Ed F.'s Profile

After trying Sparti's Gyros in Coralville last weekend, I had to stop back at The Flying Wienie to compare while it was still fresh in taste buds.  Here they hand cut the gyro right off the spit which gives the outside of the meat sightly toasted texture and then finish it on the grill.  Sparti's uses pre-cut slices and grills them (so un-Chicago-like!). The Tzaziki here has the consistency of sour cream while Sparti's is more runny.  But the big clincher is the fries.  TFW cuts their own fries from fresh whole potatoes and the taste is incredible!  Tip: I always ask for "crispy" fries, they cook them a little longer to a nice deep golden perfection.  It's nothing like frozen fast food fries. This Gyro competition was no contest - The Wienie wins it big-time.

Ruby Tuesday is a chain similar to Applebee's or Fridays, although not quite as good as either.  They still seem to be finding their niche.  One distinguishing feature is their well-stocked salad bar. Most chain restaurants got out of the salad bar business in the 90s.  Tuesdays does it up nicely and is a $2.99 add-on for most entrees on the menu.

On a recent visit I had the New Orleans Seafood dinner - Broiled tilapia topped with shrimp and a Parmesan cream sauce.  It had a good flavor, and was cooked about right.  My wife had the Ribeye which was full of fat and gristle - not a good value for $16.99.  Our waitress seemed uninspired and was rather curt.  I figured it was a second job for the middle aged woman and she just wanted to be home.

This is was only my second visit to Tuesday's in about two years.  At this visit, I didn't see a reason to be any more regular.  I'll see if they improve when I come back in 2011.

Just had the Shish Tawook sandwich.  I can see why it's so popular here.  It has chicken marinated in lemon juice, olive oil and lots of garlic (which is still on my breath). I ordered it spicy and glad I did, it was one of the best and most unusual pitas I've ever had. They put fries right on the sandwich. I didn't like the thought of that, but it worked.  Generous size portion for $6.50.  Big enough for a meal by itself.

I've only tried the bar so far, but I really like downtown Cedar Rapids' newest bar and restaurant.  Located on the first floor of the Witwer building on the corner of 2nd Ave & 3rd St. SE., the decor is somewhat upscale and very inviting.  I can see this place being a popular meeting place before and after events at Theater CR, the Paramount, the US Cell Center and the new Cedar Rapids convention center when it opens.  They have a great happy hour with half price draft beer, house wine and well drinks from 4-6 PM and again from 10-12 midnight. I like that way better than 2 for 1 where your 2nd drink gets warm or watered down while you drink the first one. Good nachos and great service.  Locally owned by Greg White.