Saturday, March 24, 2012

Cinco Ranchos Mexican Grill - CLOSED

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There’s a space in the strip center that seems to have a destination fail to it. Nothing last long in this spot so I was a little hesitant to try Cinco Ranchos Mexican Grill. We went on a Saturday late afternoon. Always note that if there’s no hostess and you have to stand there and shout out for someone several times it’s probably best to just turn around and leave. We where finally greeted by whom I can only imagine was the manager and seated. The inside looked like a pop up restaurant that had a 24 hour challenge to open up. I’m still a little funny when it comes to cloth tablecloths and all this mismatched china. Almost felt like I was at a yard sale.
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I printed a coupon from their website for a free queso ($3.95 value). It was watered down and didn’t taste like anything. The sauces where ok, but kind of the same. We where informed they make them all in house.
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Anyway, while we looked over the menu I ordered a frozen mango margarita and D ordered a regular on the rocks both $3.95 each. Mine was good, his not so much, it just tasted like mix. (And a side note the manager was also our bartender/waiter/hostess)
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As the entrée we went for the Fajitas for 2 $18.95 (Black angus beef and chicken). Served with beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, pico de gallo and tortillas. The beef was good, and the chicken was dry. Both lacked flavor and didn’t taste like anything. (He also told us it’s organic chicken and grass fed beef. I feel like this is becoming an informing meal.)
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Well, sadly I won’t go back unless they make it a year. They really need someone to step in and flavor it up. The meat was really tender and good, so they are on a good track, just need to not skim it so much and they’ll have more people. In our area there’s lots of Mexican places to pick from and this doesn’t make the cut when the others are so much better. I wish them the best of luck I just don’t see them lasting long. If you go be sure to check out their site and grab you a coupon.

Friday, March 23, 2012

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant (Town and Country Location)

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We always love going to McCormick & Schmick’s they never a let down when we go. While we looked over the menu we snacked on the bread and butter and ordered a bottle of 2010 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc $39. Not usually the wine I would pick it’s a little more sweeter then we normally like, but it wasn’t bad.

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For a starter we ordered the Lump Crab Tower $13.95 (Avocado, Mango, Orange Vinaigrette) Honestly I wouldn’t order this again it was a little bland and just blah.

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We also shared a bowl of Lobster Bisque $11.95. We loved their crab bisque, which wasn’t on the menu this time, but the lobster won’t disappoint you.

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D ordered the Stuffed Atlantic Salmon $26.95 (Lump Crab, Bay Shrimp, Brie Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables). We where so excited about ordering this because it was fantastic last time, but this time it was a little ehh. The waiter asked if we would like extra crab meat and we should have said yes. I don’t like that they scaled back to charge you extra now.

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I ordered the Chef’s Recommendation Blacked Texas Redfish $27.95 (Skillet Blackened, Topped with Sautéed Lump Blue Crab and Citrus Butter). The fish was perfect the citrus sauce tasted like nothing except butter. When I asked the waiter what kind of “citrus” was used she said “oh there’s orange, lemon, lime, you know you’re common citrus flavors”. What?! Are you kidding me I wasn’t saying name all the citrus you know I wanted to know what the hell was in the sauce because it didn’t taste like anything. I concluded our waiter was good at making stuff up as he went along after the wine wasn’t what I described I was looking for and now this.

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Overall we had a good meal, just had better in the past. We where informed they changed up the menu to their better, more popular selling dishes and I think it was a mistake. The miso cod was fantastic and it’s not listed nor where some of the other fantastic dishes I’ve had in the past. I think what he meant to say is it’s changed for the season.