Her perspective: Must See
Synopsis: The Silver Surfer comes to earth to prepare it for destruction. As the Silver Surfer races around the globe wreaking havoc, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben must unravel the mystery of the Silver Surfer and confront the surprising return of their mortal enemy, Doctor Doom, before all hope is lost... all while Reed and Sue are trying to get married.
Review: In the true style of the Marvel films, this movie is fast-paced, with plenty of action and suspense, which is the mark of good writing and directing. There are several spots that are hilarious, mixed with a few serious spots. They could have done more with Johnny switching powers, and they never explained how he kept his flame power when he took on the other three powers. Not having read the comics, I thought I might not be up to speed on the characters, but they did a good job of making the movies "stand alone" so you don't need to have read the comics. I was wishing that they had explained the science a little more behind separating the Silver Surfer from the board as well as separating Dr. Doom from the board. I also think that the final fight could have lasted longer and been a bit more involved.
Over all, though, if you just want to sit back and watch a Marvel film, it's a good one and I enjoyed it.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Dave and Buster's, Maple Grove - June 15, 2007
Her perspective: A
Note to self: don't use Google maps; it led us to a spot in a residential area about 5 miles away from the restaurant.
Walking into the restaurant, there was a doorman - not a host - a doorman (probably a bouncer, too). We were seated immediately quite close to a mirror that was so clean and well installed, I wouldn't have known it was a mirror but for the fact that I could see myself. We noticed that there was a private area that could be closed off for a party of up to 31. As we were waiting to be greeted, we also noticed that all the ceiling fans were connected and using a single motor. It is a fun, festive atmosphere, and they use actual linens on the tables! Price range is comparable to TGIFriday's or Olive Garden. They have American style cuisine with, what appears to be, their signature barbecue sauce made with Jack Daniels. They have a good selection of appetizers as well as steaks, chicken, seafood, entree salads, burgers and sandwiches. In the center, between the restaurant and the games area is a full bar including most of the usual brands of wine you would see at most chain family dining restaurants.
Our server was Lisa, a fun, friendly person who took great care of us. We never wanted for anything. We both ordered drinks, which were both quite strong, yet tasty. Our appetizers were Tempura Fried Mushrooms with ranch and Queso with chips. Portion sizes are huge, so you're going to want to share. For those of us that like ranch, you'll want to request extra ranch with the mushrooms. However, the batter has a seasoning that's really good, so you don't even need the dip, if you don't want.
There is an insert in the menu advertising a meal/game card package. You pick from any entree on that insert, and get a game card with a certain amount of money on it, for a discounted price. Be advised, though, these specials end at 5:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
I ordered the Teriyaki Sirloin Steak for my entree, which is sliced and served with loaded mashed potatoes and onion frizzles. The meat is marinated, then they put more sauce over the top. It's a little overpowering the first couple of bites, but it really brings out a good flavor in the steak. Quite a lot of food, so good value!
After dinner, I had a dessert martini with Starbuck's liqueur, Godiva liqueur and whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce. Very tasty, but a bit too much whipped cream... Next time, I will have a hard time deciding between the Bananas Foster Pie and the Belgian Chocolate Fondue.
Once we paid the check, we went over to the games area and purchased 2 game cards. You can do this at several kiosks around the game area. There is also a computer where you can register your card to get special offers and coupons e-mailed to you. You can swipe your card at any game, and, if you have enough money on the card for one credit, it will be deducted from your card. Depending on how well you play your game, you get a certain amount of tickets that you can redeem at their commissary for prizes. There are quite a lot of games geared towards younger kids, but there are enough adult type games to keep you entertained for a while. There are also pool tables and cocktail servers wandering around. At one point, I happened to forget my card on the console of one of the games and when I came back, it was gone. We went to talk to a manager to see if there was anything we could do. Since we had gotten our cards at the same time, the card number was sequential and the manager was able to transfer my balance to another card.
Needless to say, we were so impressed by the level of service that we received at Dave and Buster's, that we asked to talk to a manager on the way out. Jeff came out quickly, and I recounted our visit to him and let him know how much we appreciated getting excellent service, especially since we eat out so much. He detracted a bit from our visit by commenting that it doesn't always go like that, but I informed him of my background in restaurants and told him that I was very impressed.
Very highly recommended! We will definitely be back and would recommend this place to anyone. It has something for everyone!
Note to self: don't use Google maps; it led us to a spot in a residential area about 5 miles away from the restaurant.
Walking into the restaurant, there was a doorman - not a host - a doorman (probably a bouncer, too). We were seated immediately quite close to a mirror that was so clean and well installed, I wouldn't have known it was a mirror but for the fact that I could see myself. We noticed that there was a private area that could be closed off for a party of up to 31. As we were waiting to be greeted, we also noticed that all the ceiling fans were connected and using a single motor. It is a fun, festive atmosphere, and they use actual linens on the tables! Price range is comparable to TGIFriday's or Olive Garden. They have American style cuisine with, what appears to be, their signature barbecue sauce made with Jack Daniels. They have a good selection of appetizers as well as steaks, chicken, seafood, entree salads, burgers and sandwiches. In the center, between the restaurant and the games area is a full bar including most of the usual brands of wine you would see at most chain family dining restaurants.
Our server was Lisa, a fun, friendly person who took great care of us. We never wanted for anything. We both ordered drinks, which were both quite strong, yet tasty. Our appetizers were Tempura Fried Mushrooms with ranch and Queso with chips. Portion sizes are huge, so you're going to want to share. For those of us that like ranch, you'll want to request extra ranch with the mushrooms. However, the batter has a seasoning that's really good, so you don't even need the dip, if you don't want.
There is an insert in the menu advertising a meal/game card package. You pick from any entree on that insert, and get a game card with a certain amount of money on it, for a discounted price. Be advised, though, these specials end at 5:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
I ordered the Teriyaki Sirloin Steak for my entree, which is sliced and served with loaded mashed potatoes and onion frizzles. The meat is marinated, then they put more sauce over the top. It's a little overpowering the first couple of bites, but it really brings out a good flavor in the steak. Quite a lot of food, so good value!
After dinner, I had a dessert martini with Starbuck's liqueur, Godiva liqueur and whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce. Very tasty, but a bit too much whipped cream... Next time, I will have a hard time deciding between the Bananas Foster Pie and the Belgian Chocolate Fondue.
Once we paid the check, we went over to the games area and purchased 2 game cards. You can do this at several kiosks around the game area. There is also a computer where you can register your card to get special offers and coupons e-mailed to you. You can swipe your card at any game, and, if you have enough money on the card for one credit, it will be deducted from your card. Depending on how well you play your game, you get a certain amount of tickets that you can redeem at their commissary for prizes. There are quite a lot of games geared towards younger kids, but there are enough adult type games to keep you entertained for a while. There are also pool tables and cocktail servers wandering around. At one point, I happened to forget my card on the console of one of the games and when I came back, it was gone. We went to talk to a manager to see if there was anything we could do. Since we had gotten our cards at the same time, the card number was sequential and the manager was able to transfer my balance to another card.
Needless to say, we were so impressed by the level of service that we received at Dave and Buster's, that we asked to talk to a manager on the way out. Jeff came out quickly, and I recounted our visit to him and let him know how much we appreciated getting excellent service, especially since we eat out so much. He detracted a bit from our visit by commenting that it doesn't always go like that, but I informed him of my background in restaurants and told him that I was very impressed.
Very highly recommended! We will definitely be back and would recommend this place to anyone. It has something for everyone!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Shooter: Mark Wahlberg, Danny Glover
Her perspective: Must See, Must Own
Synopsis: Mark Wahlberg stars as a gunnery Sergeant sniper (Bob Lee Swagger) who saw his buddy killed in Ethiopia and subsequently retired to a solitary lifestyle in the mountains. He is sought out by Colonel Johnson, played by Danny Glover, to help him plan an assassination on the President, with the intention of stopping it. Bob agrees reluctantly, and the Colonel sets him up to take the fall for the assassination. However, the President was not shot, but a dignitary from Ethiopia. Bob continues to run throughout the film, using his skills: they train you how to stay alive after they train you how to kill. He goes to his buddy's widow to help him and eventually enlists the help of disgraced FBI agent, Nick Memphis (Michael Pena).
Review: Great Writing! There is quite a lot of humor and excellent one-liners. The plot is a bit complicated, yet easy to follow. Very good story line; a bit of a twist on a plot I've seen before. It moved along quickly right from the beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. There was just enough action, not too much, not too little; nothing gratuitous.
Synopsis: Mark Wahlberg stars as a gunnery Sergeant sniper (Bob Lee Swagger) who saw his buddy killed in Ethiopia and subsequently retired to a solitary lifestyle in the mountains. He is sought out by Colonel Johnson, played by Danny Glover, to help him plan an assassination on the President, with the intention of stopping it. Bob agrees reluctantly, and the Colonel sets him up to take the fall for the assassination. However, the President was not shot, but a dignitary from Ethiopia. Bob continues to run throughout the film, using his skills: they train you how to stay alive after they train you how to kill. He goes to his buddy's widow to help him and eventually enlists the help of disgraced FBI agent, Nick Memphis (Michael Pena).
Review: Great Writing! There is quite a lot of humor and excellent one-liners. The plot is a bit complicated, yet easy to follow. Very good story line; a bit of a twist on a plot I've seen before. It moved along quickly right from the beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. There was just enough action, not too much, not too little; nothing gratuitous.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Chianti Grill, Falcon Heights - June 13, 2007
Her perspective: C-
We wanted to go someplace a little nicer tonight because it was the anniversary of our first date. We were greeted almost immediately by the host and did not have to wait for a table. She put us back in a corner, which I preferred, but we were right next to a family with a child of about 10. We ordered a bottle of wine, which was served with spotted glassware and the wine chiller had ice in it because it had not been pre-chilled. Our server served the wine properly and maintained a pleasant and professional demeanor throughout our visit. However, she did not write anything down when she took our order. We ordered our appetizer and entrees at the same time and she promptly forgot to order the appetizer.
I commented to Bill that we had gotten our salads before our appetizer, but we thought perhaps they were just being served out of order. The bread was wrapped in a linen napkin, but was not warm. When we received our entrees, I inquired about the appetizer and the server replied that she had forgotten about it. She did apologize and I told her to forget the appetizer, that we had enough food. She brought it out anyway and told us it would be on the house. We would have preferred not to have it at all at that point.
Bill's steak was supposed to be Medium Well and came out Well Done and slightly charred on the outside; his fish had quite a bit more bones than is normal for walleye. My chicken dish was quite good, the sauce was wonderful and the potatoes were good as well. When the server checked on our meals, Bill was almost finished eating the steak, but he did mention to her that it was overdone. The kitchen manager came out and offered to put another steak on the grill, but we declined. It was a good effort.
When we finished our entrees, Bill ordered a mixed drink from the bar, I ordered a shot of a liqueur and asked for a dessert menu. I also asked for the rest of my chicken and the rest of the appetizer boxed up. 10 minutes later, the server came back to inform us that they were out of that particular liqueur despite the fact that several drinks on their drink menu include it. I asked for a drink menu. She brought that, then brought out Bill's drink and we still had yet to get the dessert menu. Bill's drink had some sort of sauce on the inside of the glass.
By this time, we were so put off by the whole experience that we sent her away with the drink to get our check. I double checked it. They had taken the appetizer off, as well as $10 off Bill's meal. His drink was not listed. We just wanted to leave at this point and didn't realize until we got home that we never got our boxed food.
However, as we left, the host inquired about our meal and, with a luke-warm response, actually took an interest in what had happened and offered to get a manager. We had already talked to one, so we declined, but it was nice that she didn't just ask because it was part of her job; she actually seemed interested.
We may go back after a couple of months, just to give it a second chance, perhaps with another server. However, since there were problems in both the service and the kitchen, we are not optimistic.
We wanted to go someplace a little nicer tonight because it was the anniversary of our first date. We were greeted almost immediately by the host and did not have to wait for a table. She put us back in a corner, which I preferred, but we were right next to a family with a child of about 10. We ordered a bottle of wine, which was served with spotted glassware and the wine chiller had ice in it because it had not been pre-chilled. Our server served the wine properly and maintained a pleasant and professional demeanor throughout our visit. However, she did not write anything down when she took our order. We ordered our appetizer and entrees at the same time and she promptly forgot to order the appetizer.
I commented to Bill that we had gotten our salads before our appetizer, but we thought perhaps they were just being served out of order. The bread was wrapped in a linen napkin, but was not warm. When we received our entrees, I inquired about the appetizer and the server replied that she had forgotten about it. She did apologize and I told her to forget the appetizer, that we had enough food. She brought it out anyway and told us it would be on the house. We would have preferred not to have it at all at that point.
Bill's steak was supposed to be Medium Well and came out Well Done and slightly charred on the outside; his fish had quite a bit more bones than is normal for walleye. My chicken dish was quite good, the sauce was wonderful and the potatoes were good as well. When the server checked on our meals, Bill was almost finished eating the steak, but he did mention to her that it was overdone. The kitchen manager came out and offered to put another steak on the grill, but we declined. It was a good effort.
When we finished our entrees, Bill ordered a mixed drink from the bar, I ordered a shot of a liqueur and asked for a dessert menu. I also asked for the rest of my chicken and the rest of the appetizer boxed up. 10 minutes later, the server came back to inform us that they were out of that particular liqueur despite the fact that several drinks on their drink menu include it. I asked for a drink menu. She brought that, then brought out Bill's drink and we still had yet to get the dessert menu. Bill's drink had some sort of sauce on the inside of the glass.
By this time, we were so put off by the whole experience that we sent her away with the drink to get our check. I double checked it. They had taken the appetizer off, as well as $10 off Bill's meal. His drink was not listed. We just wanted to leave at this point and didn't realize until we got home that we never got our boxed food.
However, as we left, the host inquired about our meal and, with a luke-warm response, actually took an interest in what had happened and offered to get a manager. We had already talked to one, so we declined, but it was nice that she didn't just ask because it was part of her job; she actually seemed interested.
We may go back after a couple of months, just to give it a second chance, perhaps with another server. However, since there were problems in both the service and the kitchen, we are not optimistic.
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