Part 0.10-0.13: Red Robin, Joe's Crab Shack, Asia Buffet, Medieval Times

Ok, so I'm running out of time, so I'm going to cheat a bit. Here are the last places I went to when I was in Irvine in one big condensed group.

Red Robin

I love Red Robin. My grandparents used to take me here all the time... well, actually they still do. Although, when I was 6, I loved the clown that came. But now I go for the unlimited fries and giant burgers. Its a fatty delight. My favorite burger there by far is the Royal Red Robin Burger. Its a bacon cheeseburger, but they add on a fried egg. Its delicious.

Ratings:

Location: 4/5 - Nothing special about the locations, but at least there are plenty of them.

Price: 3/5 - Ok, so its pricey. But with these portion sizes you probably wouldn't want to go more than once a month anyways.

Taste: 4/5 - More of a gourmand style than gourment. The deliciousness of the food comes from the size of the portions and the heavyness of it rather than pure flavor. But then again, I'm more of a gourmand anyways.

Atmosphere: 4/5 - Its got some sort of atmosphere. Its always bright and colorful and the waiters are always nice. But it is standard fare amongst burger chains.

Total: 15/20 - A delicious place to go, though pricey.

Joe's Crab Shack

I'm normally not a seafood person, but mostly because its so costly. Of course Joe's Crab Shack isn't exactly the cheapest place, but cheap seafood is usually pretty suspect. I got the Fisherman's catch. But I'm pretty sure he didn't catch the french fries from the sea. Maybe from the kitchen gnomes though.

Ratings:

Location: 4/5 - The Newport Beach location is better cause its all on the harbor and stuff, but they have other locations too.

Price: 2/5 - I hate spending money and Joe's Crab Shack likes to take your money.

Taste: 4/5 - It was delicious. But I'm on expert on sea food, so I have nothing to compare it to. It did taste better than the fish sticks from Long John Silvers.

Atmosphere: 4/5 - Its all fish and surfing themed.

Total: 14/20 - Delicious, but way outside of my price range. My delicious crab dinner was $20 on its own. But then again, that's sea food for you. Hopefully, seafood will be cheaper on the East coast.

Asia Buffet

Allison and I saw this place a while ago, but we never got around to going. But I was able to drag Krista and Diana with here. And I learned a valuable lesson. Never bring a girl to a buffet (unless its Allison). They only had 3 plates between the two of them. Really. Girls.... Anyways, it's a "New York" style chinese buffet with sushi, thus the "Asia" moniker.

Ratings:

Location: 3/5 - Its a bit hidden away, although it does have a giant sign.

Price: 2/5 - Buffets are tricky things. They can easily be worth it, but if the food is bad, it's like the worst thing ever. Its like being called ugly on a date. Yeah, you know who you are even though you don't read this.

Taste: 2/5 - It was ok. The sushi was Safeway quality, while the rest of the food was typical lunchroom food. Nothing special at all, though it did have a surprisingly large amount of seafood.

Atmosphere: 2/5 - I don't understand? What is the theme? Its the middle of June and there are still Valentine decorations up? Tisk Tisk

Total: 9/20 - My recomendation, go across the street to Fuddruckers or down the street to The Hat. It's just not worth it.

Medieval Times

Some kids get to go to Disneyland after they graduate. Some go to a fancy restaurant. Other rich kids go on fancy European vacations. My parents took me to Medieval Times. We got frontrow seats too. Sword fights, joustings, eating with your hands and loud noises. It was an action packed event. Look even my sister looks happy... or scared. Its also probably the only picture of my sister smiling that anyone will ever see.

Ratings:

Location: 4/5 - It's got a big sign and surrounded by plenty of other attractions. No one will go to So.Cal for Medieval Times alone, but they won't skip it while they're down here.

Price: 1/5 - $50 a person!!!

Taste: 3/5 - It was decent food. BBQ ribs are always good and I do enjoy eating with my hands.

Atmosphere: 4/5 - Sword fights and dancing horses. Ok, so the story wasn't all that great, but at least there was action.

Total: 12/20 - Way way too pricey to go to more than once a decade, but everyone should go at least once.

Part 0.9: Knowlwood

When we found this place, I knew it was going to be good. Not only is it in Old Town Irvine, its in an old Blacksmith shop. And it definitely has one of the greatest burgers ever invented. Its called the Frisco burger:grilled parmesean Sourdough buns surround a huge patty covered in grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese and thousand island dressing.

Combined with a generous helping of delicious meaty chili cheese fries or "Irish Nachos," another great creation: fries covered in cheese, bacon and ranch dressing. This place is excellent for big groups. Really, there almost isn't a reason to get anything else. But should you still be hungry, they have also have huge slices of cake and cookies for desert.

Ratings:

Location: 5/5 - Old Town Irvine. It may quite possibly be the smallest, least old downtown area I have ever seen, but nevertheless, Knowlwoods scores major points for being there.

Price: 3/5 - Its a bit pricey, especially since I always have to order either the chili cheese fries or the Irish nachos. About $11 for a full meal, but if you bring a group, there's plenty of food to share.

Taste: 5/5 - One of the absolute best burgers ever plus amazing chili cheese fries and irish nachos.

Atmosphere: 5/5 - I love old timey places, especially authentic ones like this place. Really, the only way that it could be better is if there was a dinosaur somewhere. I'll just have to settle for Green Arrow Steer Manure. I have a feeling Superman doesn't want the Green Arrow to bring his work to the Watchtower.

Total: 18/20 - If you're ever in Irvine, this is a must go place. In fact the only reason why you shouldn't go is if you don't know where Old Town Irvine is or you're low on money. Allison agrees.

Part 0.8: Bob's Big Boy

This classic place has quite a history. But you're going to have to look it up for yourself. Needless to say, I was very tempted to get a Bob's Big Boy bobblehead.

Obviously, I had to get the original Bob's Big Boy and test it out. I was surprised. Not that it was good, but it had a completely different taste than most other burgers. The addition of relish gave it the meat a brighter taste like a thin hotdog. But it still had the typical cheeseburger taste below a seperating bun. The combination of the two managed not to clash and actually tasted good. I was pleasantly surprised. The fries by themselves were standard fare. However, with their specal seasoning salt, which included a bit of curry powder, it also was surprisingly good. It was a different flavor than normal, which is always good to try.

Allison had some sort of hashbrown omelette thingy, and Elaine had hashbrown pancakes. I'm not really an expert at either of them, but they were tasty so I guess thats good.

Ratings:
Location: 3/5 - No location in Irvine was a bummer, but at least its a relatively national chain.
Price: 4/5 - More than I'd want to pay for everyday food, but decently priced for a sit-down place. About $8 a person.
Taste: 4/5 - Above average, especially with their different flavor.
Atmosphere: 4/5 - You really can't go wrong with a giant statue. Especially a creepy one like Bob's Big Boy. I really wanted a bobblehead.
Total: 15/20 - Excellent for a sit-down restaurant, but unless you're rich, not an everyday place. I would go again, if I ever get the chance.

There's something hiding in the grass.

Part 0.7: Alejandros

There's really so much to write about Alejandros. I think I've gone there at least once a week for the past 3 years.

This place has all the hallmarks of a top-notch eatery.

• no flashy lights
• open 24 hours
• cheap cheap food
• sketchy location
• most patrons and workers speak only spanish

But best of all they have two of the greatest culinary delights I have ever encountered, and I've encountered a lot: the "California" Burrito and Carne Asada Fries.

I don't know why its called a "California" Burrito, but I don't care. Its delicious. Its a carne asada burrito but with french fries inside. Words cannot possibly come close to describing it, but I'll try anyways. Carne Asada burritos are delicious by themselves, but the addition of crunchy fries provides a new crunchy texture. The addition of the extra starch in the fries allows the liquid-y hot sauce/salsa to be absorbed better. It doesn't have the guacamole of a carne asada burrito, but that can be amended.

The Carne Asada Fries really is genius. It takes the best of a carne asada burrito and a giant plate of fries. Its a plate of carne asada nachos, but with fries instead. Its probably one of the most unhealthiest things to eat, but we can't resist.

We're such fatties.

Ratings:
Location: 4/5 - I have to dock it cause it isn't exactly is the best part of town, but there's always parking and its open 24 hours a day.
Price: 5/5 - The Carne Asada Fries are expensive at $6.25, but the burritos are a steal at $4.
Taste: 5/5 - One of the standards that I judge all food by. Perfect.
Atmosphere: 2/5 - Well, except for the feeling that its definitely authentic hole in the wall Mexican food, its not a very good atmosphere and definitely not a good place to eat at.

Total: 16/20 - It lost points since its not a place to go to and eat at, but for the last 3 years, my favorite Mexican food place. And I know Mexican food.

Part 0.6: Fuddruckers

Everyonce in a while, Allison and I will get lucky and something unexpected occurs during out food excursions. This was almost one of those times. Apparantly, every Tuesday is an old car show at 6:00pm. Well, we came at 7:30 pm and by that time most of the cars were gone. But we did get to take a look at some.

It was ok, nothing all that spectacular, but then again, I don't know much about cars. But I do know a lot about good food. And Fuddruckers had plenty.

I could write something witty about the old-timey atmosphere and how interesting it is, but thats boring. Instead, something else grabbed my attention.

A Giant Keg of HOT CHEDDAR CHEESE! It was awesome. And for good measure, they added in a warning label. It was a very nice touch. So what do you do with a giant keg of hot cheddar cheese? Why you cover your food in it, as demonstrated by Allison.

But even better, they give you a cookie with every meal! Allison is very pleased.

But I'm even pleased-er cause I got two!

All in all, we give Fuddruckers a thumbs-up and a ring on the bell
Ratings:

Location: 4/5 - Ok, so its not the greatest location, but it did have plenty of room for parking and a car show. I guess that sort of makes up for being in Lake Forest. Also, there are other locations since its a chain.

Price: 3/5 - Decent prices for a burger chain, but I dislike paying $10 for a meal unless its awesomely good or an all-you-can eat.

Taste: 4/5 - Above average burger, but what pushed it into 4 territory was the ability to pump hot cheddar cheese on all your food. And the cookies!

Atmosphere: 5/5 - It has all this atmosphere thingy, but really all I cared about was this one picture of dinosaur. I'm such a sucker for dinosaurs.

Total: 16/20 - Excellent for a chain. I'd definitely go again if I ever see one again, although not on a very frequent basis. It is a bit too pricey for everyday eating.

Part 0.5: Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers

Mmm... Chili burgers and chili cheese fries. What I like best about Tommy's, beside the food, is that to Tommy, a hamburger naturally has a giant glob of chili on it. Like it always belongs on it. Which, with very few exceptions, most of which will be documented on this page, is a very true statement. I am a firm believer that everything tastes better with chili on it. It was that sentiment that led me and Allison to find the best chili places near Irvine.

It was last summer than we discovered Original Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers. But this particular excursion occured on a Monday afternoon. Allison and I had planned on going somewhere for dinner, but by mid-afternoon, we were bored and hungry; a dangerous combination. So we decided on going to Tommy's so I could finally cross it off the list of places I had to go to before I left Irvine.

So on this typical bright and sunny Southern California day, we got our food. Allison got a chili dog and regular fries (Her argument was that there would be plenty of chili leftover to dip her fries into),

while I went for the classic chili burger and chili cheese fries (Yes, there is some cheese hiding underneath all the chili.

Its not delicious unless it makes a gigantic mess, and Tommy's always makes a gigantic mess.
So deliciously greasy. And chili everywhere.

Ratings:

Location: 4/5 - There's a couple of locations but its only in SoCal. But this location has
a Boomer's nearby and there's also one by Magic Mountain. Oh and they're open till 1 AM.

Price: 4/5 - Good prices. $5 gets you a chili burger and chili cheese fries. Which is all
you need.

Taste: 5/5 - Delicious. A lot of deliciousness.

Atmosphere: 3/5 - Its basically like any other fast food stand. But its still a good place.

Total: 15/20 - A delicious delicious place. If it was closer to us, we would have gone more frequently. Although Allison does bring up a good point in that it would probably give us heart attacks if we went any more than once a month.

Randy's Donut Part 0.4

I've heard of the legendary Randy's Donuts for years. This little tiny donut stand off a freeway with a gigantic donut on top. It was even parodied in the Monorail episode of the Simpsons. What I never realized, is that I've passed it countless times without ever seeing it before.

ITS RIGHT OFF THE SIDE OF THE 405. And true to the stories, its just a little tiny stand with a gigantic donut on top. I just had to get me a donut. So I picked up a bear claw and a regular chocolate donut. It was good. It didn't make me proclaim them to be the best donuts ever, but they were good. I dunno, I guess I just have very descerning tastes. It takes something special to wow me. But I loved the giant donut. It was really cool.

Ratings:

Location: 3/5 - It needs to be more visible off the 405. I never saw it until now. Parking is a little rough too.

Price: 4/5 - I don't normally shop for donuts so its hard to guage whether the prices were good, but they didn't hurt my wallet much so I'll give it a 4.

Taste: 3/5 - Delicious, but it didn't wow me. They were donuts, just donuts.

Atmosphere: 3/5 - No place to eat. They really push the touristy aspect of it too. Selling T-shirts, hats, etc.

Total: 13/20 - I was kinda disappointed. Besides the giant donut on top, it wasn't very interesting.