Austin "Homer Simpson incarnate" S.'s Profile

Long story short: Another good ol' Sonic.  Actually, I probably like this one least out of all the Sonic's I 've been to.

Long story long:

As I've mentioned many times, I love Sonic.  I don't know what it is about it, but I just do.  I haven't been to a Sonic that I didn't like, but there's something about this one that is just... I mean, it's in Grandview, so maybe that's it?  HAHA, seriously... Grandview is a little ghetto.

I've been to this one several times, so I've gotten several items, but my usual go to items have been the double bacon cheeseburger, tots, and a strawberry limeade.  I also will more times than not get a CroisSONIC breakfast sandwich, chicken strips, or the chicken strip sandwich.

I've never had a problem at this Sonic, but usually I don't ever have a problem at Sonic.  I mean, this one is right across the street from IHOP's FCF Auditorium which as a IHOPU student, am at several times a week.  It's actually dangerous that way, haha.

My love for Sonic will never die.

4.5 stars

Long story short: Wonderful thrift store that doesn't feel ghetto!

Long story long:

Back in LA, I actually didn't mind going to Ross to do some "thrift" shopping.  I even went to the Salvation Army store once or twice, but I mean, it's the Salvation Army store... anyway.

However, here in Kansas City, there is no such thing as Ross.  I jumped here on Yelp and looked up thrift stores.  I didn't necessarily want to go to the Goodwill store either, but this came up and I made a mental note to give it a try some time.

One day I decided to go clothes shopping.  Basically what my plan was in moving to KC, was bring some clothes out with me, buy some clothes out there, then whenever I went home to LA, bring back the clothes I had originally brought, so I didn't have to worry about packing clothes when I went back and forth.

Because the weather was still on the warmer side, the first time I went, I went with getting a bunch of t-shirts in mind.  The store is, just as is any clothing store, organized with most of the store being a women's clothing store, then in one little corner, you've got the men's section.  Then so on from there with shirts and pants.  You all know what I'm talking about.

I went to the t-shirts and had to go through the entire XL section and managed to find probably 5 t-shirts.  I made my way to the jeans section because I only have one pair of jeans and I had been meaning to get a 2nd.  I found a pair I like and put it in my pile.  I did consider about the upcoming winter season (yes, for those of you in LA, Kansas City has SEASONS) and browsed to see if there were any wool sweaters.  I found a couple I liked and headed for the changing room.  They had a sign that said a 6 item limit, but I had like I think 8 or 9.  I asked one of the employees and they said to go on ahead.  I guess it's more of a "guideline" than "policy".  I tried everything on and I think I put one thing back.  I liked the sweaters.  One was a J Crew 100% lambs wool, and the other was also J Crew, a wool pleated half zipper pull over.  Both seemed to be in good condition and didn't have any holes or snags or anything.  The t-shirts were the same.  A couple of them were a little faded, but I didn't mind.

When all was said and done, I got 5 t-shirts, 3 sweaters (including a Banana Republic fine Italian merino wool sweater), and a pair of jeans for a little over $40.  The sweaters each were like $11-13!!!  If I paid retail at the store, I'd pay at least probably 3-4 times as much for them.

I've been back a couple of times and I've managed to find some decent stuff.

I love thrift shopping!!!!

Long story short: Not a bad baseball stadium with decent seats and reasonable ticket prices.

Long story long:

When I first moved out to Kansas City back in August, the sports fan that I am and a couple of weeks before school started, I wanted to get in a baseball game.  Luckily for me, Kansas City has a hometown team, the Royals.  Unluckily for me, the Royals suck.  However, the Boston Red Sox were in town and I took the opportunity to see at least one good team.  I decided to invite my roommate and get seats in the nosebleed section.  Tickets I believe were $17 a piece.

Pulling up to the stadium, there was PLENTY of parking, especially with Arrowhead (home of the Chiefs) Stadium right across the street and part of the Jackson County Sports Complex.  Football stadiums generally seat more fans than baseball parks.  I googled both; Arrowhead seats 75,000+ and Kauffman Stadium seats less than 40,000.

We parked and made our way over to Kauffman, with the largeness of Arrowhead standing over its shoulder.  Its like having your older brother intimidatingly standing right next to you while you try to accomplish something.

Now, being from LA, whenever we went to a Dodger game, parking and walking up to and into Dodger Stadium was always a little bit of a nuthouse, but that wasn't the case with Kauffman.  It seemed rather casual getting in the stadium and up to where our seats were.

Once situated in our seats, we actually had a decent view of the field.  Of course, pretty much any baseball stadium, you have a pretty decent view.  We were on the first base side, just past where the infield dirt ends and the outfield grass starts.  Luckily that day, we were covered in shade the entire game.  There weren't a lot of people at the game, probably because the team sucks, but that usually doesn't stop the faithful fans.  Its actually quite nice to see fans still come out to a game to cheer on the team even though there's really nothing they have to play for.  I'm just saying.

Concession prices were about where you'd expect at any sports venue, just shy of a giant grabbing you by the feet, inverting and shaking you violently so all of your money falls out of your pockets.  Its true... where else are you going to spend $50 on 2 hot dogs and a drink?  Ok yeah I know it's not THAT much, but you get my point.

As expected, the Royals lost that game, however, both my roommate (who generally doesn't enjoy sports) had a great time and felt it was a Sunday afternoon well spent.

Would I come back?  Um... if they get better?

Long story short: Solid frozen yogurt joint at a good price.

Long story long:

I first came here the weekend before school started, as the student government association had put on a driving scavenger hunt, with locations that we as IHOPU students would want to familiarize ourselves with, such as like the post office, Walmart, Trader Joes, Chick Fil-a, etc.  This place was also on the list.

My team and I eventually pulled up (because we got totally lost as well as lost some time), but that's beyond the point.

This particular location had plenty of seating inside, with plenty of parking outside (it's located in a Hy-Vee shopping center).  The place was clean and I like the color scheme.  Off the top of my head, it had a melon theme, which was not overdone and was quite nice.

This place is a self serve, just like Yogurtland back in LA.  They had about 20 or so flavors, and a wide and your typical assortment of toppings.

Because of the size of the space, they were allowed the flexibility to create an efficient flow for customers, with the cups in the far corner to your left, the machines running along that back wall, the toppings bar beginning at the end of the machines, leading all the way up to the register.  None of this back and forth or having to pass up the toppings bar and machines just to get to the back of the line.  I'm just saying...

I've been back a couple of times and it's been consistent.  I've enjoyed their flavors so far.  You can view the different flavors they have throughout all their stores (not all flavors available in all stores) here: http://www.peachwaveyo...

Service has been friendly and it feels like the kind of place you can just kinda chill for a little bit as your enjoy your frozen yogurt.

I'd come back again.

Long story short: Eh... nothing that seemed really special about it... plus the kids working there seemed bored and were "bleh"

Long story long:

After dinner/happy around the corner at Blue Grotto, I asked Joi B. where I could go to get some ice cream or something, and she and the others we were with suggested this place.  I kinda got confused how KCMO uses "avenue", "terrace", "street" and stuff for the same street, so I think I turned on 62nd Street or something when it should've been 62nd Terrace or... I dunno... do you get what I mean?

Anywho... walking in, you get that small mom and pop shop feel, which I liked.  I looked up at the hand written menu of my choices and stuff and it was actually a little hard to read.  The 3 teenagers working there at the time all were just sitting around doing something else and overall, seemed like they didn't want to be there.  Not that any of them were giving me attitude, it just seemed their minds were elsewhere and my interactions with them made me feel like I was talking to zombies.

I guess everything starts off with the basic vanilla frozen custard.  Then you get to pick your toppings and mix-ins and whatnot.  I guess the particular thing I ordered, everything ended up being blended instead of mixed up like you would see at Cold Stone.  I decided to get strawberries and cheesecake.  Price seemed decent.  Being served a frozen treat by someone who didn't seem like they enjoyed being there or was just being a total zombie to me was mildly depressing.

I took a couple bites and it was ok.  I don't really see what the whole hoopla over frozen custard is.  Maybe it's an acquired taste *shrug*  I kind of wish the strawberries and cheesecake weren't totally blended altogether... that's part of the fun of ice cream or frozen yogurt or whatever, coming across chunks of cheesecake and/or fruit as you eat it.

Would I return?  Meh...

Long story short: The food was AMAZING, but it was still very enjoyable and I loved the patio out back.

Long story long:

Not long after getting out here to KCMO, Joi B. was having one of her first monthly CMYE/happy hours, and Blue Grotto was the venue of choice for such said event for August.

Walking in from the front entrance and first impression from the bar area, was that this place was going to be a little bit more casual, almost a pub kind of feel, but once we walked through the dining area and then out onto the back patio, the "upscale" factor went up a couple of notches.  This seemed like the kind of place that you could come with a couple of friends, bring someone for their birthday, a "casual" date, or non hi-profile business lunch.  Nice open kitchen.

There was patio like seating with a couple of gas fire pits on the deck outside.  It almost felt like hanging out on someone's nice back yard.

There was just the four of us, but we grabbed one of the tables not next to the fire pit.  It was all pretty comfortable and within a couple of minutes, a server came by to give us some menus as well as take any beverage orders.  We had gotten there just before the end of happy hour, so there was $5 wines and well drinks.  I got a glass of wine, which I forgot what varietal it was, as well as a vodka and 7up.

Looking over the menu, you had your typical gastropub fare: entrees, salads, burgers, sandwiches, a couple of fish dishes, a sleu of appetizers, pizzas, and pastas.  It wasn't an enormous menu, which is good.  It's one thing when a place has different types of dishes but like 20 options of each, but its another thing (in a good way) when a place just has 2 or 3 of a few types of dishes, then whatever they consider their popular item, have more of a selection.  If I were to open a restaurant, that's the model I would follow.  They seemingly are a little more known for their pizzas

I decided to order the lamb sliders appetizer and the merguez (lamb sausage) pizza.  I suppose I was going for a lamb theme that day.  Joi B and the others ordered various items as well.  The prices on everything seemed to be pretty reasonable.  I believe we were still in happy hour, so the lamb sliders were discounted as I believe the pizza as well.  Even without the happy hour, the prices seemed reasonable for what it was.

A few minutes later our food began arriving.  The sliders looked decent, nothing too spectacular, but not like things were just slapped onto a bun.  There came 3 sliders (or was it 2?), harissa, cilantro, pickled red onions, and peppers.  The lamb was pretty good and altogther, the slider really worked.  I could've had another plate of these and be happy.  The pizza had broken merguez (lamb sausage) bits, peppers, tomatoes, olives, and pecorino cheese.  That was pretty darn good.  I mean, I love pizza, so I'm not that picky, but at the same time I am sort of picky.  I know, I'm weird like that.

I had no problem finishing it all and was definitely satisfied.  Service was attentive and with a smile.  Waters were never empty (which most of you know is a pretty big thing for me) and I had a very enjoyable time finally meeting our KC CM in person and being outside having some wonderful food.

I'm definitely coming back here when I get a chance.

Long story short: Yes!!  I can fulfill my Asian food/ingredient cravings whenever I want!!  Well, kinda out of the way, but yeah...

Long story long:

I sure did pick a good time to move out to Kansas City.  Yes, the weather was a little hot, but at least I wouldn't be moving out in the snow if I had waited to start school in January for spring semester (which my mom wanted me to do).  TWO Trader Joe's just opened up earlier this summer.  Ok... I guess that's it, at least off the top of my head.

But another thing, a large Asian market!!!  I was first told of this from a family I know that lives in Lee's Summit.  They told me about a 99 Ranch like Asian market in Overland Park that just recently opened up.  There's apparently another Asian market not too far from there called Oriental Market (which I happened to go there on a separate occasion and reminds me more of a Mitsuwa Japanese market).

Walking in, I could smell some Chinese herbs, which I'm normally not a fan of, but that to me signified I was in the right place.  They've got a small "food court" stand selling take out food on one end.  Their produce section is still a little lacking, but considering they just opened, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that it'll only get better.  They also have live seafood, which is mainly lobster, crab, and a couple of fish.  But a live lobster and crab tanks tell you the place is legit.  The prices seemed a little steep, but at least if I decided to splurge on fresh lobster or crab, I know where to go.

Walking up and down the aisles, they seemingly had everything that a 99 Ranch market offers, which means if I ever am in the need to cook Asian food (which actually isn't THAT often), I know where to go.  Yes, this is kind of out of the way for me, as it probably takes a good 20, almost 30 minutes one way to get there.  Ok... still maybe closer to 20, but you know what I mean.

On the other end of the store, they've got a wide variety of cookware, pots and pans that are typical for Asian cooking, like bamboo and metal steamers, woks, spiders (large meshes spoons), as well as plateware and such.  They even have the two compartment hot pot pots!!!
http://sampan.org/wp-c...

They also have butane camping stoves (which I bought because I have an electric range at home and I HATE cooking on electric), as well as water heaters and rice cookers.  Again, a one stop Asian market stop!!!

Long story short: Does Trader Joe's getting a 5 star NEED any explanation?  No....

Long story long:

I sure picked a good time to move to Kansas City.  The 2 Trader Joes that are near me just opened up over the summer, and being from LA where Trader Joe's first started out (I actually lived really close to the FIRST Trader Joe's), I was super excited that I would have Trader Joe's near me.  I chose this one because this one sells wine and alcohol and the other one in Overland Park doesn't (not that it matters because I can't drink this semester, but no biggie), plus this one seems less beougie.  Its true... Overland Park is beougie... but not as beougie as Leawood.... but I digress.

I'm not sure what this used to be before (perhaps another market) because this Trader Joe's is big!!  Ok, maybe not as big as a regular super market, but it's definitely bigger than a lot of other Trader Joe's I've been to.

They've got everything that every other Trader Joes has, which is what I like about TJ.  Some chains, every store won't have all of the exact same items.  Yes, it's a regional thing and one particular item may not sell as well in one area than another, but Trader Joes doesn't do that, or so I have seen.

Because this is located in a shopping center/mall with Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, a theater and various other stores and whatnot, there is PLENTY of parking, unlike some Trader Joe's I've been to where they've got just barely enough room for the yuppies who drive a Prius while they've got Tinkerbell chilling inside her own Gucci bag.  Oh wait... that's Beverly Hills.  Except for the Prius part.  That still applies.

What was I talking about?  Oh yeah, what I found that I assume is a new item: whole unsalted raw almond snack packs.  Just a small handful, great on the go when you need a quick and healthy snack.  I take a pack with me to class and munch on them when we take our break.  Totally curbs my appetite til I get home for lunch.  Hey, better than something like Doritos or potato chips, which are greasy, salty, and high in saturated fats.

I *heart* Trader Joes

3.5 stars

Long story short: For a "chain", this place isn't bad with very friendly service and simple food at reasonable prices.

Long story long:

The sister of my friend's wife, and her family, live nearby in Lee's Summit and the week before starting school, they invited me out for brunch.  They suggested this place, it being the closest one for them (they have 4 kids) even though I think there's one closer to me, but further for them.  It wasn't a big deal.

Walking in, I couldn't get a really good read on the place.  It looked like there could have been a buffet, but there wasn't.  The place was simply decorated, almost like an IHOP, but it didn't feel "corporate-y" like IHOP.  I guess that was a good thing.

I arrived before my friends did, so I just went inside (because it was raining) and waited in their waiting area.  The, I think, manager warmly asked me if I had been helped, but told him I was waiting for people.  Once they arrived, we were taken to a large round table.

Our energetic (not in a bad way) server came by and asked what we wanted to drink.  I got an orange juice.  She left to give us a couple of minutes to look over the menu.

My friend told me about a dish they have called "The Gravy Train", which is an omelette smothered in gravy.  A bacon, sausage, mushroom and onion omelette to be exact.  A lot of the other dishes were pretty straight forward but sounded good.  I decided to just get the gravy train.  I think what would have set it over the top would be a biscuit on top of the omelette, THEN smothered in grav, but that's just wishful thinking.  Hmmm, maybe I should ask about that next time.

After a few minutes, our food arrived and when my plate was put down before me, oh wow it looked glorious.  It was served with a side of toast, but it might as well as have been a biscuit.  Hmm, now that I think about it, I'm not even sure they have biscuits. *shrug*

I dug in and I never in my wildest dreams would have thought of putting gravy on an omelette, but by goly, it worked.  Neither the eggs nor the ingredients inside seemed to be really heavy (meaning they probably didn't use a lot of butter or oil, which is a good thing).  I liked that because it didn't weigh me down when I was done.  It probably could have been seasoned a little bit better, but it was still good.  The gravy as well wasn't too heavy, though I wouldn't mind heavy gravy.

Service was attentive and with a big smile.

Overall it was a very enjoyable dish and I would come back.

Long story short: just an ok place for a piece of pizza, but the place is clean and the prices were moderate.

Long story long:

After a few days of being in Kansas City and school not having started yet, I was keeping busy settling into my apartment and figuring out where everything was.  I was craving pizza on one particular day, and I didn't really want to drive terribly far (which being out here, I end up doing most of the time anyway), so I hopped on Yelp to check out if there was anything relatively close by.  This place popped up and after browsing the couple of reviews it had, I decided to drop by because it was actually pretty close to where I live.

Apparently this place used to be a Wendy's and is right next to Sonic, which if Sonic only served pizza, I just would have gone there.  Ok, that was a premature judgement on this place, so allow me to continue.

This place sells pizza by the slice, which is what I was looking for.  The typical set up of places that sell pizza by the slice, premade and pre-cooked pizza sitting out on a counter, needing only a couple minutes in the oven to reheat.  Mamma's Brick Oven and Nonna's Pizzeria back in LA does the same thing and I LOVE those places.  They also had calzones and strombolis.  They also had a salad station (not self serve).  Their menu features not only pizza, but other Italian items such as lasagna, pastas, chicken parmigiana, and hot and cold sandwiches.

At $3something per slice, that's about how much Mamma's Brick Oven and Nonna's was, so I was fine with that.  I got a slice of Hawaiian (pineapple and ham), a slice of sausage and pepperoni, and a supreme stromboli.  With a drink, everything came out to under $15.

I filled my cup at the self-serve soda fountain, and took a seat on one side of the dining room.  I don't know if this place isn't popular or I just happened to come at an off peak time, but there was no one else in the place.  To be honest it was a little sad.

After a few minutes my food was ready and I returned to my table.  I tackled the Hawaiian slice first.  The toppings were pretty fresh and overall was good, though it could have used maybe another minute in the oven because there were a couple spots where it was still a tiny bit lukewarm.  I wasn't going to complain over something small like that.  I started on the first slice and the reheating wasn't an issue, so that wasn't bad either.  I was getting full, but I still had my stromboli to get to.  Luckily it wasn't very large, and this also had a little bit of a reheating issue, but overall was good.  I'm sure it would be a WHOLE lot better if it was fresh and piping hot, but again, can't really complain a whole lot.

The girl helping me was nice enough and I didn't have any problems with her.

I guess I would maybe come back if I was really in a bind to get some pizza and/or didn't really feel like driving further for some pie.