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Studio Movie Grill
While in the Atlanta area recently, I was introduced to Studio Movie Grill and my thoughts towards going to the movies has changed.
Frankly, I’ve gotten where I almost hate to go to the movies. The theater experience is leaden, with cheap popcorn at astronomical prices, uncomfortable seats, and an audience that rarely shows any consideration for others present.
Wanting to go see The Hobbit, a friend talked me into going to the nearby SMG, and I am so glad we did. The chairs are comfortable office/plush chairs, and we had our choice of table or counter seats. The food offerings were most interesting, extensive, and I want to try more. The Thai Chicken pizza I had was quite tasty, and my only regret was that Georgia alcohol laws prevented me from getting one of the amazing array of adult beverages offered (Sunday time issues).
Even better, since they don’t treat patrons like cattle for the slaughter, the audience mood was much improved. No cell phone interruptions, relative quiet, and a good overall viewing experience.
The movie, by the way, was outstanding! The cinematography was excellent, the acting good, and the movie itself took only a few liberties with the book. A more detailed review may come later, but it is recommended.
I do hope that the next time I go to the movies, somethings like SMG is available. That is a much more civilized way to do cinema.
Simply Thai, Simply Good
There are a host of XXXX-Thai restaurants in the Atlanta, GA, and most are not worth your time as they defile both ethnic cuisines represented. There are few true Thai restaurants to be found in the Roswell area, but if you are in that area, seek out Simply Thai.
I dined at the new Norcross location and was delighted with the food. Many years ago I was spoiled for Thai, having both “home cooking” and higher end done as it should be done. What I had measured up very well and was a true delight after some of the disappointments experienced in the area.
Thai Dumplings
I started with the special of Thai dumplings, and they were perfectly done. The chili sauce was a nice addition, thought the regular sauce was quite tasty.
Curry
The main course was well spiced, and I liked that the waitress questioned my spice level — it shows a consideration of the typical American diner. The heat was good, and made the flavors pop.
A good choice if you are in the area: recommended.
A Great Port In A Storm
Sorry to be away again for a while, but an unexpected business trip has reared its head. However, it has led to an unexpected find that I will gladly share with you.
I found myself needing shelter after some 13 hours of travel, and after the experience with the Knights Inn, I was a bit concerned with what I might find. It is a pleasure to report that I found a good place at a good price in West Lafayette, IN: The EconoLodge. Not a four star, but a good bed, clean room, refrigerator and coffee maker, in great repair. It was just what was needed for the night, and is one I will recommend to one and all.
Great Travel Apps: Hop Stop
The times change, and instead of bulky books and guides, today’s traveler is armed with smartphones, tablets, and notebooks that can provide everything that the books used to provide — only much more up-to-date and with a depth and breadth of service impossible before. That is, when one has the right apps and related.
One app I can highly recommend for use in major cities, particularly New York (where I used it extensively) is HopStop. This was recommended to me by someone who lives in NYC and used it extensively to get around.
The interface is good, and the directions given were superior to some given by people who were supposed to know how to get around. Yes, I did test and compare, and can tell you that I will be using it there and in other cities it covers as needed.
The drawback to it so far is that the cities covered are limited for now, but that’s not a bad thing. I would rather them take the time, do it as well and right as is done for NYC, than to see them drop quality simply to add more cities.
Highly recommended!
Avoid At All Costs (AAAC!): Knights Inn, Ft. Bragg
While I much prefer to talk about the good things I find in my travels, there are also times when that just can’t happen. Sometimes, something is so hideous that about the only thing you can say is Avoid At All Costs! (AAAC!).
That is the case with the Knights Inn at 2848 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC — not too far from Ft. Bragg. I found it through a reputable travel site, and there were some good reviews of it — along with a decent looking room in the photo.
Well, I don’t know where that room was, but it sure wasn’t mine and I never saw anything around there that looked like it could be it. The best I will say about it is that I saw no bedbugs, and believe me I searched long and hard for them given the condition of the rest of the room. Dingy, smokey, stains in interesting places, and looking like something a crack whore would snicker at.
The staff I talked to didn’t know the area, and were not what I would call terribly helpful. I didn’t have much choice but to spend one night there, but left for something better the next day. No refund on the two-day pre-paid stay either.
Maybe there are indeed better rooms there, but don’t risk it. Save yourselves. AAAC!
Tap, Tap, Tap
This thing still on?
Yes, it has been a while. There is much to tell, though how much of it should be told is a different matter. That said, we are back.
Please stand by
Vegas Bound
Yes, the silence has been longer than planned. There is much to share, but first a new trip is underway that sends your humble scribe towards Sin City. Not guaranteed, but I am hoping for a very special meal tonight, as well as the chance to catch up with some friends on this trip.
Hope to see one and all at Blog World and the #TECHmunch panels.
Back Soon
Things exploded at the day job, which has caused things here to go on hold. I will be back, and soon, with more on food, drink, travel, and more.
Good Vietnamese Cuisine
After the suckitude that was yesterday’s lunch, I wanted something good and decided to try something new-to-me, a local Viet restaurant. While I won’t speak to certain fish sauces, the food is good and can be downright excellent. The last truly good I had was about ten years ago in Philadelphia.
That changed today. GreenLeaf Vietnamese Cuisine in West Lafayette, IN, is good. The Pho was something I wish I had found this winter. In fact, the Pho Tái Bò Viên was good enough I just about tipped the large bowl up and just drank the broth that way at the end. The beef balls and steak were good, but the combination of it (and some extra peppers and a bit of lime) was quite tasty.
The spring rolls I got as an appetizer were made fresh, and the peanut sauce served with them devine. Not your average spring roll, and a reminder of what a good Vietnamese spring roll can be.
Service was excellent, and my host/waiter/etc. (he seemed to have multiple duties) gave good information and suggestions, and service.
This I can recommend, and I will be going back soon I hope to sample more.
Oh, as for yesterday, let’s just say that I went to a place I hadn’t been in a year (consider it the worst of its particular ethnic cuisine in the area) to give it another try. Net result was a lunch that ended up sending me home from work, and had even the dog asking to stay out in the heat and away from me. You won’t find it on any of my food lists or reviews, that’s for sure.
GreenLeaf — recommended.
Three Buck Chuck, and a Quick Update
Sorry for the silence, but the day job has taken some interesting twists of late, and the charity work has taken most of the time not claimed by the jungle/lawn. That said, I do have some new to share after a trip this weekend, so stay tuned.
One thing the weekend did was take me near both a Whole Foods and a Trader Joe’s. At the latter, I picked up several bottles of what used to be two-buck-chuck and is now three-buck-chuck.
Even with the price increase, three-buck-chuck may not be great wine, but it is a great value for the price. Against bargain wines it more than holds its own, and can do fair against some that sell for $10-$15 a bottle.
They are well worth checking out, and I’m glad I had the chance to try them again.
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