors. Pictured above is the Brisket of Beef, Pastrami & Corned Beef sandwich. Looks pretty and comes with a side of cole slaw, but sadly no. It was just OK, nothing great and lacking flavor. I mean when I pay $20.95 for a sandwich I should get $20.95 worth in a sandwich. If you look back to the Carnegie Deli write-up you will see a mountain of sandwich and I only paid $18.75. Now that was a sandwich, this was not! Literally ten bites and done. Service was OK, a little creepy because of the waiter. So looking back I would say this was a forgetable experience, and receiving a 2 on the devouring scale. Please learn from my mistake and go to the Carnegie, even if you have to wait it is worth it. This place should be ashamed for using the name delicatessan in New York City. So folks steer clear and no matter how good it looks, it isn't that good. Promise!

Suzie's Finest Chinese Cuisine (SoHo, NYC)

While in the China Town area. I thought that I may be able to get a good bite of Chinese food. So walking the streets of SoHo I came upon Suzie's Finest Chinese Cuisine. A quaint shop located on Bleecker St., and with looking at the menu a very affordable restaurant. So like many Chinese place I like to order what is usually a house special, the General Tso's Chicken. That way I can compare taste and cooking styles. The great part about Suzie's is that you get a ton of extras that go with the meal. Starting off with bits of fried won-tons, duck sauce, and hot mustard. Followed by hot and sour soup, which had a great taste. Finishing off with the main course of the General's Chicken, white rice and egg rolls. Everything was very well done and prepared. the soup was excellent, the chicken was white meat and the Tso's sauce was superb. Would I say that this was the best Chinese food that I have ever eaten? No, but is is pretty close. Suzie's captivates me due to sheer quantity and taste but did not sway me from the love of the Red Palace. In the world of authentic Chinese food this rates tops, and gets a 9 on the devouring scale. So if you find yourself wondering the streets of Greenwich Village, grab your chopsticks and come hungry to Suzie's.

Sabrett Hot Dog Stand (Near Brooklyn Bridge, NYC)

What is the undoubtedly the food of NYC? The hot dog, of course! So on the walk back from the Brooklyn Bridge I thought it was no better time to enjoy this meaty masterpiece. Coming upon the Sabrett hot dog stand, at the corner near the walking entrance to the bridge, I knew they could satisfy my craving for this NYC staple. The bun was a little stale, but the taste of the hot dog was heightened by the spicy brown mustard. Overall it was a tasty hot dog, and did give me a look at the eclectic hot dog stand. Landing in at a 7 on the devouring scale, I would come back for another and maybe more around the city. So if you need a quick fix for food around the city stop in and grab a dog or two.

Sigmund Pretzel Cart (Outside the MET, NYC)

New York City has a great variety of food options, and for all you foodies out there that haven't been, Go! I mean you can literally find food on every corner, including in front of major museums. Located outside of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, sits this delectable Sigmund Pretzel cart. Filled with all different kinds of pretzel configurations, and the original salted or unsalted pretzel. So going out on a limb I selected the cinnamon raisin pretzel, and it was a great choice! Not a hard pretzel, but soft and it had a great balance of cinnamon and raisins. Dusted with pure cane sugar on top, it was the thing that put it over the top. Who knew that a pretzel cart could be so exciting, and the flavors were better than any pretzel chain. Falling in at a 9 on the devouring scale, the only draw back was that it was in a cart and not a store. In their defence. I wouldn't have come across this place if it wasn't a stand. So before spending many hours in the MET, grab a bite at the Sigmund Pretzel cart. It will fill you up and will not disappoint you, leaving a little extra change to buy a gift in the gift shop.

Pasticceria Rocco (SoHo, NYC)

 What goes better on a warm NYC night then sitting back with good company in SoHo in a nicely done bakery shop. Welcome to Rocco's, where if it is a baked good made from sugar it will most likely be found there. There isn't much seating in here, so hope to come at an off time. Also, glance quickly at the menu or your server may give you the cold shoulder. On this night things seemed to go well, except for how long we had to wait for our check. So on to the food; starting off with a piping hot (and small) cup of espresso. This small wonder could keep an entire office of people going and wake the dead! Now that is a serious cup of joe. With being in NYC, how could you not try a piece of authentic NY cheesecake? Pictured second, it was nice and thick like a good cheesecake should be. Topped with fresh ripe strawberries in a sugar glaze, just sheer perfection. I then choose another staple of the Big Apple, the cannolo (pictured last). A simple and delicious treat made from a fried pastry stuffed with a cream cheese and sugar mix, finished off at each end with chocolate chips and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Now how could you argue with a list like that? Everything about this pastry was just like it should be and was one of the better cannolis I have ever had. None the less I was quite full from my experience and granted Rocco's with an 8 only due to the wait from the check after it was clear that we were through

How Am I Doing?

So here is the chance for you, the consumer, to tell me how I'm doing. As with any of my blogs you will find a comments section at the bottom of the post. Feel free to tell me what's up or if the blog entry was helpful. Thanks for reading and keep looking for new updates. You never know when your favorite restaurant will show up!

Carnegie Deli (7th Ave, New York, NY)

Quite possibly the world's most famous deli, the Carnegie boasts pictures and autographs from many famous people and entertainers from around the world. This wasn't the reason for my stop though, I knew that NYC would have a great corn beef and pastrami sandwich somewhere and I could smell it two blocks away. Located on 7th Ave. you can't I mean CAN'T pass up this place. Slow roasted corn beef and pastrami on wheat bread piled high and held together with two chopsticks. Now that is what I call a sandwich, but they call it a "Woody Allen" (pictured right). I found out later that this was the medium size for this sandwich, there is a bigger one. I couldn't even finish that medium, what if.... The prices here are equivalent to what you get, and even though this sandwich cost $18.75, it was worth every penny. The service was good and slightly entertaining, and the overall experience was great. With all these great aspects, and eating in a great NYC staple this place gets a 10 on the devouring scale. So come one, come all to experience the wonder of some of the best corn beef and pastrami you will ever taste.

Ray’s World Famous Pizza (Seventh Avenue, New York City )

So in the event you decide to travel with the food maestro, you may have an opportunity to guest blog on here. So with no further waiting I give you Ms. Ruth Anne Potts and her view on Ray's Famous Pizza.

    They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but absence wasn’t necessary for my heart to grow fond of Ray’s World Famous Pizza! From the first slice of veggie pizza that I ate the Thursday we arrived in New York City, my taste buds began to tingle, and I knew I would be coming back for more. Little did I know I would be coming back for more on Friday…Saturday…and even Sunday morning for breakfast. After all, Ray’s World Famous Pizza is conveniently open 24 hours a day.

    As customers choose their slice of Ray’s World Famous Pizza, it is heated up in an oven for a few minutes, warming it to that just-right temperature and giving the thin crust a perfect level of crispiness while still maintaining a sweet chewiness. The fresh toppings on Ray’s World Famous pizzas add unique flavoring, with no two pizzas ever quite being the same. But the secret to Ray’s pizza, the reason why it had me coming back for me each and every day, lay in the spot-on tomato sauce. The Italian influences in NYC surely pay off in making this to-die-for sauce. And Ray’s isn’t frugal with its sauce…something I am forever grateful for! While Ray’s World Famous Pizza cost me between $6-9 for a slice of pizza and a Diet Coke (depending on the type of pizza I chose), I was completely content with the price. It’s a whole lot better than the $23 grilled cheese sandwich meal I pretty much threw away to get a slice at Ray’s!

    While you may read Rick’s review of Ray’s World Famous Pizza and believe it leaves much to be desired, please keep in mind that no taste buds are exactly alike. And while Rick gave Ray’s a 5 on the devouring scale, I must give it an overwhelming 10! I mean, look at the picture! I was always so eager to stuff my face that I never even remembered to pause for a moment to snap a shot for you!
So if you find yourself in New York City, do yourself a favor and stop by Ray’s World Famous Pizza on Seventh Avenue. Your taste buds will thank you, and you, my friend, will thank me!

By Ruth Anne Potts

Special thanks to Rick Horne for allowing me the opportunity to complete this guest food review on Contemplatively Consuming!

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Ray's Pizza (New York, NY)

The Big Apple, so many place to choose from it is a food mecca for all you foodies out there. So much to choose from you have to start somewhere. We needed a quick snack before the broadway show, so we stopped in at Ray's. Located at 831 7th ave, this place had all the look of a traditional New York pizza shop. I got a slice of the White spinich pizza with feta cheese (pictured above). The taste was pleasing, but I must say was close to that of NY Pizza in Vinton. So maybe all these years I didn't need to come here to get real NY style pizza. Never the less it is NYC and the atmosphere is worth it. So on the devouring scale this would rate a 6, only because I expected more from NY, then what Vinton has to offer. Myabe the next place will "wow" me but for now here ya go. This is an OK place for a snack, pricy but what isn't here. So maybe try a piece,or two if inclined to do so.

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Fire Island Bar and Grill (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Another place that we decided to try while at the beach is the Fire Island Bar and Grill. Located at Barefoot Landing in  Myrtle Beach, this place appeared to be interesting so why not give it a try? The decor is that of island theme from the entrance, to all around the restaurant. It was very cool to see a well done theme restaurant, because they are few and far in between. Decor aside, on to the meal. There were a lot of choices, but I decided on the Island Sirloin. This was a 10oz sirloin rubbed in island spices with seasonal veggies and whipped mashed potatoes. The taste was OK, but definitely not what I expected. The portions were not that of the $18.95 that I paid for this meal. Needless to say this is a very forgettable experience and I left hungry. So lets recap; decor good, food poor. On the devouring scale I would give it a 5, but I may not be going back. Prices are horrible for portion, and it just isn't worth it. So if you want a good place to eat, well you might want to try somewhere else.

River City Cafe (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Burger anyone? Located on Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach, this place is a must stop! Inside it looks like your typical peanut filled steakhouse, but with writing on everything. Service was good, and the drinks came fast. The menu was filled with many options and all reasonably priced. So once searched I came upon the behemoth pictured above; The Kitchen Sink. Listed on the menu as this, I just had to give it a whirl. With two patties stacked with Texas chili,hickory smoked bacon, grilled onions, jalapenos, mushrooms, Swiss and cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard and mayo, served with a pile of fries, two giant fried onion rings and slaw for only $11.99! For all you burger lover's you can't pass a deal like that up. Just like any great burger it was very tasty and messy. The onion rings were fabulous, and the fries were hand cut and delicious. There was nothing on this platter I didn't like. This is another place that I would love to have near me at home, because this blows Red Robin away. On the devouring scale this would rate a 10, I can't get this place out of my head. So tasty and wonderful, and cheap. So all you beach fans stop on in and grab a wonderful tasting burger.

California Pizza Kitchen (Short Pump, VA)

Cowabunga Dude, but wait a minute we aren't in California! Not anywhere close because we are on the east coast. That didn't stop this pizza chain from gracing the Short Pump mall. Needless to say the wait was long to get in even at a non prime time hour. So OK, not exactly starting off great, but maybe it is worth the wait. Upon sitting it did take 10 minutes to get our drink orders taken, and another 5 minutes to physically get them. Strike two already and haven't even begun to look at the menu. Finally getting to look over the menu, I decided to go with the staple from this well known chain; The  Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Pizza. With each and every bite I took, I couldn't believe I was actually paying a super high price for a mini pizza that wasn't better than the frozen counterpart. That's right you are better off going to the freezer section of the grocery store and save your time, money and hassle then going to this overrated chain. On the devouring scale this would get a 2 and that is being generous. So steer clear and head somewhere else, because the wait really isn't worth it.

The Cheesecake Factory (Short Pump, Va) The Return

So many of you may have read the first entry on The Cheesecake Factory, and wondered how come no cheesecake write up? So I just had to go back again so you can get my take on a classic cheesecake. Before diving into the cheese cake you have to start off with a good meal. After searching the multiple page menu, I came upon the Crispy Spicy Beef (pictured at top). The menu describes it as Crispy Fried Slices of Steak Sauteed with Green Beans, Shiitake Mushrooms, Onions, Carrots and Sesame Seeds in a Sweet-Spicy Sauce. Served with White Rice. With a description like that who couldn't try this dish? First bite was sweet and spicy with a little crunch, the sauce mixed well with the rice and vegetables. Second bite just as good and thus followed the rest of the meal. Just like before I hit a food wall at the end of the main course, and was wondering if I could give you readers what you wanted the infamous cheesecake. I gathered  up enough strength to order the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake (pictured bottom).  One bite in and I was in creamy, thick, sugar bliss. The textures worked well all the way to the crunchy chocolate graham cracker crust. Who would expect any different from a place named after this wonderful dessert. As an overall just like the last meeting we had the service was good, and the meal was excellent. Moving The Cheesecake Factory to a 10 on the devouring scale. So if you should come upon one of these in your travels, stop in and sit a while....and don't forget the cheesecake!

Texas Roadhouse (Lynchburg, Va)

 Yummy, how couldn't you say this about the Texas Roadhouse. This place is so good, I have to drive 45 minutes out of the way just to eat here. Located off of Wards rd. in Lynchburg, it can be easily found behind the Wal-Mart. For starters you get these great yeast rolls and cinnamon butter (pictured to the left) and the best part is they are unlimited. The table has peanuts, but don't be fooled they don't want the shells on the floor because they give you another bucket to toss them in.

Now on to the main course, pictured to the right is the 12oz sirloin topped with onions and mushrooms, green beans, and a loaded sweet potato (cinnamon, sugar, butter and caramelized marshmallows). This meal is total heaven to me and no other steakhouse yet has made me feel the same. If I could I would eat here on a weekly basis, but my wonderful town lacks this great restaurant. So come on Roanoke! Get some great restaurants like this and Chili's in the valley! The devouring scale would rate this as a 10 because of fantastic food, and great service the many time and different locations I have visited this chain. So sit back, relax and enjoy a little or a lot of Texas.

Harbor Inn (Roanoke, VA)

Located in the vast wilderness of Williamson rd., Harbor Inn is a great local seafood restaurant. Who doesn't love some good seafood, and this place sure has some great options. I love fried seafood and this place keeps the grease to the minimum. Service here is usually good, and they can keep your glass full unless they are very busy. The food pictured above is a combination platter with shrimp, scallops, and oysters (all fried), and hush puppies with french fries. Everything was superb and the cole slaw on the side is priceless. The prices here are very reasonable and as you can see the portions are good as well. So looking back I will give this place a 8 on the devouring scale due to pure taste. Beware though and check the hours because you will get hit by the rush if not careful, and the wait is horrible. However, the wait is worth it if you decide to stay. So come hungry, but you will leave stuffed and calling for mommy.

Hibachi Grill and Supreme Buffet (Roanoke, Va)

The simple pleasures of eating Chinese food can be such a relief, so when this place opened I had high expectations. Boasting enormous amounts of food and choices on their fliers, this seemed to be the end all of Chinese buffets. I arrived with my tummy empty and ready to gorge. The first plate pictured above had a little of everything (spring rolls, egg rolls, generals chicken, honey chicken, and lo mien). Needless to say this was very disappointing to my taste buds. Having such high hopes they were degraded to that of a mediocre take out place. Having thought it might have been my choices, I went back for the Hibachi option. Then I came back to then table, after 25 min of standing in line, took a bite and nothing. Simply bland and all the options on the grill side where empty. My gosh if you are boasting all these great things why not keep them filled for all our enjoyment. Looking back at the whole overall experience it was horrible, had to ask multiple times for refills on my drink and still didn't get it. Also, the food was very bland and needed to be filled in a more timely basis. Luckily they had a coupon for the dinner buffet....still not enough off to make a difference. Here is the break down... pricey, bad service, and bland food. On the devouring scale they would get a big 2, I have given you fair warning so eat at your own risk.

Sal's Italian Restaurant (Roanoke, VA)

 

So how to be nice at a place that I feel is very overrated? Don't! If you open a restaurant in a strip mall, Italian, and try to make it fancy...those things don't all add up. Sal's had me wondering, but then left me with a questionable look on my face once the bill came. Pictured above is the Steak and Cheese calzone with marinara. I know what you are thinking, how can you mess that up? Well the blandness of the entire thing can. I have had better calzones at Frank's pizza and  Mac and Bob's, they OWN in comparison. The price on this thing was a little steep also, even though the picture makes it look big it is not portioned to price. The only saving grace was the canoli (not pictured), it was just what a good canoli should be. Well then where does this leave Sal's on the devouring scale? That would be a big 4! If you wanna be so fancy then step up you food game. Till never again, unless forced by some meeting or friend gathering I bid you goodbye!

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C L Asia (Daleville, VA)

As you may know I LOVE CHINESE Food!!! So when this new restaurant opened up in the Kroger Complex I just had to taste it. Needless to say I am bias when it comes to Chinese food and I rate my tastes in comparison to the local favorite Red Palace. So lets break the chopsticks for use and get started. The picture above is that of General Tso's Chicken with broccoli and fried rice. The sauce is superb with just the right heat and sweetness, the chicken was lightly fried and not crispy. I like the way that the chicken was prepared. The broccoli and fried rice are exactly what you would expect taste wise from a good Chinese restaurant. Now the break down, does it compare with the Red Palace....Yes! Everything about this place is similar if not better then the Red Palace. A little slice of greatness within the Daleville community. On the devouring scale this would top the charts at a 9. Yes a 9, due to great hospitality and great food. No need to bring your personal chopsticks, come on down and try the great cuisine going on here.

Viva La Cupcake (Roanoke, Va)

So there is a new place in town that wants to take a piece of the cupcake action. Needless to say the competition has been well established, so taking a bite out of them will be tough. Even thought I love the taste of the Bubblecake, I had to remain objective while tasting. Pictured above are Cookies and Creme (Left) and Dreamsicle (Right). Both were moist but sadly tasted like boxed cake, but the icing was where it was at. The dreamsicle icing tasted just like the ice cream, but the cookies and creme icing tasted similar to Duncan Hines. If you are looking for a cupcake fix, this place will do. However for the real deal it is worth the drive out of the way to Bubblecake. On the devouring scale this would rate a 5, just OK with a big sad face.

Peking Restaurant (Williamsburg, VA)

  Authentic Chinese cuisine can be a dime a dozen in

most places, but finding that gem in the rough can be a daunting task. Many place have usually one thing that they are good for, when I go to a new Chinese restaurant I try to find that staple dish and compare it to some of the other great experiences and food I've eaten. So when searching the vast amounts of travel brochures, I came upon the Peking Restaurant which was ranked best in Williamsburg 19 years running. So with that reputation I just had to try this place out. Located near the K-mart off Bypass Rd., it can be tricky to get to so check your maps.  Needless to say I was not disappointed, there was a wide selection and variety. Everything from Mongolian BBQ (pictured first), all the way to General Tso's. You just couldn't go wrong here. I mean when you find McDonald's chicken nuggets on a all-you-can-eat buffet, then what else could be better. The food all tasted great and similar to my favorite Chinese restaurant in Roanoke, and that is saying a lot in my book. The service was very nice and attentive, and the decor was tasteful. On the devouring scale this would rank an 8, but I'm sure if I would have come during dinner it would have been a 9. There is no wonder this place was busy and has been the best for 19 years running. So let me read your fortune cookie to you....you will come and visit, and enjoy a great meal.

Chanello's Pizza (Williamsburg, VA)

Pizza, get your pizza here! Delicious pizza is another hard to find  food around the country. Many restaurant's have claimed to have the best pizza only to have the disappointing reality of not being that good.So going on a limb here my wife and I tried Chanello's in Williamsburg, VA. Located off of Richmond rd. near Chipolte, it is easily found. A small place that smelled of great pizza, and once seeing the menu I knew exactly what to order. Behold the Big Boy, a 20" hand tossed masterpiece forged from the pizza gods. Topped with pepperoni to keep it simple and analyze the taste, this pizza was huge. The taste was that of one great pizza, and what a pizza. The crust was slightly sweet and perfect, sauce was right on target and not spicy,and pepperoni was that of good quality. All this packed into the Big Boy box which has a team lift caution on the side, what more can you ask for? The service was very friendly and wait time for this monster was only 12 min. The price was fitting and slices were the size of shih tzus. After writing this it makes me want another, but sadly there are none in Roanoke. So if you are in the mood for a good pie in ye olde Williamsburg, drop in and behold the wonderment of the Big Boy.

Plaza Azteca (Williamsburg, VA)

Sometimes it is hard to come by a truly great Mexican restaurant, but this place is nicely done. While in Willimsburg Virginia, my wife and I stumbled upon this place when looking for an early dinner. Located on High St. off of Richmond Rd., you can smell the food from the road. Like the many other Mexican restaurants I have eaten at there are complimentary chips, salsa, and white sauce. All have a wonderful taste and not too spicy. The main dish pictured below is Pollo Azteca, a dish with chicken  covered in cheese dip, spinach, onions, and mushrooms. Paired with rice and refried beans this dish is to die for. Taste wise everything was perfect, and the real rave of this dish is the beans. They had a taste that is indescribable, so much you should just go and eat them to taste all the deliciousness. The food was beautifully plated and the service was immaculate. The inside of the restaurant was tastefully decorated and felt like a true Mexican hacienda. Ranking a 9 on the devouring scale, this is a no pass up place if you are in Williamsburg. So strap on your revolutionary garb and grub in this wonderful Williamsburg establishment.

Chili's (Williamsburg, VA)

Yummy... Chili's, of the major food chains this is always a staple of good food no matter where you go (except Staunton, VA). Usually when out of town I try to visit this place because it has no signs of life in the Roanoke Valley. A great starter is the bottomless chips and salsa with a big cup of ranch, this can be a meal in itself. A great entree would be the one pictured above. The honey chipolte chicken crispers, fries, and ear of buttery corn make the taste buds scream with joy. You cannot go wrong with that combination of appetizer and meal, never! The service was decent even due to the fact we came in just before closing time. Chili's always ranks high in my book and on the devouring scale as well. Coming in at a 8 on the devouring scale it is definitely a place to check out if you have never been. As for me, you might see me there when you do come because this is one place I love to grub on...except in Staunton.