Sunday, July 29, 2007

Best Buffet Chinese Restaurant ^

5765 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater

Date of visit: 7/27/07

What we had:
Tried most things

This was the worst meal I've had in awhile. Cheese does not belong in sushi. Under any circumstances. Something was off in the breaded chicken. The added curry flavor in the wings was distracting. Mystery balls on a stick turned out to be really fishy tasting fish. Overall temperature of the food wasn't as hot as it should be.

Most of the fruit was from a can. The tapioca pudding tasted like it came out of a SnackPak.

The only saving grace was the baked shrimp. It was delicious, but I was already full on the taste of disappointment (and some queasiness).

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Ruby Tuesday ^^^½

8125 Quinault Dr NE, Lacey

Date of visit: 7/25/07

What we had:
Turkey minis with white bean chili, Turkey burger with fries

Ruby Tuesday seems to have taken a focus on quality since the last time I visited a few years ago. Gone are the standard restaurant napkins and well-used silverware to be replaced by faux-cloth napkins and a steak knife that means business. I do wonder though why the decision was made to use plastic drink ware in lieu of more appealing glass.

Often, restaurants overcook turkey burgers, that wasn't the case here. Juicy, flavorful meat on a whole wheat bun with red onion, green leaf lettuce, and a delicate sauce... mmm.

The fries were lightly seasoned with salt and a little heavier on the pepper, which was perfect.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Pho Vy ^^^

909 Sleater Kinney Rd SE, Lacey

Date of visit: 7/24/07

What we had:
Pho Tai Nam, Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio, spring rolls

The broth in the Pho Tai Nam (rice noodles in beef soup served with beef flank steak and beef brisket) wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked.

The spring roll wasn't wrapped tightly so the contents spilled out into the peanut sauce after the first bite. Good thing the peanut sauce was yummy.

This version of Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio (vermicelli rice noodles served with charcoal grilled pork, egg rolls, salad greens, and herbs) is passable, but not the greatest I've ever had. The pork was a bit rubbery in texture and the accompanying Nước chấm's flavor was on the tame side.