Atlantis Burgers, American Fork - Devin

A few weeks back a coworker and I were stopped by a Greek Warrior asking to speak with our secretary.  I explained that we didn't have one in this satellite office and my curiosity got the better of me and asked if we could help. The Warrior launched into a tale of how he was on leave from Atlantis Burgers to recruit new people to try their cuisine.  Instantly my ears perked up and told him not to fear that we would try his burgers.  The time has arrived and I went on my solo mission to achieve my glory. I ordered the signature Atlantis Burger and set to work.

• Taste: 4 - I enjoyed the taste of the pastrami on the burger paddy. It was a bit to greasy for a higher score.
• Quality: 4 - Pastrami, Shredded Lettuce, Burger were all good quality.
• Value: 3.5 - I got exactly what I expected, a higher quality fast food burger
• Overall Satisfaction - 4 - Had Some Razzle Dazzle  - It was out quick and delicious.

All in all it is a good place to grab a burger and go. It is still relatively new so it is slowly establishing itself and its identity.  I went with the combo meal and loved their fries. 

Zupas, American Fork - Devin

The Triad was craving something that was fresh and not a huge hit on the calorie count.  After much deliberation we all decided to head over to Zupas next to Target in American Fork. We arrived at 11:30 to beat the lunch rush and received prompt service and received our meals for our reviews. I choose the Chicken Enchilada Chili with a Turkey Bacon Avocado panini.

• Soup Taste – 4.5 The Chicken Enchilada Chili was a hit with me but I wouldn't say I need it daily to survive.
• Panini Taste - 4 The Turkey Bacon Avocado was delicious but hard to keep together.
• Soup Quality – 4 Has some razzle dazzle. It was good and fresh, but nothing out of this world.
• Panini Quality -  4 I liked knowing that it was made fresh and not sitting under some heat lamp all day.
• Soup Value – 3 Let's just be friends – I thought it was a bit pricey, but still good.
• Panini Value - 3 Let's just be friends – I thought it was a bit pricey, but still good.
• Overall Experience – 4 – Back to just being friends. It is a bit out of my budget to be a weekly visit but good taste and quality make it a repeat.

Anyone who loves a good lunch will enjoy the variety of food of Zupas.

Sushi House, American Fork - Rebi

This is from our guest critic Rebi:

Today was my lucky day and I got to spend lunch hour (or two) with my son. We were feeling adventurous and decided to head to the Sushi House. We got there about 11:30 and the restaurant was just starting to fill up with the lunch crowd. We were quickly seated and our hostess promptly got our drinks. This was my first experience here and we tried the all you can eat sushi bar. The lunch special includes twenty different rolls as well as nigiri sushi.

Taste – 4 Everything we tried was good. Warning - your only option of an eating utensil is the provided chopsticks which made it hard to pick up some of the rolls with out breaking them apart before you can get them safely into your mouth.

Quality 4 – The ingredients seemed fresh and not too fishy. The Sushi House is located in an old Denny’s restaurant and so you shouldn’t expect much in the way of décor. No decorations except the token china doll on the counter as we left. It is a bit dark inside, they could turn on a few more lights.

Value 5 – It was great for me because I was treated to lunch by my son. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Overall 4 – I would definitely return, even if I was paying. The service was prompt and the food was tasty.

DP Cheesesteaks, American Fork - April

Today one of our beloved Triad members forgot his lunch. Therefore, he talked us into trying DP Cheesesteaks. My choice of these yummy sandwiches was the six-inch Garlic Steak, without tomatoes. For those who do not know, tomatoes are the devil, in my opinion. However, who doesn't love a bowl of freshly made salsa?

The restaurant décor offers a sports bar feel. You order at one end of the bar and pick your food up at the opposite end. The colors are a dark wood feel, with some brick accents. However, the place was clean and the line ahead of us moved quickly. Now, down to the nitty-gritty!

• Taste – 4 The Garlic Steak offered some razzle dazzle, but I wouldn't say it was amazing.
• Quality – 4 Again I'll say we have some razzle dazzle. It was good and fresh, but nothing spectacular.
• Value – 3 Let's just be friends – I thought it was a bit pricey, but still good.
• Overall Experience – 4 – Back to just being friends. I would go there again, but it was not my favorite place. I have nothing bad to say about this play, it is mostly about my taste buds.

Anyone who loves a good cheese steak sandwich will enjoy the variety of food of DP Cheesesteaks.

DP Cheesesteak, American Fork - Devin

Once again I forgot my lunch and thought that it was time to go review another restaurant.   I rounded up the Triad and invited a special guest from the office Sr. A. Caliente.  We had good things about a cheesesteak place that is just around the corner from us. We decided this would be the next restaurant on our list and headed to DP Chessesteak.

The rain was coming down hard but we were committed to the cause.  Entering DP Cheesesteak you felt like you had just stepped into the Lunch rush in Philadelphia. We were at the end of the line but within 5 minutes we were at the front. 

I ordered the Philly Bleu $$ and overall satisfaction was a 4, held true to the cheese steak name!

• Taste: 4.5 - The mix with Bleu cheese and the Cheesesteak hit the spot, I also added some buffalo sauce to add some pizazz.
• Quality: 4 - The bread was soft and the sandwich was heavenly.
• Value: 3 -I got the 9 inch sandwich and a drink which was a little on the steep side.
• Overall Satisfaction - 4.5 - We Have Somethin Here  - It was out quick and delicious.

I would recommend heading out to DP Cheesesteaks is worth the trip.

Fong's, American Fork - April

The Triad had a hankerin' for some good Asian food, so off to Fong's we went!

While the diner has the feel of a 50's style, the food was excellent. I ordered the Chicken Coconut Curry $ lunch special. The presentation was nice in a Bento box. However, I was truly happy because this lunch special is different than ordering a Bento Box, in that you do not get a California Roll.

• Taste - 4.5 – We have something here. The taste was authentic and great.
• Quality – 4.5 – We have something here. Food was freshly prepared and tasted great.
• Value – 5 – I was overwhelmed with awesomeness! A perfect amount of food for an excellent price.
• Overall Satisfaction – 4.5 – We have something here. This place is great for offering an Asian dish.

We had a great server who was friendly and kept our drink glasses full. I would definitely recommend Fong's in American Fork.

DP Cheesesteaks Review – Alma

This is from our guest critic Alma:

On a rainy day I joined Hamiltons crew for a nice hot Cheese Steak sandwich from DP Cheesesteaks. Since my first trip to this establishment was not the best experience I was hesitant about what to expect this time around. This time around I was much more pleased with the food quality and taste.

During my first trip to DP Cheesesteaks I went off the beaten path with my food choice, so I decided to go with a more classic flavor and choice this time around: The Whiz Steak Sandwich. This concept of the sandwich is easy enough: standard steak and onions used in all cheese steak sandwiches, then add Cheese Whiz. While the thought is somewhat less appealing I find that the sweet-and-savory combination suits my pallet rather well. The cheese, meat and bread combination was just right, neither flavor overwhelmed the other. The fresh bread was perfect for a cheese steak sandwich, firm with a great flavor. As I made my way through the sandwich the bread became softer, but not soggy as it absorbed juices from the meat making each bite even better than the last.

I would have to give DP CheeseSteak a total rating of 3.5 out of 5. If I were to base my decision just on this one trip, however, I would give it a 4 – 4.5 rating. Another trip to DP Cheesesteaks is definitely in my future, will they disappoint like the first trip, or will they receive and official 4+ rating from this reviewer?

Rib City, American Fork - Devin

We had a horrible case of the Tuesday, so the Terrible Triad hit the street to uncover the best of Utah County.  I had a hankerin for some delicious BBQ, so we headed over to Rib City.

I have sampled their cuisine in the past and thought it would hit the spot. We were promptly seated and asked what was our choice of drink. When my water came back, the straw was maybe a 1/8 of inch out of the glass.  This is one of my biggest pet peeves at restaurants and I should have taken that as a sign of what to come. 

I ordered the Turkey Skyscraper and Chocolate, Chocolate Mania $$$ and overall satisfaction was a 2, sadly it crumbled under pressure!

• Taste: 3 - It was bread and meat only. The meat was delicious, but the bread was a tad dry.
• Quality: 2 - The baked beans seemed store bought and the sandwich was over rated. Only reason this is a 2 and not a 1 is the Chocolate, Chocolate Mania was good.
• Value: 1 -The Skyscraper was way over priced and didn't tower over anything.  The baked beans were as good as the ones from the store. The fries where OK, but not special.
• Overall Satisfaction - 2.5 - Rather Rub My Grandmas Bunions - It was a disappointment that I didn't want.

I would recommend that once is enough for Rib City.

Rib City, American Fork - April

Today the Terrible Triad chose to go to Rib City in American Fork for lunch. I tried to talk Devin out of it, but once again, he insisted on having his way.

I ordered a lunch plate consisting of 1/4 of barbecue chicken, water and the chocolate chocolate dessert. $$$ The server asked "What two sides would you like?" Assuming I had an included choice, I asked for a salad. She stated that it would be "just a little bit extra." When the bills came, for the second time, my salad was an additional $2.49. To me, that is a bit more than "just a little bit extra."

A sound that should never be heard in any restaurant in the slurping of a nice cool beverage coming to an end. Unfortunately, I heard this at Rib City. Worse than that, I felt it. The service was adequate, but not overly great.

• Taste 3 - I liked the fact that Rib City offers a few different barbecue sauces on their table. However, the Cole slaw was less than ideal when it came to flavor.
• Quality 2 - I'd rather rub Grandma's bunions on this one. While the chocolate cake was good, they used Hershey's syrup for the additional chocolate taste. When I eat out, I want real food, not something I can whip up at home.
• Value 1 - The cost of this meal was something I would have expected to pay at an upper scale restaurant.
• Overall 2 - Overall I would much rather rub Grandma's bunions that head back to Rib City, in American Fork.
  

La Costa, American Fork - Devin

The Terrible Triad decided that it need to add some spice to out lunch and headed over to a Mexican lunch at La Costa.


As soon as we entered the restaurant we greeted by a fun atmosphere with an upbeat Latino groove. I loved how the decor added to our experience and enough light to see the person sitting across from you.  Right after we were seated we received some complementary chips, salsa, and bean dip.  It was all fresh and delicious.

I ordered the La Costa Burrito $$ and overall satisfaction was a 4, the Force is strong with this one!

• Taste: 4.5 - We have something here. It almost made me get up and start Salsa dancing.
• Quality: 4 - Quality was well worth the trip!
• Value: 4 - Had some razzle dazzle. The food was well prepared, service was top notch, and super clean restaurant.
• Overall Satisfaction - 4 - pretty awesome. The atmosphere and the food make this one of the best Mexican restaurants in Utah County.

If you are in American Fork looking for Mexican food this is the place.

La Costa, American Fork, Utah - April

Today the Terrible Triad had a spur of the moment Mexican lunch at La Costa.

I must say over all I was quite impressed. I enjoyed the bright atmosphere. It is nice to be able to actually see what you are eating. The staff was pleasant and very accommodating. Upon arrival at our table we were greeted with a bowl of homemade chips, fresh salsa and warm bean dip.

I ordered the Enchilada Verde $$ and overall satisfaction was a 5, pretty awesome!

• Taste: 4.5 - We have something here. It was tasteful, but could have had a bit more spice to it.
• Quality: 5 - Quality was pretty awesome!
• Value: 4 - Had some razzle dazzle. The portion was just right - I left the table feeling full, but not uncomfortably stuffed - which is always nice.
• Overall Satisfaction - 5 - pretty awesome. All in all I liked this place and my food.

I would recommend La Costa to my friends who are in the mood for a good Mexican dish!

Thai Village, American Fork, Utah - Devin

April has been craving curry all this week so we gave in and headed out to Thai Village. We rolled out with looking to score some delicious Thai without breaking the bank.

The staff at Thai Village recognized us immediately and know we are serious when it comes to our food. Our waiter quickly took our orders and in no time we were eating.  The circa 1990 music made my day as I enjoyed my delicious food.

On to the rating of Masaman Curry $$:

• Taste: 4.5 - We have somethin here! I love peanut taste with the coconut milk!
• Quality:4.5 -We have somethin here! It hit the spot!
  
• Value: 4.5 - We have somethin here! The lunch special size is perfect for me and not over priced.
• Over All - 4.5 - Thai done right.

Solid place to enjoy lunch with your co-workers or a client.

Thai Village, American Fork, Utah - April

I've been feeling in the mood for curry since last week. So I talked the group into going to Thai Village for lunch today. I'm not an expert on curry, yet, but I do like it.

The waitresses at Thai Village are picking up that The Triad are becoming regulars and we like our curry. Today our water glasses were kept full - something that is a definite plus in my book. The worst sound you can hear at a restaurant is the slurp of an ice cold beverage coming to an end, with no refill in sight!

On to the rating of Red Curry $$:

• Taste: 5 - I am overwhelmed! It was the perfect blend of spices!
• Quality: 5 - I am overwhelmed! Again I state that I am not a curry critic yet, but this is some good stuff!
  
• Value: 4.5 - We have somethin here! While the prices are in line with other restaurants, they do serve a good sized lunch special. Of course it would be better if the prices were lower - but that goes without saying.
• Over All - 5 - The atmosphere is nice. The staff is nice and efficient. Food always comes out hot and quickly.
  

I would recommend Thai Village and the Red Curry to any one of my friends!

Bajio - Pleasant Grove, Utah - April

Yesterday we decided to have a group lunch for a colleague's birthday. I won't mention any names, because she knows who she is and I'm sure she is reading this. As hard as I tried to talk her into something different, she wanted to go to Bajio in Pleasant Grove.

I ordered a Burrito Bowl thinking it was a safe bet. I mean they do specialize in burritos, right? What was I thinking?! While it was all edible, it was not my first choice in food items! Here is my ranking on the Bajio Burrito Bowl $$:

• Taste: 3 - yeah let's keep this one at just friends!
• Quality: 2 - Grandma's bunions would have been more fun than the quality of this dish!
• Value: 2.5 - Cleaning toilets is should to be a better value than this meal!
• Overall Satisfaction: 1.5 - Where is the battery acid?

The table we sat at seemed to have a sticky film on it. Although it was clean, our arms stuck to the table. Seriously? The atmosphere was noisy because of the acoustics. However, the lighting system was entertaining! They have huge lanterns hanging from the ceiling that appeared more like metal planters with holes drilled into them.

I would not recommend this to my friends!