Susan S.'s Profile

While out of town and looking for a decent meal, we stumbled on Mario's. The first good sign was the full parking lot.  Mario greeted us on the way in, and his wife took our order at the counter. The bread and salad were delicious precursors to the fantastic, fresh entrees.  This may be an unassuming joint in a strip mall in a small town, but the food is excellent. The service is friendly, and I can imagine becoming a regular if I lived nearby.

Wow!  Even though it was raining and we spent a portion of the tour below deck, this was a great way to see the stunning skyline and I interesting, diverse Chicago architecture. Our guide was well informed, enthusiastic and friendly. Views not to be missed. Bring a camera and a jacket!

This woman will spend 5 minutes with you, and then refer you to myriad specialists for simple things a doc who worked more could handle.

The filet is so salty it's nearly inedible. The tables are jammed in so tightly, you practically sit on your neighbor's lap. This place is crowded, noisy, brightly lit, and just the latest in a long string of poorly executed downtown Manhattan Beach restaurants.

The best Thai food in South Bay.  Tom Ka Gai - perfect blend if lemongrass, coconut milk, chicken and mushrooms. The service is friendly and laid back. Great place for a casual group meal with good friends.

Ashmore Inn has great rooms for casual travel.  It's not expensive, it's very clean, the service is friendly, prompt and exemplifes southern hospitality. The beds are even comfortable. The pool is outdoors, which is a bummer for hot days. The jacuzzi is inside, which is nice for adults.  The 24 hour gym, however, is not always operable and the staff is vague about why.  Aside from this, Ashmore is a great place to stay. They also have free wireless Internet, which is a tad slow, but no more so than other hotels.

Like any other corporate restaurant, but this one has the added problem of being filthy and sticky.

A nice spot for a photo op with the Buddy Holly statue.  Also, plaques with the names of other artists, actors, singers from West Texas. My grandfather is part of the walk of fame, and that's why I come see it, but I would like seeing the statue regardless.

This is a large buffet style restaurant with a varied selection. The all you can eat meal is about 7 dollars a person. The food quality is fine. Like any large chain, they cook for the masses -- nothing is seasoned to heavily. The types of food are designed to appeal to most people.  You won't find anything exotic or new here. The lettuce was brown, and the salad bar offerings were unappetizing. Tomatoes were yellow, cucumbers, dry.

Surprisngly, the spaghetti with meat sauce tasted good.  It was saltier than homecooked, and had a simpler flavor proflie.

Kids love the desert bar. Lots of average food for a low price.  At the Golden Corral, your wallet is safe, but, beware, your waistline is at risk. Do your best not to over indulge.

Bad service.  Inflated prices.  Stifiling heat. Yes it was very much like some places in Italy.  Places I avoid there, too.  Let's start with "The Cutting Board," a cheese, deli and truffle oil plate.  It was fine, but I could have put this plate together with a little effort and a good grocer for 1/20th of the price.  The cutting board is listed without price on the menu.  I honestly think they charge based on how much other stuff you get.  We ordered a bottle of wine, which, naturally they didn't have.  They suggested a more expensive substitute.

We were irritated by the service, the heat, and the noise at this point.  We decided to leave.  Check arrived.  Remember, we had a cheese and deli plate for 4, which had enough food on it for 2, and one bottle of wine.  $230.  I don't mind spending a lot of money for a great dining experience. I do mind paying a lot of money for essentially nothing.  

While I can't comment on the pasta and other dishes, and they may well be as incredible as other Yelpers say, but for me, the other factors override the allegedly good food.