Last week we all headed down to the Gecko Grill in Gilbert for lunch. Until that point I had never heard of Gecko Grill but immediately I conjured up the vision of a Dos Gringos or and Iguana Macks style restaurant/bar simply from the name. This didn’t bother me as I have enjoyed eating at Dos Gringos and Iguana Macks, maybe I preferred the atmosphere over the food but either way I had a good time. Needless to say I was expecting something along these lines however I was completely wrong.

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The vote passed unanimously and the usual lunch crew had a destination. I had never heard of the Gecko Grill, but I was willing to take a chance on it.
When we arrived, I took a quick photo of the exterior. Nothing that sets it apart from any other place.

We were seated and as per usual, served chips and salsa (I forgot to mention it’s a Mexican restaurant). I was hungry, so I dove right in and tried the green salsa. Pretty good. I tried the red salsa. Even better. Now with menu in hand, I browsed the selection. I’m usually comfortable with just a burrito, but today I was feeling a quesadilla. So, I ordered the carne asada quesadilla. We finished off the tortilla chips which were promptly re-filled and a few minutes later I got my food.

Needless to say, it was a pretty hefty quesadilla. No complaints there though. It was surprisingly good! The crispy flour tortilla and the avocado gave it a nice balance of textures while the carne asada provided the flavor. It could have been a little dry but, overall It won me over. Next time my vote is still on Gecko Grill.

This is a great restaurant to take your family or friends for a casual, affordable Mexican dish. This is a place that serves authentic Mexican food without the risk of being sick all night. It isn’t a nice sit down restaurant, but it also isn’t a fast food Mexican restaurant cooking who know what. The staff was made up of mostly teenagers which made the atmosphere in the restaurant relaxed and easy to carry on a conversation.

I started off filling up with their chips and salsa. They brought out red salsa, green salsa, and bean dip with a refillable tray of chips. Our waiter kept on the ball and kept more loaded baskets of chips coming. He also did a good job of refilling our drinks.

I ordered their Grande Burrito which turned out to be very good. It was very large, and I only ate about half of it because I filled up on chips and salsa before my meal arrived.

Recommendation

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to have an affordable, good portioned, Mexican dish without having to go to a 24 hour fast food Mexican restaurant that might be serving dog meat.

First Impressions

It was interesting to note that Gecko Grill proudly displayed their health inspection list right next to the maitre d’s position.  It was equally interesting to note they had three top-tier rankings and one “bottom 25%”.

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Many of my friends have talked very highly of the Gecko Grill in Gilbert as a great place for a good mexican lunch. So when our food crew chose the infamous lunch destination, I was  excited to try it out.

My First Impression

“Wow, this place is busy,” is what came to my mind first as I walked into the waiting area. Then I realized that the waiting area is only designed for two people. Traffic  in and out seemed to be a little chaotic but the wait  time was not very long for such a large party. The hostess was quick to seat us and bring out menus. If you like eating at a small but busy Mexican style cafe, than this is the perfect place for you. There are many colorful southwest decorations on the walls, with straw covered booths around the sides for more private dining. I must say that the place was very busy wilt only a couple of tables left empty.

The Food

I was impressed with the variety of many traditional Mexican dishes and finger foods along with South Western BBQ plates. Though, with small restaurants like this, I always question the authenticity of their “Traditional Mexican Food.” I ordered the South Western Burrito Lunch Special which I thought was reasonably priced at $5.99. There were many other menu items and specials to choose from as well.

I began my meal with free bottomless fresh chips and a couple of salsa and bean dipping choices  The salsa was definitely store bought and out of the bottle which provided an comfortable familiar taste. My South West Burrito came served on a small plate with garnish. the buritto wrapped  with a combination of diced grilled seasoned chicken marinated in a mild red sauce, Spanish rice, south west stile corn, Charo beans, and a good crisp bead of lettuce, sour cream, and cheese. I liked the tastes and the textures of this burrito. However, I did not taste the South West in the South West Burrito. What I ate was a good and hearty burrito that had mild spices giving it a good taste for anyone to enjoy that is fearful of heartburn from hot foods. I have never had corn in a burrito before, but it added a sweet taste that was enjoyable.  The sour cream and cheese did not cancel out any of the other ingredients flavors which so many Mexican restaurants tend to do. I was good “gringo” style Mexican food at a good value.

Service

Our server was prompt and very friendly through the entire meal. There was a matter of having an extra meal sent to us that no one ordered from our party, but that happens to busy lunch cafe sometimes. Even though the service staff seemed to be young teens, our meals came quick and hot without complaints. The general atmosphere seemed to be that everyone was having a good time.

Gecko Grill I would say is a good place to get a filling meal with your friends and family in a casual environment.  The prices are decent for the amount and quality of food you receive with prompt and friendly service.

Ratings    1 to 5 Stars

Atmosphere: 3 Stars

Food: 3 Stars

Service: 3 Stars

9 out of a possible 15 Stars

I decided to head out to the new San Tan Mall in Gilbert Arizona. I had heard good things about the restaurant Cantina Laredo from a few friends. I also heard it was a bit pricy but decided to try it anyway. We got there at about 7 and we were seated immediately. The place didn’t seem to busy. There was a good atmosphere and the hostess and our waiter were both very nice. They were quick to answer any questions we had about the menu. The special there is their guacamole dip. We started with some of that along with their chips and salsa. They bring out two avocados and some fresh ingredients like onions, tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, etc. to mix in with the avocados to make a great tasting fresh guacamole dip. I would definitely recommend this dip. The chips and salsa was also very good. They had two salsas. Both a bit different but very delicious.

I decided to go with a meal that came with three different types of enchiladas. My Fiance decided to just go with a bean and cheese burro. The enchiladas were very good. All were a bit different and had a great taste. The meal came to a little over 30 dollars. I didn’t find it that expensive.

This was a very nice restaurant and a good atmosphere. The cost is reasonable for what you get. The food is excellent and the service was great. Next time you are in the san tan mall area stop by and give it a try. I’m sure you will be impressed.

Ocean Blue Frozen Yogurt just opened up and is located on the corner of greenfield and brown in mesa, az. It is self serve yogurt with about a dozen different flavors. I decided to go with peanut butter and also custard. The custard was excellent and I would recommend it if going. The peanut butter on the other hand was probably the worst yogurt I have ever had.

Ocean Blue also allows you to put topping on your yogurt. They have everything like gummy bears, chocolate, cereal, and much more. The price isn’t bad at all. Actually pretty cheap. Overall the yogurt is alright. It’s a cool place to go to at least try. The yogurt isn’t the best but I will probably return. They also have a website. It is www.oceanbluefrozenyogurt.com Check it out.

When I heard we were going to Charley’s Steakery I knew we were in for a good lunch.  Charley’s is nothing fancy, but if you like a good cheesesteak sandwich then this is the place.  It is a step above fast food.  The food is always hot since they grill it up right in front of you.  I have eaten here since they opened and my sandwich of choice is the Chicken Cordon Bleu with some mayo and banana peppers.  You have the option of adding steak fries as a side which is a must.  Wash it down with a cold Mountain Dew and you can’t go wrong.   Next time your near a Charley’s Steakery I recommend you stop in and give it a shot.

Hot Dogs and More was another way for us to take a quick lunch, get in and out. I must say that I was a little skeptical, after all the place is called “Hot Dogs and More”. What could I really expect? There is no way a place like this was going to offer five star cuisine. (more…)

Ocean Blue - sounds like a pool supply company right? Well I hope you don’t scare easily because there branding looks like a pool supply company as well.

Last Friday a co-worker came into my office and said that there was a new yogurt place just right down the road and that we should check it out after lunch. I have to say I was pretty excited as I really enjoy my fair share of sweets, especially ice cream and yogurts. Before taking off for lunch I decided to do a little research on this place “Ocean Blue” and see exactly what there deal is. After some time and intense searching I was able to come across their website which looks like a train wreck. (http://oceanbluefrozenyogurt.com/) As you can see their branding is pretty weak. We all understand that hip and trendy branding sells, well Ocean Blue is still stuck on the 1990’s Mt. Dew style with the “Xtreme” branding. Also, judging by the three flavors offered on their website I immediately though this was a Pink Berry rip-off, and to be quite honest it is a Pink Berry rip-off only with a slight twist. (more…)