 FOODIE
When we go shopping for food, its better to buy American. Yes, it may cost alot more but in the final analysis, its better for you. Despite the fact that our food inspectors can't be everywhere, they still try to do a good job with inspections/ Personally, I rather have strict regulation when it comes to food than no regulations at all. My best advise to you is to buy from USA waters. Yes, there's been articles that the plastic bottles epidemic is making its way into our fish. That;s another story. We know that manufacturers do what they need to do to lower their cost and maximize profits. They go to countries that are not regulated and offer the lowest prices. Well, if you didn't know by now there is one country that we trade with and they are our biggest trading partner. Yep, its CHINA. China has come a long way from the days of Chairman Mao. The mere mention of making money created shortcuts in food processing leading to unethical methods used. As a matter of fact, the Chinese themselves were the subject of unethical practices regarding baby milk. Thousands of children died. It was so bad they paid much more to purchase imported formula from the USA. Needless to say those caught in their unethical methods of producing baby formula cheaper were executed. But considering the fact there are over 1 billion Chinese, its an impossible task to control. How can we avoid this. Don't buy food items in bottles or cans made in China. Everyone heard of Tilapia, well about 30% is imported from China, are farm raised in poor environments, I found out cod is also the same about 30% are imported from China farmed raised the same way. When we mention "farm raised", I have to believe its monitored carefully in the USA, it may not be the same way in China. Ho do we know? We don't. unless its labelled correctly. How about in a restaurant? My best guess is probably imported from China, cheaper is the name of the game.  RESTAURANT CRITIC
STONE COVE KITBAR, Bel Air, MD This restaurant is recently new to Bel Air, MD. The storefront was eye catching. Other than Rainbow King, Alchemy and Libertore's, I had to check it out. Walked into the premises, and the atmosphere was cozy, very clean and the staff very professional. My waiter had indicated choose any seat. I was having lunch so there was plenty to choose from. Waiter asked what I would like to start with a drink. I choose the Rassperry ice tea. Review of the menu was fresh, interesting dishes, alot to chose from but the names of each dish was very enticing. I usually don't choose a fish dish because most establishment ruin the fish unless its fried. I ordered the Herb Crusted Cod on a bed of coconut rice with a fruit medley on top. I have to say it was a perfect portion and delicious. Never had coconut rice in any establishment and this was perfect and simply delicious. It was so good, I wanted to go back again. Only wished they offered rolls or fries! I loved the setup of the place, lots of lounge areas, surrounding the bar and sitting stools at the bar. A great place to bring a date very romantic and still maintain a family restaurant. RATING: Highly recommended and you have to try the Herb Crusted Cod  When I hear of a new restaurant, I jump at the opportunity to try their food. Now as many of you know, Harford County MD has limited selection of ethnic restaurants, but slowly but surely they are popping up.
Seoul Korean Restaurant specializes in delicious Korean food. As for selection of dishes they are kind of limited but I would rather have few dishes on the menu made perfectly then risk a dish never ordered before and the ingredients are bad. The atmosphere is very nice and clean. Lunchtime was busy with soldiers from APG. Prices were perfect and all the dishes were spicy. You have a choice of low, medium or hot spicy. I was satisfied with my dish, it was a ribeye beef dish with rice, spicy zuchini and kimchi. It was perfect from a value and price standpoint. RATING: Highly recommended  I've always believed that every food establishment deserves a second chance. Awhile ago I visited this takeout restaurant and my review was mediocre. Since then I frequented Dan's (Owner) place for lunch, started a conversation and offered my website for him to review. I made a couple of suggestions with advertising, promotions etc.....
He took me up on some suggestions and had a picture of the national noodle dish of Thailand "Pad Thai." Pictures lure us in but most times we leave disappointed and disgusted. I'm happy and excited to say that Dan's Pad Thai was perfect. Noodles were not over cooked, mildly spicy and sweet like the traditional Pad Thai is and a beautiful color. Lime slices, bean sprouts and peanuts were included. Now I just went for lunch but I can say that even for dinner, the portions offer great value and the price was very reasonable. My Pad Thai had shrimp in it and like so many that try to make this dish, the shrimp is often over cooked and chewy. This is not the case at all. The dish and noodles weren't so moist that the noodles fell off my chopsticks, the noodles had a perfect texture. It was wonderful. Dan, the owner asked me if I could help him increase sales and promotion with marketing. I accepted the challenge. In the weeks ahead, stay tune for updates at Asian Cafe and if you have a desire for Pad Thai, I highly recommend. I mentioned to him the fact that the warmer weather is just around the corner. Chinese food sales drop due to the heaviness of the dishes. I offered a number of dishes that are perfect for the warmer weather, lite, healthy, very little sauce and crisp. Cilantro, basil, mint along with Mexican influence of a wrap, coconut rice, garlic rice or just plain Jasmine rice. Hawaiian dishes are also a suggestion like Loco Moko, Spam sushi, Lumpia (Philipine egg roll). He also has a signature curry dish displayed on his window. Before you get turned off, just let me say that Southeast Asian curry is different from a taste and aroma standpoint. Thai curry is made with coconut milk and much milder but still a typical curry. The typical mushrooms, water chestnut and bamboo shoots and you choice of chicken, shrimp or beef adds an additional dimension of flavor along with a dash of fish sauce (soy sauce substitute) popular in Southeast Asian cuisine. Moral of this story, never judge a dish by its storefront!!!!! RATING: Excellent Pad Thai The new rave in Asian Cuisine is Filipino food!
It took a awhile but it has earned the respect from critics around the country including myself. It's a natural progression from Chinese food to Japanese, to Thai to Vietnamese food People are falling in love with Filipino food. From the famous Filipino egg rolls called Lumpia, so crispy and delicious to the traditional noodle dish of Pansit Bihon, you can now learn how to cook Filipino food through our Filipino Cooking classes with our famous Filipina Chef Chef "Star" Can. She loves cooking with an enthusiasm like no other, and her personality will bring a smile to you as she explains each step. So, sign up for Filipino Cooking Class right now! After her class, you'll be able to buy local ingredients in your favorite supermarket and make each dish yourself. It's that easy and simple. You'll be able to say If Chef "Star" Can You Can Too! COOKING CLASSES I offer Asian cooking classes ranging from Malaysian, Vietnamese to Chinese. You'll learn the basics of Asian cooking that's simple and easy. I use ingredients that are available from me or your local supermarket. Remember if "Chef Woo Can, You Can Too!" COOKING CLASS PRICE The price is $ 25/per person plus ingredients and the duration is approximately 2 hours at your home. Class size is about 4-5 people. Sponsor a number of classes and receive a gift certificate for $ 100 dollars. Each participant will get a pair of chopsticks with a chopstick holder to help you with the Asian experience.  I haven't written about Mexican restaurants, so I decided to try this restaurant located at 2317 Bel Air, Rd, Fallston, MD 21047.
This location used to be Denny's awhile ago, then Fallston Diner, I went there for lunch and the atmosphere was clean but was greeted by a non friendly waitress, no smile and very unprofessional. She treated me like I was a number without introducing herself or telling me the special of the day. I decided to order a beef fajita.I asked the waitress what she thought and she said it was very good. I went with her recommendation to try it. Looking forward to tender beef with peppers and onions, sour cream and guacamole. The waitress came by and dropped off the dish. My initial thought was why a large portion for a beef dish. For the price it was well worth it but after I took my first bite, the beef was so tough. I couldn't even tear it with my teeth. It was chewy and tough. It was obvious to me that they purchased the cheapest cut of beef. No flavor, texture like leather. I was barely able to eat the whole meal. Folks, if your interested in going Mexican, forget about this place. I bet you they would rather emphasize drinks and entertainment and food is last! If you want your teeth to get an exercise, then order any beef dish but you've been warned! RECOMMENDATION RATING: POOR Come on in to Jones Toyota. Do you have an old vehicle with high mileage, consider a new Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, RAV4, Highlander. We'll pay you top dollar for your trade. We use Kelly Blue Book and are 25% higher than Carmax. Military personnel, we honor all Tru Car certificates. We are the #1 Service Center in Harford County! So come in and ask for me! "Stu Woo." TAX REFUNDS ARE COMING, SO CONSIDER A TOYOTA VEHICLE!!!!!!!! |
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