I have only "eaten" there once since it reopened. The smoked chicken was a little over done. The rest was great.
I have stopped by on my way to work and picked up some breakfast. It was tasty! Great Cinnamon rolls and biscuits. Plus they have gourmet flavored coffee, which I love. Not exactly Starbucks but not bad for Killen, Alabama. Since I don't work in town (Florence) it is the only coffee stop between me and work.
quote:Originally posted by mandomama:
I noticed Outpost 72 has reopened. Does anyone know if the food is as good as it used to be years ago? I worked there in college, we got to sample the baked goods all we wanted! I gained way to much weight working there because I couldn't resist the cookies or the Killer Brownies! LOL
I used to love the Original Outpost, but this new version is higher and the food was just flat out gross. A relative found a hair in her chicken salad, and the chicken fingers I used to crave are not the same either. Maybe with time they'll get better, but for now save your money folks.
quote:Originally posted by lookn2it:quote:Originally posted by mandomama:
I noticed Outpost 72 has reopened. Does anyone know if the food is as good as it used to be years ago? I worked there in college, we got to sample the baked goods all we wanted! I gained way to much weight working there because I couldn't resist the cookies or the Killer Brownies! LOL
I used to love the Original Outpost, but this new version is higher and the food was just flat out gross. A relative found a hair in her chicken salad, and the chicken fingers I used to crave are not the same either. Maybe with time they'll get better, but for now save your money folks.
lookn2it is correct... a guy from work went by there and bought a whole lot of things to bring to work and share with all of us... NOTHING was good. Everything tasted like it came out of the frozen food section... YUCK... any of us can do that, and much cheaper!!!
Okay, Kindred Spirit,
I have to ask- are you a huge Anne of Green Gables fan? I dont' know if you have ever read the book or have seen the play, but she, Anne, that is, decide that she and Diana, her best friend, are Kindred Spirits. Every time I see your name, I think of AoGG! LOL!!
I have to ask- are you a huge Anne of Green Gables fan? I dont' know if you have ever read the book or have seen the play, but she, Anne, that is, decide that she and Diana, her best friend, are Kindred Spirits. Every time I see your name, I think of AoGG! LOL!!
quote:Originally posted by mandomama:
Okay, Kindred Spirit,
I have to ask- are you a huge Anne of Green Gables fan? I dont' know if you have ever read the book or have seen the play, but she, Anne, that is, decide that she and Diana, her best friend, are Kindred Spirits. Every time I see your name, I think of AoGG! LOL!!
Actually, no, although I know of it. My nickname came from my very best friend, who now lives in Canada... we ARE Kindred Spirits, and we both use that nickname on diffent forums, of course ... but thanks for asking
quote:Originally posted by NashBama:
If you visit Gulf Shores or Orange Beach ever, there are two great places to eat.
Bubba's on Hwy 182 near Orange Beach, just past what's left of the state park, has great lunch specials, large portions, and great food. Hush puppies are a little small and bottled beer only, but the food, service, and atmosphere is great.
For a good dinner, go about 2 miles past Bubba's to Cotton's. They have a great bar that makes excellent martinis. Good portions, good service, and the food is awesome. It's a little more expensive, but worth it.
Haven't tried Bubba's but I definitely concur with your opinion on Cotton's. My family and I eat there regularly. Great Food and Great Service.
YankeeWitch:
If ya want to go to Staggs do the following:
I you are coming across O'neal Bridge, take Veteran drive..ya know turn right....keep going until you start down the hill and come to Royal drive...turn left...this will dead end into Hunstville road..turn right...STAGGS is about 1/2 block on your right...if you coming from east florence hit huntsville road and come into you cross the railroad track...Staggs will be on your left...
It the Best Cheeseburger your lips will every grace across a bun..promise!
If ya want to go to Staggs do the following:
I you are coming across O'neal Bridge, take Veteran drive..ya know turn right....keep going until you start down the hill and come to Royal drive...turn left...this will dead end into Hunstville road..turn right...STAGGS is about 1/2 block on your right...if you coming from east florence hit huntsville road and come into you cross the railroad track...Staggs will be on your left...
It the Best Cheeseburger your lips will every grace across a bun..promise!
Establishment Rated
On Saturday night, we decided to try the newest mexican restaurant in Muscle Shoals. This location, the El Parian located at 603 Tyler Street, across from McDonalds, has been under new management now for about 3 months.
We got there around 7:30 PM. We were immediately shown a table, with sauce and hot chips put before us in a flash...
The waitress, smiled and laughed alot as she took our drink orders, along with the large Guacamole Dip.
While they were getting the drinks and dip,we looked over a menu that was quite extensive with specialties..
I won't go into detail, but the list describing all of them, made it hard for us to choose which to try first...but eventually I settled on the El Parian Special Plate, which contained a bed of grilled vegetables with chicken,beef, pork tips, and shrimp. The side dish came with rice,beans, lettuce,guacamole, and lots of sour cream...Flour tortillas came with it..Price $10.50
My partner, chose the Pollo Loco, which was a grilled chicken breast served with a cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, onions on top..Price $10.50
The Quacamole Dip arrived in a large bowl piled high with lots of tomatoes and large chunks of avocado..the flavor was wonderful...as it complimented the red sauce very well. They had two choices of red sauce, mild and kick your B..., rated... We chose the combination and were not disappointed...
The frozen margarettas arrived and had just the right amount of alcohol blend to match our taste buds..
AS the waitress sit my dish down it was sizzling in the iron skillet. Now! talk about lots of food...you definitley are not going to leave with a empty stomach...It was loaded with every ingredient listed above, the eye and nose appeal was top rate..The side dish was also loaded to the point that it was enough for my partner and I together, with some left over...
The meal sit down in from my partner, was of such a beauty, that I came up with a real good idea..lets divide up the dishes..so we can each sample...she had the look of "you are not fooling me" but she agreed and the night was going my way..
I can tell you, we were not disappointed, as the food was just as tasty and they appeared and smelled to be...
We were going to get dessert, but by the time we were half way through our meals we were topped out. However, I must say the dessert list consisting of Banana Frita, Mexican Cheesecake, Churro's, etc is going to bring us back for a sweet snack in the near future...
Even thou, they had a party of 80, the service was excellent.
This is one mexican place you need to give a try...
On Saturday night, we decided to try the newest mexican restaurant in Muscle Shoals. This location, the El Parian located at 603 Tyler Street, across from McDonalds, has been under new management now for about 3 months.
We got there around 7:30 PM. We were immediately shown a table, with sauce and hot chips put before us in a flash...
The waitress, smiled and laughed alot as she took our drink orders, along with the large Guacamole Dip.
While they were getting the drinks and dip,we looked over a menu that was quite extensive with specialties..
I won't go into detail, but the list describing all of them, made it hard for us to choose which to try first...but eventually I settled on the El Parian Special Plate, which contained a bed of grilled vegetables with chicken,beef, pork tips, and shrimp. The side dish came with rice,beans, lettuce,guacamole, and lots of sour cream...Flour tortillas came with it..Price $10.50
My partner, chose the Pollo Loco, which was a grilled chicken breast served with a cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, onions on top..Price $10.50
The Quacamole Dip arrived in a large bowl piled high with lots of tomatoes and large chunks of avocado..the flavor was wonderful...as it complimented the red sauce very well. They had two choices of red sauce, mild and kick your B..., rated... We chose the combination and were not disappointed...
The frozen margarettas arrived and had just the right amount of alcohol blend to match our taste buds..
AS the waitress sit my dish down it was sizzling in the iron skillet. Now! talk about lots of food...you definitley are not going to leave with a empty stomach...It was loaded with every ingredient listed above, the eye and nose appeal was top rate..The side dish was also loaded to the point that it was enough for my partner and I together, with some left over...
The meal sit down in from my partner, was of such a beauty, that I came up with a real good idea..lets divide up the dishes..so we can each sample...she had the look of "you are not fooling me" but she agreed and the night was going my way..
I can tell you, we were not disappointed, as the food was just as tasty and they appeared and smelled to be...
We were going to get dessert, but by the time we were half way through our meals we were topped out. However, I must say the dessert list consisting of Banana Frita, Mexican Cheesecake, Churro's, etc is going to bring us back for a sweet snack in the near future...
Even thou, they had a party of 80, the service was excellent.
This is one mexican place you need to give a try...
quote:Originally posted by traderconnections:
YankeeWitch:
If ya want to go to Staggs do the following:
I you are coming across O'neal Bridge, take Veteran drive..ya know turn right....keep going until you start down the hill and come to Royal drive...turn left...this will dead end into Hunstville road..turn right...STAGGS is about 1/2 block on your right...if you coming from east florence hit huntsville road and come into you cross the railroad track...Staggs will be on your left...
It the Best Cheeseburger your lips will every grace across a bun..promise!
Thank you for the directions.You were right on about Stagg's-Best Cheeseburger I have ever eaten.
quote:Originally posted by traderconnections:
Establishment Rated
On Saturday night, we decided to try the newest mexican restaurant in Muscle Shoals. This location, the El Parian located at 603 Tyler Street, across from McDonalds, has been under new management now for about 3 months.
We got there around 7:30 PM. We were immediately shown a table, with sauce and hot chips put before us in a flash...
The waitress, smiled and laughed alot as she took our drink orders, along with the large Guacamole Dip.
While they were getting the drinks and dip,we looked over a menu that was quite extensive with specialties..
I won't go into detail, but the list describing all of them, made it hard for us to choose which to try first...but eventually I settled on the El Parian Special Plate, which contained a bed of grilled vegetables with chicken,beef, pork tips, and shrimp. The side dish came with rice,beans, lettuce,guacamole, and lots of sour cream...Flour tortillas came with it..Price $10.50
My partner, chose the Pollo Loco, which was a grilled chicken breast served with a cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, onions on top..Price $10.50
The Quacamole Dip arrived in a large bowl piled high with lots of tomatoes and large chunks of avocado..the flavor was wonderful...as it complimented the red sauce very well. They had two choices of red sauce, mild and kick your B..., rated... We chose the combination and were not disappointed...
The frozen margarettas arrived and had just the right amount of alcohol blend to match our taste buds..
AS the waitress sit my dish down it was sizzling in the iron skillet. Now! talk about lots of food...you definitley are not going to leave with a empty stomach...It was loaded with every ingredient listed above, the eye and nose appeal was top rate..The side dish was also loaded to the point that it was enough for my partner and I together, with some left over...
The meal sit down in from my partner, was of such a beauty, that I came up with a real good idea..lets divide up the dishes..so we can each sample...she had the look of "you are not fooling me" but she agreed and the night was going my way..
I can tell you, we were not disappointed, as the food was just as tasty and they appeared and smelled to be...
We were going to get dessert, but by the time we were half way through our meals we were topped out. However, I must say the dessert list consisting of Banana Frita, Mexican Cheesecake, Churro's, etc is going to bring us back for a sweet snack in the near future...
Even thou, they had a party of 80, the service was excellent.
This is one mexican place you need to give a try...
Great observations! My family and I love Mexican food. We will definitely give this place a try.
Anyone try Maxwell's in Muscle Shoals.. they have a buffet for lunch and they make banana pudding homeade!!! Almost everything Maxwell's has is homemade, and wonderful. I have never had a bad meal there. Prices, especially lunch, are good too. Their steaks are good, and reasonable.
We tried the NEW Fiesta Mexicana in the Save-A-Lot shopping center. Its not far from the old (good) one on Florence Blvd (near Family Ford) It was real good! Food was good, Place was very clean, prices reasonable, service was what I expect from mexicans. Everyone should give it a try!
quote:Originally posted by Heub:
We tried the NEW Fiesta Mexicana in the Save-A-Lot shopping center. Its not far from the old (good) one on Florence Blvd (near Family Ford) It was real good! Food was good, Place was very clean, prices reasonable, service was what I expect from mexicans. Everyone should give it a try!
Thanks Heub... I may try it sometime...
I am going to give outpost 72 a shot tomorrow. I used to love their smoked chicken. So I'll them a chance.The result will follow.
On Tuesday night, my daughter and I went to Jonathan’s in Muscle Shoals. The experience was not what I had hoped for, and will not be back. I ordered the special of the day, grilled chicken breast, salad, baked sweet potato, sweet tea. My daughter small rib eye, salad, baked potato and sweet tea. The price about $ 25.00 for the two of us.
I would rate the food; fair at best, service even worse. Several times, we were told that our order would be up next, while seeing an endless list of other patron’s being server ahead of us, some of whom arrived after we had placed our order. I have eaten at Jonathan’s in Russellville several times, while working there and found it reasonable in price, food and/or service good, but the Muscle Shoals location has not got their act together yet.
I would rate the food; fair at best, service even worse. Several times, we were told that our order would be up next, while seeing an endless list of other patron’s being server ahead of us, some of whom arrived after we had placed our order. I have eaten at Jonathan’s in Russellville several times, while working there and found it reasonable in price, food and/or service good, but the Muscle Shoals location has not got their act together yet.
On Thursday, I decided to try to Homestyle Restaurant on Cloverdale Road, on the left, just past the Shell Station if you are traveling north in the Underwood/Petersville community. I have driven past this location several times and always saw several work trucks around lunch time parked at this location. This was my first time visiting this restaurant and decided to try their special of the day, which were a place lunch, meat, 3 vegetables, bread, desert and sweet tea. I selected a country fried steak, slaw, mashed potatoes, corn, corn bread, and cake.
The food was hot, fresh and promptly served, which is good for someone on a tight schedule, or limited lunch break. The portions plentiful, more than I could eat. Food very good. Price very appealing considering the selection, $ 6 - $ 7 which I thought was very reasonable considering I’ve been known to exceed $ 5 for fast food.
The food was hot, fresh and promptly served, which is good for someone on a tight schedule, or limited lunch break. The portions plentiful, more than I could eat. Food very good. Price very appealing considering the selection, $ 6 - $ 7 which I thought was very reasonable considering I’ve been known to exceed $ 5 for fast food.
This resturant is absoulty the best around. The food is very good and the people who work there are very nice. They have the best catfish around the shoals and on Fridays it is all you can eat. They also have the best home cooked breakfast around at decient prices. It is just past Listerhill credit union in Petersville. I believe the name of it is Homeside not Homestyle.
quote:Originally posted by traderconnections:
Establishment Rated
On Saturday night, we decided to try the newest mexican restaurant in Muscle Shoals. This location, the El Parian located at 603 Tyler Street, across from McDonalds, has been under new management now for about 3 months.
We got there around 7:30 PM. We were immediately shown a table, with sauce and hot chips put before us in a flash...
The waitress, smiled and laughed alot as she took our drink orders, along with the large Guacamole Dip.
While they were getting the drinks and dip,we looked over a menu that was quite extensive with specialties..
I won't go into detail, but the list describing all of them, made it hard for us to choose which to try first...but eventually I settled on the El Parian Special Plate, which contained a bed of grilled vegetables with chicken,beef, pork tips, and shrimp. The side dish came with rice,beans, lettuce,guacamole, and lots of sour cream...Flour tortillas came with it..Price $10.50
My partner, chose the Pollo Loco, which was a grilled chicken breast served with a cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, onions on top..Price $10.50
The Quacamole Dip arrived in a large bowl piled high with lots of tomatoes and large chunks of avocado..the flavor was wonderful...as it complimented the red sauce very well. They had two choices of red sauce, mild and kick your B..., rated... We chose the combination and were not disappointed...
The frozen margarettas arrived and had just the right amount of alcohol blend to match our taste buds..
AS the waitress sit my dish down it was sizzling in the iron skillet. Now! talk about lots of food...you definitley are not going to leave with a empty stomach...It was loaded with every ingredient listed above, the eye and nose appeal was top rate..The side dish was also loaded to the point that it was enough for my partner and I together, with some left over...
The meal sit down in from my partner, was of such a beauty, that I came up with a real good idea..lets divide up the dishes..so we can each sample...she had the look of "you are not fooling me" but she agreed and the night was going my way..
I can tell you, we were not disappointed, as the food was just as tasty and they appeared and smelled to be...
We were going to get dessert, but by the time we were half way through our meals we were topped out. However, I must say the dessert list consisting of Banana Frita, Mexican Cheesecake, Churro's, etc is going to bring us back for a sweet snack in the near future...
Even thou, they had a party of 80, the service was excellent.
This is one mexican place you need to give a try...
Ditto your sentiments............EXCELLENT food and service.
If you like dry rubbed ribs, try O'Guires (sp?) on Avalon Ave. He ONLY cooks on Thursdays. Call in before lunch because they usually are sold out. I think his dry rubbed ribs are second to none.
quote:Originally posted by johnt:quote:Originally posted by Kindred_Spirit:quote:Originally posted by johnt:quote:Originally posted by Kindred_Spirit:quote:Originally posted by traderconnections:
Recently tried PEPPERS DELI IN MUSCLE SHOALS and got their reuben Sandwich...on a scale of 1-10 was about a 4.5..
I travel throughout the Southeast and have given the McAllister Chain a try in different towns..
With them, I have found them to be hit or miss..mostly miss..
So I don't patronize them anymore...
Too many other food establishments that have better records for producing quality meals..
I LOVE Sweet Peppers!!! I rate it a 10... everything I have gotten there has been good, but my favorite is the stuffed baked potato. It is huge and I make 2 meals out of it... YUMMMMMMMMMMM.....
I saw on WAFF(?) that Sweet Peppers got a rotten rating. I like their food too, but I will not patronize an establishment that doesn't keep an excellent health rating. I got food poisoning once, and that was one too many...
Health ratings... do you even know what that NUMBER means? It could mean a leaky faucet, a drain not running correctly, a dumpster lid not closed properly. The VAST amount of low health scores that you see on that paper has NOTHING to do with the cleanliness of their kitchens or their food.
Well, thank you for your insight, KS. Please forgive me for stating a fact.
Health Ratings are not always about the food. I worked in a restaruant for five years and learned a lot about the ratings! If the servers have a personal drink, the restaurant gets docked points for that. I try to read what is being counted off for most of the time before I judge a restaurant on their score!
Peking Restaurant Visit
On Tuesday night, decided we had a taste for chinese food, and picked the Peking.
As usual I found the food tasty, but nothing really outstanding. I travel a lot, and eat at a lot of chinese buffets. When compared to the chinese Buffets in Mississippi and Tenn, it ranks at a low 2. I hate to say this, as I would love to see a good quality, upscale style chinese place here.
On Tuesday night, decided we had a taste for chinese food, and picked the Peking.
As usual I found the food tasty, but nothing really outstanding. I travel a lot, and eat at a lot of chinese buffets. When compared to the chinese Buffets in Mississippi and Tenn, it ranks at a low 2. I hate to say this, as I would love to see a good quality, upscale style chinese place here.
I also love Sweet Pepper's Deli.. I know the Prep Cook, and he makes sure that all the recipes are done, and done well.
When they got their low health score awhile back, it was because a few of the server's had their drinks on the counters and the back of the cooler, they had the lettuce on the bottom rack instead on the top. It had nothing to do whatsoever with their food.
So, if you havent tried it, at least give it a try. I enjoy their Cubans, baked potatoes, and their chilli nacho is to die for!
~Manda~
I know the Prep Cook, and he makes sure that all the recipes are done, and done well. When they got their low health score awhile back, it was because a few of the server's had their drinks on the counters and the back of the cooler, they had the lettuce on the bottom rack instead on the top. It had nothing to do whatsoever with their food.
So, if you havent tried it, at least give it a try.
I enjoy their Cubans, baked potatoes, and their chilli nacho is to die for! ~Manda~
The Second Trip:
We went back to the El Parian Mexican Restaurant in Muscle Shoals last night. We arrived around 6:30, and the place was jumping...As soon as we walked in we were greeted, and taken to a booth. By the time, we had taken our coats off the waitress was asking for our drink order. We ordered the drinks with the large Guacamole dip...As the first time, the chips were hot, and the dips, both red and Guacamole was plentiful.
As a appetizer we ordered from the Mexican plates which is located on the back page of the menu...We ordered the Lenqua De Res (beef Tonque tacos) and the Papas Con Chorizo Tacos. When they arrived, they were big, juicy and tender...If you like tex mex style cooking you will like these...As the main course, I decided on Filete Veraqcruzano, which is a grilled fish fillet (tiliapa)served with special sauce, and all the normal fixins with it...
When it arrived, it was steaming and plenty...the fish was tender and flaky just as it should be....the sauce...well! I wasn't too crazy about it....but then again ...that was the order...I just did not like what I ordered...it was not their fault
My partner chose a Steak Tapatio it was is a T-bone steak cooked with onions, tomatoes,bell peppers, and with the usual extras.... The steak was huge, tender, full of flavor and covered over half the plate...
I was talking to the owner as we were finishing up, and I told her about the fish sauce, that I was not crazy about...
She stated, when I returned she would do a special fish dish, that was not on the menu to make up for it...I fiqured that was a good deal, and looking forward to giving it a try...
So! the next time you hungry for something south of the border, give it a try...its worth the experience...
We went back to the El Parian Mexican Restaurant in Muscle Shoals last night. We arrived around 6:30, and the place was jumping...As soon as we walked in we were greeted, and taken to a booth. By the time, we had taken our coats off the waitress was asking for our drink order. We ordered the drinks with the large Guacamole dip...As the first time, the chips were hot, and the dips, both red and Guacamole was plentiful.
As a appetizer we ordered from the Mexican plates which is located on the back page of the menu...We ordered the Lenqua De Res (beef Tonque tacos) and the Papas Con Chorizo Tacos. When they arrived, they were big, juicy and tender...If you like tex mex style cooking you will like these...As the main course, I decided on Filete Veraqcruzano, which is a grilled fish fillet (tiliapa)served with special sauce, and all the normal fixins with it...
When it arrived, it was steaming and plenty...the fish was tender and flaky just as it should be....the sauce...well! I wasn't too crazy about it....but then again ...that was the order...I just did not like what I ordered...it was not their fault
My partner chose a Steak Tapatio it was is a T-bone steak cooked with onions, tomatoes,bell peppers, and with the usual extras.... The steak was huge, tender, full of flavor and covered over half the plate...
I was talking to the owner as we were finishing up, and I told her about the fish sauce, that I was not crazy about...
She stated, when I returned she would do a special fish dish, that was not on the menu to make up for it...I fiqured that was a good deal, and looking forward to giving it a try...
So! the next time you hungry for something south of the border, give it a try...its worth the experience...
Does anyone know of a good Mediterranean/Lebanese restaurant in the Shoals?
quote:Originally posted by traderconnections:
Peking Restaurant Visit
On Tuesday night, decided we had a taste for chinese food, and picked the Peking.
As usual I found the food tasty, but nothing really outstanding. I travel a lot, and eat at a lot of chinese buffets. When compared to the chinese Buffets in Mississippi and Tenn, it ranks at a low 2. I hate to say this, as I would love to see a good quality, upscale style chinese place here.
Amen to that!
Sorry! not aware of any lebanese restaurants even close to here...if you find one even in huntsville, let us know...it would be worth the trip...
Went to Harvest Buffet today for lunch...same style buffet as all of the local chinese establishments...
Put them in a bag..pull one out...forget the name...they are all the same...average to less than at best..
Went to Harvest Buffet today for lunch...same style buffet as all of the local chinese establishments...
Put them in a bag..pull one out...forget the name...they are all the same...average to less than at best..
quote:Health Ratings are not always about the food. I worked in a restaurant for five years and learned a lot about the ratings! If the servers have a personal drink, the restaurant gets docked points for that. I try to read what is being counted off for most of the time before I judge a restaurant on their score!
You are right that the ratings are not always about the food. However, I wouldn’t patronize a restaurant that served the best food in the world if they allowed the kitchen staff or servers to have personal drinks in the food prep areas. Call me crazy but I don't like to think that my food has been soaked with somebody else's backwash.
The health ratings changed a year or two ago and now more emphasis is placed on food safety rather that equipment malfunctions. One of the things that health inspectors pay close and strict attention to is food temperatures. Hot foods have to be held at temps above 140 deg and cold foods have to be kept at 45 deg or below. I know from my years in the restaurant business you have to be on your toes to prevent food contamination. So, the bottom line is YES, the health department ratings are important. Since the place knows the window of time the inspector is due and they still can’t pass means that there is serious problems and consumers should stay away.
One of the easiest ways to tell if a place keeps a clean kitchen is to go to the restrooms. If management allows the customer restrooms to be nasty, then just imagine the care they give the kitchen where you don’t see it. Another good check is to ask the local bug exterminator about the restaurants they go into. Talking about horror stories, those folks have them.
I think the area restaurants should also do more for vegetarians. There are more and more people becoming vegetarians and it is hard to find a restaurant that doesn't solely focus on meat.
quote:Originally posted by Pitbo$$:quote:Health Ratings are not always about the food. I worked in a restaurant for five years and learned a lot about the ratings! If the servers have a personal drink, the restaurant gets docked points for that. I try to read what is being counted off for most of the time before I judge a restaurant on their score!
You are right that the ratings are not always about the food. However, I wouldn’t patronize a restaurant that served the best food in the world if they allowed the kitchen staff or servers to have personal drinks in the food prep areas. Call me crazy but I don't like to think that my food has been soaked with somebody else's backwash.
The health ratings changed a year or two ago and now more emphasis is placed on food safety rather that equipment malfunctions. One of the things that health inspectors pay close and strict attention to is food temperatures. Hot foods have to be held at temps above 140 deg and cold foods have to be kept at 45 deg or below. I know from my years in the restaurant business you have to be on your toes to prevent food contamination. So, the bottom line is YES, the health department ratings are important. Since the place knows the window of time the inspector is due and they still can’t pass means that there is serious problems and consumers should stay away.
One of the easiest ways to tell if a place keeps a clean kitchen is to go to the restrooms. If management allows the customer restrooms to be nasty, then just imagine the care they give the kitchen where you don’t see it. Another good check is to ask the local bug exterminator about the restaurants they go into. Talking about horror stories, those folks have them.
Well, I understand - but most restaruant employees do not keep their drinks where the food is prepared. In some cases, there is a storage area that the employees will keep their drinks and that gets points counted off. If the servers keep their drinks (mid you with lids on them and straws) in any area of the building, they get counted off. I know you have to have rules/regulations and all that, but servers are people too and especially in the summer time, they get hot and are sometimes so busy they can't fix a drink every five minutes, take a sip out of it, and then throw it away to have to turn back around five minutes later and fix another one. In most circumstances, if a rating is LOW, it is not because of servers having drinks in areas - the entire restaurant staff would have to have drinks sitting around to bring a score down below failing. Also, a lot of resaturants are visited right after a busy lunch hour - food is still hot from lunch and has not been cooled to the correct temperature. Don't get me wrong, I don't eat at places that have low health ratings, but high 80's/90's - I try to look at things and realize that they can be counted off for some silly things. Another example - if you have windex (say at your cash register, under the counter) and you have it in an unmarked bottle - you get counted off for that. It is no where near food or anything, but everything down to a box of pens has to be marked.
I agree Sunny
I know when Pepper's got their score awhile back and it wasn't bad (I think it was like 90?), it was because of personal drinks and lettuce that was in the wrong place in the cooler. The drinks were no where near the food either, they were behind the cash register area.
I think it is silly, but understand why the health department takes off for that, since it isnt tidy to leave drinks around like that. I also agree with you though, that servers are people too, and so are kitchen staff, and can understand why they wouldn't want to keep fixing small glasses, just to be able to drink something.
I do the same as you, I will look at the actual health rating, and also ask someone who works there why their score was what it was. If it's below 80's though, I will not eat there, because that's when ya know it has to have something to do with the food. lol
I know when my cousin managed Princeton's years ago, they got counted off 10 points because the lid on the outside trash can wasnt closed, and there was water in the parking lot from some kind of leak (cant remember what)... Some of the things that are counted off for, are kinda silly, but don't come to mind when you see the actual rating. I remember them losing a lot of business when that happened too. (Not that I liked their food though, I thought it was too pricey and not that great-lol)
~Manda~
I know when Pepper's got their score awhile back and it wasn't bad (I think it was like 90?), it was because of personal drinks and lettuce that was in the wrong place in the cooler. The drinks were no where near the food either, they were behind the cash register area.
I think it is silly, but understand why the health department takes off for that, since it isnt tidy to leave drinks around like that. I also agree with you though, that servers are people too, and so are kitchen staff, and can understand why they wouldn't want to keep fixing small glasses, just to be able to drink something.
I do the same as you, I will look at the actual health rating, and also ask someone who works there why their score was what it was.
If it's below 80's though, I will not eat there, because that's when ya know it has to have something to do with the food. lolI know when my cousin managed Princeton's years ago, they got counted off 10 points because the lid on the outside trash can wasnt closed, and there was water in the parking lot from some kind of leak (cant remember what)... Some of the things that are counted off for, are kinda silly, but don't come to mind when you see the actual rating. I remember them losing a lot of business when that happened too. (Not that I liked their food though, I thought it was too pricey and not that great-lol)
~Manda~
quote:Originally posted by *~*Manda*~*:
I agree Sunny
I know when Pepper's got their score awhile back and it wasn't bad (I think it was like 90?), it was because of personal drinks and lettuce that was in the wrong place in the cooler. The drinks were no where near the food either, they were behind the cash register area.
I think it is silly, but understand why the health department takes off for that, since it isnt tidy to leave drinks around like that. I also agree with you though, that servers are people too, and so are kitchen staff, and can understand why they wouldn't want to keep fixing small glasses, just to be able to drink something.
I do the same as you, I will look at the actual health rating, and also ask someone who works there why their score was what it was.
I know when my cousin managed Princeton's years ago, they got counted off 10 points because the lid on the outside trash can wasnt closed, and there was water in the parking lot from some kind of leak (cant remember what)... Some of the things that are counted off for, are kinda silly, but don't come to mind when you see the actual rating. I remember them losing a lot of business when that happened too. (Not that I liked their food though, I thought it was too pricey and not that great-lol)
~Manda~
Yep, what Manda said... Sweet Peppers is GREAT!!! It's making me hungry right now, lol.
To The Reader I am pleased that so many have pulled up this site to review what is being said about some of the local restaurants...
The count is 150 post with close to 6000 now having viewed these post.
This is a strong indication there is an interest in hearing about what you have experienced at the restaurants. I encourage you to put down your experences, as they would like to read what you ordered, was it worth the money charged, or you wish you had ordered something else...If your favorite restaurants are good at a certain dishes or desserts tell us about them...there are many who would probably like to try it also...Remember! this is your site...be fair...write is such a way that it displays who you are as a person...even thou what you are writing about may not have been so pleasant...the readers will think more of you for it...This site is starting to become known among the owners in the area...and they are now reviewing what their customers are saying about them. Being critical of something is not always bad, if you do it in a manner which shows respect for the establishment. Any owner with half a brain, one love to know what they are doing wrong, so that it will not happen again. They realize, that a happy customer will return again and again...no restaurant can stay in business with one timers..
Good eating and thanks again for reviewing this site
Traderconnection
The count is 150 post with close to 6000 now having viewed these post.
This is a strong indication there is an interest in hearing about what you have experienced at the restaurants. I encourage you to put down your experences, as they would like to read what you ordered, was it worth the money charged, or you wish you had ordered something else...If your favorite restaurants are good at a certain dishes or desserts tell us about them...there are many who would probably like to try it also...Remember! this is your site...be fair...write is such a way that it displays who you are as a person...even thou what you are writing about may not have been so pleasant...the readers will think more of you for it...This site is starting to become known among the owners in the area...and they are now reviewing what their customers are saying about them. Being critical of something is not always bad, if you do it in a manner which shows respect for the establishment. Any owner with half a brain, one love to know what they are doing wrong, so that it will not happen again. They realize, that a happy customer will return again and again...no restaurant can stay in business with one timers..
Good eating and thanks again for reviewing this site
Traderconnection
[quote] Well, I understand - but most restaurant employees do not keep their drinks where the food is prepared. In some cases, there is a storage area that the employees will keep their drinks and that gets points counted off. If the servers keep their drinks (mid you with lids on them and straws) in any area of the building, they get counted off. I know you have to have rules/regulations and all that, but servers are people too and especially in the summer time, they get hot and are sometimes so busy they can't fix a drink every five minutes, take a sip out of it, and then throw it away to have to turn back around five minutes later and fix another one. In most circumstances, if a rating is LOW, it is not because of servers having drinks in areas - the entire restaurant staff would have to have drinks sitting around to bring a score down below failing. Also, a lot of restaurants are visited right after a busy lunch hour - food is still hot from lunch and has not been cooled to the correct temperature. Don't get me wrong, I don't eat at places that have low health ratings, but high 80's/90's - I try to look at things and realize that they can be counted off for some silly things. Another example - if you have windex (say at your cash register, under the counter) and you have it in an unmarked bottle - you get counted off for that. It is no where near food or anything, but everything down to a box of pens has to be marked. [quote]
Let me address your comments point by point:
Health inspectors and the regulations state that a specific shelf or location should be designated for employee drinks. This can be located in the kitchen but away from the food prep area. There can be nothing else stored on the same elevation or below the employee drink area to prevent contamination. This applies to all employees regardless of their duties.
You are wrong about the entire staff having to have a drink out of place to be downgraded on the score; one out of place drink will get you nailed. Been there, done that, got the score card to prove it.
The reason why inspectors visit you right after lunch is simple. If you can’t serve you customers food held at the correct temperatures then you are gonna make people sick. The regulations have specific time frames that must be adhered to. When you have a buffet for instance, you must maintain a food log to point to specific times you put what food on the bar. With this in hand, then the food is not considered unsafe for two hours.
Windex at cash register: First of all why would you want Windex on the front side of the house? Windex is meant to clean windows and between actual uses it should be kept in the same cabinet as all other cleaning supplies. Would you want drano or wax stripper stored with the other items such as napkins, kids menus, toothpicks, mints, etc? Windex don’t kill germs and is not legal to clean countertops, bar tops, table tops or any other food contact surfaces in a restaurant. By rule you have to use a specific sanitizer solution or bleach solution to wipe these surfaces with. And the cloth used to wipe with must be kept in the solution between uses. As to labeling bottles, I might know that I put windex in that unmarked bottle, but does the evening shift know it? They have these rules for a purpose. Oh, and you don’t have to mark a box of pens. Check out this website for details on the health rules: Health Dept Rules
Let me address your comments point by point:
Health inspectors and the regulations state that a specific shelf or location should be designated for employee drinks. This can be located in the kitchen but away from the food prep area. There can be nothing else stored on the same elevation or below the employee drink area to prevent contamination. This applies to all employees regardless of their duties.
You are wrong about the entire staff having to have a drink out of place to be downgraded on the score; one out of place drink will get you nailed. Been there, done that, got the score card to prove it.
The reason why inspectors visit you right after lunch is simple. If you can’t serve you customers food held at the correct temperatures then you are gonna make people sick. The regulations have specific time frames that must be adhered to. When you have a buffet for instance, you must maintain a food log to point to specific times you put what food on the bar. With this in hand, then the food is not considered unsafe for two hours.
Windex at cash register: First of all why would you want Windex on the front side of the house? Windex is meant to clean windows and between actual uses it should be kept in the same cabinet as all other cleaning supplies. Would you want drano or wax stripper stored with the other items such as napkins, kids menus, toothpicks, mints, etc? Windex don’t kill germs and is not legal to clean countertops, bar tops, table tops or any other food contact surfaces in a restaurant. By rule you have to use a specific sanitizer solution or bleach solution to wipe these surfaces with. And the cloth used to wipe with must be kept in the solution between uses. As to labeling bottles, I might know that I put windex in that unmarked bottle, but does the evening shift know it? They have these rules for a purpose. Oh, and you don’t have to mark a box of pens. Check out this website for details on the health rules: Health Dept Rules
quote:Originally posted by Pitbo$$:
When you have a buffet for instance, you must maintain a food log to point to specific times you put what food on the bar. With this in hand, then the food is not considered unsafe for two hours. ]
Pitboss,
You either worked in restaurants in Lauderdale county a long time before I did, or else a long time after. I was there in 92-97. The restaurant I worked for had a buffet. It was electric and had cold sections and hot sections. We kept everything clean, but we didn't have to keep a log of it for the health department. Our ratings were always in the high 90s and nothing ever mentioned about the buffet. Nobody asked for a log!
Yep, what Manda said... Sweet Peppers is GREAT!!! It's making me hungry right now, lol.[/QUOTE]
I wish someone would open a Sweet Peppers here in Florence!
I wish someone would open a Sweet Peppers here in Florence!
Went to Homeside in Petersville lastnight. Got a 10 ounce Ribye, Sweet potato, Steamed Brocoli. I must say, As fine a steak as I've had in the shoals for a while, tater and steamed veggies were as good to boot. I give them an A++.
I have seen:
Many post on homeside in petersville..and all were positive...I intend to give it a try this weekend...do they serve beer or wine?
Many post on homeside in petersville..and all were positive...I intend to give it a try this weekend...do they serve beer or wine?
quote:do they serve beer or wine?
I had Ice Water.
slip a flask in, The food's worth it
quote:Originally posted by MentalFloss:
Went to Homeside in Petersville lastnight. Got a 10 ounce Ribye, Sweet potato, Steamed Brocoli. I must say, As fine a steak as I've had in the shoals for a while, tater and steamed veggies were as good to boot. I give them an A++.
What $$ range on the menu? Is it high dollar or about normal?
My above mentioned dinner was 9 dollars and some change pre tax and no drink