When 'GirlOutToLunch' speaks, people listen!

Greetings again to my Fellow Foodies! I’ve just been overwhelmed at the kind comments I’ve received from readers of the Food File. Can you see me blushing? Well I am happy to introduce you to our very first guest blogger, the lovely and talented “GirlOutToLunch.” I hope you like it!

Lunch for One at Chops on City Avenue

I’ve never been shy about traveling by myself or for that matter asking for a table for one. So when noontime rolled around and I was cruising a rainy City Avenue near the Expressway I decided to bypass Friday’s, Houlihans and the other chains to enjoy a civilized lunch at Chops.

Two well-dressed men greeted me at the door and my wet umbrella was whisked away in seconds. I already felt like a rock star! I was seated at a cozy booth set with a plate of pickled veggies. Yummy! The daily newspaper was brought to my table to read while waiting. Nice touch. Even though I’ve dined solo many times and never feel self-conscience, it is nice to have the paper while waiting for the food to arrive.

My waitress Jennifer was well spoken, a necessity when you have a list of specials that reads like a short story. I ordered the Chicken Medici from that long list.

A basket of fresh yummy breads was delivered promptly. My Chicken Medici was not far behind. Two nice size portions of moist chicken breast arrived, covered with a thin slice of salty prosciutto and a sprinkle of nutty asaigo cheese, served on a bed of perfectly cooked broccoli rabe. My lunch also came with a huge portion of homemade potato chips and hash browns. These were not Pringles!

I did take notice that many people were ordering the Lobster Bisque. I asked Jennifer if I was missing out on a specialty. She admitted "the bisque was a little watery today". I really appreciate that kind of honesty.

In all I loved the food (half went home for dinner) and the service was perfect. Even though I was not expecting to have a ‘real’ lunch at a place as classy as Chops I was made to feel very comfortable and welcome. I hope to make it back for dinner soon.


Wilting Under Pressure: Brodeur's on State Street in Media

I was eager to return to Brodeur’s and take advantage of the gift card that was burning a hole in my purse. I was looking forward trying it again.

My server knows me from previous visits. Over-tipping jogs the memory. The lunch rush in Media was over, so service was fast. There were lots of specials to choose from but I heard the word DUCK. She had me at ‘quack.’ I was now really looking forward to the Long Island Duck Breast served on a bed of fresh spinach with dried cranberries, walnuts and red onion.

I wasn’t told the price for the special (a real pet peeve I have with servers) so I did inquirer, "how much is the Duck Salad?" I was told $10.99. Not bad for duck! The salad looked beautiful. It was a little sparse on the duck, but I figured at $10.99...

The duck itself was a little overcooked but still tasty. Here is where things started to go badly. While eating the Spinach I started to notice brown, wilted slimy old spinach under the fresh green spinach on top. YUCK! I was shocked. After I regained my composure, I brought it to my server’s attention. She assured me, the chef did not purposely try to give me rotten food. Puh-leaze!!! Even if the chef was blind he would know that this spinach was not suitable for human consumption. I was graciously given a ‘fresh’ spinach salad to go.

The final disappointment was the check. The price of my Duck Salad was $13.99 not $10.99 as I was told. I've been to Brodeur’s a few times before and found it to be unremarkable. Is Brodeur's on the endangered restaurant list?

Here is the final insult: I just opened the ‘fresh’ take home salad. I am shocked! I’ve been greeted by more rotten, slimey, brown wilted spinach. Disgusting! I wonder what the next restaurant will be at the corner of State and Jackson Streets in Media?

If anyone asks, I'm
OutToLunch