The Yard House versus The Cheesecake Factory
For anyone who truly loves to drink, I think the answer to this is quite obvious. And being a very light drinker myself, I must say that on occaision, I have really enjoyed being able to try an obscure beer from some foreign land.
But there are two very unfortunate characteristics about The Yard House. One of them is that if you go during Happy Hour, you would be so lucky to find a couple of seats at the bar together. Along with this, it could be quite the long wait to actually get a table. I don't know about you, but I really don't enjoy "standing" at the bar while drinking my drink and waiting for a table.
The other downside to The Yard House, as I see it, is that while they do have some really tasty food available, almost none of it is actually that healthy. This is especially true if you are ordering from the appetizer menu. Why would someone want to order from the appetizer menu? Well, if you are there during Happy Hour, just about everything on the appetizer menu is 1/2 off. In this economy, this fact is very attractive, if only they had more healthy options.
Now, why would anyone say The Cheesecake Factory is better? Well, if you aren't there for a sit down meal and you are ok with sitting in the bar area, there is a much better chance that you can actually get a table to sit at, for one. Now, alcohol connoiseurs would argue that their repertoire of drinks is much less, and I agree, but there is a lot to be said for being able to get seating and they have so many choices as far as the many types of food that they offer.
And the one unfortunate thing about The Cheesecake Factory is that they do not have any Happy Hour specials that I am aware of. And if they do, I doubt whether it would be as significant as the 1/2 off that The Yard House offers.
As for me, the table availability and the choices of healthy fair make The Cheesecake Factory the best choice. If someone cared more about choices of drinks offered and the discount during Happy Hour, I would imagine their pick for best Drinkery/Eatery would have to be The Yard House.
Leslie
Friday, January 15, 2010
Reagan Library Review
On December 31, 2009, I had the pleasure of visiting the Ronald Reagan library. As my companion and I walked the grounds leading up to the front desk, we noticed signs barring the use of backpacks. This was a bit unsettling since my companion's backpack is purely for his camera and accessories which we were happy to have along for a trip of this nature. But our fears were put to rest when we were at the front desk and bought our tickets. The back pack was searched and we were able to take it along through the library. Of course, anyone these days should understand backpacks being searched for security reasons.
The first area that we went into was the Hall of Heros. There were many heros of our time and before that were recognized with pictures and memorabilia, but I was especially impressed at how up to date they were as they had a special plaque for Sully.
We also enjoyed perusing the memorabilia from President Reagan's childhood in Dixon Illinois.
One of the most beautiful exhibits was the Hall of Christmas trees from 26 different countries. I was amazed at how creative people from different places could be in decorating their Christmas trees. It was truly a sight to see and no words can describe it.
Throughout the library, I was also astonished at all of the gifts that had been given to the Reagans from different Kings, Queens and dignitaries from around the world. I wondered to myself if they got to keep any of the items for their families or if it is understood that all items would be donated to the library. They were truly beautiful items and as much as I was happy to be able to view them, I would imagine that some items that are gifts may have personal meaning.
There was the Airforce One Pavillion that was a sight to behold. They actually have Airforce One in the Pavillion. I had no idea that the actual airplane would be in the library. There was quite a line of people waiting to be able to walk around and look inside. We decided that we would forgo that pleasure for that particular day. I hope to go again someday as their were a lot of interesting things to take in.
The last part of the library has a replica of the oval office from Reagan's time and a lot of memorabilia from the Reagan Ranch including many of his belt buckles. Again, I hope the family kept some of them as family heirloom's, but again, I was very happy for the opportunity to look at them.
I'm not a political history buff or anything even close to that, but I must say, this visit was better than going to the Natural History Museum which I had really been looking forward to. There was just so much really great stuff to look at and take in.
And the final impressive point about this visit is how much I miss having a President in office who is so well spoken. There were at least a few areas in the Library where you get to view some of Ronald Reagan's best speeches. He was such an eloquent and moving speaker. I so miss that. I hope that someday we can have a President who makes us proud of being an American as much as Ronald Reagan did.
The first area that we went into was the Hall of Heros. There were many heros of our time and before that were recognized with pictures and memorabilia, but I was especially impressed at how up to date they were as they had a special plaque for Sully.
We also enjoyed perusing the memorabilia from President Reagan's childhood in Dixon Illinois.
One of the most beautiful exhibits was the Hall of Christmas trees from 26 different countries. I was amazed at how creative people from different places could be in decorating their Christmas trees. It was truly a sight to see and no words can describe it.
Throughout the library, I was also astonished at all of the gifts that had been given to the Reagans from different Kings, Queens and dignitaries from around the world. I wondered to myself if they got to keep any of the items for their families or if it is understood that all items would be donated to the library. They were truly beautiful items and as much as I was happy to be able to view them, I would imagine that some items that are gifts may have personal meaning.
There was the Airforce One Pavillion that was a sight to behold. They actually have Airforce One in the Pavillion. I had no idea that the actual airplane would be in the library. There was quite a line of people waiting to be able to walk around and look inside. We decided that we would forgo that pleasure for that particular day. I hope to go again someday as their were a lot of interesting things to take in.
The last part of the library has a replica of the oval office from Reagan's time and a lot of memorabilia from the Reagan Ranch including many of his belt buckles. Again, I hope the family kept some of them as family heirloom's, but again, I was very happy for the opportunity to look at them.
I'm not a political history buff or anything even close to that, but I must say, this visit was better than going to the Natural History Museum which I had really been looking forward to. There was just so much really great stuff to look at and take in.
And the final impressive point about this visit is how much I miss having a President in office who is so well spoken. There were at least a few areas in the Library where you get to view some of Ronald Reagan's best speeches. He was such an eloquent and moving speaker. I so miss that. I hope that someday we can have a President who makes us proud of being an American as much as Ronald Reagan did.
Review of The Mission Inn, Riverside, CA
December 5, 2009
Prestige Mold Christmas Party at The Mission Inn
On December 5, 2009 myself and my date arrived at The Mission Inn to attend my date's company Christmas Party and to stay the night at the very celebrated hotel. When arriving at the valet, I must say that the Bellman who "took care" of us, really did take care. This gentleman was very courteous, nice, diligent, helpful, and just pleasant overall. This person knew his job very well, I must say, I was impressed. Next, we went on into the lobby area to get checked into our room. This experience couldn't be described as any better than ok. There was a very long line to check into the hotel. One can somewhat understand this as it is a very popular hotel and especially so during the Christmas months since there is much hub bub about the Christmas decorations. The person who checked us in was stone faced and matter of fact. When a person stays at a classy hotel, the expectation is that the person checking you in will be extremely pleasantly welcoming. It was not the case with this person. I have to say that throughout our stay, the lobby area was consistently a "cluster".
Next, my date and I continued on to our room. My first impressions were that it was a nicely decorated quaint room. The windows and veranda were so nice. They were still the old style of window and doorway that you would expect in an old time Mission. The other characteristic that was immediately noticeable was the fact that the TV armoire was not in front of the bed, but over to the right side of the room. Meaning, if you were laying or sitting in bed, you would have to keep your head turned to the right in order to watch TV. After getting somewhat familiar with our room accomodations, my date and I went to walk the grounds and surrounding shops. While we purused the area, it was evident, even during the day, that the Christmas decorations were absolutely outstanding. This is a special place to see during Christmas time. My date and I window shopped in a few of the antique and hobby shops and then we decided to stop for a bite to eat at Bella Trattoria restaurant that is a part of The Mission Inn. We were seated by the Hostess whom we asked for an appetizer. Next the waiter came to take our drink order. We ordered drinks and soon after, we ordered our respective entrees. Next, we waited and waited and waited. Many people who were seated after us, received their food well before we did. And at some point, we asked about our appetizer and it became apparent that the Hostess never told the waiter about it. We cancelled it. Bella Trattoria does have nice atmosphere as an outdoor eatery and the food that we ordered was quite tasty despite having to cancel the appetizer.
Our next endeavor was to get ready for the party. During this escapade, it became clear that the drain to the bathroom sink was broken, the shower was outfitted with a large window (ok, it was covered with a blind, but still, a window in the shower! who wants to shower like that?)
While we were waiting for our party to start, we had to wait for another group to leave the room and for the room to be tidied up. It seemed odd to me that such a presigious hotel would schedule important events so close together as to make attendees wait in the cold. Yes, we were waiting outside in below 50 degree weather. There were patio heaters, but unless you were standing right next to one, it was very cold. And the hors d oeuvres were horrible. The jumbo shrimp were quite chewy and the stuffed mushrooms were stuffed with an awful sausage that repeats on you.
The food that was served during the party was very good. It was buffet style and just about everything we tried was very good and tasty.
In the morning a couple more things were apparent. The coffee maker that was in the room did not work and every once in a while it seemed like a herd of elephants ran by above us. Turns out, there was some service hallway directly above our room.
We did alert the person whom we checked out with. She said she would tell the management, but offered nothing else. It was a bit surprising being that this is not a cheap hotel and our stay was much less than stellar.
Leslie
Prestige Mold Christmas Party at The Mission Inn
On December 5, 2009 myself and my date arrived at The Mission Inn to attend my date's company Christmas Party and to stay the night at the very celebrated hotel. When arriving at the valet, I must say that the Bellman who "took care" of us, really did take care. This gentleman was very courteous, nice, diligent, helpful, and just pleasant overall. This person knew his job very well, I must say, I was impressed. Next, we went on into the lobby area to get checked into our room. This experience couldn't be described as any better than ok. There was a very long line to check into the hotel. One can somewhat understand this as it is a very popular hotel and especially so during the Christmas months since there is much hub bub about the Christmas decorations. The person who checked us in was stone faced and matter of fact. When a person stays at a classy hotel, the expectation is that the person checking you in will be extremely pleasantly welcoming. It was not the case with this person. I have to say that throughout our stay, the lobby area was consistently a "cluster".
Next, my date and I continued on to our room. My first impressions were that it was a nicely decorated quaint room. The windows and veranda were so nice. They were still the old style of window and doorway that you would expect in an old time Mission. The other characteristic that was immediately noticeable was the fact that the TV armoire was not in front of the bed, but over to the right side of the room. Meaning, if you were laying or sitting in bed, you would have to keep your head turned to the right in order to watch TV. After getting somewhat familiar with our room accomodations, my date and I went to walk the grounds and surrounding shops. While we purused the area, it was evident, even during the day, that the Christmas decorations were absolutely outstanding. This is a special place to see during Christmas time. My date and I window shopped in a few of the antique and hobby shops and then we decided to stop for a bite to eat at Bella Trattoria restaurant that is a part of The Mission Inn. We were seated by the Hostess whom we asked for an appetizer. Next the waiter came to take our drink order. We ordered drinks and soon after, we ordered our respective entrees. Next, we waited and waited and waited. Many people who were seated after us, received their food well before we did. And at some point, we asked about our appetizer and it became apparent that the Hostess never told the waiter about it. We cancelled it. Bella Trattoria does have nice atmosphere as an outdoor eatery and the food that we ordered was quite tasty despite having to cancel the appetizer.
Our next endeavor was to get ready for the party. During this escapade, it became clear that the drain to the bathroom sink was broken, the shower was outfitted with a large window (ok, it was covered with a blind, but still, a window in the shower! who wants to shower like that?)
While we were waiting for our party to start, we had to wait for another group to leave the room and for the room to be tidied up. It seemed odd to me that such a presigious hotel would schedule important events so close together as to make attendees wait in the cold. Yes, we were waiting outside in below 50 degree weather. There were patio heaters, but unless you were standing right next to one, it was very cold. And the hors d oeuvres were horrible. The jumbo shrimp were quite chewy and the stuffed mushrooms were stuffed with an awful sausage that repeats on you.
The food that was served during the party was very good. It was buffet style and just about everything we tried was very good and tasty.
In the morning a couple more things were apparent. The coffee maker that was in the room did not work and every once in a while it seemed like a herd of elephants ran by above us. Turns out, there was some service hallway directly above our room.
We did alert the person whom we checked out with. She said she would tell the management, but offered nothing else. It was a bit surprising being that this is not a cheap hotel and our stay was much less than stellar.
Leslie
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