Outback Steakhouse

Why do I keep trying... The Outback Steakhouse, located on University Pkwy and State St. in Orem, has let me down yet again. Today I ordered the Prime Rib dinner 16oz cut and the Seared Ahi Tuna. The Tuna was Fabulous with both dipping sauces I can't say anything more about it, it was just very tasty, the fish was delicate and flavorful.
Now on to the Steak. For a steak house this was the worst prime rib I ever had. It reminded me a lot of Prime Rib you would get at an all you can eat Buffet in a casino. The steak was very tough and lacked flavor. The toughness could be attributed to the grade of the meat, it being Select rather then Choice, or it was the way they cooked it. Now I have cooked many Prime Rib's in my career, they have mostly been Choice Grade. I have been complimented on the tenderness and, most of all, the flavor. On rare occasions I prepared Select Grade and although it had less fat and marbling I was still able to make it a lot more tender then what I had tonight. Seasoning your food is just a standard and the most important part of cooking. For a big chain restaurant like this to forget to season, or even omit their seasoning all together, is in excusable. Two of the members of my party had the Tilapia dish (really? ordering fish at a Steak House?) it was very well prepared, moist, light, flaky, and seasoned very nicely, just the way it should be. It's very rare that you can get good fish at a Steak House. The last member of our party ordered the NZ rack of lamb. It too came out better then my Prime Rib. It had a nice crust, cooked to a very decent Med. Rare. The seasoning was spot on, it didn't need any adjustments.
Over all the experience was lack luster. The service was not very inviting, and it lacked personal attention. I sure didn't feel like I was Down Under throwing another Shrimp on the Barbi. (I have been to Australia and they are a lot more friendly then they were at Outback Steakhouse.)
So if you are getting the urge to head Down Under, stay away from the Prime Rib and try the T-bone!

A Hui Hou,
The Hungry Hawaiian

Maria Bonita Restaurant.

Aloha Readers,

So I have visited this little restaurant located 800N and State in Orem Utah. As we all know Utah is not know for it's culinary delights, but this little taste of Mexico is just a hidden jewel in a town of Franchise. It's decor and ambiance reminds me of sitting in a little place in Mazatlan Mexico, sipping on a Margarita enjoying the ocean air. The Menu is large and diverse and it will take you a bit to find what you are looking for, be assured what you are looking for is in there. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. Come hungry because they really load up your plate. Be patient and enjoy the Chips and Salsa because it will take some time for you to get your meal. It is worth the wait. I tried the Poncho Villa dish and let me tell you this is a meal for two. I am Hawaiian and yes I do have a large appetite, but this is one dish I could not finish there was so much there, but every morsel of the dish was delightful.

When you go out and you are looking to try something new, take a mini-vacation to Maria Bonita's and enjoy the Comida.

Gracias,

A Hui Hou
The Hungry Hawaiian.