Unknown Eater

Death of a great salad...

2007-06-11T19:10:03Z

Several months ago I wrote here of a great "Steakhouse Salad" offered at Applebees for just $9.99. On a recent visit I discovered that the Steak Salad has seen its demise. It seems someone in corporate decided to change the menu and kill one of the best items offered. I of course am in a deep depression right now. How can something so wonderful be replaceable? Why do franchise restaurants need to change their menus so frequently? These are questions that probably never will be answered. So we are saying so long for now to the Steakhouse Salad....

Where is the best Chinese food?

2007-05-24T20:15:23Z

This Unknown Eater has had a problem ever since New Asian Gardens in downtown Red Bluff closed its doors several months ago. He felt that this restaurant had the best Chinese food in the county. The restaurant closed because of the need to repair the historic building it was located in. I sure hope it comes back soon. They had the best food and the best service. I love Chinese food and I think I have tried most local restaurants, but nothing stands out like New Asian Gardens did. Any ideas or recommendations?

The big question...answered

2007-04-26T17:12:26Z

Okay, comedians throughout the nation seem to have a field day about the so called poor guy who goes to McDonald's and orders a Big Mac, fries, and a "Diet Coke," inplying that somehow this choice of drink defies logic. I always thought it was kind of funny until I was at the Corning McDonald's recently (I blame my fast food visit on the fries, there is something about McDonald's fries that are just outstanding) and a gentleman in front of me ordered a Big Mac, fries, Diet Coke, and an apple pie. Being the kind of inquisitive guy I am, I asked him why the Diet Coke? He answered directly and with one swift statement "I like Diet Coke." So I guess the eternal question has been answered. You don't have to be on a diet to buy a Diet Coke. By the way...do you agree with me about McDonald's fries being the best, or are there better fries out there? Hal's Eat 'Em-Up Tator Tots do not count. These have their own special category to me. They too are outstanding...

Ahhh...Pizza

2007-04-23T18:23:52Z

Okay, I love pizza. It is probably one of the most universally loved dishes in America. So my question today is what is the best pizza in Tehama County? Not who makes the best, but what is the best? I personnally like the basic Round Table Italian Sausage with skinny crust and extra cheese. I always order the large, and have a hard time sharing. But what are some of your favorites. Share the knowledge so that we can all enjoy the feast...

Shari's in Hot!

2007-04-20T17:43:01Z

Okay, so it has been established that this eater really likes steak salad. This past week I eyed something while eating at Belle Mill's Shari's Restaurant that looked especially good. They offer a "Chili Lime Flat Iron Steak Salad" for $8.99. Being one who really likes beef and figuring again that beef plus salad equals a healthier option, I tried it. Wow, talk about spicy! The dinner is described in their menu as "Tender flat iron steak marinated in spicy chili lime sauce with Marie's creamy bleu cheese vinaigrette, onions, tomatoes and bleu cheese crumbles." Indeed this eater learned the hard way that if the menu actually says "spicy" it truly is. Now I am not normally a wimp when it comes to spicy food. I for one love chili and enjoy Tabasco sauce on my eggs, but this meat tasted like it was marinated for a week in straight Tabasco and then dumped in another gallon of it before it was served. I needed to ask for a side of Ranch Dressing to help cool off and I still needed that chocolate sundae for dessert to get my mouth back to normal. I for one will stick with Shari's breakfast dishes or their awesome Angus burgers. I definitely was disappointed with this dish. Not only was it especially spicy, there also was not much "salad" to this meal. You had to search for the lettuce, and I think I found one "crumble" of bleu cheese. Overall, even after the chocolate sundae dessert, I still felt like I left the restaurant hungry, and this is unusual for me especially when eating at Shari's.

Beefy salad, its what's for dinner

2007-03-23T21:27:25Z

As a guy who loves to eat real food, I get a little tired sometimes by all this talk about salads and eating four to five vegetables and fruits a day. Granted, any guy knows that in order to live a life longer than his shoe size, vegetables and fruit must enter the picture. I understand this and am happy to report that Applebee's has one of those salads that a guy can really appreciate. Its "Steakhouse Salad" gives any eater a hearty portion of sirloin steak, but yet a good portion of tomatoes and lettuce too. All topped with bleu cheese and a vinaigrette dressing that I hate to admit I liked because just the term "vinaigrette" sounds too fancy for me. But it is good, very good -- all for $9.99 (or $7.99 for half size, but who really would want only half?) Now that I have found this masterpiece, I am on the prowl for more hearty, but healthy, foods served at any of our local eateries. Know any?

An introduction

2007-03-15T01:42:02Z

Hello everyone, just wanted to introduce myself. I am the Unknown Eater and in this blog I will take a look at the various restaurants and eateries in and around Tehama County. I myself believe that I have the most important credential to be able to seriously write a blog like this -- I love food. And when I say this I mean real food, like red meat, potatoes and ice cream. So stay tuned. There is more to come...