Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Ming's Chinese Restaurant

If you've ever driven down S. Lynnhaven near the Junior Market between lynnhaven and walmart and have seen the little spot off to the side with the roof that almost touches the ground, then you've seen Ming's (449 S. Lynnhaven Rd. VA Beach 757-498-4422). When it comes to a spot that specializes in one thing, this is it. I have known about Ming's for about 15 years and from the very begining I was told to only get one thing, the house lo-mien. Now over the last 15 years I have ventured out any way and tried a couple of other items on the menu and other than the lo-mien, egg rolls and chicken teriyaki there isn't much good to speak of. Now I don't mind trashing a spot if it is a complete disaster and a real dump, but Ming's is neither in fact the 6 table, cash only establishment has been there for years and is clean and the owner behind the counter is very polite lady (just don't be rude to her cause she will get New York Chinatown on that ass). And who knows to some the other menu items might be very good, but everyone that I've talked to has had the same thing to say, good things about the lo-mien and bad, even horrible things about everything else.
I guess now it's about time to talk about the lo-mien, to be more specific the "house lo-mien". It is a large to-go box barely shut sometimes even stapled shut, packed full of tasty noodles, napa cabbage, pork, shrimp, chicken, green onions, and yellow onion. It also big on flava with the tasty sauce they make for it and it chills on the bottom for you to toss your noodles in. It has all the flavors your looking for, ginger, garlic, onion, soy, toasted sesame oil, and teriyaki combined with the veggies, and meat makes for a quality inexpensive lunch with left overs for dinner. If you have ever eaten at Ming's and had something other than then lo-mien and it was good, please leave your comments and let me know. If you are a fan of lo-mien or or have never had it before this is definitely the spot to go and it's guaranteed to be good but please, please, please remember that I told you the only thing I recommend is the house lo-mien. Oh yeah and the egg rolls and chicken teriyaki. If not for anything else try it cause it's a chinese restaurant names #1 or lucky something. SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS.


Since this is a one item spot for me it's a Terminator/Amen (I'll spread the word when someone is looking for chinese food)

Are any chinese restaurants really kid friendly

No Smoking

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Saffron Indian Bistro

Let me start off by saying when it comes to Indian food, I know basically nothing. I know some of the spices and ingredients they use and have heard the names of some of the dishes, but that's about it. So when I heard about dinner at Saffron Indian Bistro (4532 Columbus Street VA Beach 23462 757-644-6904), I was stoked. When we got there you could smell the spices in the air to include curry, they were obviously busy with a large party of about 15-20, and all dining seats were full. Because they were so busy they were running late with the reservations we had, so we took refuge at the bar. With the owner behind a nicely stocked bar to include a decent little tap selection that included Harpoon I.P.A. which I opted for. The owner was nice and definitely willing to answer our questions as well as had a few recommendations that ended up being very good.
On this evening there were 5 of us dining, the Lee's (Scott & Heather) and the Jones' (Adam & Erin) and myself. The Lee's and myself had never eaten Indian food before and the Jones' have had Indian cuisine both in Cali and locally however never at Saffron, so they were very helpful when it came to ordering. The restaurant is located in the old Johnny Rockets at Town Center, and is a chill spot with with yellow and dark red walls and a cool shadow box with different spices used in Indian cooking on the wall. There are a couple of 2 top tables, a couple larger tables for larger parties and several booths. I will say they seem to be in need of a host/hostess as it seemed to be kinda chaotic at the front door with people waiting for tables and no one really there to take care of things.
We started off with the owners recommendations of the assorted vegetable bites which included a samosa (a potato & pea stuffed pie shell) not that great kind of bland and the shell was greasy. I was told by Erin that it was not a very good samosa from what she has had before. It also had 2 tikki's (mini potato cake) or as we decided to call it "the best knish we ever had" they were very tasty with a crispy outside and nice soft inside. 2 paneer pakora (home made cheese breaded with lentil flour and fried) not that good, very bland and i guess it's the lentil flour that doesn't crisp very well. Then the 4 vegetable pakora's (kinda like a fritter of broccoli, spinach, and i think eggplant) they are very tasty by themselves but went very well the the fruity, slightly tangy tamarind sauce. We also went with another recommendation of malai kabob (chicken breast pieces marinated in cashew nuts and special seasoning and broiled in tandoor) which came with several tandoor or grilled veggies such as baby corn, corn kernels, onions, red and green peppers. The chicken was juicy and very tasty with a great flavor from the tandoor, it also came with a slice of lemon and when that was spritzed over the chicken and veggies it added a whole different level to it, and to me changed the flavor in a good way. The owner definitely hit the mark with those suggestions.
Must admit that once we got away from the bar and were seated at a table the service definitely went down hill. After bringing us our appetizers the waiter never came back to ask how everything was or check on the bottle wine that was being enjoyed or if I needed another I.P.A., after I flagged him down for another beer and another bottle of wine he did ask how everything was. I am assuming it was unexpectedly busy and that is why service was not as good as it should have been. When it came to dinner we all decided on something different since it is family style, I decided on the lamb biryani (a traditional rice dish made from basmati rice, saffron, cardamom, and spices). It was tasty, the lamb was very tender, and it came fully equipped with a creeper spiciness, after eating a few bites the heat starts coming on. It isn't very spicy but just enough to know it's there, it comes with raita ( home made yogurt with herbs, chopped tomato, and chopped cuccumber) to help ease any heat. There was also Chicken saagwala (chicken cooked with spinach and herbs) in this case it wasn't bad, but at the same time it just didn't have as much flavor as i was expecting and Adam said that it wasn't one of the better saagwala's he's had. There was a big plate of jasmine rice served with everything and the saagwala went good on top of the rice, just wasn't that flavorful. Also scallop mango (scallops cooked in a special mango
and ginger sauce) was ordered and I thought they were very tasty, but I was the minority on that dish as no one else cared for it. It did have a heavy clove flavor and there was a hint of curry and ginger, mango was not that noticeable, again this went very well over the jasmine rice. We also partook in baingan bhartha (eggplant roasted in tandoor oven then mashed and sautéed with garlic,onions, tomatoes and spices) it was very good and one of everyone's favorites at the table. A hint of cumin could definitely be tasted and it had a bit of heat with it, and i thought was a very tasty side dish to accompany everything else on the table. To go along with everything we also had a bread basket which is an assortment of naan (a flat bread cooked in the tandoor), in the basket there was garlic naan, plain naan, and aloo naan (suppose to be naan stuffed with spicy potatoes) I don't think we got that kind though. We had ordered another dish and mango lassi's, but they never showed, and it was a good thing the other dish never showed up cause we had plenty with what we did get. However the mango lassi (a yogurt drink that is meant to cool and cleanse the palate kinda like pickled ginger to sushi) could've been used when the dinner first got to the table, but they were eventually brought out when we brought it to the waiters attention about the other dish not making it to the table.
All in all I thought this was a very good dinner and I left in desperate need of a nap, but since this was my first experience with Indian food I have nothing to compare to, as well as I am not 100% sure of the foods authenticity and it's also called an Indian bistro so I'm guessing it's kind of a fusion thing. The Jones' said it wasn't bad and that some dishes fell flat in comparison and some were better than others they have had. Adam asked for the saagwala to be medium-spicy and there was hardly any spice at all to it, however for the Lee's and myself it being our first experience with Indian food we were not disappointed with it and I will definitely be back. I do wanna make a note on something that the 5 of us kind of talked about and that is cows are suppose to be a sacred animal in India, yet they do have beef dishes on the menu. My theory on that is, I'm not asking the pope for his opinion on a good porno and I'm not eating beef from an Indian restaurant.

Amen ( I will pass the word like a collection plate in church)

there is a kids menu

no smoking

I would make reservations to be on the safe side.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Doc Taylor's Seaside Lounge

Thursday nite's in VA Beach are busy times, it's basically the kickoff to the weekend and every bar and most restaurants do something . Most spots are shoulder to shoulder packed with drinks getting spilled on you and annoying top 40 music being belted out of the speakers. There is a spot at the beach where you can go and not be a part of all that and still have a great time and eat some quality food. Doc Taylor's Seaside Lounge (207 23rd St. VA Beach 757-425-1960) attached to Doc Taylor's Restaurant (psst, the best breakfast spot at the beach). The lounge part of Doc Taylor's is only open on Thursday's and it's the spot to be at if you enjoy live entertainment and good eats. Whether it's a DJ spinning 60's soul vinyl or a bluegrass or funk band, the music is guaranteed to be good.
Can't fail to speak on the beer and bartenders, with a tasty ale on tap ( if i'm not mistaken called Cobo ale). When it comes to the bartenders you can't ask for 2 better than Quiv and Rob (even though Rob is a yankee fan), with their knowledge of music, drinks, and good food they're always a big help when undecided about what to eat or drink and to talk music with.
Now that I have dropped a little knowledge on ya about the spot and the bar, it's time to get to the tasty Scooby snacks. And when I say tasty Scooby snacks, good enough to get Shaggy and Scooby out of the mystery machine before their session is over. With an upscale-ish bar menu that isn't normal chicken fingers cheese sticks, and basket of fries. A tasty sashimi tuna plate that is chronic and fully equipped with a spicy crab salad, crispy wonton, sashimi style tuna, & asian slaw. Sliders and a quesadilla that change weekly with Clint's twist on both, not to mention sweet-heat wings, spinach and crab dip, lumpia, and cheese fries that come stacked with plenty of cheese, crispy bacon, and chives.
On this nite myself, my brother, and his girl Tiff, tried the ultimate cheese fries and the sliders. The sliders were bacon wrapped burgers with a crab cake, old bay, tomatoes, provolone cheese, and a cumin aioli. Superterrificfantastic is about the only way to describe those tasty bundles of goodness, and on top of being tasty the burgers were cooked perfectly. The fries were a definite tasty accompaniment for the sliders, and the perfect amount of food for three people. Both my brother and Tiff agreed the food was excellent and the spot is chill and a good start to a Thursday nite at the ocean front.
The cool thing about Doc Taylor's Seaside Lounge is that you can get in there around 8 or 9 enjoy some good music and great food and drinks, then when they close at midnight you still have plenty of time to go out and catch a show at The Jewish Mother or go and check out some of the many other Thursday nite specials all over the beach. Don't forget The Seaside Lounge part of Doc Taylor's is only open Thursday nite's, but Doc Taylor's is open everyday for breakfast and lunch and Tautog's next door for dinner. Whether you're a local that has only heard about this spot or it's your first time in VA Beach and it's Thursday nite, you need stop into Doc Taylor's Seaside Lounge for a funky food time with great food and drinks.

Damn mickey fickey that shizz is the cat's pajamas

NO KIDS

smoking outdoors on the back porch or on the side where you can corn hole your friends

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Conklin's Irish Rover

I have been to Conklin's Irish Rover (3157 VA Beach Blvd #104 & 105 VA Beach. 757-631-1294) several times, mostly to enjoy some of their very tasty draft beers which often include Irish and British beers and I have been told they have local beers too. I have also eaten there a time or two, and before they changed their menu they had a very tasty chicken sandwich with bacon, caramelized red onions, and cheese. To bad that isn't still on the menu (hopefully someone close to Conklin's will read this and tell them) but what is on the menu is classic Irish food such as bangers and mash, Irish eggs, and more. The atmosphere is most definitely Irish Pub with Celtic music playing and either rugby or real deal soccer on the TV's. The staff is usually very friendly and the bartender very educated about the beers.
On this visit it was at lunch time with my cuz and the place had a few patrons both drinking and enjoying some grub. As we sat ourselves we were met by someone that appeared to be an employee that was off and just helping, or the bartender/waiters girlfriend trying to help him out. The waiter came right over and got our drinks as we looked over the menu with appetizers that ranged in price from $5.95-$9.95. We decided on the garlic mushrooms which was a warm crock filled with tasty mushrooms in a garlic butter broth, for some simple fungus cooked in such a simple way, those were some tasty nuggets of joy.
After checking out the rest of the menu of sandwiches that were priced between $6.95 and $8.95 and entrees that ranged from $13.95-$18.95, I decided on the burger of the week which at the time was a black and blue burger, a tasty blackened burger topped with blue cheese with lettuce and tomato. At first bite it was very tasty and the burger was nice and juicy, but after a few more bites I realized there was too much blue cheese on it. The burger itself was cooked perfectly to medium rare and the pub fries (mini fried potato wedges) are chronic.
My cuz decided on the banger sandwich, a grilled Irish sausage with sauteed pepper, onions, and of course potatoes on a potato roll with a grain dijon mustard. She said the sammich was tasty and said she would definitely be back to eat again. I have to admit that every St. Patricks Day myself, my brother, and my cousin dress up like modern day leprechaun's and enjoy a proper pint at Conklin's, this year we might have to partake in some tasty eats too. I recommend checking this spot out and if your feeling brave around St. Patrick's Day venture out to Conklin's and say hey to the leprechaun's and enjoy a tasty Irish beer and some Irish food.

Definite Terminator

Didn't see a kids menu

Just like a real Irish Pub in Ireland, No smoking inside.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

No Frill Grill

I have been eating at No Frill Grill (1620 Laskin Rd, VA Beach 757-425-2900 and 806 Spotswood Ave Norfolk, 757-627-4262) for about 10 years now and the funny thing is, I've always eaten the same thing and it has always been as a togo order. At one point I ate there once a day, 5 days a week for several months straight, and my food-crack was/is the Funky Chicken Sandwich. It is one of my favorite sammy's in the area and I guess it's just a unique sandwich and that's why I like it. A large lip smackin grilled chicken breast on grilled rye with melty swiss cheese, crispy bacon, juicy tomato and a pepper parm dressing. Like I said been eating them for 10 years and I'm still not sure who it was that told me about the Funky Chicken sandwich, but thank you. There are obviously other menu items, I just choose not to explore them, this is kinda my 1 place for 1 thing spot. The appetizers range from $6.99-$11.99 as well as salads from $8.99-$13.99. Their burgers, pitas, & sammy's range from $6.99-$10.49 and entrees from $11.99-$18.99. From what I hear the meatloaf is quality, the salads are excellent and the Kentucky hot brown is pretty tasty too. They also have daily lunch and dinner specials, so be sure to ask if calling in a togo order. Also when placing a togo order, if you have a special request to your order be sure to check it before you leave. There have been several occasions I have had a mistake on my order and by my own fault didn't notice till I had already left.
When picking up my order the staff has always been very friendly and polite, and the place is always busy, so they must be doing something right. Just from standing at the bar waiting for my order I noticed in the day time the crowd seems to be a mix of retirement center and attorney's more than anything else. Not to sure what the dinner scene is like, but if it's the same as the day time it's definitely not the hang out and have some drinks with the guys spot. I will continue to get my togo order for the Funky Chicken sandwich and you should swing thru there to, check it out, and post your comments here about your experience. Thanks for reading.


Terminator(I'll be back)

No Smoking

There is a small kids menu.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Deuce Mcgee's Grille

Shore Drive has always been good for it's restaurant scene, and one of it's newest residents is a real good fit for the area, and not to mention, they're gonna make everyone else in the area step their game up. The owner is no rookie when it comes to the restaurant game. Years ago he owned Bobby Mcgee's, he also started Smackwater Jack's, Baker St., and now Deuce Mcgee's Grille 2916 Shore Dr. VA Beach 757-481-1583. I first heard about Deuce's right before they opened by some friends and then heard more about it after they were open from people that had been there. There were 2 times prior to this experience that I ate at Deuce's for for what I was told and now believe myself to be one of the best sammy's around. The Montreal smoked meat sandwich, a tasty delight of sliced house corned and smoked beef brisket on a marble rye sub roll (yes a marble rye sub roll) with a Sriracha honey mustard. The second time I enjoyed the tasty goodness I decided to go big and got it Pittsburgh style (fries, cole slaw, & tomatoes on the sandwich). Let me tell you it was work to eat, but was worth it. On this trip my wife, brother, and his girlfriend joined in on the goodness while i decided to try something different.
The location is an old Pizza Hut, but once you get inside it's anything but. There was excellent music playing thru the speakers, a smooth chill atmosphere with just a touch of Shore Drive. We were quickly greeted and seated by the hostess and our friendly waitress was right on time with our drinks while we looked over the menu. The first thing I noticed on the front of the menu was the fact they make their own fries and onion rings and grind their own beef. Not to mention the owners stance that his food is so good if you don't like something or you just want to compliment on the place, he has his personal cell phone# on the menu for customers to call (again making others step their game up).
After looking over the appetizers that ranged from stuffed mushrooms to nachos and calamari. We decided to get down on some fried pickles and a buffalo chicken dip, what came out was obviously hand breaded pickle slices with a sweet and tangy sauce that went very well the pickles. The chicken dip came with tortilla chips and was a tasty, not to spicy, cheesy goodness loaded with tender shredded chicken and cheese. When it came to dinner the waitress had a few recommendations and though she knew the menu well, I just wasn't feeling her suggestions. The menu has everything from funky burgers and tasty sammy's to steaks and seafood, there is also soups and salads as well as a very hearty breakfast menu that has everything from a variety of frittatas to hangover cures and specialty plates. I finally settled on the Pistachio chicken which was two very large, very juicy chicken tatas, pan fried and served in a white wine cream sauce with pistachios, ham, and mushrooms. I went for the homemade onion rings for my side and wasn't disappointed with the crispy not over battered delights. My brother dove into the Philly cheese steak and was stoked with the amount of meat, the taste, even the bun was perfect. "One of the best I've had" he said and he eats a lot of Philly sammiches. My wife and brothers girlfriend decided to get brave and try the Sacramento "cheese" burger. It is a juicy burger(even mid-well)smothered and covered with cheese and more cheese then allowed to melt and form a crispy, chewy, cheesy, Saturnesque ring of grilled cheese goodness that encompassed the entire plate. The burger was delicious and served with lettuce, tomato, and onion, the fresh made fries were excellent and were nicely seasoned.
This was for sure one of the best places I've been to lately for all the right reasons. Freshness, cleanliness, atmosphere, service, and tasty eats. Just so you know what to expect, Deuce's isn't one of those big bar restaurants and it isn't open till two in the morning. It has about a 10-12 seat full bar and a cozy dining area nice for a first date, a few drinks with some friends, or the spot to stop at before a show or an event. Make sure you ask if there are any other specials other than the early bird and daily specials which includes cioppino(many variations, but for the most part it's a seafood stew) on Friday's. I will definitely be back for both food and drinks.

A definite Damn mickey fickey that shizz was the cat's pajamas

family atmosphere with a kids menu. however it is a smaller place and if your kid is a screamer or in a bad mood that day wouldn't suggest taking them.

No Smoking

They close at 11:00 daily

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Pelon's Baja Grill

Good morning world! It's time for another restaurant review (and don't worry the micro brew talk will be coming soon). I have mentioned before about going out to eat on my lunch break from my daily grind, and I should let it be known that, my lunch break is when I do a lot of my eating out. So there is a good chance that a few of my blogs will have togo experiences, such is the case with Pelon's Baja Grill 3619 Pacific Ave. Va Beach, Va. 757-417-3970. I also recently found out that there is another location located at 738 W. 22nd St. suite 15 Norfolk, VA. 757-961-4673.

This was my first trip to Pelon's and to be honest, I don't know why. I have seen the place a million times and have been told about it several time by my buddy Eric. As soon as I walked in I thought I had just walked in off the beach after a nice day of surfing, sponging, or maybe you just got back in town from "the burg" and were out kite surfing all day(what up Walt). They have surf and skate stickers and posters all over the place, chill music coming thru the speakers, 2 TV's playing surf videos or fuel tv, the counter was at the front and the menu at the top of the wall behind the counter.

Knowing that I was going on my lunch break I checked the online menu so I could have my order ready when I got there. The menu is straight up Mexi-Cali food, with appetizers ranging from chips and salsa to taquitos(chicken or beef) and quesadilla and nachos. From what I've been told the tortilla soup is where it's at, they also have posole, which is a broth with grilled pork, hominy, and chili's, topped with cilantro, onion, and warm corn tortillas. The burrito selection is huge adn the taco selection consist of fish, chicken, carnitas, and carne asada(see their online menu for how they are prepared). I hear the fish tacos are some of the best around, i'll be sure to check them out the next time I'm there. The Over the Top burrito was recommended by my boy Eric, but since I still had to go back to work I opted for the "Hang ten". Seasoned charbroiled chicken boobs, baja rice, black beans, pepper jack cheese, cilantro, onions, guacamole, and a mild verde sauce, I also had a few freshy jalapeno's tossed in there too. When the lovely young thang behind the counter set my order on the counter, I thought I felt the counter shake, and then when I grabbed my order to walk out I almost dislocated my shoulder surprised by the massiveness of the bag. This jammy was HUGE, at least a pound maybe pound and a half. So when I finally sat down to eat the Barry Bondsish burrito I quickly realized it was the size a newborn child.

After taking the first bite I could taste the freshness of everything in that big ass bundle of joy. The guac was good and fresh, the verde sauce was excellent, and the fresh jalapeno's set the heat level to perfect. The chicken was slightly dry, but with the guac and the verde sauce, it wasn't bad at all. Trust it didn't ruin the burrito, I have rolled many burritos in my day and this was definitely a good one. I will definitely be back real soon to try those fish tacos and the Over the Top burrito.

3.5 "Damn mickey fickey that shizz was the cats pajamas"
$$$ good food and a lot of it, but it was $7.25 for my burrito and no chips. The burrito was more than enough food, however a handful of chips to kinda get your scoop on would've been a little nice.
Kid friendly and no smoking (that i could see)