Good job Los Pinos. We have been avoiding you for a while as your food was sub par. But last night you did a great job.
We ordered the chicken fajitas and the #13, Three Tacos. The wait staff appeared to be all new, except for a few and the services was above average. The food arrived hot and on very hot plates. So hot that with in a few minutes the grated cheese had melted. The portion size was good and the amount of food was an 8 for the price.
The atmosphere feels a little crowded and noisy, but after the large party in the middle of the room left, thing quieted down quite a bit.
The owner seems to be trying to make improvements a little at a time to the building. The furniture is all new.
Overall I give you an 8. Service 8. Food 9. Atmosphere 8. Cleanliness 8 and portion size 8.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
October 6, 2012 - Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse, Federal Way, WA
We were invited to dinner to celebrate a relatives birthday at the Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse in Federal Way. The reservations were at 6pm and we showed up right on the dot. The restaurant was very busy as it was home coming week. We had to wait while the rest of the party showed up.
We were finally seated at a table where 8 seats surrounded a grill and placed our drink orders. They have a large menu with a great variety of items to choose from, I chose the Teppan Yaki Filet Mignon and Lobster and the wife chose Chicken and Scallops.
We were first served a green salad followed by Miso Soup, with no spoon, so you had to pick up the bowl and sip the soup. Next came a bowl of steamed rice. Our chef arrived, he was an older gentleman, who did not seem to speak much English. He did not have many presentation skills or charm, but did great job.
He cooked the vegetables first, which consisted of zucchini, onions and mushrooms, followed by chicken and seafood. Next came the beef followed by bean sprouts. Dessert was a scoop of sherbert.
The vegetables were excellent as were the different types meats. The only thing I would change is that I prefer fried rice to steamed rice.
I would rate the food a 9, service a 9, cleanliness a 9, price a 5, atmosphere an 8 and overall a 9. The loud drumming that occurred every time they celebrated someones birthday could have been toned down.
We were finally seated at a table where 8 seats surrounded a grill and placed our drink orders. They have a large menu with a great variety of items to choose from, I chose the Teppan Yaki Filet Mignon and Lobster and the wife chose Chicken and Scallops.
We were first served a green salad followed by Miso Soup, with no spoon, so you had to pick up the bowl and sip the soup. Next came a bowl of steamed rice. Our chef arrived, he was an older gentleman, who did not seem to speak much English. He did not have many presentation skills or charm, but did great job.
He cooked the vegetables first, which consisted of zucchini, onions and mushrooms, followed by chicken and seafood. Next came the beef followed by bean sprouts. Dessert was a scoop of sherbert.
The vegetables were excellent as were the different types meats. The only thing I would change is that I prefer fried rice to steamed rice.
I would rate the food a 9, service a 9, cleanliness a 9, price a 5, atmosphere an 8 and overall a 9. The loud drumming that occurred every time they celebrated someones birthday could have been toned down.
October 5, 2012 - Mi Tres Amigos, Puyallup, WA
It was getting late and we had just finished our grocery shopping and we were both hungry. The options were, go home and make a late meal or find a restaurant and try to have a reasonably priced meal. A list of restaurants at 176th and Meridian went through our mind and we decided on Mexican food at Mi Tres Amigos.
The restaurant was busy, but we were seated right away. They brought us chips, Salsa and Salsa Verde and asked if we wanted beans or guacamole, which we declined. To stay within the budget we opted to split the combination fajitas which included two choices of meat. we chose beef and chicken.
The first basket of chips were on the stale side, but the second basket was OK. The salsa was good, but it lacked texture and substance. I expected that of the Salsa Verde.
Our meal arrived quickly and the Fajitas plate was steaming hot as was the plate with rice and beans, which had a separate plate on it with sour cream, guacamole, cheese and pico de gallo. We also had a tortilla warmer with four flour tortilla's.
The fajita's were good. Maybe a little over cooked and slightly burnt. The amount of food was also good. I would rate the food as an 8, service a 9, cleanliness an 8, pricing a 7 and overall a 8. Much better than Los Pinos in Orting.
The restaurant was busy, but we were seated right away. They brought us chips, Salsa and Salsa Verde and asked if we wanted beans or guacamole, which we declined. To stay within the budget we opted to split the combination fajitas which included two choices of meat. we chose beef and chicken.
The first basket of chips were on the stale side, but the second basket was OK. The salsa was good, but it lacked texture and substance. I expected that of the Salsa Verde.
Our meal arrived quickly and the Fajitas plate was steaming hot as was the plate with rice and beans, which had a separate plate on it with sour cream, guacamole, cheese and pico de gallo. We also had a tortilla warmer with four flour tortilla's.
The fajita's were good. Maybe a little over cooked and slightly burnt. The amount of food was also good. I would rate the food as an 8, service a 9, cleanliness an 8, pricing a 7 and overall a 8. Much better than Los Pinos in Orting.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Kapowsin Ale House September 19, 2012
The wife was gone visiting her sister and nieces for a few hours, so I thought "why not", good time for a cruise and a bite. I left the house and headed up Orville road towards Lake Kapowsin. I have driven by it a thousand times, but never stopped at the Kapowsin Tavern or as they call it the Kapowsin Ale House.
I pull into the gravel parking lot and parked the bike. There were quite a few cars in the parking lot and lots of noise coming from the door. I walked in to find some of the locals playing pool (and they were drunk as a skunk) and found myself a seat at the bar. A nice young lady, I think her name was Jackie, asked me what I wanted to drink and if I wanted a menu. I said Coors Lite and "Yes Please" for the menu. The menu had lot's of choices from Pizza to burgers, sandwiches to chicken.
Then I saw it a 4 piece Fried Chicken and Fries. I have yet to find a good local place for fried chicken. I asked the bartender if it was any good and she said it was one of their best on the menu, so I ordered fried chicken and fries.
It was rather noisy with the locals and most of the booths were occupied with customers. Looked like the have an additional room for events and a patio area, which also had quite a few people seated. There was only one bartender and one cook (who did not look too good), but service was great. The locals were getting even louder, but my food arrived and I forgot all about them. The bartender was right the chicken and fries was great. Hot, crispy, decent size pieces and plenty of fries.
I would give the food a 9, service a 9, cleanliness a 7, atmosphere a 5, and the locals a 10 (if you like drunk loud people). Overall it was a 8.5 and I would definitely go back, just for the chicken.
I finished the ride via the Orting/Kapowsin Highway, back through Orting and back to the barn.
I pull into the gravel parking lot and parked the bike. There were quite a few cars in the parking lot and lots of noise coming from the door. I walked in to find some of the locals playing pool (and they were drunk as a skunk) and found myself a seat at the bar. A nice young lady, I think her name was Jackie, asked me what I wanted to drink and if I wanted a menu. I said Coors Lite and "Yes Please" for the menu. The menu had lot's of choices from Pizza to burgers, sandwiches to chicken.
Then I saw it a 4 piece Fried Chicken and Fries. I have yet to find a good local place for fried chicken. I asked the bartender if it was any good and she said it was one of their best on the menu, so I ordered fried chicken and fries.
It was rather noisy with the locals and most of the booths were occupied with customers. Looked like the have an additional room for events and a patio area, which also had quite a few people seated. There was only one bartender and one cook (who did not look too good), but service was great. The locals were getting even louder, but my food arrived and I forgot all about them. The bartender was right the chicken and fries was great. Hot, crispy, decent size pieces and plenty of fries.
I would give the food a 9, service a 9, cleanliness a 7, atmosphere a 5, and the locals a 10 (if you like drunk loud people). Overall it was a 8.5 and I would definitely go back, just for the chicken.
I finished the ride via the Orting/Kapowsin Highway, back through Orting and back to the barn.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Saturday September 1, 2012 - Los Pinos, Orting, WA
It was late. We were hungry and there are not many choices for a good meal in Orting. The mother in law wanted pizza and my wife had a hankering for Mexican. So Mexican it was. Last time we went to Los Pinos we did not have the best eating experience. The food was not great and the portion size keeps getting smaller as the price keeps rising.. I even sent an e-mail through their web site, but the owner did not seem to care. She responded that everyone else likes her food and portion sizes. Well it has been a couple of years, so I thought why not.
It was about 7:30 pm and the restaurant was fairly quiet. I have to admit the place looks nice since they did some remodeling. New floors, new booths and tables, new windows and paint. Just our luck. The owner was going to be our waitress and I thought well now, we will be sure to get good service.
We had not been seated for more than a few minutes when she showed up ready to take our order. We asked her for a little more time as we pondered the menu. The wife and I finally decided to split an order of Fajita's and Frankie decide on the chicken carnitas. All was good as we ate chips and salsa. Although Frankie thought the salsa was too spicy. I thought it was just right.
Well I'm not sure if the owner was teaching us a lesson for asking for more time to place our order, but it took forever to get our meal. I was surprised as normally, in the past, they have been very fast. When the meal arrived, all was good. The steak, onion and pepper mix was tasty and tender and we receive plenty of tortillas. The only complaint's were we only received a about one tablespoons of guacamole, a pinch of shredded cheese and I like re-fried beans, so I thought there could have been more.
When we were done, the owner was slow to bring us our check and we ended up having to go up to the register to sign the credit card receipt and get our credit card back. The owner was busy talking on the phone, while two of her employe's were just standing around at the front desk.
Over all I would give the quality of food an 8, portion size a 5, cleanliness a 9, price a 5 and service a 6. For an overall rating of 7. It wouldn't take much to make this restaurant a top notch place to stop for a good meal.
It was about 7:30 pm and the restaurant was fairly quiet. I have to admit the place looks nice since they did some remodeling. New floors, new booths and tables, new windows and paint. Just our luck. The owner was going to be our waitress and I thought well now, we will be sure to get good service.
We had not been seated for more than a few minutes when she showed up ready to take our order. We asked her for a little more time as we pondered the menu. The wife and I finally decided to split an order of Fajita's and Frankie decide on the chicken carnitas. All was good as we ate chips and salsa. Although Frankie thought the salsa was too spicy. I thought it was just right.
Well I'm not sure if the owner was teaching us a lesson for asking for more time to place our order, but it took forever to get our meal. I was surprised as normally, in the past, they have been very fast. When the meal arrived, all was good. The steak, onion and pepper mix was tasty and tender and we receive plenty of tortillas. The only complaint's were we only received a about one tablespoons of guacamole, a pinch of shredded cheese and I like re-fried beans, so I thought there could have been more.
When we were done, the owner was slow to bring us our check and we ended up having to go up to the register to sign the credit card receipt and get our credit card back. The owner was busy talking on the phone, while two of her employe's were just standing around at the front desk.
Over all I would give the quality of food an 8, portion size a 5, cleanliness a 9, price a 5 and service a 6. For an overall rating of 7. It wouldn't take much to make this restaurant a top notch place to stop for a good meal.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday August 25, 2012 - Chesters
A Cruise and a Bite
What a beautiful day for a bike ride to Long Beach to see the kite festival. The ride is about 150 miles each way and South Bend, WA is somewhere in the middle. As we were filling the bikes with gas, we were talking about where to eat. A nice lady filling up her truck suggested Chester's in South Bend. She said they had great oysters.
It was an older bar on a pier over looking a slough. There were only a half dozen people in the bar and as we walk towards the back of the bar, the floor slanted downward to the left. The menu was simple. It was all on one of those little signs they put on the table, like the ones they use to advertise happy hour or daily specials. They had burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, chicken and chips, oysters and more.
We decided to give the fish and chips a try and see how a small bar could compare to the supposedly world famous Duke's. Well guess what they have you beat by a mile. Not only were the fish and chips delicious. They were almost half the price of Dukes, $9.00 and you got 3 pieces of fish and a good serving of fries. Only thing missing was clam chowder. But even without it there was 50% more food than Dukes and beers were only $2.75.
I would rate the cleanliness a 9, atmosphere a 8, service a 9 and food a 9 and you guessed it overall a 9. The only negative is that they take only cash. No debit or credit cards. Kind of tough when the wife won't give me any cash to carry.
I highly recommend that if you are traveling thru South Bend, you stop and give Chester's a try. Oh by the way, make sure you watch your speed thru town. It looked like the police were busy trying to give tickets to anyone who did not obey the speed limit.
What a beautiful day for a bike ride to Long Beach to see the kite festival. The ride is about 150 miles each way and South Bend, WA is somewhere in the middle. As we were filling the bikes with gas, we were talking about where to eat. A nice lady filling up her truck suggested Chester's in South Bend. She said they had great oysters.
It was an older bar on a pier over looking a slough. There were only a half dozen people in the bar and as we walk towards the back of the bar, the floor slanted downward to the left. The menu was simple. It was all on one of those little signs they put on the table, like the ones they use to advertise happy hour or daily specials. They had burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, chicken and chips, oysters and more.
We decided to give the fish and chips a try and see how a small bar could compare to the supposedly world famous Duke's. Well guess what they have you beat by a mile. Not only were the fish and chips delicious. They were almost half the price of Dukes, $9.00 and you got 3 pieces of fish and a good serving of fries. Only thing missing was clam chowder. But even without it there was 50% more food than Dukes and beers were only $2.75.
I would rate the cleanliness a 9, atmosphere a 8, service a 9 and food a 9 and you guessed it overall a 9. The only negative is that they take only cash. No debit or credit cards. Kind of tough when the wife won't give me any cash to carry.
I highly recommend that if you are traveling thru South Bend, you stop and give Chester's a try. Oh by the way, make sure you watch your speed thru town. It looked like the police were busy trying to give tickets to anyone who did not obey the speed limit.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Wednesday 8/23/12 - Carbonado Saloon
A QUICK CRUISE AND A BITE
We took the bike for a short cruise up to Carbonado and stopped at the Carbonado Saloon to check it out. It was a nice clean place with a back yard beer garden. I assume that on a Saturday night the place would be very busy, but on a Wednesday there were only 4 other people at the bar.
Wednesday nights are $5 cheeseburger and fries nights, so we thought why not and ordered 2 of them along with a couple of Coors Lights. They have a daily 2 wheel (motorcycle) deal where drafts and well drinks are only $2.
The food arrived fairly quickly as there was only one person working. I was not to sure about the fries, but after tasting them they were pretty good and the burger was good too. I would give the place an 8 for bar food, 8 for cleanlyness a 10 for service, 9 for decor and an over all 8.5.
They also have other specials during the week including Taco Tuesday's. We are definetly going to add this as one of the places to go during the week for the quick cruise and a bite.
We took the bike for a short cruise up to Carbonado and stopped at the Carbonado Saloon to check it out. It was a nice clean place with a back yard beer garden. I assume that on a Saturday night the place would be very busy, but on a Wednesday there were only 4 other people at the bar.
Wednesday nights are $5 cheeseburger and fries nights, so we thought why not and ordered 2 of them along with a couple of Coors Lights. They have a daily 2 wheel (motorcycle) deal where drafts and well drinks are only $2.
The food arrived fairly quickly as there was only one person working. I was not to sure about the fries, but after tasting them they were pretty good and the burger was good too. I would give the place an 8 for bar food, 8 for cleanlyness a 10 for service, 9 for decor and an over all 8.5.
They also have other specials during the week including Taco Tuesday's. We are definetly going to add this as one of the places to go during the week for the quick cruise and a bite.
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