Monica "Captain Adjective" V.'s Profile
Date
1 Previous Review:
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7/6/2007
Love it! I actually like this store a bit better than the one at Chicago Ridge (the people are a bit friendlier and more willing to help.) To those of you who have never been to a Torrid store, it's owned by the same company that owns Hot Topic, but don't be scared, it's not strictly 'goth' or 'punk-ish' clothing; they have regular, everyday clothing, too. That super-cute kelly-green top you saw in the window at Charlotte-Russe? Torrid has it in your size, and it'll actually survive a few trips through the washing machine. Those other cheap-and-trendy stores can't say that. I love that they also have a career section for those of us who have jobs that call for a more professional appearance. It's not exactly the Avenue or Lane Bryant, though, we're talking the same black blazer and pants that appeal to your dress code, but with cuter buttons, gathered sleeves, and all those other cute, little trendy and modern touches that scream anything but "Grandma's closet."
1 Previous Review:
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3/9/2007 First to Review
Their deep dish pizza is the thing to get here; and at any Unos for that matter. It's soft enough, yet a little flaky and delicate with a great buttery flavor, and then comes your choice of toppings. The only downside is that they don't deliver, but they do offer curbside service and online ordering.
Darien, IL 60561
(630) 985-5006
Tai San Chef
Categories:
Thai,
Chinese,
Asian Fusion,
Sushi Bars,
Japanese,
Steakhouses
Tai San Chef was introduced to me by my co-workers. Now, I work in an area that has not one, but TWO Asian restaurants within walking distance, however, I noticed that the girls always ordered from the place that was a few minutes away. When I finally tried them, I was impressed!
Over the past few months, I've ordered Curry Fried Rice, Thai Spring Rolls, Red Curry Vegetables and Tofu, and Spicy Pineapple Fried Rice and they've all been delicious!
Did I mention fresh fruit smoothies?? Yes, I like to order mine without sweetener (actual phone conversation: "No sweetener?" "Right, I don't want any sugar or sweetener added.") I love that he verified it with me while I placed my order! That's another great point, I've never had an order messed up, and I'm notorious for having special requests and substitutions.
They get major points in my book for being open Mondays, which is a notoriously bad day to have a craving for Asian food (most places are closed.) Anytime I'm at work or placing an order to take some food home after work on Mondays, I'll be calling Tai San Chef for sure.
We walked in through what looked like a deli case filled with baked goods, which seemed quite promising, but we came to have a meal, so we went into the dining room where we weren't quite sure if we should seat ourselves or wait for a server, so we stood at the doorway for a few minutes while other customers sat eating. My stomach was growling, so we decided to walk behind another woman who was walking in and grabbed herself a table; we grabbed one of our own and looked around. No one came. We followed everyone else's examples again and just helped ourselves to the buffet. Finally a man came and poured water, but walked away quickly. Then we managed to get a woman's attention and asked her about naan.
The actual food itself seemed to be lacking. It was too bland even if it had some spice to it. It had a lot of ingredients in it, but still seemed to be overpowered by one ingrediend in particular. Overall very disappointing, which is hard to do when I'm that hungry. When the naan finally came it was too crispy to use to pick up food and frankly kid of burnt in spots. Somehow we got our check (I honestly don't remember how we got a check after all that) we paid and left feeling our stomachs no longer hungry, but strangley empty inside, like in food limbo if you will.
Cheaper than Taj Mahal? Yes. Would I be coming back? Never again. Spare yourselves the trouble and avoid this place.
I ususally get the buffet because it's a perfect mix of everything and the flavors are just spicy enough. When I have a craving for a specific dish or want to crank up the heat, I can order off the menu and have enough left for lunch the next day. The waiters always make sure we have enough water in our glasses and enough naan in our basket, and I've never felt rushed to get out of there, which can sometimes be a problem if you are waiting for the check, but I've never been to shy to walk up to the register and ask for it. (Neither should you!)
I do, however, have a confession to make. One day a few months ago, my boyfriend and I were feeling adventurous and went to another Indian retaurant down 159th street and the experience made me want to CRY it was so horrible. I never knew Indian food could be so BAD! The next time we came to Taj Mahal, I had to confess my infidelity and the waiter just smiled and laughed and brought me some fresh samosas from the kitchen. I guess you can say this place is kind of like our Cheers. They may not know my name, but they know my order, and they will see my face again and again.
Two of my favorites have to be their Tempura Vegetables, which had a delicate crunchy coating while still letting the flavor of the veggies shine through, and their Orange Tofu, which had a spicy-sweet sauce that tasted fresh and homemade but never syrup-y and heavy like so many others I've had before. One of the best parts of my meal was probably one detail that often goes overlooked: the rice. The plain white rice that often accompanies most Asian meals might as well be used to fill small plush toys, but the rice from Bamboo Garden has *gasp!* FLAVOR! Yes, you might actually want to eat the rice that comes with your meal because its fluffy and has a light, earthy flavor that GOOD rice should have.
My parents tastes tend to be a bit more mainstream, so they opt for Beef & Broccoli and Shrimp & Pork Fried Rice. Served along with a pot of Oolong Tea, it makes for a delicious way to wind down, relax, and enjoy a quality, well-prepared meal.
1 Previous Review:
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3/11/2007 First to Review
I remember going here with my family for dinner and I would get their (I forgot the exact name) Super Nachos which were restaurant style chips with meat, beans, Mexican cheese, and the rest of the toppings, but these days I opt for a vegetarian Torta or a burrito. Their horchata is deliciously refreshing. Probably the most unexpected part is that they have a basket of freshly baked desserts; it's usually a baggie of cookies, but sometimes little cakes or brownies up front so you can buy some as your dessert or maybe as a snack for later.
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Chicago, IL
Yelping SinceMarch 2007
My HometownChicago, IL
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm working, studying, watching PBS.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI'm on the level.
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