What's wrong with the Midway Market?

Panda Express - tasty, fast and the price isn't too bad (even for park food).

Gourmet Pretzel

Famous Dave's (great on all 3 counts when I've gone, same with Friday's).

Super Stew said:
So you think I have poor taste because I might happen to like Applebees and you don't ?? That's a bit harsh isn't it ? Come on man, you're better than that !

I don't recall calling you out by name, but if the shoe fits, eat off of it, I guess.

You don't recall calling me out be name ? What do you call quoting someones post then busting all over it ? Then going on later to basically insult them because they like something you don't. What were you trying to do then .. Make me look like an idiot incognito ? I can do that all by myself. And he wonders why there's sarcasm.

In my best fake scottish accent imitating Fat Bastard from Austin Powers.... "Because it tastes like CCCCRRRAAPP!!! That's why!"

I envy those of you who have all these wonderful places near you to eat at. All I can settle for is infact, Applebees, TGI Fridays, Ruby Tuesdays, Olgas, Red Lobster and Olive Garden. Guess that's why my tastes are dull and inexperienced. I should be ashamed of myself.;)

And for the record, I haven't found a problem yet with MM. Of course the last time I was there was in 07 so I can imagine it has gotten worse in those 2 years. So I guess my opinion is null and void.

Panda, Daves and Fridays are the only places I frequent when at the park. I don't care to associate myself with the other stalls around the park except for drinks, cheese on sticks, dippin dots, and the occasional pretzel.

Adam, its just because you get distracted by the big flashing signs out front. There are TONS of great places to eat in the Detroit area, just have to look for them.

For the record, I feel the same way about Famous Daves, that Jugga feels about Midway Market.

Of course I'm kidding John. Thanks for calling me on my ADD though.:)

I've been to many great places in and around the Detroit area thanks to the where I work. Applebees and the others are mainly the places I go to be social with friends or family. I wont "defend" them cause they're no 5 star restaurant, but I will say that I've never had a problem with them or their food. I'll also say I don't support the whole microwave comments. Come on that's a bit overboard. It's at least cooked.....sure it may be a greasy dirty germ covered grill, but it's still a grill.:)

I work at Red Lobster (for one more weekend) and can promise we do nothing weird to the food. I get a good deal there too so I go often and think the Sandusky one is pretty good.

I do not consider Applebee's or Red Lobster fine dining but I am rarely looking for fine dining so it works for me...

As long as the biscuits are served at Red Lobsters, I can live happily.:)

Geesh ... I'm sure glad I opened that whole Applebee Red Lobster can of worms thing. I basically just pulled a couple of names out of a hat trying to make a point. That sure has worked out well ! Never imagined such a thing would strike a nerve with so many people. Fact of the matter is, I've only ever eaten at Applebees twice in my life. I was neither blown away or disappointed. Next time I'll be a little more careful when picking something to use as an example. I sure don't want to ruffle any more feathers.

TTD 120mph said:
As long as the biscuits are served at Red Lobsters, I can live happily.:)

I second this statement! Those biscuits are some of the best things ever made!

One dessert dish that I love but have yet to find a restaurant that serves it is Bananas Fosters, and I will sometimes go out of my way to find local and non-chain options to eat. Of course, my local options have so far only consisted of Ft. Wayne and Mansfield (Berne doesn't count, as we only have McDs, DQ, East of Chicago, and Pizza Hut so I'm forced to eat local).

I find Applebees and Red Lobster to be great places for a group dinner, and Cheddars is right up there on my list as well (the onion straws are something I could snack on for eternity and be perfectly content).

TTD 120mph said:
I'll also say I don't support the whole microwave comments.

Adam, I wish I could say I agreed with you here. When I met Jen, she was working at Applebees and she explained to me that most of their "featured" meals come in microwaveable pouches, and are cut open/arranged on the plate once they're ordered and nuked. This includes things like the pasta alfredo and dishes like that, that aren't deep fried or grilled. Their burgers, grilled chicken and steaks are cooked to order on the grill, but a solid majority of their stuff comes from a pouch.

edit: Let me also say that I have no problem with this, and I really don't have a problem with most food. I even think Famous Daves is OK, and will eat there, but I won't go out of my way to do so, at least at the CP one.

Agreed on your comments about FD Josh. While the one at Cedar Point is above par for food available at CP, its one of the worst FD's I've ever been to.

To bring it back home for a second, I would like to think that whenever you walk through the doors of a buffet, you have your expectations in the correct place. In my opinion, eating out in general, be it "fine dining" or Applebees, is entirely overrated.

Who cares if someone on a message board doensn't like something you do?

^^^Ah ok I can understand that then. I only order the steak so that was the basis behind my comment.

mermaidsair said:
I do not consider Applebee's or Red Lobster fine dining but I am rarely looking for fine dining so it works for me...

I don't think anyone is really expecting fine dining, but even if you're not looking for it, it's not a reason to settle for mediocrity or crap. That's the reason CP's food is as terrible as it is in most places, because of the eating public's willingness to settle.

For example, there's a place near me called Melt, and it's one of the best places to eat on the west side of Cleveland. There's no microwaving going on there (thanks for making my point, Josh). The food is amazing and a novel use of familiar foods, the building is interesting, the wait staff is super friendly (and heavily tattooed) and for every person I've ever brought there, they've raved about it.

Chain restaurants aren't inherently bad. Even Chipotle is tasty given their ingredients and fresh factor. But the thing is, not all chains are created equal.

TTD120mph

Come to Rhode island and ill show you some lobsters.

I like Applebees.

I don't disagree and I don't know a lot about Applebee's but Red Lobster is not really pro microwave. I am not even really a "sea food lover" but I appreciate the effort for most of the Red Lobster food. I have worked there for many years and my last weekend is coming up. I do not feel a personal need to defend it. If it sucked I would agree but it is not really fast food seafood or assembly line junk that some places are. It is middle of the road (albeit a little pricey) sea food. Red Lobter does care about quality, etc and they throw a lot out because of it so I thought it was worth mentioning.

I have worked at a lot of food joints and it is a mix. Red Lobster is pretty good to customers, employees is another issue but that is a head office issue.

I also frequent a lot of independant places, not often fine dining but nice sit down places. They can be highly hit or miss so I haven't chanced it in Sandusky yet.

I must add on... that Melt... is absolutely some of the best food from a restaurant ever. I have never had a bad meal there.