Longhorn Steakhouse, Solon

So it was my grandparents anniversary and for some random reason Longhorn Steakhouse was our destination. Steakhouses aren't really my favorite places but wasn't really my choice.
Me and my brother were the first people there so I checked in and waited while they set up the table. The girl that took names seemed a little distraught, but then the manager walked up and she started full on crying at the host stand. These things happen but they like tried to discuss the problem at the host stand, which was just really awkward. She was replaced by some guy, who looked like he was the leader singer of papa roach. He was not only clearly incompetent but he was also fairly rude. So then we got sat, since there was 20+ of us we had two servers. You would assume that at least one of them would have been able to perform basic functions, and you would be wrong. Not saying the service was bad or they were rude, they just plain old were bad at their jobs. In there defense it was a Sunday afternoon, and everyone restaurant person knows how bad Sunday shifts suck. But there is a point where you still have to do some work.

Now on to the food, as mentioned earlier steakhouses aren't my favorite places. So I got the Renegade Top Sirloin, I'm not a huge steak fan, so I picked the one with the coolest name. Yes I fell for the stupid marketing ploy. It came with a Caesar Salad, which was generic, could have been from Outback or Texas Roadhouse. As many people know you eat with your eyes before you taste anything. When the plates came I almost wished I was at Bob Evans ( I hate Bob Evans fyi ). It was just a steak and a potato on a large white plate, I have made better looking food in a microwave. The steak wasn't bad but nothing amazing, the baked potato was odd to me, I usually eat the skin but the skin had been cooked so long it was like leather. On top of that it was so scolding hot it was nearly impossible to eat.

Overall it was your typical steakhouse. Were talking a 2.5/5 for the entire expierence. If you like places like this you'll like it better.

Here are some suggestions though- Get your staff in order, learn to plate food, and learn to cook food.

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

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.