Category Archives: US

Big Y Cafe

Big Y Cafe on UrbanspoonSheepie had gone earlier for a pie and 2 cups of coffee which came about $8 USD and was upset on why it was so expensive.

We later went back together for breakfast where I ordered the Short Haul (indicated as ‘Lighter Breakfast for Seniors and Kids’) LOL. But I’m not really a breakfast person and we were betting on the large portions in America to fill me up, and the leftover for Sheepie. idearabbit-bigycafe3

 

idearabbit-bigycafe idearabbit-bigycafe4 idearabbit-bigycafe2I ordered #2 $7.99 USD with 1 poached egg, 2 bacon and 1 hot pancake. As we anticipated, it was quite large and was filling. That’s about it. Nothing fancy – though I guess you can’t really do much with egg, bacon and pancakes…

idearabbit-bigycafe63 idearabbit-bigycafe5Not sure how the coffee system works. On their menu, it says $1.99 USD. Is that per person? Per cup? Cuz this time, I and Sheepie had one cup each from a pot that the server goes around with to every table, and we were charged $2.99 USD in total…It was really terrible coffee, so it was pretty expensive and not working paying for… If Sheepie had checked his bill earlier to see what he had paid, we could have just gotten water…

The cafe apparently got its name from its original location, at the Y junction of highway 2 and 97, where it first opened in 1939 and was moved to it’s current location in 1984. They are committed to cooking with local ingredients, and home cooking from scratch. Their pie is supposedly World Famous home-made pie, but Sheepie didn’t really say anything about the pie itself…

It became pretty full though. I think it’s one of those places that locals and travelers passing by stop at. It’s got character, but pricey for the quality and value. Good location when you stay at the Wedge Mountain Inn next door, but wouldn’t go out of my way to go there.

Taste: carrotcarrot (Coffee gets 0)    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot (Coffee gets 0)

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrot

Wok About Grill

We got to Leavenworth around 6pm, but went pass through to Dryden to check-in to our inn and drop our stuff. By the time we got back to the town, it was 7pm. Since it was Christmas, everything was closed for the day, or was closing early. We walked around looking for a restaurant while we took photos of the glittery Christmas lights throughout the town. We finally found Wok About Grill which had only opened at the beginning of that month. There was a lineup, but we had no other option, so we waited. idearabbit-wokaboutgrill9 idearabbit-wokaboutgrill10
The place was pretty large with high ceilings. The server told us that we could order from the menu, but it was limited. Their main specialty was making your own stir fry. The server brought us two large plastic bowls and we filled it with any ingredient that we wanted from meat (frozen), veggies and noodles. Top it off with the sauces of your liking. The chef will then weigh your bowl and give you a sticker with the cost. You are charged $7.20/lb. I filled my bowl quite a bit and it came to just a little over $12. Oops, lol. Sheepie’s was only about $8.50. Watch chefs grill and cook up your meal!
A bonus is that every meal comes with either your choice of rice, tortillas or lettuce cups. I ordered rice while Sheepie go tortillas.

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DIRTY condiments and topping area!!idearabbit-wokaboutgrill4 idearabbit-wokaboutgrill3

I thought Sheepie’s price was quite fair, with all that he had. I had quite a bit of noodles which were much heavier, hence the higher price. I shouldn’t have been so greedy, I was pretty full at 85%, but managed to finish the fry entirely, though only half the bowl of rice.

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My plate with white rice $12+idearabbit-wokaboutgrill8 idearabbit-wokaboutgrill7

Sheepie’s tortillas and plate $8+idearabbit-wokaboutgrill6

Our server was very friendly and pleasant. The hostess seemed a bit reluctant to be working there, especially on Christmas evening. The table area was clean, but the buffet area needs to be cleaned regularly. Although with so many customers pouring in their own ingredients into their bowl, I guess it’s inevitable to be a bit messy. The counter by the chefs were pretty bad. Sure, it’s end of day and super busy, but still.

Taste was ok. Filling but nothing spectacular. Maybe it’s my own fault for not using the right mix of sauces. Either way, I don’t know if it’s on my top list. Definitely not in Leavenworth, as I came to eat some German food – still, I was happy they were still the only ones left open in the entire town!

Taste: carrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrot

Olive Garden

Olive Garden Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato On our way home from Seattle’s Premium Outlet, we stopped by at Olive Garden for dinner. The exterior of the restaurant  seemed warm and inviting. The interior had a nice Italian look, and Sheepie even mentioned some parts looking very European. It’s super comfy, and the menu is extensive (not to mention nicely designed ;) I much prefer Olive Garden now over White Spot (though can I even compare the two? LOL) Denny’s would sit at the bottom of that list…

Our server was bubbly and joyful. I’m not sure if it was because it was America or if Olive Garden staff are always this cheerful.

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Anyways, the portion of the food is always big in the US!

idearabbit-olivegarden2Chicken and Gnocchi soup that came with my main idearabbit-olivegarden6 idearabbit-olivegarden5Pappardelle Pescatore $18.79 USD idearabbit-olivegarden4Grilled Chicken Flatbread $10.29 USD

I ordered Pappardelle Pescatore $18.79 USD ($21.79 at locations in Canada) It was huge and delicious with sautéed shrimp, bay scallops and clams mixed with pappardelle pasta, asparagus and tomatoes in a creamy, red pepper seafood sauce. Excellent!

It came with a soup, and I got the Chicken and Gnocchi. It was really good, though a bit on the salty side. The server asked I wanted seconds. I’m not sure if that’s complimentary, but I declined knowing I had the big main dish coming. The bread sticks that came for the both of us were also too salty. It had a good garlic flavour though. The server asked if we wanted more bread, but we also declined on that as well.

Sheepie ordered the Grilled Chicken Flatbread $10.29 USD. I didn’t have any, so can’t comment, but looked really good.

idea-rabbit_mascot-joyI would highly recommend Olive Garden. I love the place now! I myself would love to go back again, but unfortunately, there are no Olive Gardens in Vancouver. Closest one is in Langley…

Very good food, the size is awesome for the price (though perhaps not good for the waistline :P ) and great, friendly servers.

 Taste: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot  Service:  carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrot