Flavorful Indian Buffet
DESCRIPTION: You may order off the menu, or enjoy the varied dishes on the buffet. They always have tandoori chicken, jasmine rice and some kind of dal plus assorted other seasonal vegetarian as well as meat dishes. Nan and dessert are also included. For beverages try the spicy tea or a mango lassi.
DATE: 2004-02-17
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Everything!!

DESCRIPTION: Panera is a nice middle-groud between fast food and restaurant dining. You place your order and pay for it up front, pick it up (usually soon after ordering), and take it to a table. I like their selection of salads, soups, and sandwiches. They have a bunch of coffee drinks, but as I'm not a coffee drinker, I can't comment on them. They always seem quick. The food is reliably fresh and yummy. I was glad to see that Panera recently added desserts to its menu, which was one gaping hole I had noticed. I was disappointed with the new Green Iced Tea they began offering recently; it was super-sweet and not at all what I had expected. I much prefer the frothier I.C. Honeydew Green Tea. I find their atmosphere of warm-toned decor and understated jazz background music to be welcoming. It always feels comfortable there.
DATE: 2003-08-23
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : french onion soup

A party atmosphere with food to match
DESCRIPTION: Don Pablo's isn't standard Tex-Mex, which generally serves food that takes like Old El Paso enchilada souce and the enchilada pie I used to get in first grade in San Antonio, but the food is great and easily stands on its own merits. Mexican food snobs might become disoriented, but if you like food and fun, this is the place for you. Prices are reasonable, service is very good, and comfort is high. The salsa is homemade and tasty in the "gazpacho" range, but perked up well when I put half a bottle of the table hot sauce into it; we like it really spice, and this did the trick. The cheese enchiladas were well worth the trip, and the "go withs" were great comfort food as well -- and the place is high on comfort. They're my first test in a Mexican restaurant --the second is chiles rellenos. To my surprise, this came with a real, respectable (read fiery) poblano pepper inside, and wasn't covered with soggy tempura batter, which you get in many places. Dessert is fine -- the apple pie and chocolate desserts finish off any appetite. The margaritas come in a HEAVY glass, but the contents are heavy, too, and potent. I'd go back. Since I spend a good bit of time at the Borders in the plaza, that'll be fairly often. (If you want down and dirty no-frills Tex Mex, go to The Alamo, but that's all the way down in Riverdale and is nearly 40 years old, so it's not big on ambience. But the food is good.) Note: my son works there at the time of writing, which is why I went, but I'll still go to Don Pablo's, wherever he works. Ding me if you'd like, the the place is really good, regardless of who's working there.
DATE: 2005-01-22
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : All of 'em.

The Most Awesome Sushi Ever!
DESCRIPTION: I must say, out of all the sushi I have had in MD, Sushi Sono thus far has the best. The rolls are actually able to fit in your mouth and boy are they delicious! My family and I go there at least once a month. The atmosphere and staff are warm and friendly. All the waitresses are dressed in komonos and the restaurant itself is decorated in Japanese style. If you want great sushi and a great atmosphere, Sushi Sono is the place to go.
DATE: 2005-03-01
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Lobster roll and shrimp tempura roll

You can't beat it
DESCRIPTION: I am never dissapointed by their food
DATE: 2006-01-27
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Bridal Veil Roll