GF Dining Thread #2
The first dining thread had a great response. Since you guys just LOVE talking about restaurants, here's another dining thread. Enjoy!
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Grand Forks Life is the first and biggest blog covering life in the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota. GrandForksGuy shares local news, rumors, and his own opinions.
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NOTE: The views expressed in original posts on "Grand Forks Life" are merely the views and personal opinions of the owner of this blog. No guarantee is given for the accuracy of content. The views expressed in reader comments are the views of those readers. "GrandForksGuy" and "Grand Forks Life" do not endorse the views of readers.
97 comments:
First! Har-har.
why does my old lady still think I'm gonna eat that meat loaf?!
Any new restaurants opening in 2008 still?
Here's a shout out to my favorite restaurants that closed:
- Toppers: As the name implied, the toppings for your burgers were the best... the shakes were very tasty as well. Lot's of great memories of my Uncle taking me here as a kid.
- Shangri La: Different offerings than the standard Asian fare in town. The "La" was the place my college friends would always meet me for lunch at when they came back to town.
- Wraps: Nothing like going out to eat and knowing that whatever you order would be decently healthy, taste good and be quick. IMO the Red Pepper of healthy food.
I love DARCY'S!!! Great home cookin', big portions, and a terrific "locals" atmosphere.
Toppers - amen to the others' coments. Our single most missed restaurant in town.
Shakey's - always my favorite. I was driving through SE Wisconsin and spied a Shakey's off the interstate. It was heaven.
Mexican - over the years there have been at least 5 authentic Mexican places in or near downtown. I miss 'em all.
We need an Indian restaurant in town. My Indian neighbors are gracious enough to share their leftovers with me, but it would be nice to get Indian food I ordered from a restaurant, not leftovers or boxed meals from Target.
The one restaurant I really miss was Joe DiMaggio's. The food was good, the baseball theme was great for my family of Twins fans, and my dad still talks about how huge and wonderful the burgers were.
Well I think we all miss "The River Bend" in ruraL EGF. Best food, best atmosphere, over looking golf course. Had some great dances out their with live bands for our singles groups. I think they still do private parties. greenglass4
Phil and Lil's
Henry's Hamburgers
King Leo's
The Golden Hour
Webs Cafe
I haven't eaten there in long time, but I think a Johnny Rocket's would go over well in GF, especially with all the nostalgia for Toppers.
1:40, I was just thinking about Johnny Rocket's this morning. They have the best onion rings and fries, so I have to get a half and half plate with ranch when I go to the Mall of America ( I think that's the closest location, right?).
Shakey's Once Around the Kitchen---What a tremendous pizza that was! YUM!
Henry's Hamburgers? OMG! What a trip down Memory Lane. The town in Iowa that I grew up in had that before any other hamburger chain. As I recall, its claim to fame was a 15 cent burger--my mom said that told you how much meat was in it...and the taste confirmed it!
I'd personally like to see a restaurant that didn't throw meat into every single dish, including salads. Not necessarily a vegetarian restaurant, but one that offered some dishes without meat.
Bizz Buzz is reporting the closing of two places. I wonder if this will have a domino effect in a town which is saturated with eating places.
I definitely miss Toppers where I ate as a child and Joe DiMaggio's which was the best burger in town. I loved going there when I had a concert or something at school (I went to Central) before I had a car so I had to stay downtown to eat because my mother worked till 7 right before the concert.
The closing of the Emerald grill & Overtime bar shouldn't have an affect on the other restaurants in town. Those 2 places were either poorly managed or poorly branded, maybe lacking advertising or facility updates. Both had decent food from what I remember, but just didn't keep up with making sure customers didn't forget about them.
I liked Hooters. So many hotties bringing me wings....yum.
lynsey,
Yeah, MOM is closest Johnny Rockets. But I just went to web site and found that ND is not listed as open for franchises. I don't know if that's because someone already has secured the rights to this area or if the company doesn't yet have the supply infrastructure to service a restaurant here.
I was eating a Godfather's pizza the other night, and it reminded me of the one in the Mall back in the 80's.
Does anybody here remember when it closed? For the life of me, I just can't seem to remember.
Favorites...Green Mill and Q'doba, Red Lobster and China Garden. Best pizza, Deek's hands down. They even sent a personal letter explaining how they value their customers (also, best pizza on campus). They make their crust fresh every day, don't use frozen...and the sauce is authentic, from a New York neighborhood.
Wish list: Granite City out of Fargo (they have breakfast buffets every Sunday)
Sad list: The Riverbend...we were getting so used to their best poached eggs.
What was the place called where Culvers is currently?I never went there just bothering me that I can't think of it...
Sonic just opened its first location in St Paul for the Minnesota area
Amen to Toppers being the best. I still miss the place.
Anyone recall the restaurant before Toppers at their old location? I believe it was Uglies? I remember having the Ugly Burger.
The place where Culvers is was called Bennigan's I believe. Never ate there, guess many others didn't either. Didn't last long.
dale beat me, LOL. That is right, it was Branigan's
Toasted Frog is very nice.
Sanders of course
The Hub Bar "Best damn burger in town"
Weiner King- was located where??? anyone?, anyone??......
The Speak Easy in EGF
Riverside Drive-In...
Sigh...
I think a Kroll's Diner like Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot would go over well here. They have great knoephla soup, breakfasts, burgers, and HUGE malts/shakes...
I just thought I would tell you all that overtime was bought-out by some people in Fargo and not closed due to poor sales. They are going to re-model and open sometime in the near future.
Is emerald grill closing? When did this news break?
I finally got to the new Italian restaurant downtown. Food and service were ok They now serve wine and beer. Absolutely no atmosphere, though.
Anon 9:25 - Try the knoephla soup at Third Street Cafe downtown and you will never even think about eating that watered down crap at Krolls again.
GF has too many "Applebees" places. Generic food, generic menu options, nothing homemade.
I would love to get some ethnic options, Indian, some better Chinese than just buffet (and China Garden, who have stopped even trying now that they have the market pretty much cornered), more sushi options, Greek - anything that isn't burgers/pizza/jar sauce Italian, lol.
(PS Deeks Pizza stole the sauce recipe from Popolino's, Deeks was started by a former Pop's employee. And Pop's is so much better, especially now, under the new ownership)
"Personally, I thought the atmosphere was pretty typical of a New York restaurant."
Not sure where you've eaten in NYC, but this place was plainer than a neighborhood Brooklyn pizzaria.
I agree, maybe you havent been to NYC in awhile, but its nothing like a New York restaurant.
Also, we need some good Asian food. China King and Kone-chi-wa's (or whatever its called) arent very good in my opinion.
We also need a Bagel store, like Bruegers Bagels or something.
We also need a healthy grocery store like Trader Joes, or Henry's.
We also need a Sonic.
We also need a Ruth's Cris, and Flemings.
We also need a PF Changs.
And a Panera...
I always liked going to Phil and Lils (AKA filthy Lils). Would go with the family at least twice a month as a kid. Then there was King Leos. I remember the had a special 10 cent hambuger (a bag for a buck). Auto-dine on Gateway (AKA Auto Zit). A&W was great. Toppers was also a great place for a burger. I would like to see another Toppers in town. Then there was Web's Cafe, The Palace, The Uptown. What a trip down memory lane.
Plum
FYI - 3rd Street Cafe closed a couple weeks ago
I wish Grand Forks had a good Greek restaurant. And no, Pita Pit doesn't count. While they are alright, I want somewhere I can go to get some freshly made hummus, mint falafel with a cool tzatziki sauce, spanakopita, and saganaki. Opa!
Since coming back to GF after five years, I've really enjoyed the menu at Suite 49. Their food has been consistently good. I had a great meal yesterday at Sanders. I do not understand why everyone likes the food so much at the Toasted Frog though. I've been several times now, and each time the food has been mediocre. And way overpriced for what it is.
Love Toasted Frog...
Italian place downtown... pretty bland. While the service was great and the atmosphere was fine (for me at least), I'm honestly not sure if I could tell the difference between their baked Ziti and the stuff at Sbarro.
Dale;
Trader Joe's and Henry's are health food stores located primarily on the west coast. They offer organic foods, and other healthy choices that you cant find at a regular grocery store.
Im not sure either of those stores would do well in Grand Forks, or in North Dakota for that matter. People on the west coast are generally more health conscious than those in the south and midwest (i.e., healthy eating, excercise, etc.)
I would love a restaurant that served delciacises like dolphin meat, horse meat, golden retriever meat, and other types of tasty foods.
I would love a restaurant that serves human blood.
Dear Anon: you can find all of the above food choices at...... Sanders ! Check it out.
"We also need a Sonic."
Sonic is not bad, especially the beverage menu. I like that they are open 24hrs.
"We also need a Ruth's Cris, and Flemings - and PF Chang's."
Yeah...good luck with that.
"We also need a Bagel store, like Bruegers Bagels or something."
Agreed. Einstein Bros. Bagels is pretty awesome too.
I'd love to see a Red Robin, White Castle or Jack in the Box up there as well, but we need those here in Tampa first, dammit! ;)
We also need a Taco John's down here as well, BIG TIME. I have to drive all the way to Tavares, which is about an hour and a half north of Tampa, in order to get a six pack and a pound. It sucks!
I'd trade you guys three of our Sonics for just one lousy Taco John's.
A good bagel shop would be great. So would real ethinic food (Indian, Greek, Mexican ect..). Sanders is overrated. Not a bad place, just overrated.
Dale;
Thats a weak argument. Obesity and overall physical health is just one factor in determining life expectancy. So, the fact that according to your chart North Dakota's life expectancy is 78.3, while California's is 78.2, doesnt suggest in any way that people in North Dakota are more health conscious, or even on par with those on the west coast. For example, life expectancy calculations take into account level of pollution, population size, available healthcare in a demographic area, average household size, stress relating to lifestyle factors, quality of life, etc.
In fact, its pretty pathetic that ND life expectancy is only .1 higher than California considering all of the dangers/factors that people in California face that those in ND dont, such as smog, traffic, crime, etc.
Also, just FYI, when people refer to the west coast, they are generally just referring to California (since its geographically so large). Oregan is not usually referred to as the west coast, but the Pacific Northwest.
I haven't even been in Giuseppe's (I don't know the spelling) and I don't like it. If it's trying to have put on a classy front, get rid of the glowing open sign.
Post your hours like a real restaurant and have people come to you.
Dale;
if none of those factors are relevant why do you point out that North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa all rank higher than Washington, Oregon and California. By your own admission you state that life expectancy is almost 100% hereditary, and that geographic location is not a factor in calculating life expectancy. Hence, your obeservation about ND, MN, and IA is moot.
Maybe Im not understanding your analysis, but it sounds like your contradicting yourself.
My cardiologist told me that this area of ND has some of the highest numbers of cardiac disease in the country. When I went in for the old dye and xray routine, the unit looked like O'Hare, people in surgery, on gurneys in the hall, and waiting outside.
Thats because North Dakotan's eat at Culvers and McDonalds instead of eating healthy, and they smoke too.
seriously Dale, get a life.
And Most North Dakotan's Drink Like Fish. I have never lived in a place where people go to events expecting beer to always be there. Wow.......
Dale:
What are your degree's in? Why didnt you ever use them?
why did it take you seven years to get a B.A. and an M.A.?
How does learning about topography and geography help shape your view of the world. I tool Geography lecture and lab in college and all we did was learn about topography, the structure of the earth (tectonic layers, plates, etc), rocks and soil, water, etc.
Ive just never heard someone refer to Geography as a subject that helped shape their world view. Unless your literally talking about your view of "the world" itself, and not cultures, government etc.
7 years for a BA & MA, sounds like someone did alot of partying!
Amen, Dale. I took a lot of Geography courses in college and loved it (I've always been a fan).
You're right in the approach and I see that on a daily basis. In fact, I always ask my customers where they are from because I guarantee knowing that betters my interaction with them. Now that I think about it - I pretty much do that with everybody.
The "whys" in life are awesome.
congratulations Dale @7:02pm, you worked while you where in school just like the rest of us.
I agree w/anons above. 7 years for a Bachelors and Masters degree is a little long. Maybe things were different back when you went to school though.
I graduated with a B.B.A, an M.B.A and a Law Degree in 8 years from two different Tier 1 Universities. I too worked while I was in school, but I dont feel entitled to any special awards for it.
Congratulations, anons, you all win the internets; you are better than everybody else.
Way to drag a guy down for answering a question you asked, then touting your superiority, anonymously.
Internet Smart-Guy award - you can has it.
"7 years for a Bachelors and Masters degree is a little long. Maybe things were different back when you went to school though. "
Say what!? It took me 6 years to get my BS and MS in meteorology which is about as fast as it gets (4 for BS, 2 for MS). The average length to completion at Oklahoma was 2.8 years for the MS. If you need to do a thesis and start out as a teaching assistant, you're pretty much guaranteed 3 years for the Masters degree.
Dale;
You need to work on your math skills, unless you think law school is 2 years long.
M.B.A programs are generally two years long. However, these days many of the top schools have accelerated one year "intensive" degree programs.
Or in my case, I did the Joint MBA/J.D. degree which is four years.
I didnt mean to criticize you, I just think its funny when people think are so confident with their useless educations. A degree in rocks and dirt doesnt impress anyone.
My degree's on the other hand do impress everyone. Especially since I went to ivy league schools.
"My degree's on the other hand do impress everyone. Especially since I went to ivy league schools."
Until you reveal your real identity on here, bud, You will still be just another anonymous BS'er who makes up fantastical things about themselves to pad their arguments.
Until you can back up your claims, you will be considered just another liar.
If you demand so much respect, sir, then stand up and be counted.
Otherwise, I can only assume that your education is from some hyphenated city college, and your real job description includes "Greet every customer with a smile, and offer information on where to find our most recent promoted discount items."
All of this in a " Dining Thread ."
I can't wait for the "political thread" :-)
Hi Dale,
I was just curious, where did you hear the whole "three years to teach, two to practice" idea?
I have heard lot of misconceptions about law school, but thats a new one!
Law school is 3 years. There are no further requirements to teach. In fact, the requirements to teach are less than those for a practicing attorney.
For example, a law professor does not even have to be licensed in the state they are teaching in, or even licensed at all! Also, a practicing attorney (i.e., a licensed attorney that has passed his/her state bar) has to also take CLE (Continuing Legal Education) classes every year as long as they remain licensed. So, licensed attorney's never really stop going to school.
Most law professors have at least some real world legal experience. I think its important that a law professor actually practice law for at least a few years. Those few that have never actually practiced law or taken a bar may have an excellent knowledge about the subject matter, but knowing about law and actually practicing are two very different things. That is why so many practicing attorney's say that law school doesnt teach you how to be a lawyer, only teaches you how to do research and gives you the foundational framework on the law.
There are some schools, usually the "modern" private, for profit schools, that allow their students to go graduate in two years. Also many schools have part-time programs that are four years long, going to school in the evening.
In my opinion, the traditional schools (like the UND Law School) provide the best legal education. There are alot of modern, private law schools that are popping up all over the country that are only in it for the money that will over saturate the legal market with unqualified attorneys. Thomas Cooley in Michigan, and Phoenix International in Arizona are two that come to mind. These schools basically let anyone in who is willing to pay a ridiculous amount of money.
In any event, to teach law you just need a law degree from a school accredited by the ABA. Some law professors will go on to get their LLM's, which is a master's of law degree, one year program. However, an LLM is not required. In fact, with the exception of Tax LLM's most other LLM programs are generally a waste of time and money, and will not make your resume more competitive.
Dale,
Interesting. Even if you graduate in 2 years, there would not be another year that you could take. Even 25 years ago the graduation requirements were pretty much the same as they are now. Its usually around 85-95 units/credits that are required to graduate. So if she graduated in two years, it only means that she acquired that many units in those two years, probably by going to summer school and taking 6-7 classes per semester.
She was probably talking about graduating in two years, and then going on to get an LLM.
Kelly Clow-there is nothing wrong with having an education from community college or working at a place like Wal-Mart.
Anon @ 1:56,
I don't buy it. You claim to have an "impressive" degree from an Ivy-League school, yet you can't punctuate to save your point.
Regardless, it's not the degree, it's how you use it; no matter if it's used in your professional life or not, the experiences gained while earning it should (hopeully) stay with you throughout life.
Besides, the person behind the degree is way more interesting than the degree itself (or the claim of a degree, in your case).
And hey, rocks and dirt are people, too!
And hey, rocks and dirt are people, too!
As a geologist, I have to agree!
Oh, and I still like Rhombus Guys (since this is a dining post!).
Mattfacingsouth:
Why are you so angry at the anon above? I think his or her degree is impressive. I wish I had all those degrees. It seems like the people who havent gotten far or been successful in their own lives always like to criticize those that do. Also, who cares if they dont use puncuation! This is a blog for goodness sakes, there is at least one mispelled word in your post, not to mention many grammatical errors, so give the person a break.
p.s., Im sure I spelled words wrong and used improper grammer but I dont care, so dont bother pointing it out!
Anonymous 6:16=
mattfacingsouth is same dude that attacked people on here before so Im not suprised either.
Yup, I'm that guy. Circle the wagons, anonymii - I'm coming after you.
Trolls.
wow mattfacingnorth is back attacking innocent people
Over the weekend, I saw on Minot's KXMC that a Pizza Ranch is being built there, and one is planned for GF, Fargo, and two other places I didn't catch -- probably Jamestown and Dickinson?
With the lunchtime buffet, it might be a good addition to GF...or it could be another trough like Golden Corral.
Oh god, people... let's get back on track. My tummy is rumbling, and it's calling for Indian food!
WE NEED AN INDIAN RESTAURANT IN THIS TOWN!!! I can't take it anymore! I NEED my naan!
There's already a Pizza Ranch in Jamestown, and I hear it's pretty good. Classier, if you can call buffet style dining classy, than the Brass Trough, er, uhm, Golden Corral.
I miss Noel's Cuisine downtown. Authentic curry dishes. I believe the man who owned it was from Pakistan.
Love Del's. Miss 3rd Street.
For the person wanting freshly made hummus, go to Amazing Grains. Awesome stuff!!!!
Just remember that Jethro (Jed's nephew)graduated from Oxford!
I could use some Tai food right now.
I'm surprised one of the Chinese places hasn't added a few Pan-Asian dishes just to test the waters a bit. You know, a Lemongrass Chicken, Pad Thai or curry dish that goes beyond dumping on some Schilling spice mix.
Anon:
Pizza Ranch In Devils Lake is a good place to eat, great pizza and good fried chicken.
Capones Restaurant(formerly of Grand Forks) is closing in McVille on July 3
Drew B., if you are really desperate for naan, they sell it in the bakery section at Target. If you look in the Ethnic food section, you can also find some packaged stuff like jaipur and palak paneer.
Weiner King- was located where???
Currently the Dominoes Pizza on South Washington, East side of the road.
The wife and I went to Guiseppe's last friday and were pretty impressed. They had a cute girl singing torch songs. Volume was perfect, didn't disrupt conversation but if you wanted to listen in, you could. Decor was minimal, I don't think you need to fill every inch of wall with something that says 'Italy' on it. Waitress was awesome, brought out samples when we couldn't decide, checked on the food after we'd had a couple bites, very helpful. Food was a little pricy but really good. Wife ordered the seafood special with a ridiculous amount of stuff in it. Could have fed us both. Only minuses were canned black olives in the salad (they taste like water when canned) and Kraft parmesan in a Pizza Hut shaker. Get the waitress a block of parmesan and a grater and we're talking.
lynsey,
Thanks for the info about the indian food at target. I do occasionally get their naan and packaged indian products. They are actually quite good, all things considered.
Oh, and you have excellent taste in music, according to your profile. ;-)
Thinking about italian food, is it just me or have the new owners of Mamma Maria's absolutly ruined that place?
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