Posted on February 13, 2009 at 8:08 p.m.

Food: 2/5  Vibe: 2/5  Service: 2/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 2/5

You can't beat the price. That said, you get what you pay for. Sukothai's success is directly related to its location (just north of campus). If you're a student on a budget with a Thai fixation, or if you enjoy mushy vegetables with your panang curry, this is the place for you.

Personally, I'll spend a few bucks more and go elsewhere.

On Sukhothai II

Posted on February 13, 2009 at 8:05 p.m.

Food: 3/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 3/5

You'll usually only find me here when there's a coupon involved. It's not bad at all, but it's just a tad pricier than other Thai restaurants in Denton, so it often loses out to my other favorites.

The one standout entree, in my opinion, is the fried duck. (I can't remember the exact name of the dish.) It's sinfully good, and most likely just as sinfully bad for you.

On Sweet Basil Thai Bistro

Posted on February 13, 2009 at 7:59 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

This is my 2nd favorite Thai restaurant in DFW (runner-up to Jasmine in Plano). Since they're within walking distance from me, I've had a chance to try most of the menu, and though I gravitate toward a few personal favorites, I've yet to have a dish I didn't enjoy.

The sweet rice with coconut custard is the object of frequent cravings. No, seriously. Order it.

On Andaman Thai Restaurant

Posted on November 1, 2008 at 9:27 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

I finally made it over here for dinner tonight and was not disappointed. The crawfish etouffee was a little short on rice but had a great flavor. Fried pickles made a great backdrop to being solicited by a woman talking to herself, but I guess that's what you get for sitting outside in the kind of neighborhood this place is located.

The staff was warm and friendly, and after a piece of bread pudding all was well. I will certainly be back.

On The Alligator Cafe

Posted on October 21, 2008 at 9:29 p.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 3/5

I second the "bring cash" advice.

Everybody I was with agreed that the barbecue was tasty albeit riddled with pieces of bone. For that reason alone, I think I'll stick to the pork next time and skip the chicken and duck. The rice was excellent and though I'm no expert, flavors seemed authentic. There was some out there stuff on the menu, though.

Come for the pork, stay for the ... pig's blood? That or the "special sausage". (eek)

On First Chinese BBQ (Richardson)

Posted on October 14, 2008 at 12:56 p.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 3/5

The first warning sign: a banner outside the restaurant advertising their lunch buffet at $[redacted]. They literally had tape over the price. Needless to say, the $10/person we paid was a little more than I was expecting.

The food itself was pretty good. Most of the staples were there, though if they had samosas I must've missed them.

Service was minimal, but hey it's a buffet. What do you expect? I'd be a regular if they dropped the price down to about $7. As it stands now, I may occasionally return when I get the craving for some Tikka Masala.

On Kebab N Kurry Indian Restaurant

Posted on October 3, 2008 at 1:53 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 3/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

I finally got around to trying Allgood for the first time today, and it lived up to its reputation pretty well. With Scott's review soundly in mind, I couldn't help but order the chicken fried steak. They hit the sweet spot between crispy and greasy, and though the meat was a little tough, it was a very enjoyable lunch. (And, honestly, what cube steak isn't a little tough?)

The mashed potatoes were decent though unremarkable, but I was thoroughly impressed with the squash/zucchini. You expect veggies to be overcooked at a "home cookin'" joint; not so here.

My "dining partner" (is that the professional name?) had the king ranch chicken and was surprised to be presented with a skillet rather than a plate. I can't comment on the flavor, but it certainly looked drenched in cheesy goodness. The accompanying broccoli (subbed from the standard black beans) similarly exceeded expectations.

I think maybe next time I'll skip the potatoes for more delicious veggies. In any case, a return visit is a certainty.

Oh, and a note for those requiring doting servers: this is not the place for you. You'll get what you need, but probably not quickly and definitely without any witty banter or pieces of flare. If no-frills service is your thing, all the better.

On AllGood Cafe

Posted on September 30, 2008 at 1:16 p.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 3/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 3/5  Overall: 4/5

If you're one to use the adverb delightfully directly before the adjective kitschy, this is your place. All of the details are there, from the jar full of silverware to the bottle openers installed in each booth.

A cold bottle of Abita root beer is a quick way to win my affection, but at $2.50, er I mean, 2 1/2 "bucks", I'll probably get my sugar fix from home next time.

Cowboy nachos were the right blend of salty, creamy, and spicy. Being a sucker for homemade potato chips, they were the highlight of the meal for me. After attempting to order a taco plate with 2 different varieties of tacos, I was informed that both had to be the same kind. I decided on chipotle chicken. The tacos were decent, though the sauce-heavy shredded meat left something to be desired in the texture category. They were accompanied by a bed of rice which would have been a great compliment had it not contained just a few too many sunflower seeds.

Though I was tempted by the 20 minute wait cookies, we decided to skip them this time in favor of the Django cake that awaited us back at the office.

On Cowboy Chow (Deep Ellum)

Posted on June 20, 2008 at 10:12 p.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 5/5

Collin introduced me to B.B.Bop today for lunch, and as a fan of bibimbap in general, I was impressed. For like $6 you get a HUGE bowl of rice, meat, and veggies Korean style. Most importantly, they had the right sauce to give it just the right flavor. I have no idea what it's called, but it's red and served at Korean restaurants. :) The only drawback was that since it's not cooked in an actual stone bowl, it lacks a bit of that crispiness.

They even have a traditional bánh mì (which I've been craving since Mr. Munchies in Denton closed). It's too bad I don't live or work closeby. Though it could be dangerous if I did.

On B.B.Bop