Chipotle Grill Jury's Out

Weren't we lucky...we got a gift card for Chipotle Grill for Christmas.  We have been wanting to try them out since they opened, but every time we went the line was out the door.  We aren't good at waiting in line.  


Tonight we decided to use our card and take a chance on the line. Yea!  There was a line but it was inside out of the cold..42 degrees at 6:00pm.

I have to report that we were under-whelmed.  I got the Burrito Chicken Bowl with a side of Guacamole and chips. 

Chuck got three tacos...one crisp and two soft with a different meat in each one.  We usually order different items so we can share.  The Bowl was definitely the easiest to eat. The tacos were very messy.  The Guac was good, but we give the chips a 'thumbs down'.  They were cold and stale. We have had better out a bag we bought at the grocery store.


We can understand why their stock sells for $300+ a share.  It is the business model...very low overhead and a lot of customers.  They advertise: Food with Integrity...meaning ingredients raised with respect for the animals, environment and the farmers and no antibiotics in the meat.  The portions are substantial.  We can see why it appeals to families with young children and young adults looking a good bargain.


We have a little left on our card and we will go back.  The next time we will split something. Maybe try a Burrito?  The customer in front of us got one...it looked huge.  You definitely get your money's worth in quantity if not quality.

The Pantry Thumbs Up!

We have been wanting to eat at The Pantry since they opened.  I have to admit I am not sure when they did open.  The one time we tried it was Sunday and they were closed.
We finally got the chance when our friends suggested we go there to share a "pre-Christmas" dinner.  We were not disappointed.  The service was excellent. Our server was very knowledgeable and treated us as if we were her only table for the night.  She was not overly attentive, but made sure she was available should we need something.  Her knowledge of the wine list was commendable as we always have questions.


The food is eclectic and leans toward Eastern European as the owner is from the Czech Republic. There were five of us and we all ordered something different.  We wanted to experience as much as we could for a first-time visit.  I got Wiener Schnitzel with Iron Skillet Potatoes and Chuck got The Pantry Pie, Goulash Stew with mashed potatoes cooked like a Shepherd's Pie.  Our friends got the Lasagna Al Forno, Czech Roast Beef , and Seared Salmon. We got Hummus as an appetizer for the table.  One of us (who shall not be named:) always gets dessert and shares.  This time "she" got one of the chocolate choices...not sure which one?  I told you it was eclectic!


It was all delicious; however, we decided we liked the Wiener Schnitzel the best with the Pantry Pie and Salmon coming in second and third.

The acoustics are not good for visiting, but we did anyway.  They are working on correcting the problem.  I suggest something soft on the walls and/or ceiling.  Everything right now is "hard-scrape". 


Chuck and I will put it on our list to go back to...sit at the Bar or maybe in the Lounge; have a beer for him and wine for me; and share the Baby Back Ribs and maybe the Bio Mushrooms or Pommes Frites (translated-fried potatoes).


Highly recommend The Pantry if you are not already a fan.

Michaelangelo's Thumbs Up!

We met our cousins at Michaelangelo's in Conway before we went to see James Carville last week at the Reynolds Center at the University of Central Arkansas, Conway.

It is located in Downtown Conway. You can get to it by taking the I-40, Oak Street Exit.


We split the Chicken Parmigiana and each had a House Salad with the House Dressing on the side.  We always have the dressing on the side.  Usually, the waiter makes the salad and drowns the lettuce with the dressing.  I like to taste the salad with a hint of the dressing... usually a vinaigrette.  We had more than enough to eat and it was delicious!   It was Monday, raining, and not crowded.  Sometimes I find that if there isn't a lot to keep the waiter on his toes, the service lags.  Not so, this time!!!  The service was good even though our waiter had a "shadow" in training with him. 

Definitely going back...soon!