The Original Pancake House

Pay attention to this blog post, for it will change your life.

The Original Pancake House of Charlotte, NC is a  gold mine. The 3 page menu is packed wall to wall with everything "breakfast." From pancakes to dutch babies and crepes to bacon waffles; everyone in your group will be satisfied.

Even when the lot is full and you have to park across the street, you are still going to be seated in about 15 minutes.

You immediately feel comfortable as soon as you sit down. The high vaulted ceilings make the restaurant feel larger and more open than you'd expect from the outside.

Out of the many times we have eaten here, we always have some of the friendliest and most attentive servers.

The Original Pancake house is the best way to start your day.

Exhibit A
The freshly squeezed orange juice.

I usually don't choose orange juice with pulp, but this OJ makes it work. Without the acidy bite, this orange juice goes down smooth.

Exhibit B 
French Crepes
(Sean)

I usually get the (wonderful) Western Omelette, but decided to mix it up this time. A life-long crepe fan, I had high expectations for these. OPH didn't let me down. Simple, yet delicious, with fresh strawberries and perfect crepe-titude, this is a real winner.

Exhibit C

Strawberry Waffle

(Ashley)

I'm getting excited just looking at this picture. It seems average, a waffle and strawberries, but trust me, this waffle will blow your mind. It is what I dream heaven will be like for me...swimming in an ocean made of strawberry syrup (which they make themselves..see picture below!) and waves of whipped cream. I may have taken this too far, but I am not sorry.

Cost: $$$        Quality: *****
The Original Pancake House
915 Charlottetowne Avenue, Charlotte, NC

El Dorado Mexican Retaurant

This off-kilter little gem is located on the outskirts of Fuquay-Varina, NC. Although there are many mexican restaraunts in the area (7 as of this writing), El D's is the “real” Fuquay mexican restaurant.

Upon entering this quaint building, you are immediately greeted by the zany and sarcastic waitstaff, who seat you immediately and provide the required chips and salsa. We both had the sweet tea, as we always do, and it is one of the best sweet teas to be found. The salsa is pleasantly spicy, with the fresh chips bringing a good crunch as you peruse the menu.

(Sean)
The Famous Speedy Gonzalez

One beef taco, one beef enchilada and rice. 

Hard to mess up, but also hard to perfect. This is my most often selected menu item at El D's, and this occasion did little to convince me otherwise. Best beef in the business, with a soft rice and a delightful red sauce that cuts perfectly under the cold white queso. A cheap, delightful meal, worthy of any refined taste buds.

(Ashley)
Lunch Special #9

One chicken quesadilla, rice and beans. 

It is especially important to order the quesadilla from the lunch menu; it is shredded chicken, unlike the dinner quesadilla, which is a fajita style chicken (honestly it is not as good).

I dream about this quesadilla. It practically melts in your mouth with every bite and is a great pair with the beans and rice. I once had the quesadilla twice in one day (for lunch & dinner)...yes, it is that good.

Do we recommend El Dorado's to you? Heck yes. Just don't be surprised if the wait staff pokes fun at you.

Cost: $$        Quality:****


El Dorado Mexican Restaurant
112 E Vance St, Fuquay Varina, NC

Zaxby's : Churky Approved

First off, I'd like to mention that Zaxby's has fried pickles! Some of you may have received a text message from me last week telling you how excited I was when I tried them...well, not anymore.

I have never had customer service this terrible in my life.

I like Zaxby's and I plan to still eat at Zaxby's but I will never go to this particular one again:

7508 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28217

Today, I ordered the chicken finger sandwich, assuming it comes with lettuce, tomato, and/or mayo. All of which I am fine with, I'm not very picky. It does not list what comes on this sandwich on the menu, but I figured it was no big deal. I go to pick up my order and my sandwich is drenched in Zaxby's sauce (on the top and bottom!). I have tried this sauce on multiple occassions, hoping I would end up liking it..but it is the nastiest sauce ever.

I just found the recipe for the sauce..no wonder I hate it! :

mayo, ketchup, garlic, worcestershire sauce, and black pepper..mixed together! **vomtis**


I told the girl who gave me my food that I didn't know the sauce came on the sandwich and asked (very nicely) if I could get it switched for a plain one. After about 4 minutes of her staring at me in confusion and questioning what I wanted & what was wrong, she sends the sandwich back for a new one and then tells her manager (standing right next to her) that I was getting a plain one instead. That's when the MANAGER proceeded to YELL at me (waving arms and everything, infront of a huge crowd) for asking for a new sandwich.

I was literally in shock. I know that at any other food chain, they would take my food back, no questions asked. It really makes me appreciate all of the other restaurants I eat at.

-ashley (sadly, sean was not with me when this happened)

picture credit: Google :)

R.I.P.P. (Rest in peace, Penguin)

Well, Charlotte loses a hot spot today. The Penguin Drive-In, a classic American eatery, is changing ownership. As long time fans of the way things were, Sashley is giving a shout out to the departing managers.

However, all hope is not lost! The managers are taking over a new business, a southern foods joint called The Diamond. Check them out on Facebook here.

In honor of the late, great Penguin, here is a pic of their famous fried pickles. Enjoy!

                                                                                                                 photo credit: val