Thursday, February 11, 2010

Maya, Berea

If your looking for an inexpensive quick meal that actually tastes good Maya is the place to be. I don't think there is a single thing on the menu above 10 bucks, and if you get there for lunch, the specials are under 5 dollars. Unlike other places the low prices does not mean small portions. Everything I've ever gotten has come in a generous portion. They also give you complimentary chips and salsa, and doesn't taste like it just came out of a bag of Tostitos.

The menu's option are typical of any Mexican restaurant, combo meals, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas, etc. This time I got a beef enchilada and Chile Rellano which came with rice and beans. Everything tasted awesome. The food is simple Mexican/southwest dishes. The meals aren't any more elaborate than they have to be. The flavor is awesome, nothing is too spicy or to bland.
I have to say that I do love Chipotle, but Maya is a nice alternative when I don't feel like a heart attack inducing burrito.

Ive been to a few Mexican places that I would consider comparable, and the service has also been bare minimum. The service here is really good, your are seated as soon as you walk in the door, and given drinks as you are sitting down, which is something I really like. There food is kept fresh and if you don't get a grilled item, the food only takes a few minutes to come out. I never had an empty drink while I was there, and we were checked on frequently to make sure everything was good.

Maya is an awesome place for dinner or lunch, I would suggest everyone to make a stop there and try it out, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

5/5 Stars. Love it

Maya Mex on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Cheescake Factory, Crocker Park



So I've been to the Cheesecake Factory a handful of times, every time hoping it would be better than the last. Hoping that in some way I could order something that justifies the price. And each time I am disappointed. If it had not been for the gift card I don't even think I would have went.

If you are interested in going the secret is to go before the dinner rush between 3 and 5, and not on holidays or the weekend. They don't allow call ahead or reservation so arriving during the rush could have you waiting for a lot longer than its worth. The interior design provides a nice atmosphere but unless you are in a booth, you may wind up sitting fairly close to the table next to you. Every time I have been there the service has been at least decent. This last time the service was really good, we had a great server who knew the menu and was very friendly. I've heard a few people say the service was fairly poor, I've never experience it personally but from observing and knowing how busy it can get I do see how its possible.

As for the food, the menu is a little ridiculous. Not only does it have a huge selection, every other page is also an advertisement. Choosing what to eat is more like looking at a Cosmo magazine than menu. The menu has a diverse selection of food from American Classics and Cajun food to Mexican and Chinese style dishes. After looking through everything I order the new Caramel Chicken off the specials menu and Calamari for an appetizer. The calamari batter was fairly good but had a little trouble sticking to the meat. It did come with a very good garlic tarter sauce I though was excellent. As always the entree was a huge portion and looked fairly good on the plate. Overall it wasn't a bad meal , the sauce had decent flavour, but I did get a huge bite of orange rind, which was really unappetizing. We of course finished the meal with a slice of Banana Cheesecake, which is by far the best part of the meal.

Overall the meal and the service together is a 3.5 out of 5, but my problem with it is the price. Way to much of the price covers the atmosphere, when the price is included I would only give it a 2.5. Its a nice place for a anniversary, birthday, or a date but I think there are places with better food and prices more on par with the quality.

Cheesecake Factory on Urbanspoon