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.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.1

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.