Chow's Express 815 S. York St. Muskogee, OK
On another particularly cold day this month I decided to drop in to Chow's Express for a bowl of their Egg Drop Soup. I arrived around 8pm. The parking lot was clean and I easily found a parking space. I did not see any other customers inside, but several went through the drive thru while I was there.
As I entered and approached the counter I was immediately greeted with a friendly smile and a cheerful offer to take my order. I ordered a bowl of egg drop soup, nothing more. She asked if that was it. I said yes. She counted back my change and politely said, with a note of disappointment to her voice, that it would be ready in a moment. My total order was only $1.08!
I sat down at a table to wait for my order. While I waited, my eyes surveyed the room. The front counter was very clean and free of all clutter. A large goldfish aquarium is embedded into the front counter. It is very clean and beautifully kept. As you wait for your order, watching the large goldfish gracefully glide through the water is wonderfully relaxing and mesmerizing.
The floor was very dingy. It did not appear to have been swept during the day as there was much loose debris on the floor. It also did not appear to have been mopped in quite some time. Under the side tables, against the wall, the base boards were thickly caked with old dirt. The self-serve plastic ware holders contained dry food crumbs in the bottom. One must wonder if the visible areas of a restaurant are this dirty, what the kitchen must look like.
Although the employees clothes appeared clean, they were old and ragged, far from a professional look.
I received my order very quickly. It was brought to me at my table with a warm, sincere smile and a, "Thank you. Have a good evening." She made the customer feel welcome and appreciated.
When I received my soup, there was much on the outside of the container. It was messy. It was; however, very hot. The flavor was okay, but it had an odd, unpleasant aroma. The soup base was very thin. It was difficult to hold any of it on the small spoon that was available with the soup. There was only a small amount of egg floating on top of the thin broth. The egg was not dispensed throughout the bowl of soup. I didn't feel that there was enough egg in the soup to honestly call it Egg Drop Soup.
The Egg Drop Soup from Chow's Express came with a package of what appeared to be fried won ton wraps. These chips were over-cooked, tough and tasted of old grease. The serving of these chips was also very skimpy. There was maybe a quarter to a third of a cup in the bottom of the baggie.
The meal ended with a fortune cookie. The cookie was surprisingly fresh, light, delicate and easy to eat. But the paper inside disappointingly did not contain a fortune. It simply contained a fact that could have pertained to anyone. Leaving the restaurant can be a bit of a challenge. The drive-thru and the exit are side-by-side and very narrow.
Overall the Egg Drop Soup was okay. For only $1.08 (tax included) it makes a nice snack, but don't count on it for a light meal. I was once again hungry in no time. On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best) I would give this "Dollar and Change" choice a rating of a 3.
February 28, 2010
February 17, 2010
A Filling Meal for $1.09 - China Express ($1+)
China Express 744 N. York St. Muskogee, OK
Recently I was out and about, once again, gathering critter supplies before more snow and ice moved in. I was chilled to the bone and decided to stop in at CHINA EXPRESS for a bowl of hot soup before I headed home. As I entered, I was quickly greeted with a big smile and cheerful offer to take my order. I ordered a bowl of their Egg Drop Soup. She asked if I wanted a drink. I said just water was fine. She smiled and asked if it was "for here or to go." I said for here.
Now, at many restaurants, by this point, the order taker would usually express great annoyance because that is all you had ordered. But she held her warm welcoming, friendly tone all throughout my visit. She quickly counted back my change and said my order would be ready in a few minutes.
I sat down to wait for my order in a very comfortable dining area. Floors, tables, windows, everything appeared immaculately clean. A television at each end of the room was set for optimal viewing at an enjoyable sound level. Each television was set to a different show to give you a choice. But they weren't too loud if you chose not to watch while you ate. The atmosphere was very down home comfortable.
It was a few minutes after 8pm when I had arrived so the restaurant was somewhat busy. I had a brief wait for my order, but it wasn't unreasonably long. Here, you do not have to go to the counter to pick up your order when your number is called. It is brought to your table. Everyone's order, including my bowl of soup, was served to us at our tables, with a smile. Regardless of how much or how little you order, you get the same, great, friendly service. During my meal she also checked back once to see if everything was alright or if I needed anything. I felt like I was being pampered.
I received a generous portion of steaming hot Egg Drop Soup, along with a large bag of fried noodles. The base of the soup was very thick and satiny smooth. It easily stayed on the large soup spoon it was served with. There was a very generous amount of Egg Drops, from the top of the soup all the way down to the bottom of the bowl. The fried noodles were fresh, light, crispy, and just the right touch to top it all off with. By the time I finished this delicious bowl of soup, I was all warmed up, completely full and stayed full for hours.
And for dessert, there was a fortune cookie, with an encouraging fortune that made me smile. And all of this for only $1.09! What a bargain!
As I left I was thanked and asked to come back. I had a wonderful dining experience at CHINA EXPRESS and I look forward to returning soon.
February 9, 2010
A $Dollar$ & Change ($1+)
Let's face it. The true $1.00 menus are quickly vanishing. Oh, there may still be a few around, but many are being replaced with gimmicks like, "Choose 3 (or 4) of the following for $5", or something similar. And the ones that are still around offer items so small that 'just one' doesn't even make a snack!
Over the next few weeks I will be searching through area menus for food items that are no more than a '$1 and change,' are good tasting, satisfying, and a great value. I will evaluate them, along with the service that comes with them, and bring the results right here to you. I am hoping to find not only the quick snack, but simple satisfying meals as well.
I am sure there will be several that are common knowledge, no surprises to anyone. There will be some that will make you do the, "*head thunk* I always forget about that!" thing. But there will also be menu items revealed that come from the most unexpected places. I already have a few in mind that I can't wait to share with you.
What is your favorite, low cost menu item? Which meal of the day would a "$1 & change" menu item best suit you, breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack? In this price range would you prefer a Dine In or a To Go item? If you have any ideas or suggestions, place feel free to either post them here in the comments, or email them to me at: MuskogeeView@gmail.com
Now, lets get started!
Over the next few weeks I will be searching through area menus for food items that are no more than a '$1 and change,' are good tasting, satisfying, and a great value. I will evaluate them, along with the service that comes with them, and bring the results right here to you. I am hoping to find not only the quick snack, but simple satisfying meals as well.
I am sure there will be several that are common knowledge, no surprises to anyone. There will be some that will make you do the, "*head thunk* I always forget about that!" thing. But there will also be menu items revealed that come from the most unexpected places. I already have a few in mind that I can't wait to share with you.
What is your favorite, low cost menu item? Which meal of the day would a "$1 & change" menu item best suit you, breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack? In this price range would you prefer a Dine In or a To Go item? If you have any ideas or suggestions, place feel free to either post them here in the comments, or email them to me at: MuskogeeView@gmail.com
Now, lets get started!
February 7, 2010
Red Lobster - Muskogee
Located at: 225 W. Shawnee Muskogee, OK
Saturday, January 3rd was a hectic day. We had a harsh, winter front coming in. I spent the day in Muskogee gathering supplies, such as animal feed, groceries, batteries and the like, in preparation for the possibility of not being able to get back out for several days. It takes a lot longer for my country roads to clear than the ones in town.
By evening I was pretty tired and hungry. Once I went home, I would have to jump in bedding down critters and bringing in wood, in preparation for the incoming storm and frigid temps. So I decided I wanted to treat myself to a good, hot meal someplace where I could sit back, relax and let them wait on me. I was on the Shawnee by-pass, not far from Red Lobster so I pulled in there. The parking lot was only semi busy. I was actually able to get a nice parking space close to the door, which was great because the cold air was already moving in.
As I entered I was cheerfully greeted with a warm smile. She asked how many were in my party. I said just me. As she politely ushered me on in, a hostess walked up, asking how many were in my party. The other woman told her 'one.' The hostess' smile changed to almost a frown as she remarked, "only one?" Her expression quickly changed back to a smile as she led me to a booth. She handed me the menu and left. Everything appeared neat, clean and comfortable. The dining area appeared to be about three-fourths full.
By the time I had made my choices from the menu, a young man came back to take my order. He was very polite and upbeat, making sure he had my order exactly correct. I was greatly looking forward to taking this time to enjoy a satisfying meal and relax a little before the several days of cold, hard work I had ahead of me.
In just a few minutes after placing my order, I was served my salad and those wonderful, hot, flaky, cheesy biscuits Red Lobster is so rightly famous for. While I was eating, I heard the waiters ask people at other tables if they would like dessert. At tables where several customers sat they even gently pushed the desserts making statements like, "Make sure you save some room for one of our wonderful desserts." I don't usually get dessert right after my meal, but on this particular cold night, dessert sounded really good. So I browsed through the dessert menu to make my choice.
By the time I finished my salad and biscuits (as many of them as I dared eat), my entree was being brought out. It was served with a smile as he asked if I needed anything else. Ketchup. I had to have ketchup to go with my fries. Almost immediately the ketchup was brought to me with a friendly, "Enjoy your meal."
The waiter came back quickly, and often to check on my progress and see if I needed anything. I had the strong feeling that I was being rushed. I had so looked forward to relaxing and leisurely enjoying my meal. Each time he came back he was a little less friendly, making statements that hinted at me being nearly finished with my meal. I hadn't been there long. I barely had time to take a few bites of my entree! By the time I was about halfway through my meal, he brought the check, laid it down on the edge of the table and asked, "Would you like a box to take the rest of that home?" I did not appreciate being rushed through my meal. Tables with at least two or more diners were encouraged to stay and order dessert. I felt like that because I was only a party of one, I was being rushed through so they could have the table for a group. I did not feel that I was being treated equally to the other customers. However, I did accept his offer for a box. I figured I would have to eat at home to be able to relax and enjoy this meal.
Shortly he returned with my box, picked up the check folder and asked if it was ready. I said, "No, I want dessert." He expressed an annoyed look of surprise, then took my dessert order. He also took the check folder, stating that he would refigure my check. He returned a few moments later with my new check, and asked how my dessert was. The question was made in a way that told me he hoped I was nearly finished.
As I got up to leave, no one appeared to notice. No one said good bye as I exited, nor invited me to return. I took a little more than half my meal home. I decided it was just too stressful here to eat. The food was fresh, hot and tasted great. Though not generous, the portions were good except for the French fries and dessert. The fries were delicious, but it certainly did not look like there was a full serving of them. The cheesecake was excellent, but for the price, I was very disappointed in the serving size.
The food here was good, and I would recommend it if you were purchasing take out. I also feel that you would have an enjoyable dining experience at Red Lobster if you were with a party of three or larger. But if you are dining alone and looking for a place to leisurely enjoy a good dinner with good service, I strongly recommend you look somewhere other than Red Lobster.
Saturday, January 3rd was a hectic day. We had a harsh, winter front coming in. I spent the day in Muskogee gathering supplies, such as animal feed, groceries, batteries and the like, in preparation for the possibility of not being able to get back out for several days. It takes a lot longer for my country roads to clear than the ones in town.
By evening I was pretty tired and hungry. Once I went home, I would have to jump in bedding down critters and bringing in wood, in preparation for the incoming storm and frigid temps. So I decided I wanted to treat myself to a good, hot meal someplace where I could sit back, relax and let them wait on me. I was on the Shawnee by-pass, not far from Red Lobster so I pulled in there. The parking lot was only semi busy. I was actually able to get a nice parking space close to the door, which was great because the cold air was already moving in.
As I entered I was cheerfully greeted with a warm smile. She asked how many were in my party. I said just me. As she politely ushered me on in, a hostess walked up, asking how many were in my party. The other woman told her 'one.' The hostess' smile changed to almost a frown as she remarked, "only one?" Her expression quickly changed back to a smile as she led me to a booth. She handed me the menu and left. Everything appeared neat, clean and comfortable. The dining area appeared to be about three-fourths full.
By the time I had made my choices from the menu, a young man came back to take my order. He was very polite and upbeat, making sure he had my order exactly correct. I was greatly looking forward to taking this time to enjoy a satisfying meal and relax a little before the several days of cold, hard work I had ahead of me.
In just a few minutes after placing my order, I was served my salad and those wonderful, hot, flaky, cheesy biscuits Red Lobster is so rightly famous for. While I was eating, I heard the waiters ask people at other tables if they would like dessert. At tables where several customers sat they even gently pushed the desserts making statements like, "Make sure you save some room for one of our wonderful desserts." I don't usually get dessert right after my meal, but on this particular cold night, dessert sounded really good. So I browsed through the dessert menu to make my choice.
By the time I finished my salad and biscuits (as many of them as I dared eat), my entree was being brought out. It was served with a smile as he asked if I needed anything else. Ketchup. I had to have ketchup to go with my fries. Almost immediately the ketchup was brought to me with a friendly, "Enjoy your meal."
The waiter came back quickly, and often to check on my progress and see if I needed anything. I had the strong feeling that I was being rushed. I had so looked forward to relaxing and leisurely enjoying my meal. Each time he came back he was a little less friendly, making statements that hinted at me being nearly finished with my meal. I hadn't been there long. I barely had time to take a few bites of my entree! By the time I was about halfway through my meal, he brought the check, laid it down on the edge of the table and asked, "Would you like a box to take the rest of that home?" I did not appreciate being rushed through my meal. Tables with at least two or more diners were encouraged to stay and order dessert. I felt like that because I was only a party of one, I was being rushed through so they could have the table for a group. I did not feel that I was being treated equally to the other customers. However, I did accept his offer for a box. I figured I would have to eat at home to be able to relax and enjoy this meal.
Shortly he returned with my box, picked up the check folder and asked if it was ready. I said, "No, I want dessert." He expressed an annoyed look of surprise, then took my dessert order. He also took the check folder, stating that he would refigure my check. He returned a few moments later with my new check, and asked how my dessert was. The question was made in a way that told me he hoped I was nearly finished.
As I got up to leave, no one appeared to notice. No one said good bye as I exited, nor invited me to return. I took a little more than half my meal home. I decided it was just too stressful here to eat. The food was fresh, hot and tasted great. Though not generous, the portions were good except for the French fries and dessert. The fries were delicious, but it certainly did not look like there was a full serving of them. The cheesecake was excellent, but for the price, I was very disappointed in the serving size.
The food here was good, and I would recommend it if you were purchasing take out. I also feel that you would have an enjoyable dining experience at Red Lobster if you were with a party of three or larger. But if you are dining alone and looking for a place to leisurely enjoy a good dinner with good service, I strongly recommend you look somewhere other than Red Lobster.
February 4, 2010
Introduction
Hi! I'm Tentfire. Do you like quality restaurants with good service? I certainly do! And it seems the good ones are harder and harder to find these days. You may get good food at one, but it may be lacking in the area of service. At the next one you may get excellent service with barely edible food. Finding one that will give you both can be a challenge.
When you are tired, hungry and ready to sit down to a satisfying meal, you really don't want to make your dining choice by "luck of the draw" and hope you have chosen correctly. You want to know before you walk through that door that you can expect good food, good service and a clean, comfortable atmosphere. I am here to help you with all of that.
I am a Management Consultant and have been professionally evaluating restaurants for over 24 years. I will be using my expertise to evaluate the restaurants and eating establishments in and around the Muskogee area. Then, I will share all of my results with you right here, so all of your dining choices will be pleasurable experiences.
I am excited and really looking forward to this venture! I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions and requests. And your input would be great, too! My most favorite type of restaurant is the little privately owned, hole-in-the-wall. What is yours?
When you are tired, hungry and ready to sit down to a satisfying meal, you really don't want to make your dining choice by "luck of the draw" and hope you have chosen correctly. You want to know before you walk through that door that you can expect good food, good service and a clean, comfortable atmosphere. I am here to help you with all of that.
I am a Management Consultant and have been professionally evaluating restaurants for over 24 years. I will be using my expertise to evaluate the restaurants and eating establishments in and around the Muskogee area. Then, I will share all of my results with you right here, so all of your dining choices will be pleasurable experiences.
I am excited and really looking forward to this venture! I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions and requests. And your input would be great, too! My most favorite type of restaurant is the little privately owned, hole-in-the-wall. What is yours?
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