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Vancouver, WA: Operation Schnitzel: Gustav’s Remains a Trusted Rally Point

Gustav's 1705 SE 164th Avenue Vancouver, WA 98683 Phone number:  (360) 883-0222 gustavsvancouver.com Prices: $$ $$ After redeploying fro...

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Mesquite, NV: You Are My Gyro Chicago Greek!

Chicago Greek
355 W. Mesquite Boulevard, Suite B-30
Mesquite, NV 89027
Phone: (702) 613-5017
Website: None
Prices: $$$$

In a relatively deserted strip mall south of I-15, Chicago Greek stands out not just with their colorful sign, but with their fresh, tasty food, friendly service, and quaint Santorini-like atmosphere.
You have to order at the counter when you enter with a full view of the small, but spic-n-span kitchen. They offer several traditionally Greek specialties such as saganaki, a variety of gyros, spanakopita, and souvlaki along with some American favorites, most notably the Italian roast beef sandwich, a Chicago tradition.
I ordered the Classic Gyro ($7.29) with a generous helping of their sliced beef/lamb combo, fresh tomato, of which there could have been more of, sliced red onion, and homemade tzatziki on a large, thick, soft, and fresh pita. They offer an order of fries and a soft drink, along with your sandwich purchase, for an additional $2.50 and I went for broke ... HOOAH!
The sandwich was delicious and filling and the fries hot and crispy, right out of the fryer, with a tasty seasoning that I could not quite put my finger on. Who cares, they were great!
For $10, not including tip, it was one of the better meals I have had in recent memory dollar for dollar, so I recommend you get your hiney over to Chicago Greek, otherwise, you are a malaka.

If they offered table service, some wine, beer, and/or Ouzo, and put more tomatoes on their gyro, they likely would have received my highest rating ... OPA!

CombatCritic Gives Chicago Greek 8 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!
Eight Bombs Equates To:
Translation for Civilians: "What-The-Fuck ... Over!"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "GOLD" ELITE '14/'15/'16/'17/'18/'19 
  • Over 1.4 Million Views A Year
Read Chris S.'s review of Chicago Greek on Yelp

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over  4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!
Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

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Title: Mesquite, NV: You Are My Gyro Chicago Greek!

Key Words: Mesquite, NV, gyro, Chicago Greek, Chicago, Greek, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Copyright 2019 - 3rd Wave Media Group And CombatCritic ™ - All Rights Reserved

Monday, December 16, 2019

Surprise, AZ: LIttle Sicily

I love good, mom and pop, family-style Italian restaurants with red checkered tablecloths, Chianti bottle candle holders dripping with wax, and reasonably priced food, not the foo-foo, overpriced places springing up all over with tiny portions that have no resemblance to authentic Italian dishes. Little Sicily belongs in the former category.

A tiny place packed with snowbirds, I walked in to find all of the tables full and a line of people winding through the dining room waiting to order at the cash register. Once I figured out the process, I too got in line after setting my things on an empty table, ensuring that I would have a place to sit after ordering.

The young lady at the counter was very friendly and helpful and the gaggle of people in the kitchen right behind her appeared to be the owners, who happen to be Sicilian, like my wife, and their extended family. Curious about a veal dinner that costs a little over $10, I ordered the Veal Parmigiana ($11.05), which came with soup or salad and bread sticks, and a fountain drink. I had hoped for a glass of wine because I saw several people drinking from wine glasses and an array of bottles across the room. I was told, however, that this is a BYOB establishment and that there is no corkage fee. Good to know for next time!

The nice young lady with reindeer antlers on her head found me thanks to the number on my table that was given at the counter after ordering, bringing me first my salad and bread sticks, then the veal parm dinner. The salad was small, but fresh, coming with sliced red onion and tomato, and a small cup of blue cheese dressing that was more than I could use. The two bread sticks were rather tiny, but obviously homemade and delicious. I wanted more.

The veal was of the pre-formed, processed type purchased from large wholesale food distributors, but that was clearly stated on the menu, so I was OK with it. After all, I was not expecting much from an $11 veal parm dinner. The veal patty was perched atop a bed of spaghetti marinara and covered with more of the sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked in the oven until melted and gooey. The veal patty was nothing to write home about, but the flavors were good and it filled the empty spot in my tummy. I would not order it again, but it did the job.

Little Sicily's forte seems to be their pizzas, which most of the patrons had ordered. The pizzas looked quite tasty and apparently come in a regular, thin, Chicago-style crust, pan, or stuffed the Chicago way. I liked the experience and the service more than the food, but will return to try their pizza or one of their sandwiches, of which the Chicago Italian roast beef would be my first choice. If you have not had an Italian roast beef sandwich on a crusty roll with melted mozzarella, sweet and hot peppers, and au jus, you have not lived.

They need a bigger place, table service for those who want to eat-in, better quality (real) veal, for which I would be happy to pay extra, a website, and a better place to put the soda machine other than crammed in right next to the cash register where people are standing in line. Otherwise, I was quite happy with my experience.

CombatCriticitic Gives Little Sicily 7 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!







Seven Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Shits & Grins"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "GOLD" ELITE '14/'15/'16/'17/'18/'19 
  • Over 1.4 Million Views A Year
Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"


Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over  4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!
Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

View my food journey on Zomato!

View my food journey on Zomato!

View my food journey on Zomato!

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Title: Surprise, AZ: LIttle Sicily

Key Words: CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, hotel, accommodation, destination, product, service, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Copyright 2019 - 3rd Wave Media Group And CombatCritic ™ - All Rights Reserved

Mesquite, NV: Go On Inn To La Fonda For Overpriced, Underwhelming Mexican Food

La Fonda
550 W Pioneer Blvd
Mesquite, NV 89027
(702) 346-0907
Website: None ... Really?
Prices: $$$$

One tiny taco and one small cheese enchilada with a smattering of rice and beans for $14 seems a bit unrealistic to me, but that was the case here. Margaritas start at $8, guacamole was $3.99 for a tiny scoop ($6.99 serves 2), and the chips were straight out of a bag. I got one small basket of tortilla chips, along with mild and spicy salsas, the highlight of a rather forgettable meal.
Hidden in the back of a strip mall, if you blink while on Pioneer Boulevard, you will likely miss the sign which is hidden among numerous other businesses. The inside lacks any warmth or charm, reminiscent of something between Taco Bell and Denny's.

The service was adequate, but unfriendly and I had to walk up to the register to pay because I got tired of waiting for the check to arrive.
What food I got tasted OK, but I walked away hungry and with $17 less in my pocket. Earth to La Fonda ... make your own chips, serve them warm, and bring an extra basket if necessary; a single taco and single enchilada dinner should top out at $10 to $11 max, not $14; a basic 12 ounce house margarita should cost $5 to $6 if you hope to draw in customers; and show your customers that you appreciate them by making us feel welcome and appreciated.

Go to El Coyote Charro across town if you want a delicious, fresh, authentic Mexican meal with a similar lack of ambiance for half the price. How this place rates 4/5 stars is beyond me unless most of the customers come from Back East or across the sea.

CombatCriticitic Gives La Fonda 3 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better! 

Three Bombs Equates To:
Translation for Civilians: "Situation Normal, All Fucked Up"

MENU




Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "GOLD" ELITE '14/'15/'16/'17/'18/'19 
  • Over 1.4 Million Views A Year
Read Chris S.'s review of La Fonda on Yelp

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over  4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!
Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

View my food journey on Zomato!

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View my food journey on Zomato!

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Title: Mesquite, NV: Go On Inn To La Fonda For Overpriced, Underwhelming Mexican Food

Key Words: Mesquite, NV, La Fonda, la, fonda, inn, Mexican, tacos, taco, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook


Copyright 2019 - 3rd Wave Media Group And CombatCritic ™ - All Rights Reserved

Mesquite, NV: Wrangle Up Your Amigos And Head On Over To El Coyote Charro Cowboys And Cowgirls

El Coyote Charro
325 N. Sandhill Blvd
Mesquite, NV 89027
Phone number: (702) 346-2858
Website: elcoyotecharro.food94.com
Prices: $$$$

In a rather nondescript location in the rear of a gas station convenience store you will, possibly, find El Coyote Charro and it was as good as all the hype on Yelp reported. It is a fast food, order at the counter, and have a seat at one of the plastic and Formica booths kind of place, just the way I like it.

The place was very clean, kitchen included, but the cashier was not very engaging, although he brought my food to me without delay. My order was simple, three Carne Asada Tacos and one Al Pastor Taco (marinated, sliced pork - all $1.79/each) as well as an order of Guacamole and Chips ($3.75). The tacos had mucho meat, tender and delicious, having added cilantro, onion, and salsa from the relish bar. They also have a kettle full of FREE hot charro beans, so make sure to ask for a cup. The guacamole was also very good and they even fried the large order of fresh tortilla chips while I waited.


I do not give out 5-star ratings willy-nilly, but I could find little to downgrade at El Coyote Charro except for the lack of enthusiasm of the staff and the fact that I could not buy a beer or margarita to enjoy along with my wonderful $12 meal ... HOOAH!

CombatCritic Gives El Coyote Charro 9 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Nine Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "U.S. Marine Response To A Verbal Greeting Or As An Expression Of Enthusiasm"


MENU

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "GOLD" ELITE '14/'15/'16/'17/'18/'19 
  • Over 1.4 Million Views A Year!
Read Chris S.'s review of El Coyote Charro on Yelp

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over  4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!
Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

View my food journey on Zomato!

View my food journey on Zomato!

View my food journey on Zomato!

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Mesquite, NV: Wrangle Up Your Amigos And Head On Over To El Coyote Charro Cowboys And Cowgirls

Key Words: Mesquite, NV, El Coyote Charro, Mexican, tacos, enchiladas, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook


Copyright 2019 - 3rd Wave Media Group And CombatCritic ™ - All Rights Reserved

Monday, December 9, 2019

Peoria (Phoenix), AZ: The Name Says It All, Communication Is Not Their Forte

uBreakiFix
7369 W. Bell Road
Peoria, AZ 85382
Website: ubreakifix.com
Phone number: (623) 334-4349

Batteries Plus suggested that I go here because they did not have the right battery ($69.99) for my Samsung Galaxy S7 (International model), but, as it turns out, all S7s use the same exact battery. Anywho, I walked through the unlocked door at 9:33 AM on a Tuesday and was greeted by a shout from somewhere behind the wall I was looking at: "We're not open yet, come back later". I said, "well, the door was open, so here I am".

Why would I expect a techie, which this guy, Stef, obviously was, to understand how to communicate with fellow humans? Another older gentleman walked through the unlocked door as all this was happening and Stef told him, "we're not open yet, come back later", so the guy left. Stef then asked me if I had something I could do for 25 minutes and I replied: "Actually, no, I do not". It was only then that he decided to fill out a repair order on my phone, telling me to come back in two hours. Oh, and by the way, the price for the same battery I could get up the street at Batteries Plus for $70 was now $86 and change.

I returned a about six hours later and was met by another asocial techie who gave me my phone and muttered: "that will be $86.29". As I gave him my credit card, I noticed that my phone with its, hopefully, new battery was only 9% charged. I told him that it would have been nice had they charged my new battery during the four extra hours they had it, but all I got was a blank stare. Earth to techie, come in techie.

This place needs to hire someone with a personality to interact with the public because these guys are obviously clueless. Unfortunately, I read the many other 1-star reviews only after the debacle outlined above, so take heed. I will add an update once I see how my "new" $86 battery performs. The only reason that they did not receive my lowest rating is because they got it done on-time, it appears to work properly, and they did not break it as they did with some reviewer's electronics.

CombatCritic Gives uBreakIFix 3 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

bugu

Read Chris S.'s review of uBreakiFix on Yelp

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Glendale, CA: It Was No Odyssey, Troy Was Right Next Door And Tasty It Was

Troy's has been there for a long time, but this was my first visit as I was staying at an Airbnb just next door. The inside is basic, but functional and clean with several large booths, tables and chairs. You can also order and pick-up at their drive-in window if you are too lazy to get out of your car or change out of your PJs.
I had a big, tasty double bacon cheeseburger, a large order of fries, and a large drink for under $14. The burger bun was soft, the beef patties large and juicy, and the lettuce, onion and tomato freshly cut. The fries were abundant and hot with just the right amount of crispiness.

In comparison, I had an inferior burger in Portland, Oregon recently and the burger alone (no fries or drink) cost more than my entire meal at Troy's. Good food, good meat, good God let's eat ... at Troy's ... HOOAH!

CombatCritic Gives Troy's Drive-In #6 7 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!


Seven Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Shits & Grins"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp - "GOLD" ELITE '14/'15/'16/'17/'18 
  • 650,000+ Views A Year
Read Chris S.'s review of Troy's Drive In #6 on Yelp

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Troy Drive-in 6 Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over  4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!
Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 1 Million Views!

View my food journey on Zomato!

View my food journey on Zomato!

View my food journey on Zomato!

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Glendale, CA: It Was No Odyssey, Troy Was Right Next Door And Tasty It Was

Key Words: Glendale, CA, Troy, burgers, hamburgers, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Copyright 2018 - 3rd Wave Media Group And CombatCritic ™ - All Rights Reserved


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