Zebb's Deluxe Grill & Bar

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009, under ,

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If you find yourself driving down the boulevard and are tired of all the same places around the mall, drive north a few miles and check out Zebb's Grill & Bar. This place has so many positives if you haven't been here, you need to go soon. Whether it's the juicy burgers or the condiment bar (featuring lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, relish, salsa, etc.) or the freshly cut fries with the skins. On every table you'll find an exotic hot sauce for your enjoyment, beware some are tongue numbing.

The interior has a neo-diner ambiance including the neon lights and old black and white pics of movie stars of yesteryear. On the wall is an autographed Pat LaFontaine Sabres jersey. Zebb's feature 1/2 price appetizers in the evenings after 9 as well as an assortment of draft beers. Enjoy sports events in the lounge with 4 suspended TV's. If you have hungry little rugrats I recommend going on Sundays where kids eat free. Not only do they eat free, but Zebb's is kid friendly with crayons and activity place mats which helps keep toddlers occupied (for a little while anyway). Your children will love the old-fashioned homemade milkshakes, but only if they finish their dinner. They even bake fresh cookies which are out of this world!

The service is friendly and fast. The portions are huge so plan to take some food home. All in all Zebb's is a fun place to go, check out the humorous, yet true list of laws here. What do you like at Zebb's? Please comment below.

Review by Ian Walpole

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Panera Bread

Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, under , ,

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Since we all don't live in or near an art district in a big city, Panera sort of gives us a similar feeling of some of the avant-garde, modern cafes. With free wi-fi you never want to leave.

Sure it's a chain but I can't find anything not to love. Their service is friendly, the sandwiches, soups, salads and of course bread is exceptional. I chose the "You Pick Two" which gives you a choice of a 1/2 sandwich, bowl of soup or salad. I ordered the chipotle chicken sandwich w/bacon and the new chicken tortilla soup. I loved the sandwich and felt the soup was so so. My favorite soup by far is the broccoli cheddar, it of course is the least healthy of the choices which isn't a coincidence.

They have a choice of 5 different brews of coffee including the house, decaf, dark roast, hazelnut and stronger Colombian. They have a unique process when roasting the coffee beans. Panera roasts them in smaller batches so they can closely monitor the process and make adjustments where necessary. The coffee is refillable so you can get jacked up on caffeine to take on the rest of the day's rat race. I will say the only negative is the prices. My order came to 9.41 and all I ordered was 1/2 a sandwich, a bowl of soup and a coffee. It would be more reasonable to be around 7.00 than over 9.00. I recommend Panera and go whenever I can.

Review by Ian Walpole

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Apple Granny

Posted on Monday, January 12, 2009, under ,

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In the heart of picturesque Lewiston lies a local favorite with a warm and inviting atmosphere coupled with friendly servers and amazing food. You're not a customer here, you're part of the family. Granny's feature daily specials as well as a fairly diverse assortment of choices. Not sure what you're in the mood for, go to AG's. I highly recommend the reuben and french onion soup! I haven't tasted their equal, and it hasn't been for lack of trying. More details here

Review by Ian Walpole

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Ashker's Coffee House

Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2009, under , ,

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If you're in Youngstown and you like coffee, check this place out. It's in an old antique house and is beautiful inside and out. There is indoor and outdoor dining as well, including a lounge with a comfy leather couch, chairs and a huge plasma TV on the wall. The kind of place that you don't want to leave. The owner, Ron Ashker has spared no expense making this a cozy environment. Their coffee is always brewed fresh, I highly recommend the "Jamaican Me Crazy" ! Each entree is homemade, try any of the breakfast sandwiches or wraps.
The service is top notch, very friendly. I go out of my way on occasion just to spend time here. Also check out the location on Center street in Lewiston and or the new place on 3rd Avenue in the Falls. Also I don't own this place or work here, I just appreciate good coffee, food and service. It seems to be in the minority these days.

Review by Ian Walpole

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El Palenque Mexican Grill

Posted on Friday, January 09, 2009, under , ,

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Bueno comida, gracias!
In the past few years, there have been more and more authentic Mexican restaurants popping up around WNY. We've tried a few of them and were very impressed with El Palenque. The food was really tasty and served quickly with a smile. Of course by the time the entrée is served you're stuffed with tortilla chips and their amazing salsa. You need to be careful, the plate is hot! I ordered one chicken and one beef tip enchilada with rice and beans. After a few bites I realized this place was special. There seemed to be more flavor, more seasoning in each bite than the other places. The prices were quite reasonable too. La Tolteca may have better ambience, El Palenque has the superior flavor.

Review by Ian Walpole

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Dunkin' Donuts

Posted on Friday, January 09, 2009, under ,

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Do you know how a restaurant with "donuts" in their name are still in business? Not because of the food, it's the coffee. Better than Starbucks and Tim Hortons, their brew is exceptional! There's even evidence besides my palate, click here.

I can't say the same for their breakfast sandwiches. They're pricey and processed as ever. Timmy's breakfast sandwich blows them out of the water. I do, however like the flatbread sandwiches, but once again they're not cheap (3.99 are you serious?) Looking for a great cup 'o joe, look no further.

Review by Ian Walpole

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