Glad We Ate Here

La Fiesta Grande Mexican Restaurant

2011-06-13T21:39:00.005-05:00

RESTAURANT: La Fiesta Grande Mexican Restaurant
LOCATION: 7415 SW. 45th Street, Amarillo, TX, Telephone: 806-352-1330
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:May 30,2011
PRICE RANGE: Moderate to Costly
FAVORITE FOOD: Fajitas
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Reputation. According to the websitefiestagrande.com this restaurant has won some impressive awards. In Amarillo Mexican restaurants abound. We failed to see why the food here was better than some of the others with more affordable prices.
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVICE: good

China Wok of Ruston, LA

2011-05-20T12:06:00.012-05:00

RESTAURANT: China Wok of Ruston, LA
LOCATION 610 S. Vienna, Ruston, LA 71270
PRICE RANGE: Low
FAVORITE FOOD: Stuffed mushrooms
OTHER GREAT FOODS: Shrimp dishes
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: We like all of it!
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Friendly owner
SPECIALS: Crablegs on weekends
APPEARANCE: Needing a face lift
SERVICE: Courteous, friendly
UNIQUE FEATURES: Sushi, Mongolian BBQ.
COMMENTS: They have sushi and the only Mongolian BBQ in the area. Their food is not too fat nor too salty.You can season the Mongolian BBQ any way you wish, such as low carb, low fat, vegetarian, spicy, hot, sweet.

Red Hana

2011-04-13T09:44:00.004-05:00

RESTAURANT:Red Hana
LOCATION: 5807 SW 45th Ave Ste 340, Amarillo, TX 79109
PRICE RANGE: Moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Mongolian Bar, Flavorful but mild
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVICE: We had trouble communicating because of language barriers. I mention this problem only because we were unable to order what we wanted and had ordered on a previous occasion.
UNIQUE FEATURES:unique food

Golden Corral

2011-01-07T22:30:00.004-06:00

RESTAURANT:Golden Corral #0533
LOCATION:Amarillo, TX
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:11/07/11
PRICE:When the quality of food is poor, any price is too much.
FAVORITE FOOD: Coffee
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Most of it. The steak looked good, but we couldn't saw it into pieces with our knives. Perhaps the reason was that it was charred. The salads were not tasty. The breakfast meats were hard to eat. This was brunch.
APPEARANCE: Not especially clean
COMMENTS:We've eaten in some Golden Corral Buffets that were amazing for their fresh and tasty food. It was sad that this one did not measure up to the standards we have come to expect from this restaurant chain.

Lin's Grand Buffet

2011-01-07T21:02:00.004-06:00

RESTAURANT:Lin's Grand Buffet
LOCATION:8440 I40 West, Amarillo, TX, Phone: 806-350-5668
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-1-11
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Mongolian Barbecue
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: The tempting fried foods we didn't need
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Service
APPEARANCE: Clean, a very nice Chinese buffet
SERVICE: Good

Baker Brothers American Deli

2010-12-23T09:31:00.004-06:00

RESTAURANT:
Baker Brothers American Deli

LOCATION:
3300 S. Soncy Rd. Suite 100
Amarillo, TX 79124
806-352-6135

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:
12/18/2010

PRICE RANGE:
Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Santa Fe Salad. How do they do it? This huge salad has only 335 calories. Here are the other nutritional values listed: 18 fat grams, 8 saturated fat grams, 0 trans fat grams, 773 mg sodium, 17 grams carbs, 7 grams fiber, 8 grams sugars, 28 grams protein.

OTHER GREAT FOODS:
Baked potato soup

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURES:
Pleasant staff, tasty food, prompt service, generous servings

APPEARANCE: Clean.
Since Amarillo is a windy city with cool temperatures at times, it would help if the restaurant had a foyer with extra doors in the front. When the weather is cold, the customers near the front door cringe when new customers open the door.

SERVICE: Excellent

UNIQUE FEATURES: The taste of the heartland. Some of the food could, in my spicemouthed opinion, be a bit more flavorful. For example the Reuben sandwich is made on a farm bread roll instead of rye bread.

COMMENTS:

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Beef 'O' Brady's

2010-12-22T20:42:00.010-06:00

RESTAURANT:
Beef 'O' Brady's

LOCATION:
7306 SW 34th Ave, #7
Amarillo, TX 79121
Phone:(806) 358-0997
Fax: (806) 358-0979

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 12/22/2010

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD:
Grilled chicken tenders prepared with a thin glaze of delicately flavored barbecue sauce.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Pineapple cabbage slaw, which was tasty with surprising chunks of pineapple.
Broccoli, cooked to perfection but not overcooked.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE:
The food. I don't know when I have tasted more delicious food. The chicken, slaw, and broccoli were fresh-tasting and expertly prepared. The food was still hot when it arrived at the table.

SPECIALS:
When you open the website, you will have an opportunity to sign up for specials to be sent to your e-mail account. http://www.beefobradys.com
A DAY AFTER EATING AT Beef 'O' Brady's: I received a coupon for a free appetizer with the purchase of a meal.

APPEARANCE:
Clean. The food is served in baskets, which contain paper liners. I assume that the baskets can be sterilized.

SERVER:
The server was outstanding. She made a mistake on our order, but she cheerfully corrected it. Usually when the order is incorrect, the server blames the cook; but this young lady took full responsibility for her error. How refreshing to find an honest person!

SERVICE:
Good

UNIQUE FEATURES:
Televisions are everywhere, but the sound system played Christmas music.

COMMENTS:
It would be good to have a dinner knife. Since most of the food is fried, most guests do not need one, but it's difficult to eat boneless barbecued chicken with a fork.

On the website the nutrition pages are prepared for each restaurant. I could not open the Amarillo nutrition page. LATER: The nutrition page finally appeared. It allows the customer to list condiments, etc., that go with the meal and to list individual variations. The food described in this blog, which is not fried and therefore probably more nutritious, is not listed among the selections on the nutrition chart.

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Get the world's only cookbook devoted to collard greens and cornbread with stories of a Texas boy's misspent youth, The Collard Patch.

Chili's in South Amarillo

2010-12-22T08:21:00.003-06:00

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RESTAURANT: Chili's

LOCATION: 5016 S. Coulter, Amarillo, TX, 79107
806-353-2992

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:
11/11/10

PRICE RANGE:
Reasonable

FAVORITE FOOD:
Cajun Pasta with Grilled Chicken

OTHER GREAT FOODS:
Complimentary Salsa

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST:
Chili (bottomless) Toward the end of the meal, I discovered that the chili was delicious with some of the salsa mixed with it.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE:
Complimentary Chips and Salsa

SPECIALS: Vary—Check website: www. chilis.com

APPEARANCE: Clean.
There are interesting things to look it.

SERVICE:
Outstanding

COMMENTS:
Not all Chili's restaurants are the same. This one is outstanding.

Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

2010-12-21T19:47:00.004-06:00

RESTAURANT: McDonald's

LOCATION: 655 US Hwy 84, Slaton, TX 79364

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: December 3, 2010

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Grilled chicken classic sandwich. It has 420 calories. That's not too bad, but this one little sandwich that does not taste salty has 1190 mg of sodium -- more than half of what we need in an entire day. These statistics and the nutritional values of the other McDonald's foods are listed at www.McDonalds.com.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Senior coffee, fruit and yogurt parfait

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Consistent service

Get the world's only cookbook devoted to collard greens and cornbread with stories of a Texas boy's misspent youth, The Collard Patch, while they are still available!

Izzio's Illegal Burrito

2010-12-19T19:28:00.003-06:00

RESTAURANT:
Izzio's Illegal Burrito
LOCATION:
4250 Burbank Dr (LSU)
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: 225-214-0870
Fax: 225-214-0872
Visit Izzios.com for a fax order form, an ordering menu, and a catering menu.

Izzios is also located in four other south Louisiana cities: Lake Charles, New Orleans, Covington, and Lafayette. There's a new Izzio's in the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:
November 15, 2010

PRICE RANGE:
Moderate to pricey for fast food. Mushrooms and avocados cost extra, but they are too good to resist.

FAVORITE FOOD:
There is an array of all sorts of healthy and tasty food. I made a salad, actually a burrito in a bowl. Don't fail to get some of those crunchy little strips on top of your food.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE:
Unique food with a fresh taste served in an interesting atmosphere.

APPEARANCE: Clean. Mexican atmosphere.

SERVICE: Since I had never been to Izzio's before, I was unsure about how to order. There seemed to be some problems communicating with the staff.

SPECIALS: At the website there is a club to join to get information about specials.

UNIQUE FEATURES:

There are five foods, but there are countless ways to combine the ingredients to make these unique every time:

Burritos
Burrito in a Bowl®
Quesadillas
Nachos
Tacos

COMMENTS: There's a gift card, but we were not offered a chance to sign for it.

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Hard 8 Pit BBQ, Stephenville

2010-12-19T15:17:00.005-06:00

RESTAURANT: Hard 8 Pit BBQ

LOCATION:
1091 Glen Rose Rd, Stephenville, TX 76401, 254-968-5552

Hard Eight BBQ is on the right at the intersection of HWY 281S and Hwy 67.

Hours:
M-Th 10:30 – 9pm
Fri-Sat 10:30 – 10pm
Sun: 10:30 – 8pm

OTHER LOCATIONS:
2010 S Bridge Street, Brady, TX 76825,325-597-1936

688 Freeport Parkway, Coppell, TX 75019, 972-471-5462

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:
December 2, 1010

PRICE RANGE: Moderate

FAVORITE FOOD:
Chicken cooked on the grill

OTHER GREAT FOODS:
Baked Potato

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST:
Cornbread Salad (There's a better recipe for it in FLAVORED WITH LOVE.)

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE:
Maybe the atmosphere, or is it the consistently yummy barbecue?

SPECIALS: Plenty of free condiments. See website for information about catering.

APPEARANCE:
Western. Fairly clean.

SERVER:
It's self serve.

UNIQUE FEATURES:
Genuine barbecue. Meats ordered straight from the barbecue pit.

COMMENTS:
www.hardeightbbq.com
Website does not list nutritional values, which would be useful for people watching their weight. With all the luscious barbecue sauce, it would be impossible to count calories, etc. It's all too good.

Complete your Southern eating experience!1. Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!2. Get the world's only cookbook devoted to collard greens and cornbread with stories of a Texas boy's misspent youth, The Collard Patch, while they are still available!

102 a bistro

2010-07-20T16:44:00.003-05:00

RESTAURANT: 102a bistro

LOCATION: 102 N. Monroe Street, Ruston, LA 71270
(318)254-1102

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: July 10 2010 (at lunch) PRICE RANGE: Lunch $5-$18, Dinner $6-$32

FAVORITE FOOD: Club Panini (Ham & Turkey with Avocado, Tomato, Red Onion & Bacon)

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Croque Monsieur ( Ham & Gruyere Chreese with Dijon Mustard, Sauce Mornay & Topped with a Fried Farm Egg)

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Marinated Vegetables -- tasty but a little tart

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Ambience

APPEARANCE: Clean. Decorated in a trendy style with modern art hangings. White table cloths.

SERVER: Excellent

SERVICE: Exceptionally good

UNIQUE FEATURES: A classy dining experience.

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Ronin Steak & Sushi House, Ruston, LA

2010-05-05T16:01:00.003-05:00

RESTAURANT:Ronin Steak & Sushi House--Japanese Hibachi--(318) 255-8168
LOCATION:1419 Eagle Dr (Walmart shopping center, Ruston, LA 71270
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:05/05/10
PRICE RANGE:Moderate
FAVORITE FOOD:Calamari and Lobster
OTHER GREAT FOODS:Banana Fried Ice Cream
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST:None
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE:Your chef will prepare your meal on the hibachi grill
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVICE: Excellent
UNIQUE FEATURES:Table-side food preparation by Hibachi Chef
COMMENTS:Great food and service. We'll be back!

RESTAURANT REVIEW: WOW Cafe and Wingery, Ruston, LA

2010-03-30T22:46:00.001-05:00

RESTAURANT: WOW Cafe and Wingery, 318-255-2969

LOCATION: 1429 Eagle Dr, Ruston, LA 71270 (west of Walmart)

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 3/30/10

PRICE RANGE: moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: None

OTHER GREAT FOODS: None; The jerk seasoned wings had a mild Jamaican Jerk flavor but was not as pleasant as it should have been. We were warned, though, that many people didn't like it. The Fajita Quesadilla was passable.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: The boneless wings were not fresh.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Tableside sports TVs.

SPECIALS: Call to check.

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVICE: Very slow with a college casual attitude.

UNIQUE FEATURES: Go for the TV, not the food.

COMMENTS: We may try it again, but it will be a while.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: LD's Kitchen #2, Best Kept Secret in Vicksburg, MS

2009-12-06T22:08:00.004-06:00

If you find this review valuable, I'd love for you to leave a comment below. Thank you.

RESTAURANT: LD's Kitchen #2; (601) 634-6566‎; Family owned and family atmosphere -- Their motto is Good Food, Good Folks, Good Fun!
LOCATION: 2600 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 12-6-09
PRICE RANGE: Low
FAVORITE FOOD: Real banana pudding; Cornbread dressing that was light and delicious
OTHER GREAT FOODS: Baked chicken, turnip greens
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: LD's doesn't have anything but delicious food.
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: LD's Kitchens are some of Vicksburg's best kept secrets! They have 2 locations that use identical recipes and cooking techniques.
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean; Restrooms clean, though needing some repair. They have hot water for hand washing.
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Very good and attentive
UNIQUE FEATURES: Buffet and Menu; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
COMMENTS: Great food! We'll be back! In fact, we are trying to think of a reason to go back to Vicksburg so we can eat at LD's!

Complete your Southern eating experience!

1. Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

2. Get the world's only cookbook devoted to collard greens and cornbread with stories of a Texas boy's misspent youth, The Collard Patch, while they are still available!

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Pho Paris, Ruston, LA

2009-10-25T00:10:00.005-05:00

If you find this review valuable, I'd love for you to leave a comment below. Thank you.

RESTAURANT: Pho Paris, The Noodle Corner; 318-251-4004
LOCATION: 975 Tech Drive, Suite 7, Ruston, LA 71270
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 10-24-09
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Fried Rice with Pork and Shrimp; Rice Vermicelli with Grilled Shrimp Bowl; They have delicious Hoisin Sauce and Chili Garlic Sauce
OTHER GREAT FOODS: Spring Rolls
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: N/A
APPEARANCE: Very clean
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Very Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: Diners have a partial view of the cooks as they prepare the food. Every time we noticed they were wearing rubber gloves - a good sign.
COMMENTS: They have been open about 3 weeks. They do not have online ordering, though they are planning it. They have very good food. We'll be back.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Walmart Deli ST# 0307, West Monroe, LA

2009-10-23T17:54:00.000-05:00

If you find this review valuable, I'd love for you to leave a comment below. Thank you.

RESTAURANT: Walmart Deli, Store #0307; 318-322-0127
LOCATION: Thomas Road, West Monroe, LA
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 10-23-09
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Sourdough Italian Sub; Cake Donut Holes
OTHER GREAT FOODS:
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: N/A
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: Good food, but nothing special.

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REVIEW: Chipotle Burritos & Tacos

2009-09-15T23:39:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Chipotle Burritos & Tacos; 972-423-5115
LOCATION: 1009 N. Central Expwy, Plano, TX 75075
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9-15-09
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Carnitas Bowl
OTHER GREAT FOODS: Barbacoa Bowl, Veggie Salad
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Good food fast
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

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REVIEW: Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores

2009-09-15T23:28:00.002-05:00

RESTAURANT: Braum's #51;254-580-2970 || #104; 972-596-1404
LOCATION: 219 NW I-35, Hillsboro, TX 76645 || 1428 Independence, Plano, TX 75075
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9-14, 15-09
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Chocolate Malt
OTHER GREAT FOODS:
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Gap Farms Travel Center + BBQ, Arcadia, Louisiana

2009-08-18T23:49:00.007-05:00

RESTAURANT: Gap Farms Travel Center & Barbecue; 318-263-2038
LOCATION: 600 Gap Farms Road; Arcadia, LA 71001 (North of I-20 on Hwy 151 (Exit 69), 400 yards, then left)
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 8-18-09
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Large BBQ sandwiches--they smoke their own barbecue on-site -- beef brisket, pork, ribs, sausage -- in their full-service smoker.

Natchitoches Meat Pies -- the best we've tasted anywhere -- even in Natchitoches!
OTHER GREAT FOODS: Boudin, deli items
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Their own on-site smoked barbecue. And they have nearly everything you can think of for the traveler, hunter, fisherman, trucker, and RV traveler.
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Very clean
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Very good
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: They have off-road diesel for farmers and 4-wheelers, deer stands, deer corn, other hunting and fishing supplies, GPS units, CB radios, and radar detectors.

They have 70 full-service pull-through 50 & 60 amp. parking sites. Their restrooms are the cleanest in Louisiana, and all the automatic features--soap, water, towels, etc.--work!

The Deli counter is open 24 hours a day. The Burger King is closed from midnight to 6 a.m.

Very good food. We'll be back!

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Chili's Grill & Bar, Ruston, LA

2009-07-02T20:31:00.003-05:00

RESTAURANT: Chili's Grill & Bar; 318-242-0155
LOCATION: I-20 Service Road North, east of Exit 85
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-2-09
PRICE RANGE: moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Chocolate Molten Cake
OTHER GREAT FOODS: 1/2 order Jalapeno Steak Quesadillas, Chicken Bites on the new "less than $7 menu"
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Very Clean
SERVER: Justin, 009, T035
SERVICE: Excellent
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: Unlike Applebee's and some other restaurants, Chili's gives its wait staff all their tip rather than taking very large percentage of any tip put on credit and gift cards.

Great food and service! We'll be back!

Here's more information.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Cracker Barrel Store #278, W. Monroe, LA

2009-07-02T17:25:00.003-05:00

RESTAURANT: Cracker Barrel Store #278; (318) 325-5505
LOCATION: Exit #114, I-20 & Thomas Road, then to 309 Constitution Drive, W. Monroe, LA 71292
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-2-09
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: They have added delicious skillet breakfasts. We liked the Veggie Skillet an the Smoked Sausage Skillet
OTHER GREAT FOODS: The Old Timer's Breakfast
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: Ruthie M.
SERVICE: Very Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: Great addition to their menu. We'll be back.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: J. E. Moon's Grocery, Hwy 9 NE of Homer, LA

2009-07-01T21:41:00.009-05:00

RESTAURANT: J. E. Moon's Grocery ... and package store; 318-927-3687
LOCATION: 6979 Highway 9 -- NE of Homer, LA, toward Junction City, LA
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-1-09
PRICE RANGE: moderate: $16 for 1.25"; $18.50 for 1.5"; & $22.50 for 2"
FAVORITE FOOD: Rib eye steak & baked potato -- their main fare; all manner of sauces and seasonings
OTHER GREAT FOODS: They serve ribs, too, but the steak is so good we haven't tried the ribs.
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: N/A
APPEARANCE: Clean but "tattered"
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

It's best to call your steak order in (318-927-3687) about 30-40 minutes before your arrival. They serve steak only Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Plan to arrive before 6 p.m. if you want a seat!

NOTE:

On Wednesday they take orders from 5 to 6 and close at 7 p.m.
On Friday and Saturday they take orders from 5 to 7 and close at 9 p.m.

Here are some pictures.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Peking Chinese, Ruston, LA

2009-06-28T21:25:00.001-05:00

RESTAURANT: Peking Chinese Restaurant Buffet
LOCATION: Highway 167 North of the I-20 north service rd., Ruston, LA 71270
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:6-28-09
PRICE RANGE: Low
FAVORITE FOOD: Pudding
OTHER GREAT FOODS: none
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: most of the buffet
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Dirty carpets
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Fair
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: The food was over-cooked from having sat on the steam table too long. The selections were meager and flavored with salt and pepper. There were few healthful dishes in the building--flour and grease dominated.

They have abandoned their birthday program and their discounts for seniors and college students. They are clearly headed downhill.

We'll not be back.

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RESTAURANT: JR's Place, Simsboro, LA

2009-04-04T21:25:00.004-05:00

RESTAURANT: JR's Place; Phone: 318-247-6007

LOCATION: 1 mile south of I-20, Exit 77

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:4-4-09

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Cajun Ribs and the Boro Burger

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Open faced burger and the Fat Boy Burger

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: The new monthly specials

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Kim

SERVICE: Very Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: JR's Place now has great monthly specials that truly stand out in taste and quality. They preview the next month's featured special for the last 2 weeks of each month.

Good food and great specials! We'll be back!

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RESTAURANT: China Wok, Ruston, LA

2009-03-01T17:34:00.002-06:00

RESTAURANT: China Wok All-You-Can-Eat Buffet & Mongolian Barbecue; Daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

LOCATION: 601 S. Vienna St.(@ California Ave.), Ruston, LA 71270; 318-251-8378

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 3-1-09

PRICE RANGE: $6-$15

FAVORITE FOOD: Mongolian Barbecue; Seafood medley

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Sesame Chicken, Egg Foo Yong, Crab Mayonnaise, General Tso Chicken, Crab Rangoon Wontons, Honey Chicken, Seafood Bun

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: The China Wok doesn't have any mediocre food!

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Delicious food, Blue Bell ice cream, clean restaurant, and friendly, attentive service; Other Asians dine there—always a good sign.

SPECIALS: Tailgating specials (call); 10% discount for students, faculty, firemen, police, and seniors >62 with ID.

APPEARANCE: Neat and clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Excellent—warm and friendly

UNIQUE FEATURES: Delicious Mongolian Barbecue—the only one in the area; though they specialize in the Chinese buffet, they also have an extensive menu from which you can order. They have buffet or menu, take-out, & tailgating specials for picnics or sports fans.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: They serve all-you-can-eat Blue Bell ice cream—usual flavors = chocolate, butter pecan, chocolate mint, strawberry, vanilla. Their food is DEElicious. There is no other Chinese food to compare in north Louisiana. . . and we've tried them all! We WILL be back!

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RESTAURANT: Counter Culture, E. Texas St at Swan Lake Rd, Bossier City, LA

2009-02-28T23:46:00.004-06:00

RESTAURANT: Counter Culture Restaurant
LOCATION: E. Texas St. at Swan Lake Rd, Bossier City, LA; Convenient to BPCC.
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 2-28-09
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: All the sandwiches with avocado; the Humphrey Yogart
OTHER GREAT FOODS: The salads
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Delicious food and frozen yogurt with and exceptionally clean facility
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones. CHECK OUT THEIR ONLINE COUPONS!
APPEARANCE: Very clean including the cleanest restrooms we have seen in years.
SERVER: All the servers are very pleasant and helpful.
SERVICE: Excellent
UNIQUE FEATURES: The Humphrey Yogart frozen yogurt with fresh fruit, granola sprinkles, and delicious local honey. They have FREE Wi-Fi, too.
COMMENTS: Each of the Counter Culture shops is under different ownership. This review applies only to this location. Great food and exceptionally clean facilities. We'll be back again and again! Don't miss this one!

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RESTAURANT: The Canopy Club Cafe, I.H. Bass Airport, Lumberton, MS

2009-02-08T23:59:00.001-06:00

RESTAURANT: The Canopy Club Cafe
LOCATION: I.H. Bass Memorial Airport, 3865 Highway 13 North, Lumberton, MS 39455
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 2-8-09
PRICE RANGE: Low
FAVORITE FOOD: HALO Breakfast Burrito - served all day long; Jambalaya
OTHER GREAT FOODS: Cheeseburgers, Gumbo, and Red beans and rice
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Great food, large servings
SPECIALS: Vary—come by to check out the current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: Michael and Pauline Worthington
SERVICE: Excellent
SPECIAL FEATURES: Open weekend days from 8 a.m. to dark. The local people and skydivers love this place!

They have orders to go, so you can pick up lunch or supper for the family. Their website www.CanopyClubCafe.com will be open soon. Keep up with the specials and other announcements there.

COMMENTS: Great food and fun! We'll be back.

Complete your Southern eating experience!

Buffet City, Chinese Buffet, Laurel, MS

2009-02-07T23:18:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Buffet City, Chinese Buffet; 601-649-3366
LOCATION: 1930 Hwy 15 North, Laurel, MS 39440
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 2-7-09
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Sushi, mussels, coconut shrimp, beef and broccoli
OTHER GREAT FOODS: crab mayonaise, Hunan beef
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Wide range of buffet items and a variety of sushi and sashimi items
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: No MSG and they use only vegetable oil
COMMENTS: They have a good menu, if you prefer. Good food, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Ryan's #2328, Ruston, LA | VERY POOR EXPERIENCE

2009-01-13T12:26:00.003-06:00

RESTAURANT: Ryan's #2328, Phone: 318-255-3020
LOCATION: North Service Rd, East, Ruston, LA
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-4-09
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: The prime rib, salads, and desserts
OTHER GREAT FOODS:
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Very poor, inattentive, and unresponsive. It appeared we were a nuisance to the service personnel.
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A
COMMENTS: There were several buffet items that were consistently not refilled. We were told that the coffee was brewing, but when we elected to leave, it had been "brewing" over 15 minutes. This was a very poor experience and clearly represents bad management on the part of Chandra Smith. Perhaps we'll be back but it will only be when someone with whom we wish to visit wants to dine here.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

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We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Applebee's, Ruston, LA

2009-01-11T14:03:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Applebee's, Phone: (318) 255-5254

LOCATION: North Service Rd, East, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-11-09

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Quesadillas, Weight Watchers 7-point Steak & Portabella Mushrooms

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Queso Dip and Chips

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Sarah P.

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Applebee's now has a box on each table for diners to hear the sound on any of a number of TV monitors. You can listen or not listen. How great is that?

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

REVIEW: Jorge's Mexican Bar & Grill; Amarillo, TX

2008-12-28T14:30:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Jorge's Mexican Bar & Grill; 806-354-2141

LOCATION: 5807 W. 45th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79109

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 12-28-08

PRICE RANGE: moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Fajita Salad

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Chile Relleno, Tortilla Soup

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Chicken Chimichanga -- the filling lacked effective seasoning.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Al T's Seafood & Steakhouse; Winnie, TX

2008-12-21T23:49:00.001-06:00

RESTAURANT: Al T's Seafood & Steakhouse--Fine Cajun Cuisine; Phone: 409-296-9878

LOCATION: 244 Hyw 124 Spur 5 (Just south of I-10), Winnie, TX 77665

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 12-21-08

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish Efouffee; Fried Crawfish Salad -- As Louisianans we know good Cajun food and this is excellent! The servings were large!

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Probably everything on the menu, but the 2 things above were the only ones we could try.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Carla B. was excellent and anticipated our every need.

SERVICE: Excellent!

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Great food, we'll be back!

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Hinze's BBQ; Sealy, TX

2008-12-21T23:24:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Henze's BBQ; Phone: 979-885-7808

LOCATION: 2101 Hwy 36 South, Sealy, TX 77474

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 12-21-08

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: We stopped in the mid-afternoon for pie. The Coconut Pie was good.

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: The Chocolate Pie was thin without much chocolate flavor.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: We'll try the BBQ on our next visit.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: JR's Place, Simsboro, LA

2008-12-19T21:09:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: JR's Place; Phone 318-247-6007

LOCATION: 1 mile south of I-20 Exit 77

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:12-19-08

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Barbecued brisket

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Pecan and Cherry Cobbler

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: The Big Texan, Amarillo, TX

2008-10-21T11:24:00.001-05:00

RESTAURANT: The Big Texan

LOCATION: I-40 east of Amarillo, TX

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 10-20-08

PRICE RANGE: moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Steak, Hamburger, Brownie Sundae

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Buffalo quesadillas

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: "Home of the FREE 72 oz. steak" . . . if you can eat the whole thing + sides in 60 minutes. Otherwise, it's $72. Only a very few succeed.

SPECIALS: Vary

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Lindsay

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: They also sell their fudge and curios

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Cracker Barrel Store #149, Denton, TX

2008-10-02T14:42:00.001-05:00

Cracker Barrel Store #149

RESTAURANT: Cracker Barrel Store #149

LOCATION: Denton, Texas (888-678-5845)

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 10-1-08

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Breakfast

We like the scrambled eggs and the over-easy eggs with colby cheese. (You must ask for the cheese.) Also the bacon and the turkey sausage are spectacular. The biscuits are irresistible, and so is the gravy. We load our grits with black pepper. (We're spicemouths, but I believe that one of us has move to a new level: firemouth. When he eats breakfast at Cracker Barrel any time of the day, he doses it with enormous amounts of hot sauce. I must agree that hot sauce is good on scrambled eggs.)

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: If it's breakfast at Cracker Barrel there is nothing we don't like.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: I cannot decide whether it is the free-flowing coffee or the apple butter available on request.

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean. The restroom showed evidence of heavy traffic.

SERVER: Trey B.

SERVICE: Outstanding

UNIQUE FEATURES: Checker Boards.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: I wish I knew how they make some of their dishes, but we have not asked them yet.

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll keep checking the Cracker Barrels throughout the nation. So far I have not found a substandard one.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

CLOSED RESTAURANT: Yummy Yummy, Monroe, LA

2008-09-18T21:01:00.001-05:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: Yummy Yummy
LOCATION: 3610 Desiard, Monroe, LA 71203
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9-18-08
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Thai curry
OTHER GREAT FOODS:
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Cheesecake Factory, Dallas, TX

2008-04-10T17:52:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Cheesecake Factory,
LOCATION: Lincoln Park, Northwest Hwy @ Central Expy; Dallas, TX
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 4-10-08
PRICE RANGE: moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Morning Quesadilla
OTHER GREAT FOODS: Chopped Salad
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: Bart Quinn
SERVICE: Very Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

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Cypress Inn Restaurant, Monroe, LA

2008-01-24T21:15:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Cypress Inn Restaurant

LOCATION: 7805 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA 71203

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: -1/24/08

PRICE RANGE: Moderate (Crawfish are not cheap!)

FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish & the corn on the cob and potatoes cooked with them

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary--call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Dorcheat Seafood & Grill, Minden, LA

2008-01-06T15:47:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Dorcheat Seafood & Grill; 318-371-9674 (Open 7 days a week; call for hours)

LOCATION: 172 Dorcheat Street, Minden, LA 71055

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-5-08

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish Fettuccini; Hushpuppies; Signature bean soup

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Fried catfish filets--all you can eat; Fried oysters

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: A large facility able to accomodate many diners

SPECIALS: Vary; call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Misty who was very pleasant, efficient, and accomodating. When the draft was uncomfortable for one of our party, Misty cheerfully found another excellent location.

SERVICE: Very Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: When we told Misty one member of our party was having a birthday celebration, she arranged a complimentary slice of delicious cheese cake and a round of Happy Birthday. Thank you, Misty!

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Dorcheat is under new ownership and management. They are doing a very good job and have overcome many of the deficiencies of the restaurant when it was the Bayou Inn, yet they have kept the delicious recipes.

Good food and good service--we'll be back! The seafood was so good we will have to return to try the grilled items.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

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We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

2008-01-03T19:26:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: San Miguel Mexican Restaurant

LOCATION: 2803 South Service Road West, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 01/03/2008

PRICE RANGE: Moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Flan.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Chili Relleno Stuffed with Beef and Topped with queso. Salsa

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Chimichanga. The shredded chicken in the chimichanga was dry.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Flan. The flan was the biggest we had ever seen. The caramel and the whipped cream were good.

SPECIALS: Vary. Call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVICE: Good

COMMENTS: N/A Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

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We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

Zookini's

2008-01-01T22:44:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Zookini's

LOCATION: 3131 Soncy, Amarillo,TX 79124 Other locations are in Texas towns: Lubbock, Abilene, and San Angelo.

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 12/23/2007

PRICE RANGE: Moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Gumbo. The gumbo is not exactly Creole, but it is tasty.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: The salad bar. The array of ingredients on the salad bar would challenge the most ambitious eater. The baked potato bar. The chili is good on the potatoes.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Potato soup

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Abundance of choices

SPECIALS: Check Zookinis.com

APPEARANCE: The hallway floor between the dining area and the restrooms was slick enough to make someone slide down. A lady entering the restroom as I was leaving said, “Yuck!” There seemed to be a grease spill that needed cleaning. The salad bar looked clean, and there was no spillage of soup at that bar. A little floor dirt would have been okay if I had not been wearing my high heels with slippery soles.

SERVER: Michelle

SERVICE: Very efficient and pleasant

UNIQUE FEATURES: Cute theme

COMMENTS: Most of the food was very tasty, and there was plenty of it. We were unable to make room for the desserts, which were stationed at the end of the salad bar. We'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

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Cicero's, Ruston, LA - CLOSED

2007-11-30T11:11:00.001-06:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: Cicero's

LOCATION: 214 North Tenton, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 11/29/2007

PRICE RANGE: Moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: The Potato Soup. The Chocolate Mints at the End of the Meal

OTHER GREAT FOODS: The Iced Tea

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Pasta Primavera

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Very Attentive Server

APPEARANCE: Well Decorated, Clean

SERVER: Jennie

SERVICE: Although the waitress was outstanding, we observed people waiting for extended periods of time for the hostess to come to the front when they entered the restaurant. She was stationed in the back and seemed not to have a method of viewing them from there. The people at the table next to us waited an inordinately long time for their pizza, which looked delicious when it finally arrived.

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMMENTS: Since our friends have complimented Cicero's, we'll be back. Perhaps we need to give it another try.

We began our meal with toasted bread and a dip of oil. The oil was not the tastiest olive oil we have ever had, the vinegar in the dip was biting, and the herbs were not very flavorful. The bread, however, was delicious.

Then we had fried calamari, which was slightly overcooked.

The salad dressing had an unpleasant flavor with a strong vinegar taste. We like flavorful vinegar coupled with garlic or other seasoning, but this salad had a bit too much bite. The black olives were tasty.

The potato soup was good. It had prosciutto flakes in it.

One of us had Fettuccine Alfredo, which was a disappointment. The noodles were a little thick, and the sauce not creamy enough. Also there was not enough sauce for the noodles.

The Pasta Primavera was loaded with overly cooked marinara sauce. The vegetables were, as one person in our party commented, "overly sweated" because they were cooked to a soft stage. We were expecting more vegetables and less sauce. The noodles were good.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

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We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

Restaurant Review: Luby's, Waco, TX

2007-11-27T11:35:00.002-06:00

RESTAURANT: Luby's, Bellmead (130)

LOCATION: 951 North Loop 340, Waco, TX 254-799-2851

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 11-25-07

PRICE RANGE: Moderate. The Lu Ann special is still $6.59. The regular meal is about$8 or $9. Tea costs $1.79.

FAVORITE FOOD: Fried Okra

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Macaroni and cheese, Baked Fish Blackened Tilapia, Salads, Pies

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: We have never found a dish at Luby's we did not like.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Great food.

SPECIALS: Vary: call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean and neat. Nothing fancy, but comfortable

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Accommodating

UNIQUE FEATURES: Reliability

COMMENTS: N/A Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

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COFFEE SHOP REVIEW: Crescent City, Home of Stuffed Beignets, Ruston, LA

2007-10-04T19:52:00.002-05:00

RESTAURANT: Crescent City Coffee

LOCATION: 1007 N. Trenton Street, Ruston, LA 71270

PHONE: 318-232-JAVA

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE COFFEE SHOP: 10/04/2007

PRICE RANGE: Reasonable

FAVORITE FOOD: The Stuffed Beignet! I always get the one with sausage. They have one with ham. Maybe eventually I'll graduate to that one.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Smoothies, Muffins

WHAT WE DON'T LIKE: The policy is not to serve stuffed beignets after 11:00 am. I could eat them all day long. They stuff these little chubby squares of delight ahead of time, but they deep fry them just before they serve them. There simply is not enough time to cook them after 11:00. If I could eat them all day long, I would be so fat I would not be able to waddle out of the place.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Free refills on basic coffee. I love the dark roast.

SPECIALS: Frequent Buyer Card. The tenth cup is free.

APPEARANCE: Immaculate. The coffee house ambiance is relaxing and yet stimulating, exactly like a fine cup of great coffee.

SERVER: Cricket

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Free WiFi!

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: I wonder whether I could talk them into telling me how they make their beignets. I'll work on this. If they tell me, I'll let you know.

COMMENTS: We love it here.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

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Diamond Jacks

2007-09-29T19:27:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Diamond Jacks Casino

LOCATION: Vicksburg on the Mississippi River

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9/28/07

PRICE RANGE: Over Priced! (Once upon a time the food at casinos was a bargain. No longer is it. A buffet for two is $45.34. Add a tip to that, and you will have paid enough to have a nice dinner instead of mediocre food.)

FAVORITE FOOD: Seafood chowder. The only really outstanding dish was the chowder.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: I regret that there were no other great foods. We kept sampling food in an attempt to find something outstanding. As a result we overate. The fried oysters were good but not as tasty as most of the ones we've eaten.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Gumbo (bland and unimaginative). The pies. The chocolate ice cream.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: The impressive display of food

SPECIALS: That weekend the feature was seafood.

APPEARANCE: The restaurant was clean and well organized, but the dishes were dirty. I picked up two plates before I found a clean one. There were no spoons in the containers by the soup and desserts.

SERVICE: Good. The employees have solemn expressions in this casino and in most other casinos.

COMMENTS: Too much sodium! The seafood was overly salty. That way people could not eat much of it. I managed to eat enough to make me feel terrible the next day because of the fluid retention.

On the way out, we saw several people going into the casino section. One poor lady was so drunk that her escort was steadying her. I don't know when I will have a desire to return.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

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We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Hot Rod BBQ, Ruston, LA

2007-07-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Hot Rod BBQ; 318-254-8010 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 1911 Farmerville Hwy, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9-27-06, 6-6-07

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Ribs; Stuffed Baked Potato, sliced beef

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Smoked Sausage

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: (Everything at Hot Rod's Barbecue is GREAT!)

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: excellent

UNIQUE FEATURES: NASCAR theme

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Great food! It is a regular stop for us. Danielle regularly caters to businesses and groups, and has a drive-up window.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

Current Evaluation Howard Johnson's: Maxwell's Restaurant, Ruston, LA

2007-07-20T11:21:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Maxwell's Restaurant,

LOCATION: Howard Johnson's Motel, North Service Rd, East, Ruston, LA

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-19-07

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Hamburger and French Fries

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Sadly, nothing

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: The unsweet tea tasted stale and the turkey sandwich on croissant was very mediocre.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS:

APPEARANCE: Our table was not thoroughly cleaned; the paper placemats had been previously used and had grease spots on them; the sugar packets had coffee stains on them; some of the silverware was not properly cleaned; and the sweetner container had chunks of black material in the bottom as though it had been months since it had been cleaned.

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Adequate

UNIQUE FEATURES: Half the items on the menu were unavailable. They had only the most basic things.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: When Mr. Johnny Maxwell owned this motel and restaurant, it had excellent food and service. When he sold it last year, we noticed the quality and taste of the food had deteriorated. We went back yesterday to see if things had improved--they have gotten worse. We will not be going back to Maxwell's unless the ownership changes.

Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

Chinatown Kitchen in Fond du Lac, WI

2007-05-25T20:25:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Chinatown Kitchen

LOCATION: 18 N. Main Street, Fond du Lac, WI

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 01-06-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Egg Roll

OTHER GREAT FOODS: General Tso's Chicken

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: The Pleasant Service

SPECIALS: Vary -- call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVICE: Outstanding

COMMENTS: Good food.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: King's Truck Stop, Port Barre, LA

2006-09-23T16:14:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: King's Truck Stop; 337-585-7697; all menu items served 24 hours a day

LOCATION: 16470 Hwy 190, Port Barre, LA

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9-23-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Seafood Gumbo; Etouffee Omelet

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Even their biscuits are outstanding

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Delicious Cajun food

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Zula

SERVICE: Very Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: They have a slew of omelets inspired by Cajun dishes and a hamburger you won't believe!

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Great food, we'll be back. King's is in the running for Great Southern Restaurants!

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Grapevine Cafe and Gallery, Donaldsonville, LA

2006-09-22T22:35:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Grapevine Cafe and Gallery; 225-473-8463 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 211 Railroad St., Donaldsonville, LA 70346

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9-22-06

PRICE RANGE: moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: White Chocolate Bread Pudding!, Crawfish Cornbread, and the list goes on and on!

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Herb Encrusted Drum; Their House salad dressing which should also be used as a dipping sauce for their delicious bread.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: The Grapevine doesn't have ANY mediocre food!

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: The signature dishes and featured Louisiana artists' artwork on the walls.

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Very Clean

SERVER: Michelle

SERVICE: Excellent

UNIQUE FEATURES: They have an excellent band on weekend evenings.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: White Chocolate Bread Pudding—get it in Flavored with Love, Third Edition — Cynthia hasn't authorized it anywhere else!

COMMENTS: Great food, we'll be back—again and again! If you haven't eaten at the Grapevine, you have not lived life to its fullest! Get over there FAST! The Grapevine Cafe and Gallery in Donaldsonville, LA, is on the way to everywhere!

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Gabbeaux's Bayles Landing Restaurant, West Monroe, LA

2006-09-18T23:28:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Gabbeaux's Bayles Landing Restaurant; 318-322-8278 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 113 S. Riverfront St, West Monroe, LA 71291

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9-18, 26-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Blackened Tuna LaFitte; Blackened Red Snapper; Their "to-die-for-chocolate-dessert," New Orleans Mudslide; Seafood Bisque; and Crawfish Etouffee

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Crawfish Jambalaya; Bread Pudding; Crawfish Poboys; Stuffed Grilled Catfish (on the lunch)

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Gabbeaux's doesn't have any mediocre food!

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Their New Orleans style and inspired food AND service are both outstanding.

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean but ethnic "N' awlins" decor

SERVER: Kym

SERVICE: Excellent. Certainly the other members of the waitstaff are as helpful and gracious, but Kym is SO GOOD, we call ahead just to be sure she will be there when we want to dine at Gabbeaux's! All the staff are such fine people, AND they are drug free and sober. . . AND that DOES make an important difference.

UNIQUE FEATURES: Gabbeaux's is simply an excellent place for casual dining.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Great food and great service; we'll be back again and again! We are told the owners are planning expansion and remodeling which will allow them to serve more customers that GREAT food. We are also told they will NOT be cheapening the recipes. Check out their website www.gabbeauxs.com

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

CLOSED RESTAURANT: Pot Luck, Ruston, LA

2006-09-08T23:35:00.001-05:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: Pot Luck (Open for lunch from 11-2 weekdays)

LOCATION: 202 N. Vienna, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 9-8-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Salad Croissant

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Potato Soup

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: It is also a curio shop with Christmas decorations in the loft.

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

CLOSED RESTAURANT: Los Tarascos Mexican Restaurant, Hodge, LA 71247

2006-08-04T15:44:00.001-05:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: Los Tarascos; 318-395-2343 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 4617 Quitman Hwy, Hodge, LA 71247

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 8-4-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Steak and Shrimp Fajitas

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Chile Relleno

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: The owner was present and very interested and helpful during our visit. It has just re-opened under new ownership and the food is much better than before in this location. We had lunch selections and were pleasantly surprised. Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Howard Johnsons, Ruston, LA

2006-07-17T00:58:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Howard Johnsons; 318-255-5901 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 401 N. Service Rd, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-13-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Key Lime pie

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: The noon buffet was satisfactory, but uninspiring

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: N/A

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

CLOSED RESTAURANT: La Bella Vita Italian Grill, West Monroe, LA

2006-07-16T23:03:00.001-05:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: La Bella Vita Italian Grill; 318-998-6900; call for hours

LOCATION: 407 Constitution Dr. (Restaurant Row on south service rd.), West Monroe, LA 71293-8036

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-14, 15, 16-06

PRICE RANGE: Very reasonable

FAVORITE FOOD: They have added a set of delicious sandwiches for lunch. We tried the Club and the Hot Ham and Cheese. They were DElicious! We look forward to trying their other new sandwiches.

NOTE: The real secret to the sandwiches is to ask them to be put on Gambino's bread with some of their Tiger Sauce on the side. That puts them over the top! You gotta try 'em!

OTHER GREAT FOODS: The daily soup and salad for lunch. Their steaks with herb butter are outstanding! Try their healthful offerings. They are both healthy and very well seasoned.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: La Bella Vita Grill doesn't have any mediocre food!

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Delicious food and excellent service

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Carly, Kathryn, and Stephanie

SERVICE: very good

COMMENTS: Great food and service. We'll be back.

By the way, they have wireless Internet (WiFi). You can spend the afternoon in their sports bar doing business on the Internet, answering email, checking the scores, or stock prices, and drinking cappuccino or whatever you like. Life is sweet.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Howard Johnsons, Ruston, LA

2006-07-13T14:55:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Howard Johnsons; 318-255-5901 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 401 N. Service Rd, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-13-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Key Lime pie

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Their hamburgers

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: The noon buffet was satisfactory, but uninspiring

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: N/A

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

CLOSED RESTAURANT: La Bella Vita Italian Grill, West Monroe, LA

2006-07-10T14:03:00.001-05:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: La Bella Vita Italian Grill; 318-998-6900; call for hours

LOCATION: 407 Constitution Dr. (Restaurant Row on south service rd.), West Monroe, LA 71293-8036

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 7-10-06

PRICE RANGE: Very reasonable

FAVORITE FOOD: They have added a set of delicious sandwiches for lunch. We tried the Club and the Hot Ham and Cheese. They were DElicious! We look forward to trying their other new sandwiches.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: The daily soup and salad for lunch. Their steaks with herb butter are outstanding! Try their healthful offerings. They are both healthy and very well seasoned.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: La Bella Vita Grill doesn't have any mediocre food!

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Delicious food and excellent service

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Fawzieah

SERVICE: very good

COMMENTS: Great food and service. We'll be back. By the way, they have wireless Internet (WiFi). You can spend the afternoon in their sports bar doing business on the Internet, answering email, checking the scores, or stock prices, and drinking cappuccino or whatever you like. Life is sweet.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Denny's #6710; Tremonton, UT

2006-06-29T02:30:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Denny's #6710; Tremonton, UT

LOCATION: Tremonton, UT

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-28-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Eggs and hash browns

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Varycall for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Hickory House; Aspen, CO

2006-06-28T02:27:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Hickory House; Aspen, CO

LOCATION: RESTAURANT: Aspen, CO

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-27-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Breakfast omelets

OTHER GREAT FOODS: thick slices of bacon

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Varycall for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Peaburg's Mountain Grill, Idaho Springs, CO

2006-06-27T02:24:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Peaburg's Mountain Grill, Idaho Springs, CO

LOCATION: the main street, Idaho Springs, CO

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-26-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Excellent hamburgers

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Varycall for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: IHOP #1396; Austin, TX

2006-06-25T02:21:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: IHOP #1396; Austin, TX

LOCATION: I-35 south, west Service Rd; Austin, TX

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-24-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Senior omelet

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Varycall for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Golden Corral #801, Marshall, TX

2006-06-05T20:45:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Golden Corral #801; 903-927-1934 (Call for hours)

LOCATION: Marshall, TX

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-5-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Baked Salmon, Grilled Steak

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Cornbread, New England Clam Chowder, Macaroni Salad, Steamed broccoli

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary, call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Britney

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back. Very clean, well-stocked restrooms.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!**

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RESTAURANT: Ballard Street Cafe; Wylie, TX

2006-06-05T01:43:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Ballard Street Cafe; Wylie, TX

LOCATION: Downtown area of Wylie, TX

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-4-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Omelets

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Varycall for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: On The Border, Plano, TX

2006-06-05T01:39:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: On The Border, Plano, TX

LOCATION: 15th @ Central Expwy

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-4-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Chimichanga, Beef Fajitas

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Queso

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Varycall for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Fry's Electronics Cafe, Plano, TX

2006-06-04T17:20:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Fry's Electronics Cafe, 214-291-6000 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 700 E. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75074

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-4-06

PRICE RANGE: moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Grande Mocha

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Fountain diet soda

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Jigna P.

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Located in the center of the large Fry's Electronics store. You can take a break from some serious geek shopping.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back. The restrooms were very clean and well-stocked.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!**

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RESTAURANT: Corner Bakery, Plano, TX

2006-06-04T01:36:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Corner Bakery, Plano, TX

LOCATION: Preston Rd and Park Blvd., Plano, TX

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-2-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Breakfast sandwiches

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Baked goods

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Varycall for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Best Buffet, Chinese, Plano, TX

2006-06-02T21:15:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Best Buffet, Chinese, 972-424-1885 (Call for hours)

LOCATION: 521 Central Pkwy East, Plano, TX 75074

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:6-2 -06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Seafood Medley, Broiled, stuffed jumbo shrimp

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Broiled shrimp

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean except the restrooms (see below).

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food. The restrooms were some of the worst we have seen. They were filthy with a terrible odor. The ladies commode was cracked open. The management was notified.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!**

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CLOSED RESTAURANT: Luby's Cafeteria, Bossier City, LA

2006-06-02T14:26:00.001-05:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: Luby's Cafeteria, 318-741-3666 (Call for hours)

LOCATION: 2958 East Texas, Bossier City, LA 71111

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 6-2-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Trout Almandine, Cherry Pie

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Ground round steak

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones, All you can eat buffet

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: LaSonya C.

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back. Restrooms clean and well-stocked.

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RESTAURANT: Olive Garden, Monroe, LA

2006-06-02T01:31:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Olive Garden, Monroe, LA

LOCATION: I-20 North Service Road, Monroe, LA

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT:6-1-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: 5 Choices of all-you-can-eat

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Bread Sticks and Salad

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Varycall for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Chili's #1052, Ruston, LA

2006-05-31T22:04:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Chili's #1052, 318-242-1134 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 649 N. Service Rd E., Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-31-06

PRICE RANGE: moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Fajita Quesadillas, Regular Nachos

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Molten Chocolate Cake

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Sabeina

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: The service has improved. Good food, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: Cajun Cafe, Ruston, LA

2006-05-31T12:12:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Cajun Cafe

LOCATION: Highway 33, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-31-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Stuffed potato with crawfish

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Shrimp Remoulade Salad

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: McDonald's #12543, Ruston, LA

2006-05-30T23:21:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: McDonald's #12543; 318-254-1200; call for hours

LOCATION: 400 S. Trenton St, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-30-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Oreo McFlurry

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: N/A

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RESTAURANT: Ponchatoulas, Ruston, LA

2006-05-27T23:38:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Ponchatoulas, 318-254-5200 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 109 E. Park Ave., Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-27-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish (This was their last night of the season for crawfish!

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Po Boys

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Cajun food

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Kimberly

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back. Restrooms are passable.

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RESTAURANT: Crescent City Coffee; Ruston, LA

2006-05-26T23:46:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Crescent City Coffee; Sun-Thu 7 AM - 12MN; Fri/Sat 7 AM - 10 PM

LOCATION: 1007 N. Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270; 318-232-5282

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-26-06

PRICE RANGE: $1-$7

FAVORITE FOOD: Dark roast & medium roast with a shot of sugar-free chocolate syrup.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Chocolate Bisscoti

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Good hours

SPECIALS: Call

APPEARANCE: Very clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: This is a very nice coffee house frequented by many LA Tech University students and professors, as well as the locals. Complimentary Internet access with a wireless copier/printer/scanner availiable at a per-page charge.

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RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant, Simsboro, LA 71275

2006-05-26T23:30:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: JR's Place Restaurant; Thu/Fri—5-9 & Sat—11 AM-9 PM

LOCATION: 2721 Martha Street; Simsboro, LA 71275; 318-247-6007

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-26-06

PRICE RANGE: $4-$22

FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish (Unfortunately this was the last night of the year for crawfish. JR says there has been too little rain in the crawfish farming regions and the prices have been too high and the quality of the crawfish deteriorating. He will not have any until next year.)

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Pecan cobbler & Berry cobbler

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: barbecue, and steaks; Warm family atmosphere with excellent service.

SPECIALS: Vary by the week. Call for the current ones.

APPEARANCE: Neat and clean

SERVER: Hope

SERVICE: Excellent, warm, and attentive

UNIQUE FEATURES: Consistently delicious food and excellent service.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: (See their site www.JRsPlace.biz)

COMMENTS: They have some of the best barbecued pork ribs anywhere! They have a great catering trailer for off-site service and will open other times for groups.

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RESTAURANT: Applebee's, Monroe, LA

2006-05-23T21:18:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Applebee's, 318-398-7319 (Call for hours)

LOCATION: 4911 Pecanland Monroe, LA 71203

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: -06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Rib Basket with loaded potato, Crispy orange chicken

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Chocolate brownie

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Maria M.

SERVICE: Very Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food and clean restrooms; we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: McAlister's Deli, West Monroe, LA

2006-05-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: McAlister's Deli, 313-387-2345 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 198 Thomas Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-20-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Muffuleta

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Fruit cup

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Kristen E.

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back. Clean restrooms.

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RESTAURANT: Sonic Drive-In, W. California, Ruston, LA

2006-05-20T18:13:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Sonic Drive-In, 318-255-6295 (call for hours)

LOCATION: W. California Ave., Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-19, 20-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Unsweetened Rasberry Iced Tea, Unsweetened Peach Iced Tea

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Sausage, egg, & cheese Toaster; Diet Cherry-Limeade; Lemon-Berry Slush—this one had a lot of the frozen strawberries—Gooood!

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: The diet drink had very little of the artificial sweetner flavor. Good food, we'll be back.

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CLOSED RESTAURANT: R. J. Gator's Sea Grille & Bar, Monroe, LA

2006-05-19T22:34:00.001-05:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: R. J. Gator's Sea Grille & Bar, (call for hours)

LOCATION: 1119 Gator Road, Monroe, LA 71201(Across the street from Pecanland Mall)

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-19-06 (dinner)

PRICE RANGE: Approximately $9 per lunch entrée.

FAVORITE FOOD: Crunchy Grouper sandwich

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Lite catch tuna; alligator gumbo

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: The overall pleasant experience

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones.

APPEARANCE: Clean. Clean, well-stocked restrooms, South Florida theme.

SERVER: Nikki M.

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Alligator

COMMENTS: R. J. Gator’s has its act together.

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RESTAURANT: Maggiemoo's Ice Cream Treatery #18-205, West Monroe, LA

2006-05-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Maggiemoo's Ice Cream Treatery #18-205, 318-651-7768

LOCATION: 205 Blanchard, West Monroe, LA 71291

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-18-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Escapeescape

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Hand mixed add-ins

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good ice cream, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant, West Monroe, LA 71291

2006-05-18T22:55:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant, 318-410-4343 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 203 Blanchard St, West Monroe, LA 71291

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-18--06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken al Carbon

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Steak fajitas

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: Cracker Barrel Store #278, West Monroe, LA

2006-05-17T23:05:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Cracker Barrel Store #278

LOCATION: Constitution Rd., West Monroe, LA 71291

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-17-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Strawberry pancakes

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Old Timer's Breakfast, Country Morning Breakfast

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Robyn S.

SERVICE: Very good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food and clean restrooms, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: IHOP #4489, Monroe, LA

2006-05-12T01:23:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: IHOP #4489, Monroe, LA

LOCATION: I-20 North Service Rd., Monroe, LA

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-11-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Fajita Omelet

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Pecan and Buckwheat Pancakes

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary: call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

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RESTAURANT: Cracker Barrel Store #304, Vicksburg, MS

2006-05-10T01:15:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Cracker Barrel Store #304, Vicksburg, MS

LOCATION: Vicksburg, MS

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-09-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Strawberry pancakes

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Old Timer's Breakfast, Country Morning Breakfast

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER:

SERVICE: Very good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Consistent food and service among the Cracker Barrels

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food and clean restrooms, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!

Or go get The Collard Patch the only story cookbook devoted solely to collard greens and cornbread. If you think you don't like collards, you haven't tasted these collards!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

CLOSED RESTAURANT: Potluck, Ruston, LA

2006-05-04T13:35:00.001-05:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: Potluck, Weekdays lunch only until 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Vienna St, downtown, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 5-4-06

PRICE RANGE: Low

FAVORITE FOOD: Fajita chicken poboy with pepper jack cheese; Chicken salad croissant

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Potato soup

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Tony Chachere's Cajun Creole seasoned salt on each table!

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Inside an antique and curio shop

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: Hannah's Sideboard, Delhi, LA

2006-04-13T15:36:00.000-05:00

RESTAURANT: Hannah's Sideboard; 318-878-9721 (Call for hours.)

LOCATION: 832 Broadway, Delhi, LA 71232

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 4-13-06

PRICE RANGE: Low

FAVORITE FOOD: Potato salad

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Mexican cornbread

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: They have a lunch buffet with salad bar. It is good food, though a little heavy on the fat—we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: Boudreaux's Creole Grill, Monroe, LA

2006-02-11T16:55:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Boudreaux's Creole Grill; open 7 days a week; call for hours

LOCATION: 3610 DeSaird St., Monroe, LA 71203; 318-342-9111

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 2-2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish!--they have the best seasoned crawfish in Monroe!; The second batch of crawfish are a little bigger but still just as tasty. They have added an all-you-can-eat irresistable crawfish offer; Creole gumbo; The pecan cobbler on the weekend buffet is a MUST! Ask them, they may start offering it by the serving at other times.

OTHER GREAT FOODS: The whole seafood buffet on Friday and Saturday! We really like the crawfish etouffee, dirty rice, and boudin. Bacon cheesburger was delicious though served on a stale bun.

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Boudreaux's doesn't have any mediocre food!

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: New owners and delicious food

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Candace; Amanda; Stephen, Angelica, Krystal

SERVICE: Very Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Open for lunch and dinner 6 days a week and lunch on Sunday. They have different specials each night of the week. We look forward to trying each night.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Restrooms have plenty of hot water, soap, and paper towels. Excellent food! We'll be back!

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CLOSED RESTAURANT: Beignet Cafe, West Monroe, LA

2006-02-11T16:43:00.001-06:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: Beignet Cafe, West Monroe, LA; 318-396-8093 (call for hours)

LOCATION: 4624 Cypress St, Suite 11 (West Pointe Shopping Center); West Monroe, LA 71291

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 2-11-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Beignets

OTHER GREAT FOODS: New Orleans Dark Roast Coffee with Chicory

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Victoria

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: WiFi (Wireless Internet) - get the password from the server.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Clean restroom with plenty of soap, hot water, and towels; Good food, we'll be back.

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CLOSED RESTAURANT: La Bella Vita Italian Grill, West Monroe, LA

2006-01-31T16:23:00.001-06:00

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED.

RESTAURANT: La Bella Vita Italian Grill; 318-998-6900; call for hours

LOCATION: 407 Constitution Dr. (Restaurant Row on south service rd.), West Monroe, LA 71293-8036

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-19, 31-06

PRICE RANGE: Moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Lunch: Bottomless mushroom soup and salad on Thursdays & Bottomless spinach/artichoke soup on Tuesdays; Calzone

OTHER GREAT FOODS:

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: La Bella Vita doesn't have any non-delicious food

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Excellent food and delightful ambience

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Kent

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: WiFi (wireless Internet); If you want to have a leisurely lunch or cup of coffee, you can answer email and surf the web at the same time. (DON'T drool into your keyboard! It makes it very hard to type!)

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A but check out their web site: http://www.labellavitagrill.com/

COMMENTS: Excellent food, we'll be back! . . . Again and again!

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RESTAURANT: Magnolia Corner, Simsboro, LA

2006-01-23T07:53:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Magnolia Corner; 6 days/week; call for hours

LOCATION: 4331 Hwy. 563, Simsboro, LA 71275; 318-247-8406

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-3, 5, & 23-06

PRICE RANGE: Low

FAVORITE FOOD: Sausage, egg, & cheese biscuits, link, egg, & cheese sandwiches on wheat toast

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Community Brand coffee, grits, biscuits and cream gravy

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: N/A

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Good food for a convenience store

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: Boudreaux's Creole Grill, Monroe, LA

2006-01-21T21:32:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Boudreaux's Creole Grill; open 7 days a week; call for hours

LOCATION: 3610 DeSaird St., Monroe, LA 71203; 318-342-9111

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-21, 23, 24-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish!--they have the best seasoned crawfish in Monroe!; The second batch of crawfish are a little bigger but still just as tasty; Creole gumbo

OTHER GREAT FOODS: The whole seafood buffet on Friday and Saturday! Salad bar

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Boudreaux's doesn't have any mediocre food!

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: New owners and delicious food

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Candace; Amanda

SERVICE: Very Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Open for lunch and dinner 6 days a week and lunch on Sunday. They have different specials each night of the week. We look forward to trying each night.

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Excellent food! We'll be back!

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RESTAURANT: Mylo's Coffeehouse, Monroe, LA

2006-01-19T16:12:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Mylo's Coffeehouse, 318-388-4240; Call for hours
LOCATION: 905 N. 18th, St., Monroe, LA
ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-19, 21, 23, 24, 26-06
PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate
FAVORITE FOOD: Dark and medium roast Community Brand Coffee and hot chocolate, Cinnamon Community Coffee, Praline flavored coffee
OTHER GREAT FOODS: They have muffins, brownies, hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, and yogurt dishes.
FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A
MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: WiFi and wired DSL for the Internet
SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones
APPEARANCE: Clean
SERVER: N/A
SERVICE: Good
UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A
COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A
COMMENTS: Good food,Community Brand coffee, and WiFi. We'll be back.

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RESTAURANT: Quiznos Sub Store #8726, Ruston, LA

2006-01-18T17:36:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Quiznos Sub Store #8726; 10 to 9 Daily

LOCATION: Trenton St., S of I-20, Ruston, LA 71270; 318-255-3003

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-18-06

PRICE RANGE: $4-$10

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken Milano sub; Chicken Ranch salad

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Smoked turkey ranch sandwich

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Open under new ownership/management; good service; attentive manager, Robert Morse

SPECIALS: (see company website)

APPEARANCE: This restaurant is consistently clean, bright, and vibrant.

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Very good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Consistently very clean

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Clean, well-stocked restrooms with hot water. They have a weekly business card/information card drawing for specials. They have obviously overcome the previous owner's mismanagement and are thriving.

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RESTAURANT: El Jarrito Mexican Grill, Ruston, LA

2006-01-17T21:05:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: El Jarrito Mexican Grill, 318-251-0600, (call for hours)

LOCATION: 306 W. California Ave, Ruston, LA 71270

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-17-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken chimichanga

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Relleno, pico de gallo

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: N/A

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Sarah

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Kingfisher Cafe, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX

2006-01-14T15:19:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Kingfisher Cafe, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX

LOCATION: Terminal B, Intercontinental Airport, Houston, TX

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-14-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Coffee

OTHER GREAT FOODS: N/A

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: N/A

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Bertha

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Decent airport fast food

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Fusion Cafe by Mark, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

2006-01-12T23:58:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Fusion Cafe by Mark, 920-906-9980; call for hours

LOCATION: 23 S. Main, Fond du Lac, WI 54935

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-9, 12-06

PRICE RANGE: moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Ahi Tuna, Meat loaf

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Attichoke/spinach dip, Parmesan pork, Flavored iced tea

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: Everything was very good to excellent

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: Mark Vaccaro, the chef and owner

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: Jasmine

SERVICE: Very good

UNIQUE FEATURES: Renovated and decorated theater

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: (See web site: www.fusionbymark.com )

COMMENTS: Excellent food, we'll be back!

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Bagelmeister, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

2006-01-12T12:59:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Bagelmeister, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Call for hours

LOCATION: 110 S. Main St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935, Pho. 920-926-0046

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-12-06

PRICE RANGE: Low to moderate

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken salad sandwich on bagel

OTHER GREAT FOODS: Capuccino

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: N/A

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.

**Get This Amazing Southern Cookbook, Flavored with Love, Now!**

We are available for professional mystery shopping for your restaurant either as a spot check or for a regular program of excellence.

RESTAURANT: Chinatown Kitchen, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

2006-01-09T13:10:00.000-06:00

RESTAURANT: Chinatown Kitchen, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, call for hours

LOCATION: 18 N. Main St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935

ONE OF THE DATES WE VISITED THE RESTAURANT: 1-9-06

PRICE RANGE: Low

FAVORITE FOOD: Buffet, Hot and sour soup, Seafood pie

OTHER GREAT FOODS: General Tso's Chicken

FOOD WE LIKED LEAST: They have no iced tea--only hot green tea which doesn't make very good iced tea.

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE: N/A

SPECIALS: Vary—call for current ones

APPEARANCE: Clean

SERVER: N/A

SERVICE: Good

UNIQUE FEATURES: N/A

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE: N/A

COMMENTS: Good food, we'll be back.