Author Archives: steve

Delbe’s Corner

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***** (5 stars)

Wow, I’d eat here even if the food wasn’t good. This was a fantastic service experience, the kind that is rare these days. It’s not that anything exceptional occurred. That’s what was so fantastic. It’s just that I can anticipate the same exact level of service on my next visit, because it’s clear that the culture here is to hire nice people who are engaged in what they do, and serving their customers.

I was greeted when I walked in, chatted with as I ordered, met with a friendly smile when my food was delivered, and thanked for my business when I left. And none of it was because the young man behind the counter had been told he had to do that. It’s because he wanted to make sure he had happy customers. This sounds basic, but it happens so rarely, in such an honest fashion, that it really stands out.

Oh, and yes, the sunrise breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel was delicious. Pretty good coffee, too.

Delbe’s Corner
1100 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 424-1006
http://www.yelp.com/biz/delbes-corner-evanston

Fuddruckers

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**** (4 stars)

This Fudrucker’s is much cozier than the one next to the abandoned shopping mall on I-Drive. The burgers and condiment bar are essentially the same.

For the record, my perfect burger is: A bun with some substance, grilled or toasted so it doesn’t get soggy; a char-grilled patty with a slight crust, and not red in the center; melted cheddar cheese; bacon; a flavorful slice of tomato and onion; a leaf of lettuce; pickles or relish; mayo, mustard and ketchup.

I can accomplish all of that here.

Fries are just OK. Shakes are really good, and generous (as they should be, since prices for everything are pretty high).

Fuddruckers
12535 Apopka-Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32808
(407) 778-1934
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fuddruckers-orlando-2

Fuddruckers

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artegon fudruckersentrance**** (4 stars)

For the record, my perfect burger is: A bun with some substance, grilled or toasted so it doesn’t get soggy; a char-grilled patty with a slight crust, and not red in the center; melted cheddar cheese; bacon; a flavorful slice of tomato and onion; a leaf of lettuce; pickles or relish; mayo, mustard and ketchup.

By selecting the right condiments from the bar, you can accomplish nearly all of this here.

Fries are just OK, but the onion rings are pretty good. They also have some surprisingly good salads, and the salmon burger is good, too. The elk burger was nothing special. Note that burgers are expensive here, and you will be eating next to an abandoned shopping mall.

Fuddruckers
5250 International Dr., Ste E1
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-6464
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fuddruckers-orlando

Junior Colombian Burger

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** (2 stars)

A fairly pedestrian burger, but good fries.

For the record, my perfect burger is: A bun with some substance, grilled or toasted so it doesn’t get soggy; a char-grilled patty with a slight crust, and not red in the center; melted cheddar cheese; bacon; a flavorful slice of tomato and onion; a leaf of lettuce; pickles or relish; mayo, mustard and ketchup. The burger here had essentially none of these attributes.

It’s easy to see why there is often a long line, because service is painfully slow even when there is no one in front of you.

The fries have a nice crust, and are served hot and perfectly salted.

Junior Colombian Burger
5389 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 745-9216
http://www.yelp.com/biz/junior-colombian-burger-orlando-3

Smoque BBQ

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**** (4 stars)

I love the quick efficiency of this place, which handles a huge crowd without long waits. The BBQ is good, but not life changing. I agree the brisket is tender, but I’ve have much more flavorful brisket in the South. The sauces are good, though, so pile it on and you’ll enjoy some excellent BBQ.

Smoque BBQ
3800 N Pulaski Rd
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 545-7427
http://www.yelp.com/biz/smoque-bbq-chicago

Au Bon Pain

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*** (3 stars)

This is one of the better places to grab something to take on a plane with you. The sandwiches are made to order (if you’re willing to wait in a fairly sluggish line) and the ingredients are fresh, especially the breads. If you’re in a hurry, the prepackaged sandwiches in the front case are actually quite decent. It certainly beats a bag of peanuts.

Au Bon Pain
9202 Jeff Fuqua Blvd
Orlando, FL 32827
(407) 825-7851
http://www.yelp.com/biz/au-bon-pain-orlando-2

Sola

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***** (5 stars)

This is a great place for Asian fusion, and also a wonderful Sunday brunch spot. The food is quite different between those two menus, and fittingly the atmosphere inside and outside is very different, too. The trendy energy inside would be perfect for lunch or dinner, while the sidewalk on this quiet, tree-lined side street is perfect for brunch.

We shared several dishes: ham and cheese french toast, smoked fish scrambled eggs, and an Asian chicken salad. The salad was light and refreshing, with exotic greens and just a touch of very flavorful dressing. The smoked fish scrambled eggs was good, the highlight being a dollop of very flavorful cream cheese, and some nicely cooked hash browns, but I probably wouldn’t order that dish again. The best was the ham and cheese french toast, which reminded my of a Montecristo sandwich. It was slathered with fresh strawberry preserves that contained a hint of five spice. There wasn’t a bite of that dish left on our plates!

Service was friendly, with food delivered by an efficient team, and prices are quite reasonable. We’ll definitely return for brunch, lunch and dinner.

Sola
3868 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 327-3868
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sola-chicago

The Dessert Lady

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***** (5 stars)

Finally, a good location! After years in low traffic, obscure spots, it’s nice the see The Dessert Lady back in Southwest Orange County, and this time in a spot that’s visible and fairly high traffic.

This is a much lighter and more welcoming location than the previous ones, although this one is mainly take-out. That’s fine, because I always felt like I needed a few people to help me finish one of her desserts. And of course there’s no such thing as just one; any visit requires a sampling!

I’ve actually never had anything here I didn’t like. As long as you’re not looking for something “light” you’ll be happy you tried it.

The Dessert Lady
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 999-5696
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-dessert-lady-orlando-5

One If By Land Two If By Sea

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***** (5 stars)

This place is billed as New York’s most romantic restauran. We really enjoyed the ambiance of the place, which used to be Aaron Burr’s carriage house. The food was delicious, service very professional, and the piano player among the best I’ve heard. It’s divided into a number of intimate rooms, and most of the lighting is provided by table-top tapers, so it is, indeed very romantic. My barramundi had a wonderfully crispy crust, and the espresso souffle was light and airy. A glass of rainwater madeira was the perfect way to complete a perfect meal.

One If By Land Two If By Sea
17 Barrow St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 228-0822
http://www.yelp.com/biz/one-if-by-land-two-if-by-sea-new-york

Ocha

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***** (5 stars)

This cozy little place is on 46th Street’s restaurant row between 8th and 9th. The fish is fresh and menu offerings are extensive. The sashimi sampler was generous, and the salmon tartare had a great sauce. We ate at the top rated Sushi Yasuda two days earlier, and Ocha was much better at a fraction of the price. Service can be a bit inattentive, but if you’re in no hurry it’s a great choice.

Ocha
350 W 46th St
New York, NY 10036
(212) 581-3198
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ocha-new-york