Sushi
Well, after working on a Sushi website for my Dreamweaver test I thought it would be appropriate to write my weekly review on a local Sushi restaurant. Plus, well…. Their website looks a lot better than the one I designed! Haha. Ok so we are headed back to Sundance Square for some spicy new cuisine. Check out “Piranha. Killer. Sushi.” Check out their website at: http://www.piranhakillersushi.com/ for the complete menu. Plus their website colors coordinate with the color palette in the restaurant itself, now that’s good marketing and branding!
Parking is always tricky downtown so it’s a good idea to park in the parking garage adjacent to Piranha’s. When you walk into the restaurant it feels like you stepped a sushi bar in California. The décor is fresh, airy, modern, and the primary colors are greens, oranges, and browns. Stained concrete and hardwoods complete the design. The bar stools and tables have almost a Scandinavian feel with sleek lines. Take a minute to look around. The designer selected each piece of artwork and furniture carefully.
Sake and wines are offered as well as a plethora of mixed drinks. Mine came garnished with a flower, which I believe was a pink orchid. The mixed drink menu is extensive and every drink has a creative name. Some of the drinks are even sweet and rich enough to qualify, as a dessert so be sure to save room for something out of the ordinary.
The appetizer menu holds everything from steamed edamame to a “Bahamian Conch Salad”. I’m not sure exactly what this salad is but it sounds interesting. Also the menu includes sushi, sashimi, and rolls. Sashimi means, “pierced body” and is actually raw fish sliced into pieces and served with a dipping sauce. The rolls include everything from traditional “California rolls” to “Avocado rolls”. Moving on to the Piranha signature rolls you will notice very clever names such as “Love at First Sight” to the “Dancing Eel Roll” and even a “Marry Me Roll”.
The entrees are artfully presented with ample attention paid to the small details of individual garnishes. Prices range from $10.95 on up to $44.95 for an entrée for two. If you are not in the mood for sushi you will find plenty of other dishes such as Chicken Teriyaki to satisfy your appetite.
Make sure you save room for dessert because the famous “Tower of Chocolate” is sure to tempt your taste buds. This is the ultimate chocolate dessert so be ready to indulge. Different varieties of ice cream are also offered such as: tempura, green tea, and red bean ice cream.
Last week I brought you some ideas on saving money by checking out local sandwich shops and trying out the “happy hour menu” at 8.0, so this week I am offering someplace new to try when you want to splurge a little or have a special occasion to celebrate. I actually went to Piranha’s for a friend’s birthday dinner. So check it out and let me know what you think.
All images courtesy of: http://www.piranhakillersushi.com
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Do you ever feel tired of all the same sandwich spots? Ready to bite into something new? Travel down University to Jimmy John’s, home of gourmet sandwiches since 1983. The Jimmy John slogan is, “Your Mom wants you to eat at Jimmy John’s!” ☺
This tiny sandwich shop has a New York kind of feel with lots of stainless steel and a black, red, and white color scheme. A large menu is positioned on the right hand wall as you enter or you can pick up a menu and browse the 17 different sandwiches offered. The menu claims Jimmy John’s was “Established in Charleston, IL in 1983 to add to student’s GPA and general dating ability.” So if you are a little worried about midterms creeping up on us, boost your GPA with a “Big John” sub sandwich.
There are so many different varieties of subs to choose from it might take you a minute or two to select what you want to munch on today. I chose the #1 the “Pepe” an 8 in. sub with fresh, homemade French bread, smoked “real applewood ham”, provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Other toppings are available by request but be sure to state what you want when you order because the sandwich is created right there so you don’t walk through a line and select other toppings. Other toppings include: onion, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, mayo, sliced cucumber, Dijon mustard, oil and vinegar, and oregano. Colossal chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies are offered to satisfy your sweet tooth as well as ‘Jimmy Chips” and ‘Jimmy Pickles”. The “Jimmy Pickles” are a quart of real Kosher deli pickles, “just like New York”. At $4.50 for an 8 in. sub, the sandwiches are yummy and affordable.
Jimmy John’s is located at 3020 W. 7th Street and you can check out their website online at www.jimmyjohns.com where you can order online and even request delivery for a few dollars more. If you are crazy about Jimmy’s you can order Jimmy gear online.. everything from ball caps to boxers.
On another note, if you fill up at Jimmy’s and want to head out for a happy hour drink or two, check out 8.0 bar located on Sundance Square. Tuesday is an all-day happy hour and Monday-Friday happy hour is from 3-7 p.m. Wells start at $2 and the 8.0 Signature “Blue Thing” is only $3. The “Blue Thing” is kind of strong so sip slowly! A plethora of mixed drinks are offered so take the opportunity to try something new. You might just find a new twist on an old favorite.
On Tuesday’s appetizers are ½ price and don’t forget the great live music and dancing. For a complete calendar of events and bands playing be sure to check out their website at http://www.eightobar.com. Seating spills out from the inside to the patio where you will find couples dancing and plenty of places to sit, relax, and enjoy some hoppin’ live music. Enjoy the colorful artwork and wall murals, put on your dancing shoes, text a few friends, and you have the perfect evening out. If you time it just right you can hit the “happy hour” and save some $$$ on drinks.
This tiny sandwich shop has a New York kind of feel with lots of stainless steel and a black, red, and white color scheme. A large menu is positioned on the right hand wall as you enter or you can pick up a menu and browse the 17 different sandwiches offered. The menu claims Jimmy John’s was “Established in Charleston, IL in 1983 to add to student’s GPA and general dating ability.” So if you are a little worried about midterms creeping up on us, boost your GPA with a “Big John” sub sandwich.
There are so many different varieties of subs to choose from it might take you a minute or two to select what you want to munch on today. I chose the #1 the “Pepe” an 8 in. sub with fresh, homemade French bread, smoked “real applewood ham”, provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Other toppings are available by request but be sure to state what you want when you order because the sandwich is created right there so you don’t walk through a line and select other toppings. Other toppings include: onion, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, mayo, sliced cucumber, Dijon mustard, oil and vinegar, and oregano. Colossal chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies are offered to satisfy your sweet tooth as well as ‘Jimmy Chips” and ‘Jimmy Pickles”. The “Jimmy Pickles” are a quart of real Kosher deli pickles, “just like New York”. At $4.50 for an 8 in. sub, the sandwiches are yummy and affordable.
Jimmy John’s is located at 3020 W. 7th Street and you can check out their website online at www.jimmyjohns.com where you can order online and even request delivery for a few dollars more. If you are crazy about Jimmy’s you can order Jimmy gear online.. everything from ball caps to boxers.
On another note, if you fill up at Jimmy’s and want to head out for a happy hour drink or two, check out 8.0 bar located on Sundance Square. Tuesday is an all-day happy hour and Monday-Friday happy hour is from 3-7 p.m. Wells start at $2 and the 8.0 Signature “Blue Thing” is only $3. The “Blue Thing” is kind of strong so sip slowly! A plethora of mixed drinks are offered so take the opportunity to try something new. You might just find a new twist on an old favorite.
On Tuesday’s appetizers are ½ price and don’t forget the great live music and dancing. For a complete calendar of events and bands playing be sure to check out their website at http://www.eightobar.com. Seating spills out from the inside to the patio where you will find couples dancing and plenty of places to sit, relax, and enjoy some hoppin’ live music. Enjoy the colorful artwork and wall murals, put on your dancing shoes, text a few friends, and you have the perfect evening out. If you time it just right you can hit the “happy hour” and save some $$$ on drinks.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
A new coffee spot
With the winter blizzard we have had the past few days, snuggling up with a hot cup of coffee and a good book sounds like a really good idea. So we all love Starbuck’s but sometimes it’s nice to try a little something new. If you are looking for a cute little coffee shop close to campus check out Park Hill Café. Located on 2974 Park Hill Drive nestled in the Park Hill shopping center. Surrounded by boutique shops and a furnishing store this café used to be a ballet studio years ago.
The Park Hill Café is decorated in somewhat of a casual manner with antique furniture and décor. Small coffee tables and a hodgepodge of artwork add to the rustic charm. The floor is a cheery bright red and white-checkered tile and it adds to the coffeehouse look.
A wide variety of teas and fresh brewed coffee as well as hot chocolate and chai tea provide a relaxing beverage selection. Different coffee roasts are stored in glass containers lining one wall of the café. I can almost smell the coffee now! An entire chalkboard lists different tea choices with everything from blackberry to peach or pomegranate. Plus don’t forget the fresh squeezed lemonade.
For lunch, I had a turkey, bacon, and havarti cheese sandwich. It featured smoked turkey, havarti cheese, crispy bacon, roasted red peppers, and balsamic vinaigrette spread. It ordered it on a croissant but was disappointed to receive it on 7-grain bread instead.
Sandwiches are served with chips, fresh fruit, and a sprig of mint. Mine had cantaloupe, grapes, and an orange cut in a swirly manner. The fruit is seasonal and comes with all sandwiches and wraps.
The menu included lots of salads, sandwiches, wraps, soup, and loaded baked potatoes as well. A special “The Park Hill” salad features mandarin orange, feta cheese, almonds, purple onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette.
The café also offers a Sunday brunch and Wed-Sat dinner is served as well. The food is homemade, fresh, and affordable. The café doesn’t open until 10:30 so if you are planning on a cup of hot chai just be aware the café doesn’t open very early.
However, it’s a great place to stop and have a fresh fruit plate and cup of tea or maybe try a homemade slice of cake and a mug of coffee. The café isn’t fancy and maybe it’s not technically a “hot spot” but it is a fun place to check out and visit with a friend or two over steaming mugs of hazelnut coffee. Parking is somewhat limited but there is additional parking behind the building. Check out the boutique shops on your way out and make an outing of it!
Image courtsey of: http://s.www.sikhnet.com/files/news/2009/March/chai.jpg
The Park Hill Café is decorated in somewhat of a casual manner with antique furniture and décor. Small coffee tables and a hodgepodge of artwork add to the rustic charm. The floor is a cheery bright red and white-checkered tile and it adds to the coffeehouse look.
A wide variety of teas and fresh brewed coffee as well as hot chocolate and chai tea provide a relaxing beverage selection. Different coffee roasts are stored in glass containers lining one wall of the café. I can almost smell the coffee now! An entire chalkboard lists different tea choices with everything from blackberry to peach or pomegranate. Plus don’t forget the fresh squeezed lemonade.
For lunch, I had a turkey, bacon, and havarti cheese sandwich. It featured smoked turkey, havarti cheese, crispy bacon, roasted red peppers, and balsamic vinaigrette spread. It ordered it on a croissant but was disappointed to receive it on 7-grain bread instead.
Sandwiches are served with chips, fresh fruit, and a sprig of mint. Mine had cantaloupe, grapes, and an orange cut in a swirly manner. The fruit is seasonal and comes with all sandwiches and wraps.
The menu included lots of salads, sandwiches, wraps, soup, and loaded baked potatoes as well. A special “The Park Hill” salad features mandarin orange, feta cheese, almonds, purple onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette.
The café also offers a Sunday brunch and Wed-Sat dinner is served as well. The food is homemade, fresh, and affordable. The café doesn’t open until 10:30 so if you are planning on a cup of hot chai just be aware the café doesn’t open very early.
However, it’s a great place to stop and have a fresh fruit plate and cup of tea or maybe try a homemade slice of cake and a mug of coffee. The café isn’t fancy and maybe it’s not technically a “hot spot” but it is a fun place to check out and visit with a friend or two over steaming mugs of hazelnut coffee. Parking is somewhat limited but there is additional parking behind the building. Check out the boutique shops on your way out and make an outing of it!
Image courtsey of: http://s.www.sikhnet.com/files/news/2009/March/chai.jpg
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Baker's Bros and Menchie's
Baker Brothers and Menchie’s
For a casual lunch choice that won’t break your budget and will satisfy your appetite try Baker Brothers located directly behind Montgomery Plaza. Here you will find everything from massive salads to the biggest stuffed baked potatoes you will find in Cowtown. The restaurant is divided in two with an aisle down the middle. Upon entering the eatery a line forms down the middle where orders are placed at any of the three available cashiers. Paper menus are available as you walk in or you can simply order from the large menu displayed along the far back wall. Tips are not expected as this is a serve yourself kind of place. Coca-Cola beverages are offered as well as ice tea.
I have been to Baker’s Brothers a couple of times for lunch and have tried everything from the “Scottsdale salad” to grilled focaccia bread with ham and provolone cheese. The salad is massive so expect leftovers or maybe split it with a friend. I haven’t tried the baked potatoes yet but after seeing a few other customers order one I think it will be the next choice on my list.
The noise level was rather loud so if you are looking for a quiet place for an intimate conversation this may not be the best choice. The stained concrete floor adds to the décor but doesn’t muffle sound very well. Small wood tables and chairs offer tables for 2 or 4 people. The restroom was clean but small, of single capacity. Baker’s Brothers strikes me as a good choice for a weekday lunch or a lazy Saturday afternoon “fun spot” to try after visiting the Fort Worth Rodeo and Stock Show. Attire is casual so you can feel comfortable dressed up or just wearing a comfy pair of jeans.
If you are craving a sweet afternoon treat that is healthy and even a bit tart head out to Menchie’s frozen yogurt located by the Apple Store in the University Park Plaza. With frozen yogurt shops popping up all over the Fort Worth area, be the first to sample this new craze.
Menchie’s offers fresh yogurt with a self-serve station and plenty of toppings and fresh fruits to tantalize your taste buds. Small tasting cups offer customers the opportunity to taste any of the 12 flavors, free of charge, before having to actually decide on which flavor or flavors they want to enjoy. Frozen yogurt is weighed and charged for by the ounce so you can order as much or as little as you desire. You can mix and swirl yogurt flavors combining tart and sweet or going with something a little bit in between. Also above each flavor, signs notify customers about which flavors are sweet, tart, and which are Kosher.
After you serve your self don’t forget to add toppings, which include everything from fresh seasonal fruits to chocolate crumbles and granola sprinkles. My favorite flavor is the “Original Tart” mixed with “Green Apple Tart” and topped with fresh sliced strawberries.
The décor is reminiscent of the 80’s with plenty of pink and green swirled with white. The restaurant mascot is a yogurt swirl character named “Menchie” who can often be seen on t-shirts looking somewhat like a “Miss Pac-Man” disguised as a yogurt swirl.
So after you have a delicious salad or stuffed baked potato at Baker’s Brother satisfy your sweet tooth craving with something healthy. After all, you will feel like a kid again, with so many yogurt choices to choose from and so many flavors to test. Yogurt is also available in take home containers so if you get hungry for a midnight study snack pick up a quart or two. Also “happy hour” is on weeknights from 9 pm- Midnight and all yogurt is ½ price!
Photos courtesy of www.menchies.com
For a casual lunch choice that won’t break your budget and will satisfy your appetite try Baker Brothers located directly behind Montgomery Plaza. Here you will find everything from massive salads to the biggest stuffed baked potatoes you will find in Cowtown. The restaurant is divided in two with an aisle down the middle. Upon entering the eatery a line forms down the middle where orders are placed at any of the three available cashiers. Paper menus are available as you walk in or you can simply order from the large menu displayed along the far back wall. Tips are not expected as this is a serve yourself kind of place. Coca-Cola beverages are offered as well as ice tea.
I have been to Baker’s Brothers a couple of times for lunch and have tried everything from the “Scottsdale salad” to grilled focaccia bread with ham and provolone cheese. The salad is massive so expect leftovers or maybe split it with a friend. I haven’t tried the baked potatoes yet but after seeing a few other customers order one I think it will be the next choice on my list.
The noise level was rather loud so if you are looking for a quiet place for an intimate conversation this may not be the best choice. The stained concrete floor adds to the décor but doesn’t muffle sound very well. Small wood tables and chairs offer tables for 2 or 4 people. The restroom was clean but small, of single capacity. Baker’s Brothers strikes me as a good choice for a weekday lunch or a lazy Saturday afternoon “fun spot” to try after visiting the Fort Worth Rodeo and Stock Show. Attire is casual so you can feel comfortable dressed up or just wearing a comfy pair of jeans.
If you are craving a sweet afternoon treat that is healthy and even a bit tart head out to Menchie’s frozen yogurt located by the Apple Store in the University Park Plaza. With frozen yogurt shops popping up all over the Fort Worth area, be the first to sample this new craze.
Menchie’s offers fresh yogurt with a self-serve station and plenty of toppings and fresh fruits to tantalize your taste buds. Small tasting cups offer customers the opportunity to taste any of the 12 flavors, free of charge, before having to actually decide on which flavor or flavors they want to enjoy. Frozen yogurt is weighed and charged for by the ounce so you can order as much or as little as you desire. You can mix and swirl yogurt flavors combining tart and sweet or going with something a little bit in between. Also above each flavor, signs notify customers about which flavors are sweet, tart, and which are Kosher.
After you serve your self don’t forget to add toppings, which include everything from fresh seasonal fruits to chocolate crumbles and granola sprinkles. My favorite flavor is the “Original Tart” mixed with “Green Apple Tart” and topped with fresh sliced strawberries.
The décor is reminiscent of the 80’s with plenty of pink and green swirled with white. The restaurant mascot is a yogurt swirl character named “Menchie” who can often be seen on t-shirts looking somewhat like a “Miss Pac-Man” disguised as a yogurt swirl.
So after you have a delicious salad or stuffed baked potato at Baker’s Brother satisfy your sweet tooth craving with something healthy. After all, you will feel like a kid again, with so many yogurt choices to choose from and so many flavors to test. Yogurt is also available in take home containers so if you get hungry for a midnight study snack pick up a quart or two. Also “happy hour” is on weeknights from 9 pm- Midnight and all yogurt is ½ price!
Photos courtesy of www.menchies.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
