tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65227805777243389982012-02-16T01:23:22.156-08:00...if you can't stand the heat, get outta the restaurant industry....the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.comBlogger381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-40474835006701940912011-04-27T11:41:00.000-07:002011-05-10T17:26:38.779-07:00

THE PEOPLE: Sonja The Owner (albeit part owner,) is very nice and approachable. Also the co-owner of Peace Country Meats. Although the menu claims local supplies the term "local" doesn't necessarily mean organic or antibiotic-free. Amber The Server was very nice and prompt with table-side service. I didn't quite trust her to give me a knowledgable item description or suggestion. I wouldn't be

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-65640868312194411122011-02-15T09:53:00.000-08:002011-02-28T14:45:20.298-08:00

Remember what I said about menu size?================================================================From RestaurantOwner.com - February 15, 2011================================================================Is It Time to Streamline Your Menu?Independent restaurants are notorious for adding new menu itemsbut not retiring any for fear of not having someone´s favorite.This often leads to a bloated

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-3909173139139488222010-09-28T09:11:00.001-07:002011-02-28T14:45:38.221-08:00

================================================================From RestaurantOwner.com - September 28, 2010================================================================You know this but how long has it been since you reminded yourstaff just how important your guests are?OUR GUEST1. Our guest is the most important person in our business.2. Our guests are not dependent on us. We are dependent

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-23777242942969737752010-07-12T15:31:00.000-07:002010-07-12T15:39:15.490-07:00

Dear Food-Lovers,Hopefully the word is being spread around FSJ that we want better quality in food, prices to match and good service. Period. I will be writing less reviews and spending more time with our up and coming new baby!Quite frankly, I'm running out of creative ways to say, "Your restaurant bites." So until something halfway decent rolls my way I don't think I'll have the gusto to write

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-60971406060855823442010-05-27T15:20:00.000-07:002010-05-27T15:32:13.505-07:00

"Rumor has it--Best Food in Town."With a self advertisement like that parked in front of their old location, you know they were just asking for me to walk in the door.In fact, previous to that display my spouse actually picked up a few different stir-fries and I remember liking them and slightly comparing them to Wok Box. But of course the price was too high for the actual party in my mouth so I

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-24302272953276251902010-05-18T09:59:00.000-07:002010-05-18T10:04:37.050-07:00

I want to see the local FSJ restaurants do THIS:Guarantee Your Way to Attracting More First Time Customers================================================================One of our members is going to attempt what many wouldconsider a bold (or not so smart) move.He's going to put a banner in front of his restaurantthat claims they have "the best Asian food in town oryour money back."Several top

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-12001901403291535982010-05-18T09:26:00.000-07:002011-02-22T12:33:21.752-08:00

Overall opinion: LOVED IT. Let me say that again. Go to the 49er cause they rock GREEK FOOD.They do calamari the right way. Breaded fresh and deep fried to order. Served with chopped onions and tzatziki for the Greek version....I recommend asking for a side of marinara and lemon wedges for an Italian experience. Those of you who've been with me since the beginning know how big a deal a proper

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-13859693986208911272010-04-29T14:22:00.000-07:002010-04-29T15:26:16.310-07:00

The good and the bad. TOGO STYLE:Take out menu is home done. How can I tell? Anyone familiar with Word can notice it. Props for trying to keep costs down.....perhaps print it on heavier stock rather your average printer paper? Really, I'm stretching here. Go to Staples.Odd hours. Open Wed-Sun (NOT Monday or Tuesday.) Look, if your business is FOOD you should open at least the five main business

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-26094085505724768232010-04-29T14:17:00.000-07:002010-04-29T15:30:16.859-07:00

First impression. I didn't believe the homemade crust claim. It looked too perfect. Too pre-frozen. Too I'm-trying-to-be-like-Pizza-Hut's-Dip-Dish.But. The slice DID have the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pizza drip going on. You know the one: pick up a hot, steaming slice and the pie just teasingly drops to your arm, you take a bite and the cheese is so thick is stretches and slides everywhere.

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-81536283910690133222010-04-14T15:06:00.000-07:002010-04-14T15:12:10.499-07:00

Battle of the BreakfastsSilvercreek looks like a trucker's breakfast joint. It's even next to a tire shop (Integra Tire) that services big rigs (which happens to be a plus if your car is being worked on--go grab a pancake and hot chocolate while you wait!) The parking lot is unpaved and the place smells slightly old when you walk in. The decor isn't anything special.But. Where the time is spent

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-65379477457102312842010-04-14T14:57:00.000-07:002010-04-14T15:10:59.108-07:00

Five Visit Critique1. Pile of deep fried goodness to share among friends...tab around $80 before gratuity. Meaty, delicious fish and fries. Table set with an array of condiments.2. Recipient of complimentary giant sushi combo platter. Impressed in two ways. Wanted more. Wanted to support the establishment.3. Dined in on sushi with young children. Craziness but great. Owner brought our BBQ eel and

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-64536926107349461632010-03-24T21:36:00.000-07:002010-03-24T22:26:45.828-07:00

Four Different Perspectives for Your VotePub side visit. Decor is more appealing, nicer lights, better colors. Poor service and it wasn't even busy! Possibly intoxicated server. She looked important with a key dangling from her arm, but smelled of cigarette smoke. Major turnoff. Didn't offer specials/features of the evening, didn't upsell drinks or desserts, forgot side items mentioned while

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-33333325237348319332010-02-02T12:11:00.001-08:002010-02-02T12:15:31.008-08:00

Suggestive Selling Lite: Making Recommendations WithoutTurning Off Your GuestsIf you've been reading our Profit Tips for very long youknow that we're not big fans of teaching servers to usesuggestive selling techniques as a way pump up their checkaverages, tip income and restaurant sales.While the use of these practices may increase sales in theshort term, eventually, aggressive selling can have

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-56881496488526531282010-01-27T11:48:00.000-08:002010-01-27T11:57:24.999-08:00

It doesn't matter what venue you work in. You must know your customers. Know who likes to be greeted as if you have never seen them before and know who likes their drink awaiting them on the table when they sit down. Know who likes what level of familiarity... and when. The "Hey John" in your section might be "Mr. Doe" to whoever he is sitting with. Never assume anything. SMILE. Know that

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-75085260502183704552010-01-27T11:23:00.000-08:002010-01-27T11:27:01.418-08:00

================================================================From RestaurantOwner.com - January 26, 2010================================================================How to Be a More Effective Restaurant Owner in 2010One of the biggest occupational hazards in the restaurantbusiness is the risk of getting so bogged down in thedaily details of running the restaurant that you lose sightof what

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-12089847909024154382010-01-04T20:55:00.000-08:002010-01-04T21:12:54.217-08:00

This place is a looker. I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for red tones and I wanted to go inside just because of the outside. Yes. I did judge the book by its cover. It was a great cover, okay?The interior did not disappoint. We entered from the hotel lobby and if you remember White Spot's claim of the space.......well, they didn't claim the way JD's people have.There is an entry hallway leading to

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-41588953963964676372010-01-04T20:44:00.000-08:002010-01-04T20:52:36.015-08:00

Need a recommendation for your stay in Edmonton? If you're in the West End, The Curry Fix is worth the effort. So much so that you'll be bringing your friends for firsts while you enjoy seconds.This. Place. Rocks.From the outside, you might miss it because of the location.....it is one of dozens packed into the classic strip mall scenario.As you approach you'll find a menu greeting you through

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-52810668298941315962010-01-04T20:38:00.000-08:002010-01-04T20:53:22.143-08:00

Generally speaking, this place has been on my favorite list for years. There are so many flavours to choose from, dozens of ways to mix in toppings, a handful of various cones and a fun, bright atmosphere. Love the creative display of candy. I can't even begin to list the top combos, but let's just say that Cake Batter is good. Really good. Sans raw eggs!Things to fix (every location:)The punch

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-67209673037952535832010-01-04T20:31:00.000-08:002010-01-04T20:54:57.131-08:00

This place is fun.Lots of red in their tasteful decor, variable seating options, open kitchen, menu diversity. I really can't say enough good things about Wok Box. And they even have the classic, fun "Chinese" takeout boxes, complete with chopsticks. Like I said, fun.What's extra great about Wok Box's food is the fresh factor. You can actually watch the fresh vegetables being tossed around in the

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-82928852246769302772009-12-08T13:56:00.000-08:002009-12-08T14:01:53.965-08:00

Very cool, old Italian flyer received in the mail. The photographs scream vintage and I wanted to be a part of it.Fast forward to one of those nights where you don't want to go anywhere, yet your cozy sweats and fuzzy slippers are pleading to be paired with a movie and pizza.So, naturally I thought of Panago's New York Deli pizza that happened to be front and center on that artistic cover.This is

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-76492501499710449082009-12-08T08:30:00.001-08:002009-12-08T08:41:20.759-08:00

================================================================From RestaurantOwner.com - December 8, 2009================================================================This Is a Great Time to Recognize the Manager You Want toKeep You can't create and sustain a successful restaurantwithout good management. In smaller restaurants the bulk of the management may beprovided by you, the owner, but

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-33669108731167789562009-11-24T12:27:00.000-08:002009-11-24T12:30:56.411-08:00

Great, new location in the Totem Mall with access indoor and outdoors.Fun, bright, interesting décor that doesn’t look like it was purchased at the local Walmart. The owners actually put some thought and effort into the ambience.Friendly cash register girls.Nine, four-seat tables, entered at a dinner rush, food took around 20 minutes. At a full service restaurant, that would be a long time. A

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-21327998056924057882009-11-10T15:23:00.000-08:002009-11-10T15:29:09.169-08:00

Bring in the boxing ring. American competitor vs the good, ol’ Canadian standby.Round one: Presentation (Kevin from The Office: “That means what it looks like…)T: Great, attractive packaging for any amount ordered.S: One giant box even if you’d only like half a dozen. I find myself usually purchasing three. One for me, one for my spouse and one for me for later while winding down from the tornado

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-17502141187018321262009-11-07T08:18:00.001-08:002009-11-07T08:22:50.233-08:00

=================================================================RestaurantOwner.com Best Practice of the Week - November 3, 2009=================================================================I Am Your GuestYou often accuse me of carrying a chip on my shoulder,but I suspect this is because you do not entirelyunderstand me. Isn't it normal to expect satisfactionfor one's money spent? Ignore my

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-47214837902779660662009-10-31T20:49:00.000-07:002009-10-31T20:55:36.085-07:00

My first impression of this place is good. I’m talking about their hot, new location—all newly designed and freshly painted and tastefully decorated. Very new age. The high ceilings, warm colors and hippy vibe all contribute to my journey to what I affectionately call my ‘restaurant happy place.’The positives:Ample space and diversity in seating. Sit by the south windows. Chill by the stage.

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-31939451296228680282009-10-23T18:34:00.000-07:002009-10-23T21:05:46.861-07:00

================================================================From RestaurantOwner.com - October 20, 2009================================================================Weekly Planning Will Improve Your Managers' EffectivenessA common characteristic of many successful independentrestaurants is the owner's practice of pausing at theend of each week with their management team. Theyreview how the

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-20533720694010762392009-10-08T17:30:00.000-07:002009-10-08T17:35:04.107-07:00

First time visit because of word-of-mouth. Took me two years to get there, but the point is that I did.You see, despite what restaurant owners may decide to believe, customers really have the power if a place succeeds or fails. Owners don't want us to band together to bring them to their knees. They would prefer we remain in the dark and keep coming in the door regardless of poor service, high

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-26611840760949517062009-10-08T17:10:00.000-07:002009-10-23T20:42:18.667-07:00

This place is so different than the previous Little Italy wannabe. Fresh flower baskets adorn the outdoor patio during the warm months. Warm, woodsy colors are splashed inside from the bar area to the spacious dining room. The tag line is something about West Coast, but with only one picture of the ocean up on the corner wall, I'm not sure if I feel that vibe.Watch the threshold at the first set

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-70013402332367245442009-09-30T13:17:00.000-07:002009-09-30T13:26:26.722-07:00

Walking into the FSJ Boston Pizza is like gaining entrance to the grown-up, full service version of Chuck E Cheese. There is something in every direction to capture your attention. Plus, it's usually loud and dimly lit.I wonder if they've got a ticket & prize redemption booth somewhere in there......Anyway. Boston's, (mind if I shorten your name?) has a fun atmosphere. The food mostly is average

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-87663626738281575742009-09-29T14:28:00.000-07:002009-09-29T14:37:19.298-07:00

This sweet little jewel appeared in the inbox today and isworthy of the pass along. Pay attention FSJ!Source: www.restaurantowner.comOne of our members reported their restaurant washaving a much better year this year than last bothin terms of sales volume and profitability. Quite anaccomplishment in this recession to say the least.She credited "guest relations and customer service"as the primary

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-26981311757826130082009-09-25T21:07:00.000-07:002009-09-25T21:14:57.642-07:00

One of the "nicer" places to dine in FSJ. The place slightly reminded of an underground pizzeria/lodge. In a good way. But-what is up with the name choice? I feel like I'm about to utter a swear or go to a laundromat.I walk in with my counterpart and the hostess is missing. Rather, a tub of rolled silverware and a sign greeting guests and suggesting that we seat ourselves. Okay.One extra glance

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-73018979919662032862009-09-25T18:34:00.000-07:002009-09-25T21:39:26.434-07:00

First Visit:Phoned in my order, picked it up using my Domino's incredible $3 heat bag.Purely Awesome. Exceptional gourmet quality, simple & relaxing decor, friendly customer service girl. Psst...try the Chicken Alfredo pizza....Second Visit:Received a professional restaurant mailer. Dropped by and checked out the full order board. Love the write-in-different-colored-chalk style. Fairly

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-65554513837002632252009-09-25T13:54:00.000-07:002009-09-25T21:46:19.943-07:00

Positives:My visit during the lunch rush was surprisingly pleasant and quick. When the lineup is nearly out the door, one never really expects for their sandwich order to be taken and completed under 10 minutes. Yes, ten minutes, folks.Plus, one of the owners jumped back from the cash register to the genesis of the sandwich line and was creating tasty, oven baked goodness quicker than the wrap up

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-71047777579650669342009-09-16T13:50:00.000-07:002009-09-25T19:05:22.854-07:00

The burgers are fresh, onion rings are crispy, the chicken strips are super hot with three, tasty dipping sauces, and the signature root beer is sweet, bubbly and cold.Things this location has goin' for it:Right off the Alaska highway and customers can get to it easily from four different directions. Not all businesses have this crucial feature.Bright, recognizable colors. Really works in A&W's

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-6555249415489836252009-09-13T14:27:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:32:35.297-07:00

This is one genre where I get excited. Haven’t found one location in Western Canada that meets my expectations or past experiences for a truly authentic Latin food experience or a similar North Americanized version (even in Vancouver I didn’t find one.)Mucho Burrito is a typical Canadian cookie cutter “Mexican” restaurant. (AKA: Taco Del Mar and Burrito Libre in Edmonton.) Some food items (the

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-64086766189617085732009-09-11T08:33:00.000-07:002009-09-25T19:10:08.647-07:00

Reviews on Fogg 'n' Suds, Mastaro Sushi and Uptown Grill....

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-60610860003405294382009-09-10T15:15:00.000-07:002009-09-25T19:07:01.580-07:00

This sweet, little location has been around for over a year now and serves up creamy, frozen deliciousness from Foothills Creamery.Highlights:*Finally ditched the "Let's-sell-soap-AND-ice-cream-in-the-same-store!" idea.*Those cute little baby-sized cones. Complete with sprinkles.*Fun decor-pack your handbag for a few memory lane trips.*Indoor/outdoor seating.*Nice selection of old fashioned

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6522780577724338998.post-37993388762716183562009-09-10T09:16:00.000-07:002009-09-10T14:41:22.524-07:00

Let's say you're heading to Edmonton for a long weekend and take a fuel stop along the way. Happens to be Whitecourt-gotta grab some din din, right? Love the drive-thru option for road trips.I doubt the conversation would have gone differently had it been indoors:Drive-thru girl: Hi, what can I get for you?Car of hungry people: Hi, we'd like this, that and the other, but we have a few questions.

the FSJ food critichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793968926123498352noreply@blogger.com0