Your TasteBud

Greek Pizza?

2009-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Greek eatery mentioned in my previous post is not just a Greek eatery, I found. Not only do they have every Greek dish from Moussaka to Baklavah, but they have pizza and Italian food too! They're still a Greek eatery, but they just serve Italian food as well.

I couldn't believe it when the Italian food was just as good as the Greek food!

Baked Ziti:

Pizza (mushrooms, olives, pep's)

TU Campus Food

2009-05-11T23:52:00.000-07:00

Every Towson student will appreciate this video! Make sure you listen to the 2nd song, it's "Mahna Mahna", haha!

Recipes for the Greek Food!

2009-05-11T23:42:00.000-07:00

I had some requests for the recipes of the Greek food I shared in a previous post. So here they are!

Pastrami Sandwich
1. Create the sandwiches. Cut the keyser rolls in half so you can begin to create your sandwiches. Lightly coat the top of the bun with some mayonnaise and a dab of mustard. Next layer the pastrami in folds until you have about 2-4 ounces of meat on each bun. Next add several pieces of deli cheese on top of the layered pastrami.

2. Wrap sandwiches for baking. Now you want to tear a 1-by-1 foot section of foil wrap. Place the sandwich in the middle and wrap the foil around it.

3. Bake sandwiches in the oven. This is the easiest and the longest part. Place the sandwiches in the oven for approximately 15 minutes. Set the timer so you do not accidentally overcook or burn the sandwiches.

4. Remove sandwiches from the oven. Once the sandwiches are finished baking remove them from the oven using pot holders and place them on the counter to cool.

5. Add sauerkraut and serve. Allow the bake pastrami sandwiches at least five minutes to cool. Then remove the foil wrap, garnish with sauerkraut and enjoy!

Moussaka:

Friday's

2009-05-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

I can never eat at Friday's and eat healthy. Even though they have a healthy menu, it just never happens. Greasy and cheesy is always what comes out of Friday's food!

So I have some suggestions and MUST TRY'S...

The best burger I've ever had at Friday's is the Jack Daniel's burger...

Can you believe there is even a burger under all of this!?!?! Haha! Well, there is! You're looking at fried, crispy onions, bacon, cheese and the amazing Jack Daniel's sauce. O yea, there are a couple fries on the side too! TRY IT!

New Greek Restaurant in Towson!

2009-05-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

I ordinarily do not care for Greek food, but this place has totally changed my mind! It is not listed yet and does not have any information. I do know it was the old Towson Deilte, which was mainly known for their sandwiches and breakfast food.

Ever since we ordered from this Greek place, we have not ordered from anywhere else.

Our first order we got the Moussaka...

This is layered seasoned ground beef, chunks of potatoes, eggplant and bechamel with sprinkled cinnamon on top. It came with a Greek salad on the side, which was very fresh.

We also got a pastrami sandwich...

After ordering for the second time, I became friends with the woman that seems to be the owner. They are all very friendly and delivery time has never been over 35 minutes, which is amazing!

The Peppermill

2009-05-11T22:49:00.000-07:00

The Peppermill is located on York Road about 2 miles up from the Towson circle. I wonder how this restaurant has been in business for all of these years. They do not have a website, they are never busy, and trust me the food is not that good.

I think what's keeping them afloat, if they are afloat, is obviously the location. They're right in the heart of Towson and it's pretty much the only semi-nice restaurant in which you don't have to go near the circle and find parking. It's also right across the street from the Ruck Funeral Home. And it you can tell that from the restaurant because it's always dead.

I had the Prime Rib and it came out cold ecause the waitor was horrible. It already had onions on it, hardly fried. The only delicious item I had was the Clams Casino, but how hard is that!?

Hooter's

2009-05-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

Given, the Hooter's in Towson is not the finest establishment, especially compared to the Hooter's in the Baltimore Harbor. The great thing about Hooter's is that no matter what each location looks like or how trashy it is, the food still tastes the same!

Hooter's wings are by far the best wings I've ever had. These are the mediums and they still look delicious!

The mozzarella sticks were soo good too! The cheese was still hot when I bit into them.

We also got the fried pickles! It comes with really good tangy dipping sauce.

Peapod in Towson!

2009-05-11T22:18:00.001-07:00

Don't feel like trying any of the restaurants I've been blogging about tonight? That's fine, Towson is a Peapod area! This means you can still have the food delivered, it just won't be cooked. Ha!

It's the new age of grocery shopping! Like everything else, grocery shopping has bowed down to the almighty internet. Peapod is a company associated with Giant. Here's how it works:

1. You order food online
This is just like a grocery store only online. The website has "aisles."
C'mon, that's cool!

2. Peapod gathers your food
A person will gather your grocery list from Peapod's food center.

3. Peapod delivers your food
Your food gets delivered in a temperature-controlled truck.

The great part is that the fees only go up to $8.00 depending on how much you spend. Don't forget to tip the delivery man!

Mango Manny's

2009-05-11T22:04:00.000-07:00

I would consider Mango Manny's underground. It's located inside the Ramada Inn on the corner of Loch Raven Blvd. and Joppa Rd. I know, very random..but, somehow it has become a hot spot. I have had breakfast and dinner there, and I have played pool there during karaoke night...not a pleasant sight by the way.

Guests who stay at the Ramada get free breakfast there, which is actually not that bad. Other than that, the crabcake sandwiches are realy good! That's what most people eat when they go there, I could not imagine what else you would be going there for. The picture on the website it not what it looks like at all.

People go for the crabcakes and the atmoshere. Manny's has poker night and karaoke night, which actually draws a good crowd of locals along wih the guests. manny's also has live music on Friday's.

So the next time you drive by the Ramada and it's packed, it may not be because there are a lot of tourists!

Bahama Breeze

2009-05-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

BB is such a landmark in Towson. BB is a Carribean cuisine restaurant right at the main circle in Towson. Their food isn't too heavy, but it's very unique.

The setting of the restaurant is what brings most people in for the first time, and keeps them coming. It looks like a giant hut from the outside, but it also translates inside with dark wood and bright colors.

The patio area is open starting in the Spring and they offer the AMAZING music of what looks like Bob Marley. He plays a mix of popular Reggae and mixes it up with the electric guitar.

The food is great, but the atmosphere is what people come for!

Check out Jimmi's Carribean blog!

Cafe Troia

2009-05-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to visit this cafe since I came across their website last week.

Take a look at a couple items on the menu...

Insalata di Arugula con Gorgonzola: Tender arugula, glazed walnuts, apple slices and a warm gorgonzola dressing

Pappardelle con Gamberi: Homemade pasta prepared with jumbo shrimp, swiss chard, prosciutto and cream

Tiramisú: an Italian classic. Ours is made with lady finger cookies soaked in rum and espresso then layered with a mascarpone based cream

Mmmmmm! Apparently the cafe was started in 1986 by a native Italian family, the Troia's. I can't wait to go!

31 Allegheny Avenue

Towson, MD 21204

Tel:(410) 337-0133

Ruth's Chris vs. All Others

2009-05-11T21:11:00.001-07:00

Ruth's Chris is hands down the #1 steakhouse in Baltimore. Sure, there are competitors like The Prime Rib, Morton's, and Flemming's. I've been to these 3 places more than once and to Ruth's Chris an innumerable amount.

Granted, RC was the first steakhouse I went to out of the 4; however, steak is my forte and I walk in any steakhouse open-minded. You can trust my opinion and I do this for one reason only...I want the best! There are 2 main factors that support RC being the #1 steakhouse.

1. The steak
Of course, the steak has to be great! All RC steaks are cut thick so more of the natural juices stay in the meat. Also, all steaks are the best cut. Since Ruth started the restaurant she insisted in having the best of everything. All steaks are brought out on a 500 degree plate so they have the same sizzle from start to finish. Only being seasoned in butter, the steak leterally melts in your mouth.

2. Customer Service
I'm paying almost $50 for just my meal (ok, my date is), if I don't receive great customer service, I will not come back to any restaurant of that caliber.

While at Morton's I realized I was wasting my time because their steaks are not at all impressive. My steak was brought out almost cold at the Prime Rib and we waited 20 minutes for the waiter to take our order!

RC impresses me everytime and every chance I get, I go!

Towson Town Center

2009-05-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

I mentioned the expansion of the Center and restaurants in The Cheesecake Factory post. Here's WBAL's coverage...

Food and Health Lecture Series

2009-05-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well, since we're on the topic of food...

The Intgrative Health Centers are hosting a lecture series on topics such as digestions, proper health habits and managing weight and indigestion.

We do all of this eating, let's make sure we're doing it right and still stating healthy. Read Veronica's Burn and Build blog for exercise tips!

IHC Lecture Schedule:

Saturday, April 18 11am–1pm
Why proper digestion is important for overall health and managing weight in particular; how to eat to maximize nutrition and avoid bloat, indigestion, and cravings.

Saturday, May 2 11am–1pm
How and what to eat for torture-free weight management, pros + cons of popular diets and plans, what cravings can teach us, how to develop your own instincts about what to eat for optimal health and balance.

Saturday, May 16 11am–1pm
How the challenge of disease conditions can make weight management a struggle (candida imbalance, thyroid issues, diabetes, celiac, indigestion, and more) and how to overcome these challenges while maximizing nutrients.

*cost is $25 per person

Peerce's Plantation

2009-05-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

Peerce's is unique because it was established in 1933! It's know for having a European taste to the food, tapas and not to mention their wine list. Peerce's is located in Pheonix, which is about 20 minutes from the heart of Towson.

Peerce's Plantation

12460 Dulaney Valley Rd,
Phoenix, MD 21131

The Oregon Grille

2009-05-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

1201 Shawan Rd.
Hunt Valley, MD 21030

I have to blog about The Oregon Grille because I have heard from so many people that this is one of their favorite restaurants. I've driven by it a couple times on Shawan Road (going away from York Rd.), and noticed it doesn't look like a normal restaurant. It kind of looks like a house with a lot of windows, but a house where they have beautiful yard-work.

They have what's called their Blue-Stone patio for outside dining. The Grille also is known for their steaks and wine list!

Michael's Cafe

2009-05-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

2119 York Rd
Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 252-2022

Michael's Cafe is know for their amazing crabcakes and customer service. The last time I was there on a horrible date, the food and waiter were the only things that kept me sane. Michael's has been family-owned fro over 24 years, which is a plus for a lot of people. Most of their menu is homade too, so you know you're getting those warm family recipes.

Not only is their food worth going, but it also sems like a nice place to hang out with seom friends (Happy Hour from 3-7 p.m. by the way) and take advantage of some dinner specials!

Mondays - Shrimp Night A pound of delicious Jumbo Steamed Shrimp for only $10.00! Available in Bar Areas

Tuesdays - Wine Night! Every bottle on our extensive wine list up to half off.

Wednesdays - BBQ Baby Back Ribs!! Tender and juicy, not to mention the Best in town!! Live Music in the Main Bar (see calendar for details)

Thursdays - Prime Rib Night ~ 40 oz King Cut or 20 oz Queen Cut of the finest All Natural Hereford Beef

Fridays - Live Music in the Main Bar (see calendar for details)

Saturday - BBQ Baby Back Ribs!!

Sundays - Half Price Burgers! Half pound of All Natural Hereford Ground Beef

...and of course the drink specials:

Late Night Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday 10pm till close

Sun-Draft Beer Night; All Draft Beers only $2

Mon-Bud Night; Bud & Bud Light bottles only $2

Tues-Micro Beer Night; All Micro Beers only $3

Wed-1/2 Off All Martinis Vangough shots $3 & Grand Marinier $4

Thurs-Coors Light & Miller Lite Night; All bottles only $2

**Don't forget to go to their website and check out their great reviews!

Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich

2009-05-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

BALTIMORE, of all the places, was one of the first cities to test out Chick-fil-A's new spicy chicken sandwich! The testing started at the end of April 2009 in a chain in California and the chain tested in Jacksonville, Florida and good ol' Baltimore, Maryland!

I'm wondering if that's because the secret is out that we are all obsessed with food here, or actually because we have good taste...hmmm,

Either way...everyone knows about the sandwich now, so we must be doing something right! Mmmm, love me some Chick-fil-A!

Towson Best

2009-05-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

Literally the best Asian food available for delivery and take-out in Towson...
Towson Best

Adress:
527-529 York Road
Towson, MD 21204

Phone:
(410) 825-3770

Hours:
Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Minimum for Delivery:
$8.00

Specials:
10% off order over $10.00 Tuesdays- $4.49 Large Chicken Lo Mein

Baltimore Restaurants...Desparate

2009-05-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

In light of the economy, restaurants are taking a huge hit. People are going to the grocery store more than eating out these days to save money. Not only that, but the times people do go out to eat, they're choosing their restaurants a little differently.

What used to be a nice outing at a fine-dining restaurant is now a trip to Applebee's. So, what the restaurant geniuses decided to do is ban together and hit the problem head-on. Fine dining restaurants, which are obviously getting the worst of the hit, are joining together to promote their food and service in their time of need.

I imagine their motto to be: it's better to be active than reactive.

The restaurants such as Morton's and Rusty Scupper have even shared a $1,000 table at a Towson bridal shower. They've also hosted tasting seminars together.

Restaurants that were once fighting for territory and customers are now sharing them both. I guess it gives a whole new meaning to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Man, a poor economy can do crazy things.

Towson Fast-food...Regulated

2009-05-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my Cheesecake Factory blog that Towson is the only place to try to fit as many buildings and restaurants in the smallest space possible. While researching, I came across an article that very much supported my statement.

In 2003, Towson residents opposed a McDonald's drive-thru close to residential areas. Apparently, a 70-year-old Towson man, Wallace "Wally" North, led the community campaign to change zoning laws in Towson. The article incinuates that North started the online organization, The Towson Metropolitan Area Resident's Community Association to regualte McDonald's drive-thru's in inappropriate areas.

North's hard work paid off when he got Councilman Vincent Gardina's attention. Gardina sponsored the bill that was amended because of North's efforts. The amendment states, in Baltimore County, there will have to be a special exception for any fast-food restaurants located adjacent to any residential property line in the Towson Commercial Revitalization District.

Now, maybe this answers my curiousity to why more fast-food chains have not monopolized the TU area. Hey, I'd be scared of ol' North too!

Bill Bateman's: Letter to Bill

2009-05-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Bill,

It's like paradise in the middle of a war, like an oasis in the desert, and most of all like the perfect place to walk to after class and pretend like school doesn't exist.

It's Bateman's in Towson. I can speak for every other Towson student when I say THANK YOU, Bill! You are the man! Thanks for strategically placing food, beer and huge TV's right next to our school. You've saved my sanity many times post-class and pre-freaking out due to school.

Two of my last-class periods of the semester, we took a field trip to Bateman's as a class. Yes, the teachers came too! So thanks Bill, for giving us a place to complain about our horrible student drama, giving us a place to cheers with classmates, and most of all for making it walking distance!

~TU Students

Towosn Diner

2009-05-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

Now let's talk about the REAL diner in Towson (Bel Loc vs. Diner)! First of all, the Towson Diner on York Road is one of the original diners in Towson from the 1950's...pretty impressive.

Secondly, you can always tell an authentic diner by looking at one thing only...the hours. Towson Diner is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day! That's what makes a great diner!

It's also strategically placed less than a mile away from all of the Towson bars. All of you TU students, you can count on seeing all of your friends and classmates there in the middle of the night...it's packed! Who wouldn't want to hang with friends eating greasy food after a long night of drinking!?!?

Courtney Rice wrote about the diner in the Johns Hopkins Newsletter.

Bel Loc vs. Diner

2009-05-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

WOW! The Bel Loc Diner in Towson on York and Joppa Road used to be the diner of the town. Then the Towson Diner moved in and everyone in Towson realized what they were actually missing.

The last time I was at Bel Loc my food came out cold and my friend and I were the only people in there, except for the one random lonely person you find in every diner.

Once the Towson Diner became the hot-spot for students during the after-hours, Bel Loc's true colors were revealed. The fact that it looks like it's going to fall apart did not help business.

It's not just me people!

Pleiades wrote in Chowdown: "Anyone notice the Bel-Loc diner was the featured venue for wierdness in Tuesday's Zippy? Never eaten there, so I got to wondering if anyone else has. As usual, the wacky antics of the patrons drove me to not laugh at all."

And here are some of the responses:

Peckish
"The Bel-Loc's okay if you don't mind pretty grim waitresses and prefab food. The reason to go is the time-capsule look--which I admit is probably worth it, but only every once in awhile. For my money, any diner with bad pie isn't really a diner at all. But it's kind of an expirience."

DD
"I went there after someone told me it was a Baltimore landmark and I was sorely disappointed. I took one bite of my food and left the rest.

If you are out checking out Baltimore landmarks, drive by, maybe even go inside. But don't bother ordering."

Moxley's, Towson

2009-04-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

Where did Moxley's Ice Cream go?!?! Now that the weather is getting warm people are asking where their favorite Towson ice cream shop went.

Moxley's old space is now a part of the adjacent Fader’s Tobacconist. Even though the shop is closed, there is still hope to taste the delicious homemade ice cream cakes! Chili Man Weiners, on York Road across the street, now sells Moxley's ice cream. The same famous ice cream, cones and sundaes! So don't panic, now you know where to go.

Tom Washburn, the owner of Moxley's, started the shop in 1998 and named it after his dog.

Alcohol Delivery!

2009-03-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

Seasons Pizza on York Road delivers alcohol, just like Pizan's. They're open until 1 a.m. and they deliver liquor and beer. Delicious pizza too.

"We do everything," is what the Season's man on the phone told me.

If marijuana becomes legal, I wonder if they'll deliver that too!?!?!

Pickles and Chips Deli and Grille

2009-03-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Brian, Ruthie and Matt, I got to go behind the scenes at Pickles and Chips on Joppa Road in Towson. They're known for their delicious signature sandwiches and college students love the all-day breakfast menu. They offer over 25 delicious signature sandwiches named after various community characters like Ozzie Newsome and Maria Dennis.

P and C delivers and Students can bring in their Student ID and get 15% off anytime!

P and C's signature sandwich, the 98 Rock Hercules, was featured as one of the 29 best sandwiches in the Food Issue of the Baltimore Magazine.

Here's Matt, making the 98 Rock Hercules..

Print the picture below, bring it to your next visit to Pickles and Chips and get a FREE Pickles and Chips sports bottle and 15% off your check!

The Cheesecake Factory

2009-03-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Towson Town Center was hit with the unexpected when The Cheesecake Factory graced our presence in October of 2008. Does this mean Towson is just as sophisticated and popular as the Inner Harbor? I'd say probably not, but at least they're making the attempt.

Towson is the only place that seems to have an undying goal to fit as many stores and restaurants in the smallest amount of space ever (Towson Town Center Gets A Luxury Facelift). I wonder how the small, local restaurants feel about the colossal cheese chain stealing Towson natives. I wonder. But, does anyone care? Probably not. We all know convenience and popularity win over loyalty (just look at Netflix versus Blockbuster).

All of the "meet me at Friday's" turned into "Cheesecake at 5, right?" Although, I do not think TU sophomores will ever leave their second home at the Friday's bar. The Factory's prices and ability of their customer's to make you feel inadequate with one look at your Towson sweatpants keeps the students out, and the professionals in.

There was no wait on a Thursday at noon when I met my professional Aunt for lunch (no, I was not wearing Towson sweatpants). It was everything I expected: beautiful decor, great customer service, and delicious food.

The food portions were outrageously large. I saw my plate, and for the first time felt bad for the homeless guy that harasses me at the median on Dulaney Valley Road. I was so happy that I actually had more than one sliver of chicken stuffed in my quesadilla and on my salad. Delicious.

Appetizer:

Quesadilla's with Chicken

Lunch:

Barbeque Ranch Chicken Salad

Grilled Chicken Tostada Salad

Will I go back to The Factory? Of course, everything was on time, lovely waitress, great managers (who did make sure our experience was satisfactory on the way out), and delicious food. I wonder what Towson will squeze in next to top this. I suggest a Sonic to counteract the professionalism, how about you?

Read another Towson Cheesecake experience.

2009-03-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Big Boyz Pizza

Deliver?
Yes

Located:
23 Allegheny Avenue, Towson
410 769 8880

Hours:
Mon-Thurs
10am-12am
Friday
10am-2am
Sat
12pm-2am
Sun
12pm-11pm

Delivery Time:
About a half hour within Towson, pretty good considering it was lunchtime.

Customer Service:
Great! The second time I called in an order, the girl recognized me and our company's address, and said hi. Delivery man was polite, but in a rush as always.

Best things to order:
SUBS! Big Boyz has the best cheesesteak sub I've had so far in Towson. Delicious!

Veal Parmesan Sub...I'm not a big fan usually, but I tasted it and it's something I would definitely order now.

Stay away from:
Snicker's Cheesecake dessert. Does not even taste like cheesecake, the chocolate part was good though.

Specials:
$12.99 for 2 8'' subs, 2 fries, and 2 12 oz. sodas...awesome deal!
$16.99 - 2 Large 1-Topping Pizzas
$16.99 - Two X-Large Cheese Pizzas
$12.99 - Two Medium 1-Topping Pizzas

TU Senior on Towson Food

2009-03-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

I've never seen a tiny girl eat as much as Katie Hogg. The funny thing is she wouldn't be offended by me saying that at all. She's a senior at Towson University and her major is Business Management and HR Management. If anyone knows Towson food, it's Katie...and she'll tell you like it is.

Q: What is your favorite place to order from in Towson, and why?

Probably Jerry's, the only thing is that they take forever to deliver! I live in Lambeth Apartments right by the Towson gym and on average it takes them between an hour and an hour and a half to get here. I'm right around the corner so it's really annoying, but they're still my favorite only because of how delicious their food is. I usually get a 4 inch sub and a medium pizza, but last time there was hardly any meat on my sub.

Papa John's would be my second choice because I really like their pizza and they have Pepsi products, Coke is nasty.

Q: Who has the best customer service in Towson?

O! That Asian place...Kikumoto! It's right on York Road. I eat there a lot because their sushi is ammmmazing! The second time I walked in there they treated me like a regular. The owners came out and asked how everything was and we got to know each other. They are soo nice. Now, I get the best customer service. They treat you like gold, it's kind of weird, but good for me.

Q: What are the most important things you would want to know about a place you would order from?

- delivery time
- customer service
- best things to order
- specials...On Monday nights Jerry's has a special for a large pizza for $5.99. Not a lot of people know about that. Dunkin' Donuts is open 24 hours too, it seems no one knows that but me. I seriously go there alll the time late at night.
- when the place is most busy
- special qualities...things Pizan's delivering alcohol.

Q: Some things you would like to see in Towson...

Yea, how about faster delivery! Hire more people so you can get the food to me faster.

I would looove to see a Sonic, Five Guys or Fudrucker's. I want a Sonic here so badly, I'm seriously thinking about opening one myself after I graduate. It would get so much business, it's a drive-thru that serves breakfast all day, yeah. O! And a closer Taco Bell! Gosh, that would be nice.

Q: Where do you go the most and why?

I go to Pizan's the most. It's most convenient and right next to the liquor store and it's always open.

5 Questions for Applebee's Kitchen Manager

2009-03-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

Chuck Porter is the Kitchen and Training Manager for Applebee's in Eastpoint, Md. He has been with Applebee's for five years and just recently was promoted to Training Manager, which means he travels to different stores to improve the efficiency of each kitchen. Porter has traveled and worked at Applebee's in Towson, Eastpoint, Bel Air, and Aberdeen.

Q: As a former manager at the Towson Applebee's, what differences did you see working in Towson versus other areas?

Porter: One of the biggest and the most important was staffing. Bei ng close to Towson University, with so many students ensured a large job pool to pull from. Hiring a student gave you at least 4 years of dedicated work. There are so many college students in Towson. Even compared to other cities such as Bel Air, Towson is more more alive with the young workers and students.

Q: How have you seen the current state of the economy affecting the restaurant business?

Porter: I am not at liberty to give out our numbers unfortunately. However business is still booming and families are still eating.

Q: What is the most difficult aspect in being a manager of a restaurant?

Porter: As a kitchen trainer, I try to turn kitchens around to be faster and better. Right now, we are trying to make the swith from the "cook" title to the "chef" title. Instead of aportioning everything ahead of time, we are putting that responsibility on the "chef" to scoop or handle the correct amount for the customer. This is the hardest part becasue that is all they have been used to and it really is a brand new concept to them.

Q: How important are restaurant inspections to the managerial staff at Applebee's?

Porter: Restaurant inspections are important to ensure a quality and consistent product. They are very important to us. We make sure our kitchens are always up to standards on a daily basis. It is the manager's job to make sure our employees know and uphold these standards as well.

Q: On average, how often is an Applebee's store inspected, and what types of inspections?

Porter: We have what's called an in-house inspection. They inspect everything from the kitchen to the floor. The inspections are random.

"The Godfather Stromboli" - I know it's cheesy...but it's CHEEZY'S!

2009-02-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

Located in the heart of Towson on East Joppa Road, Cheezy's Pizza...

-is rated number 7 of 91 restaurants in Towson by Trip Advisor
-received 100% Rah review by BooRah
-80% Like It rating by Urban Spoon

I found myself craving for a juicy cheesesteak, but c'mon, when you see something named the "The Godfather Stromboli" on a menu, there's absolutely no resisting it.

The Godfather Stromboli:
Imported genoa salami, capicola, onions, mozzarella cheese & Cheezy's sauce

Delizioso! Cheezy's may just be the Don of Towson pizza shops.

O, and I couldn't get Don Vito to deliver, but I did get a cute little TU freshman, Eric...

Pizan's Wings...Not So Much

2009-02-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

Pizan's, probably the most popular pizza and sub joint in Towson. They're CHEAP, they deliver ALCOHOL, open UNTIL 4 A.M., and not to mention their pizza is AMAZING. You'll always find Pizan's, located on York Road, packed with drunk college students around 2 a.m. just as the bars let out. It's just the laid back "I'm drunk and want to eat good pizza" atmoshpere. The walls are full of "____ was here" tags that you can hardly read. It's pretty cool and really hard not to make friends with someone who works there too, especially when you're drunk!

But BEWARE! Pizan's wings do not do them justice! My assumption that Pizan's wouldn't let me down was a big mistake. Having had pizza the past three days, I decided to switch it up and order wings. They were delivered by a not-so-friendly, sweaty delivery man too.

When I ordered, the foreign woman, who always takes the calls, said they ONLY had mild...now c'mon, if you're going to offer wings you GOTTA have HOT! I figured they'd be a tad bit spicy. Well, they weren't! I felt lik I was eating really bad, really sweet chicken terryaki! EWWW! They were not even a little spicy, they were sweet as can be! I ate ONE, and my lunch was ruined. Afterwrds, one of my managers walked in and said, "O, I could have told you not to order wings from Pizan's." Thanks a lot!

It's safe to say I will only be using Pizan's for pizza or if I have the urge to write on a wall!

Delivery Men Are the Best!

2009-02-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

I LOVE delivery men, is it just me?!?! They're so happy! They're always in a rush and so helpful too. I try to keep them with me as long as possible to talk because they always have interesting things to say. I briefly spoke with one of my delivery men (who would like to remain anonymous). He had a split second to spare on his way out for a few questions.

-He was a few minutes later than expected so I asked him what was going on.
"We are so busy, this is my third delivery on this trip then I have to go back for more."

-Have you personally seen any change in business because of the economy?
"Honestly no, we're really busy everyday just like we've always been, it seems like business has been up this week."

-What do you love the most about your job?
"Meeting so many different people like you [me] and seeing people on the regular."

-What type of customers do you deliver to the most?
"Students, they don't stop eating. I do a lot like this one to businesses too. "

-What is the busiest time of day for you?
"Always lunch and we get really busy late at night."

Given my delivery man's shop is not number one in Towson, it says a lot that they are still swamped everyday (refer to my "Delivery Jobs- Untouchable" post). They make about $14,000 a year, but that is not including their tips! Sitting in Pizza Hut, being the eavesdropper that I am, I overheard a conversation in which a woman needed a job "reeeaaaly badly." The first thing the waitress said was they are hiring drivers. The woman refused the position because "her arms couldn't handle driving." Whatever that means, it's beside the point. People are still hungry and lazy, meaning food deliverers are needed!

Universal Pizza & Subs

2009-02-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big fan of sausage, bacon, or cheese alone. But boy, when you put it all together on a pizza from Universal Pizza & Subs, IT...WAS...GOOD. When my coworker suggested Universal's "Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger Pizza," I was a little scared. Usually over-sized names with bacon in it usually doesn't produce anything positive from random pizza delivery places! They pulled it off. My coworker and I almost ate the whole pizza! Delivery took about 20 minutes at 1 p.m., pizza came with a hilarious, friendly delivery man too! Universal also offers FREE delivery! I would suggest Universal to everyone in Towson...annnd the BCC Pizza!

Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger Pizza:
-bacon
-ground beef
-cheddar cheese
-provolone cheese
-mozzarella cheese

The bacon was sprinkled on top, underneath was provolone. In between the dough and provolone was the ground beef, cheddar and mozzarella. It had to be at least a half inch thick, delicious for any college night or work-day lunch!

Domino's: Best Delivery Process Ever!

2009-02-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

Idiot proof online ordering = Domino's

Domino's has, by far the most convenient and efficient online ordering process. Here it is:

1. Delivery or Carryout
2. Your Location
3. House/Business/Dorm/Hotel
-all of which prompt you to give details (apt. #, suite #, dorm room, business name, etc.)
4. Address
5. Place Your Order
6. Confirm
7. Checkout
8. Give any special delivery instructions for the driver
9. Confirm Order Summary
10. payment method
11. Confirm

*The whole time you are going through this process, there is a summary on the right of the page just so you can see what you have ordered and the price.

The Best Part

After your order has been placed, you can see a time line of the process : when they have received the order, preparation, steps of making the order (dough, oven, etc.), when it gets boxed, when it leaves, and when it arrives. There's no denying that is extremely cool! Even if you don't like Domino's, you have to try this!

Delivery Jobs - Untouchable!

2009-02-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

While I was chatting it up with one of my Towson delivery men last week, he told me they were hiring drivers and managers. It made me think with the job market going down the drain, how is the food delivery market holding up? I ventured online and the amount of food delivery jobs available amazed me! Snagajob alone had eight openings in Towson and Baltimore for just Domino's. I took it a step further and searched "cook" and found 2,674 jobs available. I also searched "server" and found 1, 010 jobs available.

Why do you think this is? It could be an indicator that ordering food is so convenient, it takes the factor of spending money (in this "saving money" time) out of the equation. The amount of food-related jobs available has to be directly connected to the amoubnt of business theyre doing. If you think about it, it's very rare that a student or a busy professional would pack a lunch. So that leaves buying food, and we all know there is nothing better than having good food brought to you. It is a concensus, having food brought to you makes it taste better.

So, which do Americans love more, food or money? -that should be a million dollar question!

Hello Towson Friends!

2009-02-10T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! My name is Nicole Rossi and I'm a senior at Towson University, graduating in May. I'm a Broadcast Journalism major, so blogging is a necessity! I am in radio as of now; so my challenge for after I graduate is switching over to television...ha, good luck right! Being familiar and laying a foundation in blogging will definitelty give me an advantage. I'm very excited!

On a lighter note, I love to eat! My pupose for this blog is to share my sometimes critical, but always honest opinion on Towson eateries that deliver. Believe it or not, Towson is full of students and business people! They eat, and they eat a lot! I am only blogging on places that deliver because students are typically too lazy to pick the food up and the businessmen/businesswomen are typically too busy (if anyone disagrees, let me know). I work and go to school in Towson, so I pretty much have food delivered at least two or three times a week.

Towson needs to know what's good and what's not! After all, there's nothing worse than ordering food, having it arrive two hours later, only to find out the food is horrible. No worries Towson eaters, Your TasteBud is here to help! I'll give you the scoop on the best and worst, from pizza to Chinese!