Quote:
Originally Posted by budman  ... - Basics
- Cleanliness, every minute the doors are open, every square inch
- Competency, from management through service, its pure team
- Consistency, every visit results in the same experience
- Cash value, when I walk out the door I got my money's worth
- Distinction
- Attractively themed and integrated with the local area
- Unique and simple menus that rotate cyclically with the calendar
- Exemplary service far beyond just competent
- At the end, I've had an incredible culinary experience
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I agree, Budman, with the following added:
If it is an ETHNIC place, I tend to frequent those type of places more often...
Italian:
1. Garden salad/house dressing. That can tell you a LOT.
2. Alfredo. I can tell if they cheat or not.
3. Carbonara. I can tell if they cheat.
4. Do they grate fresh parm and romano at the table?
Thai:
1. Do they serve Pad Prik Khing? I don't come back if they do not.
2. Pad Thai. I'm VERY picky about this.
3.
Pop-Piah (Thai Spring Rolls). Must NOT be oily/greasy. 4. The Thai Tea. I can tell if it's a MIX. 5. Hot tea. Must be Thai...and be BRIGHT red/orange. Vietnamese: 1. Pho. This must be authentic. I can tell. 2. Cha Gio (Vietnamese Spring Rolls). The sauce MUST be Nuoc Cham. 3. Che Dau. This is coconut milk, tapioca, and crushed peanuts. 4. Some places serve Kim Chee. Must be HOT and garlicky!!! Mexican/Latin: 1. Menudo. If they don't serve this, I don't come back. It must smell FUNKY! 2. Tamales. The real thing...not a packaged item! 3. Enchiladas. Filled with meat & cheese, and covered with red sauce. 4. Carne Guisada. Shredded pork w/sauce. I make all of the above MYSELF. I have high standards, and will judge a place on the quality of items listed above. It's rare that I find perfection at ONE PLACE. When I do, I do not stay quiet about it! Radio Doug