Title: CombatCritic’s “TravelValue” – Nearly 45,000 Views In The Past Year – Thanks To You!
Key Words: CombatCritic, TravelValue, eZine, travel value, combat, critic, view, views, stats, 2014, 2015, statistics, audience, customer, customer service, annual, monthly
critic
I Have A "Hunch" You Will Like "Il Gobbetto"
JustFly.com Offers A Good Price, But Little Else
Parmarth Niketan Ashram … A Definite DO NOT MISS in Rishikesh
Key Words: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Parmarth, Niketan, Ashram, Rishikesh, India, CombatCritic, combat, critic, TravelValue, travel, value, review, yoga, meditation, Ram Jhula, ram, jhula
Malara’s: Scrambled Egg Carbonara?
Prices: $$$$$
With a dearth of good Italian restaurants in our hometown of Lawrence (Kansas), we decided to try Malara’s on a recent trip to Omaha after having read the rave reviews on Yelp. After our dinner, however, I am left wondering how this place ended up with 4 stars.
Removing the scrambled egg carbonara and 25 cent bread rolls from the equation, I would have likely given Malara’s 5, maybe 6, bombs out of 10 for the very average food at reasonable prices (value). Lose the scrambled eggs and give folks an extra roll or two … is another 50 cents really worth upsetting customers over?
CombatCritic Gives Malara’s 4 Bombs Out of 10 … More Bombs Are Better!
Follow CombatCritic On Yelp (An Elite ’14/’15 Member) And TripAdvisor (“Top Contributor”) Where You Can Read His Latest Reviews, Try His Favorite Recipes, And More!
Key Words: Malara’s, malara, Italian, restaurant, Omaha, Nebraska, NE, CombatCritic, combat, critic, TravelValue, travel, value, food, menu, pasta, veal, carbonara
Adventure Zip KC … Fun, Safe, Exciting Ziplining Near Kansas City
12829 Loring Road
Bonner Springs, KS 66012
Phone: 913-302-8881
Yelp Elite ’14 Newbies with Matt E (2nd from left) |
Amanda, Matt, Terry, Christ, and CombatCritic |
Yelp KC: Newbie Elite Aerial (Ziplining) Adventure (Zip KC)
Yelp Elite ’14 Newbies with Matt E (2nd from left) |
Amanda, Matt, Terry, Christ, and CombatCritic |
Balmy Nights, Harbor Lights
On my first visit, the place was quiet being a Thursday night before 8 pm. A few folks on the back patio, a group of noisy guys at a table, and a few “locals” bellied up to the bar, including me I guess.
I ordered an O’Dells IPA, not inexpensive at $5 for an “American” pint (16 ounces versus 19.2 in an “Imperial”, British, pint), but not outrageous, with a head so big that a Brit would seethe. It was cold and wet, not room temperature like a traditional English IPA would be, but hey … THIS IS LAWRENCE … WE ARE IN KANSAS DOROTHY … Heeee heeee heeee heeee, I’ll get you my pretty AND YOUR LITTLE DOG TOO!
The bartender, a 30-something woman in jeans and t-shirt named Heather, was quiet yet nice and the only person to actually acknowledge my existence. A few neon signs, a dirty floor, a couple of pool tables and dart boards, the place is a bit divey, but isn’t that the way bars should be?
I’ll be updating this review as the summer languishes and I become more familiar with Lawrence’s public houses.
CombatCritic Gives Harbor Lights 6 Out Of 10 Bombs … BOMBS ARE GOOD!
Natural Goal "#1 Premium Oregano Oil" … Great Product, Excellent Value, Carry-On Size
Oil of Oregano has so many uses and because of the 1 ounce size, it can even be carried on an airplane! With uses from aromatherapy to skin applications and beyond, its reported antibiotic properties could be invaluable on a trip, particularly in a foreign country where language and medical services could be a challenge.
WARNING: Make sure that you read the label and about proper use of the product, checking with your healthcare provider before using this or any “natural” product as it is highly concentrated, not regulated by the FDA, and can cause severe symptoms, particularly if ingested.
CombatCritic Gives Natural Goal “#1 Premium Oregano Oil” 9 Bombs Out of 10 … BOMBS ARE GOOD!
Key Words: Natural Goal #1 Premium Oregano Oil, natural, goal, premium, oregano, oil, origanum vulgare, origanum, vulgare, Dr Oz, Dr. Oz, Dr, Oz, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, combat, critic
Ad Astra Acupuncture … Excellent Value, Professional Services
106 W North Park St
Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: (785) 760-1961
Read this review and many others on Yelp!
Title: Ad Astra Acupuncture … Excellent Value, Professional Services
Absence Does Not Necessarily Make The Heart Grow Fonda
3625 W. Colorado Ave
Colorado Springs, CO80904
An old haunt, I had to try it again after 6 years in the Midwest … Tacos, enchiladas, you know the drill.
Great Harvest Bread Company: Great Bread, High Prices Equal Moderate Value
Lawrence, Kansas: I had seen Great Harvest while driving up Vermont, but being a regular at Wheatfield’s (less than two blocks away), I had not bothered to stop in. My wife and I had to park across the street from Great Harvest during a recent visit to Massachusetts Street for some shopping, so we decided to go in.
As we entered, the aroma of freshly baked bread and pies consumed me as the baker and ovens are directly behind the counter and he was removing piping-hot pie from the oven. Flavors vary by season.
Unlike Wheatfield’s, bread is self-service in plastic wrap on shelving next to the counter. There were samples of five different breads and a bowl full of butter next to the register and when I inquired about the offerings, the young lady sliced a piece of multigrain bread as wide and thick as the palm of my hand. The bread was moist and crunchy with chunks of wholegrain throughout, the crust being a bit too soft for my taste, but delicious nonetheless. At nearly $6 a loaf, the bread is more than I have ever paid for a loaf and $1-$2 more than their competitor down the street.
The pies were gorgeous, a plump golden brown, but at $16 a pop, a bit pricey for my taste. Their products are obviously high in quality and flavor, so the only thing limiting my rating to four stars and not five was the prices. The service was excellent, the bread delicious, the prices a bit high …
CombatCritic Gives Great Harvest Bread Company 7 Out of 10 Bombs … BOMBS ARE GOOD!
Key Words: Great Harvest Bread Company, great, harvest, bread, company, Lawrence, Kansas, Vermont, 66044, pie, multigrain, bakery, baker, CombatCritic, combat, critic, TravelValue
Don’s Auto Center: An Honest Business In A World Plagued By A Lack Of Integrity
Key Words: Don’s Auto Center, Don’s, auto, center, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044, honest, mechanic, integrity, honor, price, fair, manifold, tire, strut, repair, CombatCritic, combat, critic, TravelValue
Eat At Joe’s
I haven’t been to Joe’s for years, but some of my fondest memories are of French dip sandwiches and French fries … I LOVE FRENCH FOOD … with my family and friends during regular visits to Santa Barbara from LA.
Joe’s has been in the same location on State Street since 1928 and, although redecorated, retains the bones and charm of a 1920’s California diner, counter (now bar) and all.
Looking at the recent photos, the French dips have not changed with chunks of prime rib piled high on a French roll (did I tell you I LOVE FRENCH FOOD?) accompanied by crispy French fries, au jus, and a side salad. I can taste the sandwich even though I am 1,500 miles away … YUM!
I have been to 39 countries since the first time I went to Joe’s, INCLUDING FRANCE SEVERAL TIMES, and enjoyed some of the best cuisine the World has to offer, but sometimes it is the simple things in life that stand out as the finest moments. I have never eaten anything EXCEPT the FRENCH DIP at Joe’s Cafe and even though I will likely return several more tines before I die, I will go with a smile on my face, having eaten nothing else at this Santa Barbara institution. GO TO JOE’S … have a French dip and tell them CombatCritic sent you!
CombatCritic Gives Joe’s Cafe 10 Out of 10 Bombs … BOMBS ARE GOOD!
Absence From Amanda’s Fonda Does Not Make The Heart Grow Fonda
An old haunt, had to try it again after. 6 years in the Midwest … Tacos, enchiladas, you know the drill.
It was only 4:30pm, but no hostess and just one server? We waited 10 minutes until she arrived, then she had 5-6 other tables to wait on, made the margaritas, and probably cooked the food. Hardly ever saw her.
The shredded beef tacos were OK, little meat or cheese. The cheese and onion enchilada was decent, but the sauce rather bland. Chips thin and tasty, salsa very good, the guacamole was a bit pricey for the size so we steered away.
Remembered the food being better … Absence does not necessarily make the heart fonder! Ever been back to your high school? Disappointing, but you still have fond memories.
CombatCritic Gives Amanda’s Fonda 6 Out of 10 Bombs … BOMBS ARE GOOD!
Don’t Trust Me … Check out Amanda’s Fonda On yelp!
Key Words: Amanda’s Fonda, Amanda, Fonda, fonder, taco, taco, enchilada, burrito, eat, food, restaurant, lunch, dinner, CombatCritic, Yelp, Foursquare, combat, critic, TravelValue, travel
Marsana Wellness in Rincón, Puerto Rico Is Neither A Beachhouse Nor A Spa
CombatCritic Gives Marsana Wellness Beachhouse and Spa 6 Out of 10 Bombs … BOMBAS ARE BUENAS!
“We enjoyed our stay, especially your sweet, wonderful dogs. We were pleased overall with the accommodations, but felt your description was misleading. As a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, honesty and integrity are very important to me and I do not like being misled. My decision to stay at your “beachhouse and spa” was partially influenced by your description:
“mountain-beach views”
– I could barely see the water from the roof, not a beach in sight
“organic natural macrobiotic and vegan cuisine”
– Yuri and Marina may be eating it, but we were never told about it
“wholistic therapies, treatments, classes”
– Where, when? Why were we not informed of these options and who was leading them?
“natural foods catering, meals available”
– Again, we were not informed of this option
“concierge services, natural beauty care treatments”
– If you call the 5 minutes Marina spent with us the evening we arrived “concierge services”, that is misleading
“2 naturapathic doctors on site”
– Are Yuri and Marina naturopathic doctors?
“acupuncturists, herbalist, nutritionist, physical therapist ,massage therapist, cooking classes and surfboards available”
– Available where?
“we have installed our outdoor Jacuzzi”
– True, but it was empty the entire time we were there and by the rust on the metal, it looks like it probably does not work
My recommendation is to be more honest in your description or actually provide the options you say you have. My 6 Out of 10 rating is very generous and strictly based on the value of what we got for what we paid ($45 a night for a basic room) and I did not deduct for the deceiving description.
Again, we were not displeased with our stay, only the misleading description.
As a travel critic I have the duty to report honestly and accurately to my readers and followers and would be doing them a disservice if I omitted the facts I described above. Because this review will be published on AirBnB and my blog, http://www.CombatCritic.com, I would be remiss if I were not completely honest. I hope you understand.
Finally, I think you should consider reducing your rate to the $50 per night range as your new $60 rate is probably more than the room is worth.
Thanks for having us!”
Key Words: Marsana, wellness, beachhouse, spa, AirBnB, hotel, room, beach, Rincón, Aguada, PR, 115, Puerto Rico, puerto, rico, CombatCritic, combat, critic, TravelValue, travel, value
Pasta y Pueblo: An Italian Flare in Puerto Rican Cuisine
Pasta y Pueblo
Luquillo, Puerto Rico
$$$$$
Dining Room – Five (5) Tables |
Scallops and Penne Carbonara ($20) |
Skirt Steak with Penne Carbonara ($16) |
CombatCritic Gives Pasta y Pueblo 8 Bombs Out of 10 … BOMBAS ARE BUENO!
Guava Cheesecake ($3.50) |
Key Words: combat, CombatCritic, critic, Luquillo, pasta, Pasta y Pueblo, pueblo, steak, scallops, chicken, mussles, wine, beer, puerto, Puerto Rico, rico, TravelValue
Delta Airlines … Is "We Don’t Care, We Don’t Have To" A Thing Of The Past?
Happy Campers |
View From 1st Class … Don’t Get Used To It! |
Atlanta, Georgia from 10,00 Feet |
The Java Break Breaks The Monotony … Coffee, Caffiene, Studying … What Else Do You Need?
Key Words: Break, coffee, CombatCritic, Java, Kansas, Lawrence, New Hampshire, TravelValue, combat, critic, coffee, cafe, caffiene, cup, joe
Rear (Right) Room |
Rear (Left) Room |
Coffee Menu |
Sandwich Menu |
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Panino – $5.25 |
Back Room |
Gli Ristoranti di Firenze, Italia … The Restaurants of Florence, Italy
Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Pappardelle con Ragu di Anatra |
Paccheri con Fiori di Zucca e Zafferano |
Ossobuco con Piselli |
Friends from Shang Hai & Jordon…Tomaso |
Front Door & Tall Ceilings |
Finally, the dessert was ordered, while I was talking to Emma about her soon to be baby (due on Christmas day), so I did not have a choice in the matter. We tasted the tiramisu (€5), which was light and refreshing and minus the coffee, which by this time in the evening would probably have kept us awake all night, and the meringato (“big meringue” with cream and chocolate – €5), which was good, but not outstanding.
Vini e Vecchi Sapori gets 9 BOMBS OUT OF 10 (“bombs” are good) from CombatCritic…my highest rating yet!
Trattoria da Giorgio
Trattoria da Giorgio – Florence, Italy |
The only other disappointment remains to be the bread, while tasty, is obviously leftover from lunch, possibly yesterday’s. In any event, we will be returning again over the next month and will add menu items as we go…buon appetito da Giorgio!
Trattoria da Giorgio gets a very respectable 8 BOMBS (bombs are good) out of 10 from CombatCritic:
Abondanza…Simpatico…Buonissimo…La Vinaina is a Bargain and Treat in Residential Florence!
Via dell’Agnolo, 48r, 50122
Florence, Italy
Phone: +39.055.234.4120
Watch My Video of La Vinaina and Surrounding Area on CombatCritic TV!
or read more about this wonderful cucina tipica toscana in The CombatCritic Chronicle:
http://www.CombatCritic.com
CombatCritic gives La Vinaina 7 BOMBS OUT OF 10…bombs in this case are good!
LIKE La Vinaina on Facebook!
Trattoria Lounge Bar Il Girasole
50122 Firenze
Phone: 39 348 8768071
Web: www.trattoriagirasole.it
Email: info@trattoriagirasole.it
Prices: € € € € €
Osteria Santo Spirito
Piazza Santo Spirito, Firenze
Phone: 39 055 2382383
http://www.osteriasantospirito.it/
Prices: € € € € €
Buon Appetito … A Presto!
"Namaste" … India Palace is a "WELCOME", but Expensive, Delight!
Chutnies Accompany the Meat Samosas (not shown … Oops! |
Lamb Rogan Josh with Basmati Rice |
I ordered a Fat Tire ($3.00 – 12 ounce mug), one of two draft
Beef Curry with Onion Nan |
Sag Paneer with Nan |
The lunch buffet may be a better value, but unsure of the price, I will have to get back to you on that one. I absolutely love butter chicken, rich, creamy boneless chicken chunks cooked with fresh garlic, ginger, and a touch of tomato in a light creamy sauce and spices, also served with rice and the server indicated that it is sometimes on the buffet (it is on the menu). Delightful staff, we felt very welcome during our entire meal, and the food was some of the best Indian I have had, and that is “a lot”. Unfortunately, our bill totaled $75 including tip, $25 per head and not an inexpensive proposition. Considring the fact that there are two fast-food Indian restaurants within a few blocks either way on Mass, India Palace should seriously condor lowering their prices and focusing on “value” by utilizing coupons and Groupons to drawn 30,000 hungry students.
Rancho Grande Cantina – Parkville, Missouri … UPDATE
Rancho Grande Cantina – June 2013 UPDATE
Price: $$$$$ – All entrees below $15
(816) 505-9097
11015 NW Hwy 45
Parkville,MO 64152
Having been dedicated and consistent customers for five years, I would expect more from a restaurant where we literally spend thousands of dollars a year. There are a few servers , like Temira, that stop to say hello, but the busboys know us better than any of them, making sure to bring the “hot” salsa when we arrive. If the rest of the staff were as attentive as they are, we would feel like royalty, a not so terrible thing considering our loyalty to the establishment.
Key Words: 64152, CombatCritic, critic, eat, eating, kansas city, mexican food, missouri, MO, Parkville, rancho grande cantina, restaurant, Restaurants, Review, Review Kansas City Restaurants, reviews, Temira, Mexican, food
On the Border … Surprisingly Good for a Chain!
On The Border – Barry Rd.
I usually do not review chain restaurants, but I was pleasantly surprised on a recent visit to On The Border, a Mexican restaurant chain found many places across the country.
Jalisco: Sports Bar or Mexican Restaurant … Maybe Both?
Jalisco Mexican Restaurant (CLOSED)
Kansas City, MO 64152
(816) 587-0899
Jalisco is more like a sports bar than a Mexican restaurant with TVs everywhere you look. The decor is new, plain, and cheap, but the colors are pleasant and, most important, the restaurant is clean!
The food is good in general, starting with the guacamole which is fresh and tasty at $4.00 for a medium size serving. The cheese dip, also $4.00 is also tasty and same size as the guacamole. Margarites are also $4.00, not bad, but on the small side and with NOT MUCH PUNCH if you know what I mean
The first time I visited, shortly after their opening a few months back, I had the carnitas (slow cooked chunks of pork) and the was tender and plentiful. Served with tortillas, pico di gallo, rice, and beans, a serving of guacamole would have been nice and is always a welcome accompaniment to the tender pork delights.
My wife had the cheese quesadilla, also very good although a bit pricey at $7.50 for a couple flour tortillas and some cheese. I went for the taco special yesterday, having three beef tacos with rice and beans for $6.99. I was disappointed in the taco shells, looking like the prefab variety you get at the supermarket. The tacos only came with white cheese and lettuce, no tomato or pico di gallo, a necessity when eating tacos as far as I am concerned. All three of the tacos broke in half upon first bite, so I had quite a mess on my hands … literally!
The service is good, the salsa fresh, and tortilla chips warm. Do not forget to ask for the “HOT” sauce, a tomatillo variety with more kick than the standard, but not extremely hot.
CombatCritic gives Jalisco 6 BOMBS out of 10 with room to grow as they mature and we try new, hopefully more impressive, dishes … BOMBS ARE GOOD!
Title: Sports Bar or Mexican Restaurant … Maybe Both?
Key Words: chips, salsa, Kansas, City, combat, CombatCritic, critic, eat, enchilida, food, Jalisco, Kansas, Mexican, Northland, Platte, restaurant, salsa, taco, urbanspoon, Woods, Yelp
UPDATE: Rancho Grande Cantina (Parkville, MO) … Disappointing!
Rancho Grande Cantina UPDATE
Price: $$$$$ – All entrees below $15
(816) 505-9097
11015 NW Hwy 45
Parkville,MO 64152
In all, Rancho Grande in Parkville WAS an excellent choice for quality American-Mexican food with large portions at a reasonable price, but if you want to be appreciated … go elsewhere!
I Ristoranti di Firenze…The Restaurants of Florence, Italy
pappardelle con ragu di anatra |
paccheri con fiori di zucca e zafferano |
ossobuco con piselli |
Friends from Shang Hai & Jordon…Thomaso (back) |
Front Door & Tall Ceilings |
Finally, the dessert was ordered, while I was talking to Emma about her soon to be baby (due on Christmas day), so I did not have a choice in the matter. We tasted the tiramisu (€5), which was light and refreshing and minus the coffee, which by this time in the evening would probably have kept us awake all night, and the meringato (“big meringue” with cream and chocolate – €5), which was good, but not outstanding.
Trattoria da Giorgio
Trattoria da Giorgio – Florence, Italy |
Abondanza…Simpatico…Buonissimo…La Vinaina is a Bargain and Treat in Residential Florence!
Via dell’Agnolo, 48r, 50122
Florence, Italy
Phone: +39.055.234.4120
My wife and I visited La Vinaina on several occasions with the students of the University of Kansas in July 2012. Our apartment was just around the corner and we enjoyed the proximity, warm welcome, fresh ingredients, and very reasonable prices for lunch.
Being a chef and food restaurant critic, having traveled to 46 countries around the world, I have eaten at few restaurants with the impeccable quality and value as we found at La Vinaina.
The pasta and bread…always fresh; the meat and fish…always prepared to perfection; the service…always attentive and friendly. I would recommend this restaurant to anybody…on a budget, like students, to more EXCLUSIVE and seasoned travelers alike. There is something for everyone at La Vinaina!
Watch my video collage dedicated to our friends at La Vinaina on CombatCritic TV:
Watch My Video of La Vinaina and Surrounding Area on CombatCritic TV!
or read more about this wonderful cucina tipica toscana in The CombatCritic Chronicle:
http://www.CombatCritic.blogspot.com
I have also posted reviews on Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Fousquare…search for “CombatCritic” and send a Friend request.
CombatCritic gives La Vinaina 7 BOMBS OUT OF 10…bombs in this case are good!
LIKE La Vinaina on Facebook!
Trattoria Lounge Bar Il Girasole
50122 Firenze
Phone: 39 348 8768071
Web: www.trattoriagirasole.it
Email: info@trattoriagirasole.it
Prices: € € € € €
Osteria Santo Spirito
Piazza Santo Spirito, Firenze
Phone: 39 055 2382383
http://www.osteriasantospirito.it/
Prices: € € € € €
Buon Appetito…A Presto!
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