Worst Chinese Food Ever! Hong Kong Palace, Allen

Hong Kong Palace, Allen Texas.

I used to order from this place all the time. My Mom loved the Egg Foo Young and they put out a decent Mongolian Beef. The place started going down hill, so we decided not to order any more. A few months later we received a new menu from them stating "Under New Management".Part of the new menu was lunch specials delivered 7 days a week, Cool! So I thought I would give it a try. The specials wouild allow me to try a couple of dishes.

I ordered 2 lunch specials for delivery: "Crispy Beef" and "Chicken and shrimp hunan style" First of all, the lunch specials come with a soup, i ordered one won ton and one egg drop. They charged me an extra $3.95 and up-graded my won ton to the next bigger size (unbeknown to me)with some old chicken and shrimp thrown in. Both soups were bland and tasted like they added some old ingredients to tap water. Even soy sauce and pepper oil did not help it. The egg rolls tasted off, like they were left out all night, thus inedible.

The "Crispy Beef" WAS DRENCHED IN A THICK BITTER SAUCE!! So it was nowhere near crispy!! The pieces of meat were soggy, fatty, and grisly. The veggies on Chicken and Shrimp dish were nice and crisp, but the sauce was watery, the shrimp was mealy, and the chicken tasted like it was cooked a week ago, left uncovered in the walk-in and then put in my meal. There was NOTHING good about this meal, I was overcharged and fed garbage from the kitchen. The Management did not care one bit, pretty much said it was my fault for not coming in. He said I should have ordered the sauce on the side, HOW WAS I TO KNOW YOU DRENCHED YOUR "CRISPY" BEEF IN A DISGUSTING SAUCE! He gave some other lame excuses and said the next time I came in he would give me "Discounts" and make things fresh for me. If he had done that in the first place this would not have happened. Don't worry Ben, I would be in use the "Discounts"!

Richard "Rick" Wright, founding member of Pink Floyd, dies aged 65

Richard Wright 1943-2008
Click Here for Official Pink Floyd Site

Anyone who knows me knows how huge of a Pink Floyd fan I am. The music world has suffered a major loss on this day. I am lucky to have seen him in concert on two occasions. His performance was electric and album perfect each time. I can't believe there will never be another opportunity to see Pink Floyd with all the original members (now that Sid Barrett is gone as well). This really sucks, cancer is not picky with who it takes.
LISTEN TO DARK SIDE ALL THE WAY THROUGH WITH HEAD PHONES OR IN DTS!!!!!!! And Smoke 'Em if ya got 'Em!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Dogs LOVE Bitsy!

Here is a video of the dogs waiting at the door for Mom!
Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!!!
Keep an eye on the Tails!! :)

OK Screw it...............

We are going to jump to yesterday. Here are the pups at five months!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!

Finally I have a second!

Work sure does make keeping up with your blog difficult! Here are some killer pics of the dogs! ENJOY!!! Be Sure To Click On The Pictures For Full Screen!

It has been a while so I will try to put these in chronological order.

Sunday with the puppies Pictures

Be Sure to click on the pics for full screen!

Eleanor, Rigby, Jakob and Morgan!!!

Jakob and Morgan finally got the opportunity to meet Eleanor and Rigby!:
Here are the results:

Samurai Sam's Gets an "F"! in Plano Inspection

On a recent health inspection, the following restaurant received an "F" Failing:

Samurai Sam's
6900 Alma Dr. #120
Plano, Texas 75023
469-527-7267
Inspection Date: 1/22/08

http://www.samuraisams.net/StoreLocs/com.kahalacorp.locations.find.StoreDetails?sid=5093

This is the first time I have seen an "F"! Avoid this place like the plague or you might get it, the plague that is.

Rigby is ready for his Closeup!

Rigby finds me a worthy adversary!

These Puppies are Nutso!!!

Judge for your self by clicking play!!
Proceed At your own risk !!
Some scenes may not be suitable for children. LOL

The Kids at Play!

Eleanor and Rigby having a blast!!

More Cocker Spaniel Pix!!!!

Be sure to click on the pictures for full screen!!

Yin Yang
Eleanor in Slumberland
Rigby!!!!!
Comfy!! YES THE CHAIR IS DIRTY, IT'S ABOUT 20 YEARS OLD
Little Girl in the grass!!
Look here for more!!

The Peril Family Welcomes Eleanor And Rigby!

WELCOME ELEANOR AND RIGBY
Be sure to click on the pictures for Full-Screen!
We lost our precious Barkley a few weeks back. I was too upset to blog about it , it was just too painful. The house was so lonely Mom and I decided we needed a new dog. Erick was in China and sent us a link to an ad for Cocker puppies. There were two females and one male, we decided on the male and before long we decided we wanted a brother and sister. So we welcome Eleanor and Rigby to the family!!!!!!!

Rigby is playful and into everything!
Eleanor is equally as playful especially when Rigby riles her up!

They do everything together!
Rigby will be a jumper and a counter surfer! Here he is in flight!
"Look into my Eyes! I am Eleanor your new dog!"

Time for a puppy nap!

We are glad we kept a brother and sister together!

Keep your eyes here for tons of pictures and videos to come!!!!!!!!!!!!

How I heard it!

Mis-heard lyrics are always fun. As a child when I heard something and did not know the context or even some of the words I sang them as I heard them.

Here are some of the funny ones:

Steve Miller Band's "Jet Airliner" Lyric: "Big Old Jet Airliner, Don't carry me too far away".
At this point in my life I had not heard the term Airliner, I heard airplane but not Airliner.
I had at this point met someone named John, Fred and Lionel (from "The Jeffersons").
So I thought this was Steve Miller asking his friends not to carry him too far away, so I heard it as:
"Big John, Fred and Lionel, don't carry me too far away". If you sing it with those lyrics it makes sense. My brothers still rag on me about that one 30 years later.

Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon" Lyric: "Rhiannon,Rhiannon,Rhiannon,Rhiannon"
Ok at this point I had not met any one named Rhiannon. Becky? Sure, Carol? Sure, Rhiannon? Uh NO! So I thought the song was about someone unable to make up their mind, I heard the chorus as, "Yeaaaaaaaaaaa, No, Yeaaaaaaaaaa No, Yeaaaaaaaaaaa, No"

Elton John's "Your Song" Lyric "It may be quite simple" This one is forgivable and I think what I thought he said was quite poetic on my part. Elton(Actually Bernie Taupin) is talking about his love for a woman (or Man) and that this song was his way of expressing it. So I heard the lyric as "It may be a quiet symbol". A quiet symbol of his love, an easy, quiet song. Am I the crazy one here?

The Bee Gee's "You should be Dancing" Lyric: "Whatcha doin on your back?" I guess I never really listened that hard to the lyrics. I thought there was no vocal at that point beyond a kind of scat. So I heard it as "Skibbaditatditat, Ohhh, Skibbaditatditat, you should be dancin Ya" Yea I know, but this blog is called "Dave's Warped View"!

Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" Lyric: "There is no pain you are receding" Needless to say when listening to PF I was usually comfortably numb myself. But it made sense in the context of the lyrics for me to have heard, "There is no pain you are receiving". Oh well, I can't explain you would not understand, this is just how I am.

Boston's "More than a Feeling" Lyric: "Its more than a feeling, when I hear that old song they used to play (more than a feeling)" Now this is a mighty mushmouth song, I can't understand half the lyrics because Brad does not enunciate! Plus his voice is going through so many echoes and modulators how could you understand him? When this song came out I was a child that used to stay up late and watch TV. So I heard the lyric as "More than a feeling, well I'm livin' on Soul Train" Thanks Don Cornelius!

Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" Lyric: "Smoke on the Water" My best guess is, due to the way the lyric was sung, I heard it as "Slow coming home, Yah" I guess I didn't care there was a clue in the following lyric, "Fire in the Sky".

More To Come.............

"Dinner Impossible" Chef Irvine Discredited/Fired

Chef Robert Irvine from the Food Network show "Dinner Impossible" has admitted his resume was slightly embellished. The Food Network is looking for a new host for the show for next season but is honoring the contract and finishing out the season that is currently in production with Chef Irvine. Click Here for the details!

The way I see it, what's done is done! Chef Irvine has proven himself every episode by not only completing his tasks, but also giving an entertaining, uniquely British point of view on cuisine. His skills cannot be denied. When they do replace him the new host will only be emulating Irvine and utilizing the Sous Chef that he trained. FN has already changed the opening montage for the show to reflect on his experience and triumphs on the show. That alone should tell them they still have someone who is unique and effective regardless of a few white lies he may have made to get ahead. Everyone does it! Come on!, the show is fun and informative, I will watch it with Irvine, but will think twice about viewing his replacement unless it's Gordon Ramsay.

The last installation of the "Next Food Network Star" had one of their finalists bow out of the competition because he lied about everything that made him a good candidate for the show. If he would have won (which he would have) he would have faked his way through a series of shows that would have been miles better than the boring, banal Mother that won. Open your mind FN it's not about ethics, it's about entertainment, information, and effectiveness.

Or as they say here is Texas:

"If it ain't' broke, don't fix it"!

"Sweeney Todd; The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" Review

I have never been a musical person in the traditional sense. I love rock musicals (The Who's "Tommy", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Pink Floyd's The Wall") big time! I have even forayed into "Porgy and Bess", "Finian's Rainbow", "The Sound Of Music" all of which I was exposed to as a kid, before I put labels on them (feminine, etc). So when I saw a trailer for "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet street" I was less than enthusiastic. Even though it has one of my favorite actor/director teams (I saw "Edward Scissorhands" in the theater and was a very special experience).
I waited till the other day when I came across a 5.1 Widescreen DVD of the film. I popped it in just to see the opening sequence, they are usually mind blowing computer animations. It was so killer it sucked me into watching the whole thing. This is a DARK DARK movie (as usual), the musical aspect really flows with the feel and look of the film. The songs were not "sing-songy" and I never once heard a "La La" or the dreaded "Tra-La-La" They just sang the dialog and with a few exceptions really "Broadwaying" it up. Sasha Baron Cohen played a rival barber who provided the little comic relief. He has a surprisingly good voice Johnny Boy was up for best actor this year for his performance, again as usual creating a deep layered character that will endure for ages. He did not win but who cares about that BS anyway.
So I am recommending this film, keep in mind it is not for kids, and If you are looking for a happy-pappy ending avoid it all together.
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

"I Met The Walrus" Up for Academy Award.....

This is one of the coolest Beatle stories I have ever seen! This guy was 14 when he heard his hero John Lennon and Yoko Ono were in Toronto. He booked it to the hotel they were rumored to be staying. He knocked on every door with no luck until a maid asked him "Are you looking for the Beatle?" He went in under the pretense of being a reporter. John invited him to come back with a tape recorder and what took place was animated into the short film "I Met the Walrus" 30 years later. The film was nominated for best animated short subject, but lost.

Check out the details,




Keep in mind though..............."THE WALRUS WAS PAUL"!

Valentines Day: The Social Rejects Point of View

Valentines day The Social Rejects point of view:

Having always been fat, awkward, out of touch with fashion, music and sports. No interest in politics, finance, etc. I have never had a wife, fiancé, girlfriend, friend with benefits, crush, puppy love, flirtation, or even casual female acquaintance. The last person I gave a valentine to was my entire first grade class and that included guys. So on this Valentines Day I can offer no words of wisdom on how to make a woman happy. It would benefit you more to ask the average 12 year old; they at least have been to a "Rainbow Party" or had 5 mins in Heaven. I was always left out of those kind of games, hell I wasn’t even invited to the parties where they took place. So I never spun the bottle, played truth or dare, or force field.

When a female looks at me they immediately count me out of anything besides a hello, and usually not even that. When a female does talk to me it's usually a snarky remark regarding my weight. I was coming out of an on the border once, I smiled and held the door open for a nice looking girl who said "Did you leave any food for us?" This was 15 years ago but it still haunts my subconscious and deters my self esteem. This is the one time a woman spoke to me that didn’t have to. Even then, Waitress, hostesses, even the prostitutes I have been to don't make eye contact, and get whatever it is they are being forced to do over with as soon as possible. Waitresses would rather not get a tip then have to smile at me and treat me with any respect, or make me feel that they are interested in anything but business. I can't get a good haircut from a female because they can't stand the thought of touching me. They never ask if I want a shampoo first because that would be too intimate of a setting for them, even if it means more money in their pocket. If there are no male stylists I will give the woman stylist the option whether or not to take me. It's better than them speeding it up get it over with and I end up with a crooked cut.

When I walk through a parking lot women get in their cars and lock the doors, sometime with groceries still in the cart. Mothers gather and hold on to their children as I walk by. I am denied jobs and business opportunities. I had a supervisor who did not want me to help sell their gourmet products to in house customers because he thought they would lose their appetite and start thinking about cutting down. FAT GUY= BAD FOR BUSINESS!

Having recently lost 50 pounds I have learned that "FAT IS FAT" Even if you used to weigh 500 pounds, people only see how you are now, and if you are 15 or more pounds overweight, forget your social life. No matter how good I feel about myself having gotten this far, when I walk down the street people say "God Damn that's a big fat F**K!" So it doesn’t' matter if I weigh 298 or 248, to a woman it's still a big FAT NO! People look at fat folks as lazy, slovenly, and even stupid! All I know is there are a lot of lazy, slovenly, and very stupid guys I know who have more women than they know what to do with, the only difference: THEY ARE THIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So F**k Valentines day, have fun all you beautiful, thin, successful people! I am staying home and watching Star Trek.

"Sexy Sadie" Dies at 91

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a guru to the Beatles who introduced the West to transcendental meditation, died Tuesday at his home in the Dutch town of Vlodrop, a spokesman said. He was thought to be 91 years old.
The Beatles guru who proved to be a fraud died yesterday at age 91. John Lennon wrote the song "Sexy Sadie" when he found out the Guru was hot for some chick in his entourage.

Check out the lyrics:

Sexy Sadie what have you done?
You made a fool of everyone
You made a fool of everyone
Sexy Sadie ooh what have you done?

Sexy Sadie you broke the rules
You laid it down for all to see
You laid it down for all to see
Sexy Sadie oooh you broke the rules

One sunny day the world was waiting for a lover
She came along to turn on everyone
Sexy Sadie the greatest of them all

Sexy Sadie how did you know?
The world was waiting just for you
The world was waiting just for you
Sexy Sadie oooh how did you know

Sexy Sadie you'll get yours yet
However big you think you are
However big you think you are
Sexy Sadie oooh you'll get yours yet

We gave her everything we owned just to sit at her table
Just a smile would lighten everything
Sexy Sadie she's the latest and the greatest of them all

She made a fool of everyone
Sexy Sadie

However big you think you are
Sexy Sadie

A great song from the White Album!

Well I hope you got to your better place Yogi.

However Big You Thought You Were!

Restaurant Health Scores

I think it's a good idea to research the heath inspection scores before trying a new place, or just to keep up on your faves.


I noticed several places that were issued a "D" and upon the next inspection, improved to as much as a "B". Way to go Jasmine II, and Noodles Ave! Keep it up.

Here is the link for Plano, more surrounding cities to come.

https://forms.plano.gov/health/restaur.html

Here is the one for Dallas, they have a clunky search feature, but then again there are a butt load of eateries in Dallas.

http://www.dallascityhall.com/ehs/food_scores.html


"A loaf of bread," the Walrus said,"Is what we chiefly need:
Pepper and vinegar besides, Are very good indeed--
Now if you're ready, Oysters dear, We can begin to feed."

"Are they here to pick me up yet?"

"I'll just wait here and watch"
Boomer has been constantly whining, licking our fingers while we eat, stealing food off our plates, eating charcoal from the grill, and overall disobedient. But we love him anyway. Please come back soon, Daniel And Ashley!!!

"I asked Boomer to go to Rehab he said "No, No, No""

Boomer all curled up!

"Must sleep on tiny pillow only"!
"Must be by Barkley and the Monkey"

Boomer was asleep too, I woke him up taking the picture. It could have been cuter.

Boomer Blues!

Boomer is down in the dumps today missing his folks!

Don't worry Boomskers, they will be home soon!

"I sure hope so"!

Happy Anniversary Daniel & Ashley!

Happy Anniversary Daniel & Ashley!

Today is Ashley and Daniel's First Anniversary!

Here is a pic of Ashley throwing the bouquet:
Hope there are many more!

Dave

Jalapeno's Mexican Grill Allen

Now this is a casual place I have gone many times. You can get out of there for about 8 bucks including tip. The many times I have been I always order the same thing, (lunch portion of the fajita tacos (3) that come with rice and beans). The chips are nice and light and they don't put an ocean of salt on them. Not only do they come with a fairly tasty salsa, but they also put some thin, nearly tasteless melted cheese food (it adds texture and that's it).

Now I must say the tacos have always been consistently good for the price. Another thing that Jalapeno's is very consistent in and that's HORRIBLE SERVICE!!!! This has happened EVERY time without exception. The servers are surly, inattentive and rude. They ignore you at any cost, I always have to fill my own water (I have seen other guests doing the same). I have even been so bold as to get my own chips and salsa refills by going (undetected) into the waiter's station.

This time being no exception, my "could care less about me" waiter sat me after reluctantly walking to the front. This time I figured it was time to branch out and see whatelse this place has to offer. As I browsed the menu I saw the words fat guys and former fat guys everywhere hold in reverence: ALL YOU CAN EAT.

It was all you can order from a huge combo menu, tacos (soft, hard, beef, chicken), tamales (pork, chicken), enchiladas (Cheese, beef, chicken, con carne, con queso), in every combination imaginable. So I started with 2 enchiladas (beef), and one crunchy taco (beef). At this point I was looking forward to the experience as I filled my own water.

The presentation was sloppy as hell but I persevered and dug in, BLEAH, Where is the Flavor? I added some salsa and the enchilada and taco became just a delivery device for the salsa. Sad, I thought "maybe it was a bad batch of beef". So I ordered two chicken taco (one hard, one soft). BLEAH, same problem NO FRIGGIN FLAVOR OF ANY KIND!!!!

I left feeling glad, glad that the price for this stomach filler was $6.25. I don't think I will go for the all you can eat next time, if there is one.

Service D-
Food C-

Boomer's back!

Daniel and Ashley went to Hawaii for their first anniversary, so FOR EIGHT FRIGGIN DAYS WE HAVE THAT HORRID DOG BOOMER!!!!!

Below you can see how thrilled Barkley is to see him:

Boomer being vocal
Boomer laying on Barkley
Seven days and counting! Come on January 26th!

Boomer is a 3 year old Black and Tan Coon Hound
Barkley is a 13 year old Pure Cocker Spaniel (I challenge you to find one cuter at any age)

Driving in Dallas

Driving in Dallas is a daily challenge. The mix of pick up trucks and mildly retarded individuals wreak havoc on our roads.

Things to know about pick up trucks if driving in the DFW Metroplex:

Trucks:

Trucks think they have right of way in every situation

...always HAVE TO go at least 20 miles over the speed limit even in school zones

...Never use turn signal

Never obey traffic laws (Will Uturn when there is a sign not to, turn left on right only lanes

Will always be 1/2 an inch from your bumper until you move

Always speed up to block you if you use your turn signal

Will NEVER let you in if there is traffic

will NEVER get behind you, only in front, even if they run out of pavement.

Will NEVER yield for pets, pedestrians, priests

Will always have bumper stickers that say, "If you can read this BACK THE HELL

OFF" or "Smith And Wesson is my Co-pilot" or "Jesus is coming, Look Busy" and you always read these AFTER THEY CUT YOU OFF!

Will always drive the same no matter what the weather, and will always pass and honk at you on 3 inches of ice (Hell they have 4X4 suspension why don't you?)

Will always wonder what right you have to be on their road.

I think it's all a control issue, these people have little control over their lives, but when they are in a 3 ton vehicle, in front of someone, on a one way, one lane road, all the sudden they are in control of someone's time and speed. (These people will always speed up once another lane opens, but hey, for a few fleeting moments they were in control!)

.
You know when there is a wreck and four lanes are down to one? There are these people who feel they are too important to wait in line. They drive in the abandoned lanes, right up to the blockage and expect someone who has been waiting for twenty mins to let them in. Please, for the love of whoever you worship, don’t let these wastes of space in, let them hit you, it would be their fault and you would have many witnesses on your side. These people need shock treatment.

Then there is the merge-hog. No matter the circumstances of the merge, they will never yield. You are supposed to obey the zipper pattern when merging. But that does not apply to these people. “Didn’t you see me coming, I’m in a 50 thousand dollar vehicle, make way Peasant” , “Hey, look out Boy, I’ll crush your tiny car like a roach with my penis-extension, I mean my Huge Pick-‘em Up Truck”

Any of this sound like you? Think about it the next time you get behind the wheel.

This is only my warped view, yours may differ

Jasper's! Plano

I was watching FoodTV one day as I often do. There was a show on the best of foods (not the show "best of" though) and they mentioned the number two rated BBQ joint in the country was in Plano Texas! Woo Hoo! It was Jasper's at Legacy and the Tollway. I clicked my way to their website and saw that this was no ordinary BBQ joint. Kobe Beef, Maytag blue cheese, tuna sashimi, etc. Then I looked at the prices and Kurtz was in my ear whispering "The Horror, The Horror". When I see whole number prices I get scared. Looked way good, but way out of my poor ass's budget.

I told someone I know about it just in passing, before I know it we are on the way there.

We opted not to have the car valet parked but it is an option there. We were warmly greeted by the hostess who invited us in to dine. The atmosphere is relaxing and comforting. From the bamboo trees along the windows to the freaky swaying artwork on the ceiling. We sat in a nice leather booth.

The first time we came the service was OUTSTANDING and the food was quick to arrive and evenly spaced. I had the shrimp pizza, that was phenomenal, fresh shrimp and herbs with a pizza crust cooked to crispy perfection in a wood fired oven. We also had the Maytag blue cheese potato chips, fresh fried potato chips oozing with a tangy cheese sauce and covered with Maytag blue cheese crumbles. The bite of the cheese is cut by the fat in the chips so you get a smooth , crunchy treat. It is very rich however, so be sure to follow up with something light. I made the mistake of having the ribs (best around) that come with a hot potato salad that is just as rich as the chips. The potatoes are par boiled pan fried in small cubes. The cheese sauce is similar to the tangy sauce they put on the chips. I'm pretty sure there is some blue cheese in there some where. Served with fried onion strings on top: Hot Potato Salad: Done!

This time the service was a bit slow and the food took way too long to come out given the time of day. The waiter was not as "In" to the job as ones before him. The food was again outstanding, the ribs fell off the bone, every morsel was full of smoky flavor and tenderness. I do like a bit more spice in a bbq sauce, that would have brought out the flavor a bit more. I think even a bit more vinegar would have been nice.

The person I know had a prime ribeye that had a killer sear on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. This was perfectly done steak. Flavor, Flavor, Flavor.

Take a look in the kitchen while your food is being prepared. An open kitchen tells me they have nothing to hide, always a good sign.

Great lunch Jasper's, we will be back.

Service: B
Food: B+

Amado's Mexican Cuisine Christmas Eve

OK picture this, two people searching for some place to munch down on of all nights. Christmas Eve. We meandered down Beltline in Addison and hit several spots: Clay Pit, CLOSED!, The better Blue Goose, CLOSED!, Denny's, OPEN, Screw That! So we came across Amado's Mexican Cuisine, I know I eat tex-mex alot, but circumstances dictated this visit.

The atmosphere was your basic casual dining place, nothing outstanding besides the impressive tequila bar.

We were promptly seated and greeted by a waiter that was a few cervesas short of a bucket.
the menu was your basic tex-mex fare with no signature items.

The chips were heavy and greasy, and after eating the salsa no one could accuse me of not having my V8 for the day. Watery with no depth of flavor, I added some lime juice and sugar to make it more palatable.

I always gauge a tex-mex eatery by the fajitas, so I ordered beef, Medium, with no beans (I hate those vile legumes). We hoped the waiter got the order right, as his communication skills were in question. Most importantly proper meat temperature (we both ordered Medium). We pounded down a few more chips and the person dining with me had what he said to be fairly decent Margaritas.

And then came the Fajitas. We could hear the sizzle while they were still in the kitchen. When they set them down the ingredients were being vaporized in front of our eyes. They must have put the skillets in a blast furnace. I quickly piled up all the meat on top of the onions to prevent incineration. Some of the meat I got off the metal was BLACK!!!! I noticed the meat also had black specs all over them, pepper? no, smoked chilies? no, carbonized food? Why Yes! After the smoke cleared I saw that these skillets had never or seldom felt the cleansing bite of a brand new Brillo pad. The carbonized remnants of portions past adorned the surface, giving the food a bitter, burned taste, and unpleasant aftertaste.

Any chance of the kitchen filling the order correctly (temperature of the meat) is destroyed by the skillet. Even if they send the meat out raw it would be extra well done by the time it got to the table. This is like ordering the Kobe Beef hot rock and having the meat brought to you already on the rock. LAME!
As for the rice, gummy, dry, flavorless. The guacamole was grainy, over processed and could not hold it's form, it was almost like a foam. The beans (According to other diner) had a rancid meat flavor. Even the pico was made from less then fresh veggies. The tortillas were bought in, come on if Taco Cabana can make them fresh then a real restaurant can.

Needless to say this meal was crapola, from the service to the food. Ricardo the Manager (couldn't tell by his attire) was making the rounds asking if all was well. At that point the person dining with me went off and let him know that we were indeed not satisfied. During his rant he said he wanted to pay in full tonight, we were only trying to give constructive feedback. Smiling and saying it was good when it's not is deter mental to the growth of the establishment. So we were stuck paying for the crap but Ricardo promised he would "Take care of Us" on our next visit. We'll see....

Food: F
Service: D

Blue Goose Cantina Plano Dec 18th 2007

T and I went to lunch at the Blue Goose Cantina (Tex-Mex) in Plano. We made a point to go early when most lunch specials are in effect. We wanted to get out for no more than a ten spot each. Upon entering, the smell of Mesquite smoke was both appetizing and memory triggering. It smelled like the original “On The Border” in Addison back in the late 80’s. Back then it was always fresh, delicious, and consistently so. Needless to say I was a bit excited about the meal to follow.

We sat down and were reluctantly greeted by our “Server”. We inquired as to the times of the lunch specials (It was 1:58). She replied “Like, um I think they end at two, not really sure” At this point I was interested to see if as a server who wanted to get a tip, she would offer the lunch special menu anyway, she did not. We both ordered beef fajita quesadilla appetizers trying to stay within budget. I figured the lovely smell of mesquite smoke would translate to a nice flavor in the meat. The quesadillas came with the option of green chilies and being a chili pepper lover I did not hesitate to add them as did T.

We ate our first bowl of chips and salsa (Mediocre at best) while waiting, also polishing off our beverages. We literally did not see more than a fleeting glimpse of our server until she brought the food, at which time she said “"Whoops! I checked and the lunch specials were till 2:30" Whoops!?! Yea a guess it was tough luck for me and T. That!, is appallingly bad service.

Now the food: Beef Fajita Quesadillas from the appetizer menu.

First of all they came in one tortilla folded over, as apposed to the traditional one on top of the other method. So the ingredients were bulging and oozing out all over the place. This was sloppy, thrown together, poor excuse for a quesadilla.

When I tried to pick it up, it fell apart, why? Because they put the green chilies (disappointingly canned and pickled ones) on without draining them! So I had to eat my soggy mess with a fork. The meat was tough and tasteless; it had absolutely no hint of mesquite smoke flavor. We commented that they must light mesquite incense in the back to make you think they are using it to cook the food, LOL.

Overall a very poor experience, we will not go back to that one.

Follow Up: I had gone to the Blue Goose Cantina website and posted my concerns on the feedback page. I received an Email from the District Manager of BGC. He apologized and said he would send out a gift certificate so they could have another chance. That was Dec 20^th, so far no mail for Dave!

Will post follow up upon further review.

Food: F

Service: D-