Red Robin

We were in the Hartford area yesterday so we ate at the Red Robin.  There are three Red Robins in Connecticut, but many more in the Mid-Atlantic states.

The restaurant was about 1/2 full at 4pm, which was a surprise.  There is a lot of mall traffic which I am sure drives there business.  The food is actually quite good, although it is the same in each outlet of course.  They have over a dozen varieties of hamburger toppings.  I had the avacado which came with onion, bacon, letuce and mayonaise.  Each meal comes with "bottomless" fries and drinks.

Overall, a high value establishment.

Quick Notes

1. The Woodbury Farmer's market seems to be a success in its first year. We have been impressed by the meat, bread, and jams.
2. Would Southbury allow a real cafe to survive? Or does it have to be a chain? I think a small place that served 8-10 plates on the menu would be a great thing. Simple, quick food.
3. Are there new places on the horizon? What is going into the KMart plaza? They built a new place where Jordan's used to be.

Hot Tamale

I returned to Hot Tamale in Seymour again this week. This restaurant tries to go a little away from traditional Tex-Mex that we are familiar with. It is definitely more a bar than anything else.

The food is tasty. I had a soft chicken taco. The corn tortillas are rather thick and the chicken may be a bit spicy. There are a lot of flavors competing. But overall a good experience.

Service can be friendly, but a bit harried. They seem to be one waitress short.

Good News

Last night we ate at the Good News Cafe in Woodbury. Very good meal all around. The service is first class, the room is great, and you feel like you are the only one in the restaurant.

We had the lamb sausage appetizer and the beef appetizer. The beef is pretty amazing, cooked perfectly and almost melts in your mouth. The accompanying sauce sparkles with flavor. For entrees we had steak and chicken, both excellent. The mashed potatoes have a lot of garlic and butter and are big hits.

Of course, dessert can't be beat. Peach tart and a chocolate cupcake. Great meal, great time all around.

Quick Notes

Some quick notes:

1. Had pizza from DiPalma's tonight. Pretty decent. This isnt my favorite pizza in Southbury but it is consistently excellent.
2. Senor Panchos has been a little down lately. The food seems to be sitting under the heat lamps for awhile before it heads out.
3. I had a great sub from Mikee's Place the other day. #6.
4. "The Bakery" continues to impress. Everything tastes good in this place.
5. If you go to Quassy have the barbecue chicken meal. Quite tasty. Otherwise, bring a picnic (except on Friday night --25 cent hot dogs!).

Maggie's

I dont know why we return to Maggie McFly's in Southbury. Everytime I go I seem to be a little disapointed. Last night the place was busy, but service was very harried. I think a manager stepped in at one point. Drinks didnt arrive, orders were late. Its tough to keep a two year old happy and waiting 40 minutes for a grilled cheese.

And the food really isn't that great. Good, not great. Why is it so popular?

Senor Panchos

Last night we ate at Senor Panchos in Southbury. It was certainly kids hour when we were there with several birthday parties. This place caters to two crowds very well; the young families, and the "night out crowd".

Our daughter is enthralled by the musicians who are very good. The food is usually very good and comes very fast. There is plenty of commotion in this place with a lot of workers so there is plenty to watch. Our food almost always comes with ten minutes.

I ordered the fajitas (chicken and beef). I was not too happy with the meet but the tortillas and extras (guacamole, etc..) were excellent. I could usually pass on the beans and rice as I think they sit out for awhile before service. My wife ordered tacos which were very good. They are "make your own" as the meat comes in a bowl. They could avoid putting the cheese on a hot plate as it ends up melting together.

Overall, a high value establishment.