Vincent "Vinny" F.'s Profile

Planet Wings is easy to sum up in one shot: "Great food, but don't be in a hurry."

We've ordered from PW twice and both times it took well over an hour and a half to deliver.  It's not the end of the world, but it's something to be aware of.

When our food did arrive, because of the extended trip, it was lukewarm at best, but even then, the taste shined through.

Fries?  Don't bother.  Make your own.  Trust me.

The wings are nicely done, and the boneless wings are tasty and tender (although they could use a little crispness to them).

The sauces are pretty good, too, and for the most part, the prices are reasonable.  A nice bonus is that in some of the locations (this one included) they allow online ordering, so you don't even have to call them and try and give your very specific order to the phone guy.

Any place that lets you order by web is a big plus for me.

If you're craving wings and live in the area, give 'em a go.  I have a feeling you'll enjoy it.

After a few visits, I can truly say I'm okay with reviewing BWW.

I've had four different sauces of their huge list.

The Mild was the weakest, but had a ton of flavor anyway.  It still left a bit of a tingle when I was done, which surprised me because I was expecting a somewhat light sauce.

The Spicy Garlic was awesome but left my mouth on freakin' fire.  Honestly, this is not for the weak of heart, and it scared me off the other sauces further up the scale.

The Parmesan Garlic is a home run.  Just parmy enough to have a nice italian alfredo-ish taste to it with a hint of pepper to go with it.  Definitely the best sauce I've ever had on wings.

The wings themselves, both boneless and traditional, are pretty much perfect.  The boneless wings aren't really wings, more like nuggets in a great crispy breading.  The regular wings are nice and crispy, not too greasy, and always tender.  If you like wings, this is the place to get 'em.  I'm sure local places do them well (I've been to a few) but BWW is consistent.

As for sides?  I've only tried two. The Potato Wedges are good, but the Buffalo Chips are just not worth it.  They're a sliced potato with or without a sprinkling of cheddar cheese.  Steer clear; they kinda suck.

Buffalo Wildwings prides itself on being a hangout, and that's what this one is.  Go there, sit for awhile, have a few drinks, play some games with the in-restaurant entertainment system or watch a game (they even broadcast the UFC pay per views live for free).  It's loud but it's fun.  Don't expect a quiet night there; it isn't going to happen.

I see a few reviews ragging on the "other" stuff they serve other than wings.  I understand that there are burgers and such on the menu, but let's be honest: the place is called Buffalo Wild WINGS.  While they have other things, I wouldn't expect a whole lot out of them.  if I'm going to BWW, it's go get wings.  If I get anything else that's mediocre, I wouldn't ding them for it because it's not their specialty.

Duh.

Service, food, atmosphere, and price are all pretty agreeable.  Go down and have a good time.  And get the wings.  If you want something else, go to Chili's or Friday's which are all on the same floor of the mall.

I walked into this restaurant and asked the maitre d' if they had a certain Cabernet Sauvignon that I like and was told "this is a Chinese buffet, sir."  I was so offended, that I left.  How dare they!?

Come on, people, let's be realistic.  If you live in or around New York City, you know what Chinese takeout is, and a Chinese buffet is just takeout served buffet style.  It's the same stuff you've been getting forever.  Most of it is heavy, greasy, and fried.  Most of it isn't authentic Chinese (it's the same Americanized stuff we've all come to call Chinese food) and it's mostly average faire unless you go to a good Chinese restaurant.

I don't know what people who panned this place were expecting, honestly.  It's a Chinese buffet.  All your faves from your local place served in large quantities.  It's a good deal (tonight, wife and I ate dinner and dessert with beverages for $30!) and you won't walk away hungry.  Is it the best Chinese food ever?  Of course not, but if you're the kind of person that sees "all you can eat buffet" and thinks "fine international cuisine," you probably wouldn't know good Chinese food if it beat you over the head with chopsticks and a serving platter.

The dinner menu is slightly different than the lunch menu, so things vary depending on the time of day.  On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights they have all you can eat King Crab legs; a favorite of mine.  Also the stuffed clams are good (according to my wife) and the Sesame Chicken is usually spot on.  General Tso's comes in close and at times, when they have chicken with Orange sauce, that's good too.  The Chinese chicken wings are passable, as are the ribs.

Overall, there's something for everyone, the food is changed out regularly (nothing is stale; the place is busy enough that the turnover keeps the food fresh), and the service is attentive (if not a tad overbearing).  Honestly, what more do you want for $13 a person?

Oh yeah, and the place is clean.  The bathroom leaves a bit to be desired (it's not dirty, just not immaculate) but they obviously take pride in the place.  That's a plus in my book every time.

I have to say; the only Romano's that was close to us was the one in West Nyack (in Palisades Center).  When they closed, I was crushed.  Turns out there were more of them, and while this one isn't as close, the food is as good.

You're probably wondering why a New York boy would go to a chain Italian restaurant.  The truth?  The food is really really good, and on par with anything I've had in mom and pop Italian joints.  In fact, I'd argue that what makes it better is the fact that it's more consistent in quality than smaller places tend to be.

The pasta is always good, and the best thing on the menu has to be Mama's Trio, which is a slice of lasagna, a chicken parmigiana breast, and a spinach and chicken filled canneloni.  When you pair that with the exceptional bread that comes with every meal, it's satisfying and delicious.

And the desserts?  Oh man.  Come hungry, because they really are spectacular.  The chocolate fudge cake and lemon pasion cake will blow your mind; both are in extremely large portions and you'll probably have to take half of it home.

The service is always good, and once in awhile, a server will bust into some Italian Opera.  Go with it.  It's solid entertainment!

I always tell my wife that Romano's is the chain restaurant that didn't get the memo that it's a chain restaurant.  Olive Garden is the easiest comparison, but nothing at Olive Garden really matches what Romano's is.  Don't let the "chain restaurant" thing keep you from trying it.

What?  A four-star rating for the DMV?  Well, yeah, and imagine how surprised I was!

I had put off heading to the DMV for a few days because I was expecting drama.  I didn't get any at all.  Their hours say 8:30, but they opened the doors and let people in a few minutes early because it was a bit cold outside.  Everyone filed in, got their forms, and did their thing.  I was 10th in line (more or less) but second up to the information counter.  I got my number, was called a few minutes later, handed over my renewal form for my license, was given my eye test, paid, and was out the door at 8:29.

No kidding!

It's fast, efficient, and the employees were courteous.  While this branch will only do license-related transactions, it's not a hassle in any way and there's plenty of on-street parking (if you get there early enough).  All in all, it was a good experience at the DMV; something I don't think I've ever actually had, and New York State should be commended for doing well just as they're criticized for doing badly.

Next time, I won't put the trip off.

If there's a better red velvet cake, I've never had it.  The 7" cake serves 4-6 people without a problem (although there probably won't be any leftovers) for $16 (with tax) and is perfect in every way.  It's moist, tasty, and the cream-cheese frosting isn't overwhelmingly cream-cheesey, something I often find with red velvet cakes.  They'll decorate it only as far as putting some basic writing on top for $1.

Their other cakes are pretty good, too.  They have a few chocolate cakes that will knock your socks off.

It's a wholesale-type operation, though.  You walk in to a counter and order based on a small showcase or some wall pictures.  Very no frills, but who needs frills when buying a cake anyway?

Overall, a fantastic bakery that does a fantastic job.  If you have the means, I highly recommend it!

(Oh yeah, and I went there this morning and now they accept credit cards!)

When I say this, I'm not being hyperbolic: they saved my cat's life.

Patches wasn't acting herself, so we took her to the vet.  They diagnosed her with acute kidney failure and then proceeded to begin treatment.  After a week of treatment, she's back to her old self.  We have to keep her on her meds now, but she's fine, playful, and the cat we love so much.

Both of our cats are patients at Hartsdale Vet. Hospital. The women that work the front desk are super helpful all the time, and Doctor Thayer himself is always available.  I know when I leave the girls in their care they're getting the best care possible and I never doubt that they have their best interests at heart.  They've consistently gone above and beyond for us and they've even been helpful in trying new courses of treatment for Patches (although we've come to find out, over time, that their original treatment path was the best; even so, they're always thinking about us).

Frankly, I wish human doctors were as good as Doctor Thayer and his staff, and I'm really glad they're around.  Nobody does what they do better.

After numerous ownership changes over the past 9 years, this current group really has it together.  The food is excellent, if not slightly pricey for "coffee shop" food and is made fresh when you order it.

Things to try:

1.  The turkey burgers are the best I've ever had.  They're juicy, done perfectly, and have just the right amount of seasoning.  Toss on some black pepper to kick things up a bit and you'll be very happy with the end result.

2.  The #14 Sandwich: Smoked turkey and cheddar on various breads (usually sourdough or country) with honey mustard.  Outstanding, and easily my favorite.

3.  The three-cheese steak: While technically just a hot roast beef sandwich, it's excellent and flavorful every single time.  I usually get mine without onions.

Breakfasts are good, although if you ask for bacon, make sure to get it well done or you'll be chewing a piece of meat flavored gum.  It's the one thing they never get right for some reason.

All in all, the Kitchen Door is a great go-to place.  Their sandwich list is extensive, their hot food is good, and their breakfasts hit the spot.  There isn't a lot of seating there, though, so be prepared to grab and go.

PS: On school days, avoid it like the plague between 1:30 and 3:00.  It's unbearably loud and rowdy with the kids from the local high school in there.  You've been warned.

Slice?  What's a slice?

Once you get over the weirdness of not being able to order a slice at a Pizza joint, you kinda get comfortable.  Pies are served in small personal sizes with any number of toppings and such.  You can even watch yours being made if you were so inclined.

My wife and I ended up there one afternoon as we picked up some stuff at one of the local stores and wanted a quick bite to eat.  While it wasn't the quickest ever, it was tasty when we got it.  The pies are a bit small for two people, but I think you could survive sharing one if you're just looking for a snack.  We shared one and two cokes and it cost about $10.

Overall, it was an interesting experience, and I would be open to trying them out again.

It's Starbucks.  If you have preconceived notions about the place, you've probably already made up your mind.

My wife and I have been coming to this Starbucks for years, and while the staff has rotated in and out a few times over that time, the quality of the drinks is still the same.  They get your order right, and once they get to know you, they even know your quirks and tendencies in a drink.  That, to me, is a sign of a group of people doing more than just shelling out cup after cup.

Sure you have to "wade through smokers" to get in, but my wife and I have gotten to know them and they're all pretty nice people. If you're looking for a good honest cup of coffee and don't feel like paying the fair-trade-independent-mom-and-pop-screw-the-man-I 'm-making-a-statement weirdos in some of the smaller establishments (very few of which are in the immediate area of this Starbucks) go in and enjoy. It's lively at times, mellow at other times, but always welcoming. I know this because every November, I spend most of my month in there writing my novel for National Novel Writing Month.