C Staples - BBQ Chicken Dinner

Charlie Staples Chicken And Ribs

Charlies Staples BBQ restaurant has been around Youngstown for many years serving his own special blend of BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Pulled pork, and even Fish. This evening I was in the mood for chicken.

The restaurant was crowded, must have been a party happening that evening. (Wink) I made my way to my table and was quickly approached by our waitress who asked us for our orders. Very nice waitress and very fast service. I commend them for such service on such a bust evening.

The dinner consisted of four pieces of chicken smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce, two pieces of bread, and french fries. I received a breast, leg, thigh, and wing. The breast was the main part, and was fair sized and meaty. All the pieces were well cooked. The BBQ sauce just tangy enough to let you know you were dining in a BBQ restaurant.

The fries were surprisingly good. Well cooked and crunchy enough. I left the white bread alone.
The cost was just under $10 dollars with a diet Coke which was very reasonable.

The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 3.5 out of 5 shots and recommends C Staples Restaurant  for dinner.

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Longhorn Steakhouse - Filet Mignon

Longhorn Steakhouse

 The city of Youngstown has plenty of restaurants to choose from with many good steak houses. Longhorn Steakhouse in Boardman, Ohio was our selection for dinner tonight. We were seated quickly and our waitress came over to take our drink orders. A few minutes later she took our dinner orders

Salad

Our salads were delivered to our table. The salad was standard fare. It was fresh, had adequate lettuce and tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and several assorted other greens. The good thing about the salad was that it was fresh. That goes a long way.

Longhorn Rolls

The rolls were delivered at the same time as the salads. The rolls were warm, fresh, and appeared to be home made. They tasted very good as the butter melted right into the dough.

Loaded Potato Soup

One of my favorite types of soup is potato soup. Longhorns version of potato soup had of course chunks of potatoes in a creamy sauce. A sprinkling of bacon bits, shredded cheese, and some chives. The soup was very good, not the best, but very good.

Filet Mignon

Of course, when you are in a steakhouse, you order the steak. I selected the Filet Mignon and loaded baked potato. I asked for medium well done and to butterfly the steak. In less than 15 minutes, my filet was delivered to our table. It was cooked perfectly. BTW, this is the 9 ounce filet, and it was juicy and tender and bursting with flavor. There was not one iota of fat on this steak. It ranks up in the top 5% of filets.

The baked potato was well cooked. I hate when the potato is only halfway cooked and hard in the center. This one was hot and flavorful, with plenty of butter, melted cheese, and enough bacon covering the top to compliment the entire taste of the potato.

Strawberry Cheesecake

Feeling saucy, I went for dessert. I was full from all the food but the cheese cake looked intriguing. I ordered a slice. I wanted cherry cheese cake but alas, they did not have that on the menu. The closest they could get was strawberry sauce. The dessert capped off an almost perfect dinner. The cost of the dinner was right around $30 dollars not including tip but including dessert.

Also a plus was that Longhorn offers Coke Zero. I see more and more restaurants are offering this most excellent diet soft drink. Zero calories but all the Coca-Cola taste.

The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 4.5 out of 5 shots and recommends Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner.

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Hungry Howie's - Calzone

Hurry - Its Dying

A new fast food delivery restaurant opened up in Youngstown recently. It looked like a typical pizza joint place, and being the blue plate special king, decided to try them out.

I used the flyer that was in my mailbox and called in my take out order. I ordered the above item, which by the menu is a sausage and cheese calzone.

Pickup was painless, the order was ready, and it was correct. When I got home, I unwrapped my dinner and found this. A big blob of soggy dough, cheese, sauce, and what appeared to be rabbit turds.

The taste was, well, terrible. A soggy mess of ingredients congealing wrapped up in a box. I cannot confirm if it was sausage or rabbit turds. Or cheese for that matter. However, the sauce was plain tomato paste, no spice whatsoever.

The Grassy Knoll Diner awards 1.25 shots out of 5 and does not recommend Hungry Howie's for lunch or dinner.

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Halloween Pumpkin Cookies - Home Made

Trick Or Treat

 Forget about all the chocolate candy and sugared candy you get for Trick Or Treat. For me, it's all about the cookies. As in home made cookies. Made in the shape of Halloween pumpkins. Add a healthy coating of orange and green frosting and you have the makings of a very tasty cookie.

Beginning November 1st, I will be updating the Grassy Knoll Diner daily with dishes from Youngstown, Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Houston, and San Francisco.

The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 5 out of 5 shots and recommends  Home made Halloween Cookies for a treat.

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Youngstown Zombie Crawl 2011

Youngstown, Ohio held it's third annual Zombie Crawl last night as hundreds of locals donned their zombie clothes and painted up their faces to prepare for the zombie apocalypse. Naturally, it began at dusk as the zombie horde that was gathered at the bottom of the "Peanut" bridge began their march over the bridge.

The zombie horde reached the other side of the bridge and they slowly filtered onto West Federal Street en-route to the town square where a select few zombies would perform Michael Jackson's classic song, Thriller.

After the very entertaining performance of Thriller, the zombies began to collect once again to begin their zombie crawl. I caught this one screeching zombie as he walked the city streets of Youngstown.

The third annual Youngstown Zombie Crawl was a huge success. At the start of the crawl, there were enough zombies walking to cover the entire bridge as they approached West Federal Street. There were also hundreds of spectators lining the bridge and streets as the zombies paraded by. Certainly a fun time was had by all.

Happy Halloween

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Taco Bell Taquito’s

Do they Even Make These Anymore

Well you knew I would get around to this some day. Taco Bell has a new item on their menu, (Seems to have something new every month) the Taquito that comes in two styles, the chicken or steak Taquito.

Basically, it's a grilled soft taco shell wrapped with chicken wedges with melted cheese all for only 99 cents.

As far as fast food fare goes, the Taquito wasn't bad. It was hot, with enough chicken and cheese except at the end of the shell, which was empty.

The cost, at 99 cents, it was a good deal for a fast food pick me up type of meal.

Reluctantly, the Grassy Knoll Diner awards 2.5 out of 5 shots to Taco Bell Taquiot's and recommends them for late night dinner.

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Never To Early To Prepare For The Zombie Apocalypse

It's never to early to begin training your offspring to defend themselves against the impending Zombie apocalypse. When the out break does occur, the living will need every gun available.

The Zombie Apocalypse begins in Youngstown, Ohio October 22nd, 2011 at the bottom of the Peanut bridge. Be there to witness it.

Happy Halloween

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Pizza Joe's - Breakfast Pizza

A Breakfast Pizza 

Usually when I think of pizza, it's for lunch or dinner. When Mike, Rocket Scientist #9 told me about Pizza Joe's breakfast pizza, I had to try it.

As you can see, it is a traditional round pizza, 12 inch size, with regular crust. Instead of pizza sauce and traditional toppings, the breakfast pizza was topped with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.

The pizza was in a traditional box (The word traditional was on sale today so I bought it in surplus) and cut in a traditional 8 slice. And of course the pizza was traditionally hot.

The crust was crunchy, not soggy, and the toppings well cooked. I was a little skeptical at first about the taste, but it was very good. It was like a breakfast omelette without the grease smell or taste or sogginess.

The cost was $8 which was a dollar a slice which was very reasonable. With McDonald's bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit costing around $2 dollars, the pizza was a bargain.

The Grassy Knoll Diner awards 4 out of 5 shots and recommends Pizza Joe's breakfast pizza.

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Bob Evans - Bacon Omelette - Take Out

Got To Break A Few Eggs

Sunday morning, the Lead Scientist of the Grassy Knoll Institute surprised us with breakfast take out from the local Bob Evans restaurant in Boardman, Ohio.

My order was a Bacon omelette ala carte. No hash browns, or toast, just the omelette.
The omelette was quite large, cooked well, with plenty of bacon sprinkled on the outside and plenty inside. It was topped with a light coating of cheese.

The take out container was a little above standard fare, a sturdy plastic container that didn't smash the food beyond recognition.
The omelette was hot, fresh, and with a little pepper for flavoring was very good tasting.

The Grassy Knoll Diner awards 4 out of 5 shots and recommends Bob Evans for breakfast.

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Moore's Tavern - Cheeseburger Take Out

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Bruno’s - Large Cheese Pizza

Bruno Brothers Large Cheese Pizza Southern Park Mall

The Southern Park Mall, located in Boardman, Ohio, is the home of Bruno's Pizza shop. They offer several items on their menu, but always go with the home choice. You have the option to order by the slice or the entire pie. Be prepared for a 15-20 minute wait for the entire pie but slices are usually ready after a few minutes in the oven to reheat.

We called in advance for an 18 inch New York style cheese pizza. (New York style is thin crusted pizza) It was ready when we arrived. The pizza box was sturdy, not a flimsy grease seeping out of the bottom type of box. It was well cooked, hot, and the cheese plentiful. The crust was not soggy, nor burnt. And most importantly the pizza slices were cut all the way through. The cost was $17 dollars.

The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 3.25 out of 5 shots and recommends Bruno's Pizza for dinner.

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Jimmy Johns - Turkey Bacon Cheese Sub

Jimmy Johns Subs Boardman Ohio

Jimmy John's shares a building with 5 Guys restaurant across the street from the southern Park mall. Patty (My darling wife) told me about Jimmy John's in Youngstown and raved about it. We decided to try the Boardman location. Walking in, we were the only customers, seating to the right empty, no one in the drive through, but that is OK.

There were five employee's inside behind the counter and they were all very pleasant. One asked us if we were ready to order.I ordered a turkey, cheese, and bacon sandwich. I asked if they toasted but they do not.

Jimmy Johns Turkey Cheese And Bacon Sandwich

In a few minutes, our order was up and we took our sandwiches to a table. Opening the sandwich, this is what I saw.
Bacon: Five full slices. Cold.
Cheese: Two thin slices of American cheese.
Turkey: Two thin slices of turkey breast.
Bread: The bun was home made, very fresh and good. Size was approximately 8 inches.
Not there: No fries are offered, only chips. 

I will say the sandwich tasted good. Not great, not bad, but good. Perhaps if there were a couple more slices of turkey and cheese and the option to have it toasted, it would have been an outstanding sandwich.

The cost with a diet coke was just under $7 dollars. The table was clean, in fact, the entire restaurant was clean. That is always a plus. 

Jimmy Johns Counter Service

While we were eating our sandwiches, the radio was playing over speakers. One song was by the Police, with Sting singing Roxanne, you don't have to put on the red light. If you know the song, Sting (The singer) really accentuates the word Roxanne. I know the song well, and when the Roxanne verse came around, I would belt out "Roxanne" along with Sting. Patty told me to stop singing. I was used to it. Ever since first grade, I was told by the teachers that I shouldn't be singing.

Anyway, a minute later, we over heard the gentleman behind the counter that took our order singing Roxanne. He accentuated "Roxanne" the same as I did. Patty and I looked over and smiled and laughed and he looked a tad embarrassed. He smiled and continued on his singing doing his job. A good time was had by all.

The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 3.25 out of 5 shots and recommends Jimmy John's subs for dinner.

P.S. We will return in the near future. Perhaps Iron Butterfly will be playing on the radio. In A Godda Da Vida Baby....

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Steak N Shake - Cheeseburger And Fries

Steak N Shake Double Cheeseburger

About 15 years ago there was a fast food restaurant in Boardman, Ohio called G.D. Ritzys. It reminded me of another old time restaurant open in the 1960's and 70's, Mister Wheelers. Both Ritzys and Wheelers had some fantastic cheeseburgers and unique french fries. Steak N Shake is close to these restaurants.

I pulled in to the parking lot and found myself inside Steak N Shake. I took a seat at the counter and the waitress took my order almost immediately. Of course, I ordered the double cheeseburger and fries.

From my vantage point at the counter, I watched the grill boy take two balls of hamburger and slap it on the grill. Using his spatula he smashed them into very thin patties. A couple minutes later he flipped them over and placed a slice of cheese on top of each patty. It looked just as Ritzys and Wheelers burgers looked. A minute later, my fries were being shuffled into a cardboard box and my burger was being wrapped in a paper sack. (A good omen indeed) I paid the cashier, cost was just under $6 dollars which included a drink and drove home.

The cheeseburger was hot, well cooked, the bun fresh and not soggy, and the cheese melted. The taste was one of the best fast food burgers on the market today. They call it a steak burger, but they are all hamburger meat. The burger was juicy and tasted very good. The show string fries were plentiful, more than i anticipated, well cooked, a little salty, but very good tasting. This meal brought back memories of the old Mister Wheelers restaurant from so long ago.

The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 4 out of 5 shots and recommends  Steak N Shake double cheeseburger for lunch and dinner.

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Belleria Restaurant - Fried Haddock Dinner

Belleria Italian Bread

Belleria is a very nice and friendly restaurant in Youngstown. They have the standard fare entrees but with their own special touch. Patty and I decided on fried haddock dinners. At Belleria, you seat yourselves and we were lucky enough to find an open booth. The waitress dropped off some menu's and took our drink order. A few minutes later fresh Italian bread was delivered to our table. The bread was fresh, still warm, and very delicious.

A Little Sparse Salad

As I said previously, we were hankering for haddock and the waitress took our order and I added fried cheese sticks for an appetizer. In less than five minutes our salads were at our table. As you can see, it wasn't a big salad, but it was fresh and it did the job.

Cheese Logs

As soon as we finished our salads, our fried cheese with sauce arrived. There were five pieces and a zesty spaghetti sauce. However, notice the smallness in size of the sauce container. It was not enough for all five pieces. The cheese was well breaded and cooked and with the sauce was very good tasting.

Belleria Fried Haddock Dinner

Like clock work our fish dinners were brought to our table as soon as the appetizer was finished. I must say, it was very good service. And friendly. The haddock was a generous portion and breaded nicely. It wasn't as thick as other haddock planks but good nonetheless. It wasn't greasy or smelly but light and flaky. A little lemon and pepper and it was ready to go. The fries were fresh cut and well cooked. A packet of tartar sauce was also present on the plate which I completely ignored.

The price was reasonable, around $10 dollars for the dinner. The cheese sticks were around $4.50 which wasn't bad, except for to less of sauce. Soft drink added and this could all be yours for around $16 dollars not including tip.

The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 3.75 out of 5 shots and recommends Belleria's Fried Haddock Dinner for dinner.

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Scarsella's Italian Restaurant - Fried Cod Dinner

Scarsella Restaurant Italian Bread

Scarcella’s Restaurant in Youngstown has been a classic Italian Restaurant for decades and is one that we often frequent especially during the Lent season.

Scarcella’s has the feel of an authentic Italian restaurant. The seating is sparse but just enough. We were seated right away and bread and butter were brought right out. The bread was Italian of course and was fresh and tasted good.

Scarsella's Restaurant Youngstown Ohio Salad

A salad comes With every dinner at Scarsella’s. It is standard fare, a little cheese, lettuce, carrots, tomato. It was good.

Youngstown Scarsellas Home Made Fried Cheese

As an appetizer, I ordered Scarsella’s fried cheese with sauce. In the Youngstown area, all fried cheese is compared to the original Antone’s restaurant fried cheese. Scarsella’s fried cheese holds its own as the taste was very good, the portion adequate, and the sauce zesty and plentiful.

Youngstown Scarsellas Fried Fish Dinner

Fried Cod And Shell Dinner To the main course. In less than 15 minutes, our fish dinners were delivered to our table. The order was fried cod with a side of shells and sauce. The breading was well cooked and crunchy, not soggy like many other fish dinners. The cod was fresh and not greasy. The shells well cooked and plentiful with the same zesty sauce from the fried cheese.
The cost without tip was right around $10 dollars which was a fair deal considering the portion size and quality cooking.

The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 3.5 out of 5 shots and recommends Scarsella’s Italian Restaurant for dinner. Especially during Lent.

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Boots Bell - Video Killed The Radio Star

And now we meet in an abandoned studio.
We hear the playback and it seems so long ago.
And you remember how the jingles used to go.
Video killed the radio star.

The Buggles had the pleasure of being the first rock band with the very first MTV music video airing August 1st, 1981. (30 years ago today) With that video, it ushered in a new culture of music, a new British invasion, and FM radio was on it’s last legs. Today, in 2011, just try to view a music video on MTV. They don’t show them anymore. The technology and viewing pattern has again changed. MTV has become reality TV. Sad, very sad.

Nowadays, with the CD player, MP3 player, On-board MyGig systems, Jump drives, streaming audio and video, and Youtube, is it any wonder that the FM radio disc jockey is almost extinct. Does anyone really listen to the radio anymore? To Kasy Kassems weekly top 40 hits? Does anyone out there know what I'm talking about?

In the 1960′s and 70′s, in my home town of Boardman, Ohio, the cool music was played on W.H.O.T. 1330 AM radio and later switched to FM in the 1970′s. Boots Bell was one of the highest profile disc jockeys in the area. He was one of the "Good Guys" on the air at W.H.O.T. The rest of the good guys were, George Barry, Smoochie Causey, Johnny Kay, Dick Thompson, and Jerry Starr.

Each DJ, (Disc jockey) had their own style and tag lines and we would tune in to not only listen to the records they would spin, but also the one liners and jargon from the DJ's. One of Boots Bells tag lines were, "Yes indeedy doody daddy."

Every week at the record store, Yes, back then people would actually go to a record store and buy their favorite 45's and albums. At the check out counter would be the W.H.O.T. Fabulous 50 Tunedex hits of the week. The only complete, accurate, and official music survey in the Youngstown, Ohio area. The list on the left is for the week of July 26th, 1965.

As only befitting, thirty years ago today, video killed the radio star. Five years ago, Youtube and Reality TV killed the video star.
You can click on the picture on the left to enlarge so you can read the top 50 tunes, or just keep reading below if your browser doesn't re-size or if you are to numbed from watching all the Teen Mom and Jersey Shore reality programs.

Top 50 From July 26, 1965
1. I’m Henry The 8th I Am – Herman’s Hermits
2. What’s New Pussycat – Tom Jones
3. Hold Me Thrill Me – Mel Carter
4. I Like It Like That – Dave Clark Five
5. Marie – The Bachelors
6. Satisfaction – Rolling Stones
7. Cara Mia – Jay & The Americans
8. Easy Question – Elvis Presley
9. All I Want To Do – The Byrds/Cher
10. Theme From A “Summer Place” – Lettermen
11. Sunshine Lollipops & Rainbows – Leslie Gore
12. Around The Corner – The Duprees
13. Seventh Son – Johnny Rivers
14. Don’t Just Stand There – Patty Duke
15. Save Your Heart For Me – Gary Lewis
16. Baby I’m Yours – Barbara Lewis
17. World Needs Love – Jackie De Shannon
18. I Want Candy – The Strangeloves
19. Sittin’ In The Park – Billy Stewart
20. You Turn Me On – Ian Whitcomb
21. Down In The Boondocks – Billy Joe Royal
22. Take Me Back – Little Anthony
23. Yes I’m Ready – Barbara Mason
24. Too Many Rivers – Brenda Lee
25. Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers
26. Ride Your Pony – Lee Dorsey
27. Pretty Little Baby – Marvin Gaye
28. One Dyin’/It Happened That Way – Roger Miller
29. To Know You Is To Love You – Peter & Gordon
30. Moon Over Naples – Bert Kaempfert
31. Poppa’s Got A Brand New Bag – James Brown
32. You’re My Girl – Roy Orbison
33. You Better Come Home – Petula Clark
34. I’ll Always Love You – The Spinners
35. California Girls – Beach Boys
36. The Tracker – Sir Douglas Quintet
37. Same Old Song – Four Tops
38. You Tell Me Why – Beau Brummels
39. Gonna Take A Miracle – Royalettes
40. He’s Got No Love – The Searchers
41. Tracks Of My Tears – The Miracles
42. I’m A Fool – Dino, Desi & Billy
43. I Got You Babe – Sonny & Cher
44. The Loser – The Skyliners
45. Here I Am – Dionne Warwick
46. A Little You – Freddie & Dreamers
47. Ju Ju Hand – Sam The Sham
48. You’re My Baby – The Vacels
49. A Little Lovin’ – Dwain Story
50. Thru The Eyes Of Love – Gene Pitney

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Bob Evans Bacon Cheeseburger

Bob Evans Take Out Cheeseburger

Just the other day I was at Steamers restaurant and had one of the best tasting cheeseburgers I have ever had. Tempting my luck, I ordered the same at Bob Evans restaurant in Youngstown yesterday.

The service was great, the waitress kind, fast, and courteous and my cheeseburger was brought out right on time. Did I mention it was take out?

So I get home and unwrap my bacon cheeseburger with fries. The burger was hot, there was bacon, and cheese, and the burger was a half pound of beef. Then I picked it up.

The bun was soggy. Not a little, but if it were a sponge, you could wring it out. Inspecting the bacon, there were two slices, and it was half cooked at best. The cheese was melted and the burger well cooked. However, upon first bite, my expectations were quashed.

I wouldn't say the taste was horrendous, but it wasn't good at all. If you ever held a hockey puck, this had the same texture, hard, round, and tasteless. Even adding fries to the top of the burger couldn't help mask the taste. Perhaps the fries would assist in this meal.

Bob Evans Fries

As you can see, there were not a lot of french fries with the order. For 10 dollars, I was expecting more fries. Also note the one piece of bacon hanging on the left side. The fries were hot, not soggy, not crisp, but just OK. The taste was adequate as fries go. Nothing bad, just OK. 

The take out order was packed in a white xardboard box and the burger was inside and wrapped in a foil wrapper. The fries was strewn on the bottom.

The Grassy Knoll Institute scores 2 out of 5 shots and does not recommend Bob Evans cheeseburger for dinner.

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Perhaps The Worlds Best Cheeseburger

Steamers Stonewall Tavern Menu

Patty and I visit Steamers Stone Wall Tavern often. I usually opt for the Filet or the Chicken Parm as both are excellent choices. However, tonight I felt like something different.

Steamers Rolls

Although it was semi crowded, we were seated immediately and our drink order was taken. Fresh home made rolls with plenty of butter were brought to our table. The rolls were hot, fresh, and home made. They were delicious. The rolls were a new recipe as previous dinners had standard fare rolls.

Steamers Loaded Potato Skins

As an appetizer, I ordered the loaded potato wedges. Four wedges of baked potato loaded with melted cheese and bacon bits. As potato wedges go, these were standard fare. Plenty of cheese, enough bacon, and they were baked just right. i hate when they are burnt and become brittle.

Perhaps The Best Cheeseburger

This is perhaps the best cheeseburger I have tasted. And believe me, I have had a cheeseburger or two hundred. Steamers began with a half pound premium Angus beef. I selected mine well done, and it was cooked perfectly. I added American cheese and bacon as additions. The bun was big, fresh, and like the rolls, home made. I ordered french fries as a side but also as a secret topping.

Ever since I was a little kid, and we’re talking 45 years ago, I have been adding french fries to my hamburgers. (Some people know this as the Big Pittsburgh) Let it be McDonalds, Burger King, Mr. Wheelers, Burger Chef, Eddie’s Grill, Old Firehouse Winery, etc, etc. French fries complete the burger ensemble. I suggest you try this concoction on your next burger, it will be worth it. I guarantee it.

Like I was saying, this cheeseburger was the perfect storm. The taste was excellent, hot juicy, the fries doing their job combining with the bun and meat to add that extra flavor to put it over the top. The cost was $8.25 for the burger, $6.00 for the loaded potatoes, $2.00 for the side of fries, $2.00 for the diet Pepsi. $18.25 without tip.

After this entry, I must now re-evaluate the top burger choices in the near future. I will keep you posted.

The Grassy Knoll Institute scores 5 out of 5 shots and recommends the Steamers Cheeseburger for dinner.
               

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Uptown Pizza Chicken Wings

Uptown Pizza Chicken Wings

Uptown Pizza in Boardman, Ohio has more than just pizza. They also have wings. I ordered 6 wings cost was $4.49 but beware if you order anything else with them. I called and placed an order for pickup for a pizza and wings. The dude told me 30 minutes. Cool, no problem. I waited the 25 minutes since Uptown is only five minutes away from me. I walked in and announced my name, (Grassy Knoll) and the counter employee looked at my receipt and said just a few more minutes. 

Waiting at the counter I saw something move on the ceiling. Don't panic, it wasn't bugs or snakes, but water. It was raining outside and now it was raining inside. Not just a drop or two, but the flow would fill a bucket in a few minutes. (If there was a bucket) I carefully moved my pizza away from the rain that was dropping on the counter. Nothing worth than a wet pizza. My wings were finished and the employee rang up (Not wrung out) my pizza order and I was on my way. As stated before, the pizza was well cooked, and dry. No rain. Sauce and cheese plentiful. Still a little greasy. The wings well cooked and crunchy batter. Good tasting. A little pricey but hey what pizza shop boasts an indoor waterfall. 

 The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 3 out of 5 shots and recommends Uptown Pizza for dinner. Just bring your raincoat.

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Margherita's Italian Restaurant

Margherita's Italian Restaurant

Patty calls me and tells me of a new restaurant close to town called Margaritaville. Al right! I was down with that. I loved Mararitaville in Las Vegas and Orlando and now there was one close in town. I was ready for some “Cheeseburger In Paradise.” We went as soon as I got home.
We found ourselves in Girard on the main drag and Patty says, there it is, there’s Margaritaville. Damn, I must of heard wrong, (I am 51) for there before me was the Margherita’s Restaurant sign. The place was packed and the parking lot full so it took some ingenuity in parking.

Italian Bread And Butter

Totally bummed that I wouldn’t be having mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and french fried potato, I settled for a standard classic. A short time later, some Italian Bread was brought to the table. It was fresh and tasted good. Bravo!

Standard Salad

Next came the salad. It was standard fare. It was good, fresh, with plenty of lettuce and enough added items to compliment the dish. So far, so good.

Margherita's Chicken Parm

You guessed it. I ordered the Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti. After all, it was an Italian restaurant, the sauce is usually good and the meals generally very above average.

The portions were good. The chicken juicy and zero fat. The cheese melted and the sauce plenty and zesty. The Penne was well cooked, hot, and with the sauce, was good.

Margherita's Restaurant Inside Dining

My only real complaint was the seating. Not that we were cramped, but we were right next door to the rest room. Not that it’s a bad thing, but usually, you cannot hear what’s going on inside the rest room. At Margherita’s, you know everyone’s business if you know what I mean.

The cost was roughly $10 dollars without tip which is a real good price. The food was good, portions adequate, the service OK, but the placement, not so good.
The Grassy Knoll Institute scores 3 out of 5 shots and recommends Margherita’s Italian Restaurant for dinner. (Just make sure you are not seated by the rest room)

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