Where's the 'roo? Oh, here's a Fosters...
Written: Aug 29 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A diverse menu, kids menu, prices are moderate, large groups not a problem, toys for kids, entertaining atmosphere
Cons: Busy, busy, busy! All the time, the busy...
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| Nickaroni's Full Review: Outback Steakhouse |
Funny how we have associated names of places in the world with food, that has absolutely NOTHING to do with the names of the places!
I went to the Outback Steakhouse while I was in Las Palmas last year, visiting my parents, with my kids. We had a great meal, a great time, and the kids enjoyed the atmosphere. I couldn't understand why it wasn't busier, but I was told by our server that it was "off season" for the Desert area (I was there in early August - 110 in the shade!). It was also early for Westerners...we were on Midwest time, and hungry earlier.
So, the other night, after I saw THE CELL, I was hungry and it was somewhat late. A new Outback had just opened up around the corner, so went to see how busy it was. The parking lot was full, people were standing outside, and cars were stalking the full lot like vultures, waiting to descend upon the next person who left the restaurant!
I decided to go shopping at Target, and let the crowd settle down.
Around 7:30pm, I finally took a chance and entered the doorway. Right away I was told it would be only 5-10 minutes to get a seat for one. I was handed a disc that had a number on it. I was assured my disc would buzz and light up when my table was ready. COOL! While I watched football on the many tv's at the bar (and got my daily dose of second hand smoke), I checked out the many kid's toys that were available, and thought how cool my kids would think this was.
I was seated NOT next to the kitchen, or in a corner, which is the usual place for a single woman, eating alone. My Hostess made me feel like they'd picked out just the right spot for me, and it was a good seat. I could see the tv, I had a great view of the people around me, and my table was the right height. Don't you hate being seated at a table, only to find you've become a munchkin, and the table is too high, and the comfy cushion is too broken in?!
My server, Tony, joined me at my table, engaged me in conversation, and made a quick recommendation for a meal at 8pm at night. What a sweetie! He then disappeared, only to re-appear less than 5 minutes later with my drink and bread. He was a busy man, but he made me feel like I was an important part of his section.
It took awhile to get my salad, almost 10 minutes, but the activity of my server told me he would get to me when he could. When he did bring my salad, it was piggy-backed onto another dinner delivery to the table across from me.
The bread was awesome! It was warm and crispy on the outside, and served with very soft butter. I loved the croutons in the salad, and it was a generous portion for a dinner salad.
I ordered the Queensland Chicken and Shrimp. It was a fettucini pasta dish, that was in a garlic/olive oil sauce. The shrimp and the chicken were sprinkled with a spicy red seasoning, which Tony would not reveal.
I couldn't finish my meal, and had to take it home and eat it for lunch the next day.
Tony tried to get me to have dessert, remembering that I was out without the kids, and this was an event for me...ha! As if I had room! I should have taken it home, though, and ate it while I wrote my epinion about The Cell!
Overall, my experience at The Outback Steakhouse was a very good one, made extra special by the attention of my server, Tony.
The only disappointment I had was the lack of original Australian foods on the menu. Oh, sure, there was lamb, but no emu, which is supposed to be the latest/greatest thing since chicken. My friend from Queensland never heard of the bloomin' onion until I told her!
I found the prices were moderate, depending on what you wanted. We'd spend this same amount at Pasta House, or at Ruby Tuesday. My total bill came to $16.08, for my entree, salad, bread, and all I could drink refills of iced tea. My tummy was VE-E-ERY happy!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Nickaroni
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Member: Lisa Kemp
Location: St Louis, Sport City USA
Reviews written: 124
Trusted by: 29 members
About Me:
An extrovert, trapped in an introvert's body.
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