Chevy's: a bad experience

Those of you who know me, know Chevy's is my favorite restaurant, and we go all the time. We go so much that the (old) hostess considered us regulars. We were disappointed to see a lot of new people (the manager said there were only three newbies, but I counted only one person I recognized and our server confirmed there were very few people that were there longer than he was - that is, more than nine months).

To me, the "new employee" excuse only goes so far. At some point, those new employees were evaluated for employment and trained by experienced employees. That process was obviously broken for the new employees that served us recently.

Our evening was one bad service event after another. Here's the list:

Lake View Farms (Pumpkin Patch and more)

Would I return: YES!

Overall score: 9 out of 10

Sometimes, we pick our pumpkin patches by tradition. If it isn't your tradition yet, this pumpkin patch should be.  We were introduced to Lake View Farms several years ago, and haven't been to another farm since.  Our kids always have a great experience.


Why wasn't the overall score 10 out of 10?  Bees.  Bees are a problem with most pumpkin patches, so don't let that discourage you.

Attractions:

Daily:

• Group paddle boat ride to or from pumpkins, complete with pirate ship, "Loch Ness monsters" and fisherman boat (included in ticket price)
• Train ride to or from pumpkins (included in ticket price)
• Photo backdrops (free)
• Corn maze ($5 per person or $1 per year up to age five)
• Charity donation pond
• Gift shop
• Coffee stand
• Animals: pigs, bunny, goats and kittens (no petting) (free)
• Farm equipment to look at (free)

Weekend only:

• Food
• Pony rides ($6)
• Caterpillar ride for small children ($2)
• Kettle corn
• Face painting (for tips)
• Snack shack

Ticket Prices:

$4 per ticket (includes one boat ride and one train ride and $1 off your pumpkin purchase (Limit one ticket per pumpkin.)  You are not required to ride the train or boat.  If you prefer to walk, the pumpkins are close enough to do so (less than a quarter mile?).

Basic information:
Address: 32055 NW North Ave., North Plains, OR 97133
Telephone: 503-647-2336
Website:  click here

Dates open: Sept. 24 - Oct. 30, 2011
Pumpkin Patch hours: M-Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 10AM-5PM (Last ticket sold ½ hour before closing)

Corn Maze hours: M-Th 9AM - 6PM; F-Sat 9AM - 10PM; Sun 10AM - 6PM (Last ticket sold 2 hours before closing)
Group rental info:  click here

Field trip info with forms: click here

*Prices may have changed since this post.  Many of the facts in this post were taken directly from the Lake View Farms website.

Q Noodle House

Would I go again? Absolutely!

Overall score: 7 out of 10

Q Noodle House is a must go! Their lunch specials are unbeatable and the food is fantastic.  They specialize in Thai noodle dishes (including soup entrees), but also have a few great rice dishes that easily rival the legendary E-San, which is diagonally across the street.  Not surprisingly, the restaurant opened in September 2011, and the owner reports business has tripled in the last month.  If you're nearby, you must try this new addition to the downtown Thai family.

Here are my impressions:

John's Incredible Pizza Co.

Would I return?  Yes.

Overall grade: 6 out of 10


John's Incredible Pizza Co. is a modern version of Chuck-E-Cheese's.  The decor is modern, but has had a quick downturn in the seven months since it opened.  The location in Beaverton, Oregon is the first location in Oregon, but the company has 10 other locations in California.  It appears to be a successful concept, but I don't see the allure for repeat business due to the cost and overall stimulation you inhale during the couple hours you are there.  The overall atmosphere is positive and upbeat, and allows for let-your-hair-down fun with the kiddos in an environment that is less hated by parents than Chuck-E-Cheese's.  Also, for those drink enthusiasts, there is a wine and beer bar with a very limited selection. (Now, I have your attention...)

Here are my impressions:

What is this blog about?

Welcome to my blog!

This blog will give reviews and suggestions about great places to eat, grab a drink, or go have fun. I have looked for years at several different sites, but none of them have everything in one place. So, here I am, creating a one-stop blog to do just that.