When we ordered the queso we asked if it was with meat and cheese and we were told yes, but when it came it was a small cup of cheese that didn't taste any different then velveeta melted down. Then we order burritos and the portion size was much smaller then a typical Mexican restaurant. Portion size isn't a big deal for Courtnnie and I because we can't seem to finish our plates anyway, but to most people they would expect a little more then what we were given. The meat in the burrito and the taco was tasteless. I mean NO FLAVOR at all. I ended up ordering guacamole so I could add it to the burrito for a little more flavor, however the guacamole didn't have any flavor either. It tasted fresh which is good, but it needed some type of seasoning... salt, cilantro or something. Although we finished our plates because we were starving when we walked in, we both felt nauseous by the time we were walking out and it wasn't because we were over stuffed. The food was just lacking everything and I wouldn't go back unless they told me that they hired another chef.
I usually LOVE Mexican food, but this place was less then mediocre. When Courtnnie and I walked in we were surprised to see how nice everything looked. The seating was along the lines of a Carraba's instead of the standard authentic looking Mexican restaurants. It had a more private feel to the seating which was nice. The wait staff seemed upbeat and eager to please which was also refreshing. Maybe our expectations were set a little higher based on our initial observations of the atmosphere.
When we ordered the queso we asked if it was with meat and cheese and we were told yes, but when it came it was a small cup of cheese that didn't taste any different then velveeta melted down. Then we order burritos and the portion size was much smaller then a typical Mexican restaurant. Portion size isn't a big deal for Courtnnie and I because we can't seem to finish our plates anyway, but to most people they would expect a little more then what we were given. The meat in the burrito and the taco was tasteless. I mean NO FLAVOR at all. I ended up ordering guacamole so I could add it to the burrito for a little more flavor, however the guacamole didn't have any flavor either. It tasted fresh which is good, but it needed some type of seasoning... salt, cilantro or something. Although we finished our plates because we were starving when we walked in, we both felt nauseous by the time we were walking out and it wasn't because we were over stuffed. The food was just lacking everything and I wouldn't go back unless they told me that they hired another chef.
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This is a quaint little place in New Port Richey and it's fairly new to the area. It shares the same building as the Ramada off of 19N and it has a beautiful waterfront scenery. When you walk in you're greeted by some authentic decorations and then some random fish murals on the wall. The decorations don't work well with each other, but let's face it we're here to eat. It's very clean and although it was lunch time we were the only ones there. This made us a little nervous about eating here, but we soon forgot how nervous we were when we tasted their amazing iced chai tea. Picture a big glass of melted vanilla ice cream that is the consistency of milk and ice cold. It was so sweet and so delicious you could order it for dessert. It's definitely a one drink maximum or you'll be going home with such a sugar rush it would make the neighbors kids run rampant.
We ended up ordering an order of their spring rolls as an appetizer and their coconut chicken vegetable meal which came with jasmine rice. It makes my mouth water as I say it. The spring rolls were very fresh and the perfect size to be a finger food. The coconut chicken vegetable meal had so much flavor and it tasted wonderful on the light and fluffy jasmine rice. Each bite had a variety of different fresh vegetables ranging from baby eggplant to red peppers and snap peas. Mmmm it was wonderful.
Since we were so full from the meal and the sweet chai tea we ended up not getting a dessert. Next time we plan on starting with dessert and working our way through the meals. Although the seating is very open it did have a slightly romantic feel. Not upscale romantic, but a middle of the week date night would be perfect. The best time to go would be around sunset since you're on the waterfront from almost any seat in the restaurant. They also have outdoor seating available.
I know sushi isn’t for everyone and it took me years to finally appreciate it. Some days I just crave a good sushi roll and can’t go another second without it. After a long day of yard saling Courtnnie and I decided to try a new restaurant called Grille. One. Nine. It’s a sushi and steak house off of 19 North. This location has been many things, but finally this is something that I can enjoy. I just hope that enough people stop by and check it out because I wouldn’t want to see another restaurant fail at this location.
As you walk in to this very dark and sexy Asian atmosphere you quickly realize you’re in for a treat. The décor will keep your eyes busy for awhile and the cool temperature wakes you up a bit. Everything was very neat and tidy and has a downtown Tampa type feel. This would be a great place for a date night or a birthday party. Our waitress was Susie and she was very friendly and helpful with explaining the menu and the best served items. Courtnnie and I always share so we decided to get a tempura roll and goyza. Both plates came with a good sized portion. The roll was a specialty roll and normally I’m used to having them served with about 8 pieces. These pieces were cut smaller which is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to cut the roll in half or have a mouthful. There were about 12 or 14 pieces to this roll and it made it very easy to share. My favorite was the goyza though. It came with 5 pieces and it was very fresh and not greasy at all. We ended up clearing our plates and looking at the menu for more. The menu offers 6 desserts and plenty more appetizers which don’t all include raw food. We ended up getting the banana split which we didn’t quite care for. Next time we’re going to try the fried ice cream instead. Yum! The amount of Asian inspired cooked food on the menu was refreshing for a sushi steakhouse. Most people that I would want to take to dinner with me won’t listen if I say it’s a sushi restaurant. At this restaurant I could easily tell them it’s an Asian steakhouse and they could find many things on the menu. Definitely check this place out if you get the chance. We went during the day and we were dressed far more casual than normal, but we didn’t feel uncomfortable in the least. This place could go either way, casual or business attire.
Every once in a blue moon a restaurant can shock me. Just a couple of weeks ago I went to a free concert in the heart of Clearwater. While walking around and sipping some free samples of wine my friends and I fell upon this adorable organic/gluten free place. As most of you know I’m not really the gluten free type, so I wasn’t too keen on trying this new place. Then someone handed me another glass of wine and I was off to try this new gluten free place.
It’s called GreenOrganix Restaurant & Emporium and it was delicious. Not only was it clean and friendly atmosphere, but the smell is delightful. Our waiter was very receptive and he understood my concern about the menu items all being gluten free. He helped my girlfriend and I choose what items to try. Amazing! I love when the wait staff has enough pride in their own cooks to offer up their most flavorful foods. Spring rolls and chicken salad it is! When the spring rolls came they were fresh and colorful and perfect for two people. So my friend and I shared them. Not being a fan of sauce I decided to try mine without the sauce that was offered. Big mistake. I took one bite and was scared to take another, until my friend told me to try it with the sauce. Holy cow is that good. Somehow it completely transformed the roll. Then our chicken salad came. Mine with a ranch type sauce (nothing like real ranch) and my friend with a Greek sauce. Both were absolutely to die for and I almost wished we hadn’t split the chicken salad. It was so moist and delicious that we both finished our salads in 5 minutes flat. To sum it up… this place was a two thumbs up for both of us. I would definitely go back again the next time I’m in the area. It had a pleasant glow to the atmosphere, great food, and great service. So the next time you’re gallivanting through Clearwater and you want something that serves beer, wine, and refreshing food stop into GreenOrganix Restaurant & Emporium. Well worth it! |
Jenni Reilly
I love food, but who doesn't. Having a good meal in a nice atmosphere with good service makes all the difference in the world when having a meal. Otherwise, wouldn't we all just eat at home? Check out my reviews on local restaurants. Make sure to leave me your take on the restaurants that you've been to! Archives
April 2015
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