Ponderosa Steakhouse & Buffet

27 05 2009
  • 6727 S. Cedar St.
  • Lansing, MI 48911
  • (517) 694-1299
  • Website
  • Menu
Ponderosa Steakhouse & Buffet on South Cedar in Lansing.

Ponderosa Steakhouse & Buffet on South Cedar in Lansing.

Ponderosa was a staple in my family growing up.  My parents had two hungry boys and there’s no better value than an all-you-can eat buffet.  Since then, I’ve kind of drifted away from those type of places.  You don’t think quality food when you think buffet.

The Ponderosa on South Cedar Street in front of Lowe’s has been calling J and I since we moved here.  We’ve made so many jokes about going to Ponderosa, but we never have.  The restaurant is literally within walking distance but it’s just never sounded like a good idea.

I was supposed to go to the Lugnuts game tonight and J was going to fend for herself for dinner, but as I got down to Oldsmobile Park, the sky’s opened up again the game was cancelled.   I headed back towards home and texted J that I was home.  She asked if I wanted to meet at Ponderosa for dinner.  I thought she was joking, but she wasn’t, so we did.

We met in the parking lot which was the first of many weird things.  If you enter after you pass the building, you have to park in back.  There is an entrance before the building (if you’re coming from Pennsylvania) with angled parking.  The entrance to the building is actually on the backside.

When you get inside, there is a counter where you order your dinner.  The menu board doesn’t list the price of the buffet or even show it as an option.  They only list the steaks.  I ordered two buffet’s and J handed the waiter/counter clerk her credit card.  The kid mumbled so much, we couldn’t understand a word he said.  The total for the two buffets, which included drinks was $24.  When you think about how much food you could possibly eat, it’s not bad, but you better get your fill and make sure you show up hungry. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : buffet, Chains, Lansing, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews

Burger King – Holt

27 05 2009
  • 2464 Cedar Street
  • Holt, MI 48842
  • (517) 694-2600
  • Website
  • Menu
The Burger King on Cedar Street in Holt.

The Burger King on Cedar Street in Holt.

Sorry, I’m a few days behind in blogging.  Things are a little hectic at MMD World Headquarters which is why, on Monday night, I suggested a fast food run.  Usually, we do Taco Bell or Steak ‘n Shake, but I thought we’d mix it up.  I couldn’t tell you the last time I had Burger King and there’s one right down the street.  J didn’t object.

We chose the Burger King on Cedar in Holt.  It sits near the Holt/Lansing city line right across the street from the Kroger.  There is an entrance on Cedar Street, but there is also one on Willoughby which is easier to access than crossing traffic. 

As I’ve said before, I despise drive thrus, so we went inside.  The place was desserted at 7:00 on Memorial Day.  We were the only ones inside and there was just one car in the drive thru.  Since we hadn’t eaten at a BK in a long time, we needed a minute to look over the menu.

I got, if memory serves me correctly, the #11 which is a double cheeseburger with fries and a drink.  The prices on the board are for the small combo, but they list prices for medium and large under it.  I went with the medium and got a Diet Coke with just a splash of regular Coke from the fountain. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Burgers, Chains, Fast Food, Holt, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews

House May Vote on Smoking Ban Today

26 05 2009

I just noticed this Tweet from Rep. Barb Byrum.

I am in session….Hoping to vote on a smoking ban….soon.

Here’s a little more info from the Associated Press.  Unfortunately, I’m not going to be around tonight, so I won’t know anything until I get home from work.

The Michigan House is preparing for a possible vote on legislation that would ban smoking at most
workplaces in the state including restaurants and bars.

A vote on the legislation is likely late Tuesday. But it does not appear a compromise has been reached between the Democrat-led House and Republican-led Senate on a final version of a smoking ban that might become law.

The House is discussing legislation that as introduced would exempt Detroit casinos and tobacco shops from the ban. The Senate hasn’t taken up a smoking ban bill this year but previously backed a ban that did not include any exemptions


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Categories : Michigan, Politics

Los Tres Amigos Express

26 05 2009
  • 730 N. Clippert St.
  • Lansing, MI 48912
  • (517) 324-9600
  • Website
  • Menu
Los Tres Amigos Express near the Frandor Shopping Center.

Los Tres Amigos Express near the Frandor Shopping Center.

J rarely gets a holiday off, but this year, she actually got to celebrate Memorial Day.  We spent the morning running errands and ended up in East Lansing.  When it came time for lunch, I asked what she was in the mood for.  She said she didn’t care, but Mexican sounded good.  Last week, when we were in Frandor getting her ring sized, I noticed a Los Tres Amigos tucked into a tiny strip mall outside of the Frandor shopping center.  Since we had to head back that way, it’s what I chose for lunch.

Los Tres Amigos Express is on Clippert Street between Saginaw and Grand River.  It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it and it took a few times around the block to get in the right parking lot.  Once we did get parked, we questioned whether this was a sit down restaurant or a take out.  You can’t see anything from the door, but once we got inside, we found tables along with an order counter, so you can sit an eat. 

While there is an order counter, we were told to take a seat and the waiter would be right over.  Los Tres Amigos Express isn’t really decorated like a Mexican restaurant.  It’s pretty bland and could pass for just about any take out place.  It looks like you used to order your food directly from the kitchen and kind of did the assembly line thing, but that’s not the case anymore.  We grabbed a table and looked over the paper menus on the table while our waiter got the Cokes and we snacked on the complimentary chips and salsa.  I really like Los Tres’ salsa.  It’s a smooth salsa that’s got a little bit of a kick.  It’s kind of a happy medium between what I like and what J likes.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Lansing, Mexican, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews

Press Release – BWL Chili Cook-Off

26 05 2009

From a Lansing Board of Water & Light press release…..

14th annual BWL Chili Cook-off will spice up the night on June 5

The Lansing Board of Water & Light will hosts its 14th Annual BWL
Chili Cook-Off on Friday, June 5 in Adado Riverfront Park.

“This a great opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate our city and
our riverfront, as well as to raise money for worthy, local non-profit
organizations,” said BWL General Manager J. Peter Lark.

New this year:
 The time: The BWL is extending the Chili Cook-off an hour. The
new hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
 The place: For the first time, the Chili Cook-off will take place on
the west side of the Grand River, in Adado Riverfront Park.
 Advance ticket sales: Advance tickets are $5 each for persons over
age 13; $2 for ages 6-12. Ages 5 and under are free.
 Tickets at the gate are $8 for ages 13 and over, and $3 for ages 6-12.
Advanced tickets can be purchased at the BWL Customer Service
Center, 1232 Haco Drive, Lansing, and at the Lansing Lugnuts Box
office, Oldsmobile Park.

More than 45 restaurants and organizations will compete for best chili
honors. For chiliheads wishing to take a “chili break”, there will be
mechanical bull rides. Current and former Michigan State University
football players are expected to try their bull-riding skills. Other activities
include a Duck Derby (A $5 ticket gives contestants a chance to win prizes
including 4 tickets to a Lugnuts Suite and 18 holes of golf at Eagle Eye) plus
games and activities for all ages. Non-chili offerings include adult beverages
and ice cream.

Two live bands will perform: 496 West and La Inspiracion.

Proceeds go to support these fine community institutions: Impression 5
Science Center, Adopt A River, the HOPE Scholarship Program, and the
Sparrow Foundation.


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Categories : Cook offs, Downtown, Lansing, Michigan, Press Releases

Press Release – Be A Tourist In Your Own Town

22 05 2009

As two people who were new to Lansing last year, the “Be A Tourist In Your Own Town” event was a great way to explore our new home.  We only got to maybe twenty of the stops, but we hit the big ones including the Potter Park Zoo, RE Olds Museum, Impressions 5, and a few of the other museums.  This year, we’ll hit the zoo again, but we also plan on finding some of the other things and skip a few of the bigger stops.  Either way, it’s an event that we’ve been looking forward to and plan on getting our passports next for weekend. 

From a Greater Lansing Convention and Visitor’s Bureau press release….

Discover A World of Possibilities In Your Own Backyard During
Be A Tourist In Your Own Town On Saturday, May 30th

LANSING, Mich. – What would you say if someone asked, “What is there to do in Greater Lansing?” If you had to think about it, get ready to discover (or rediscover) your own backyard during the 15th Annual Be A Tourist In Your Own Town celebration. The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the event on Saturday, May 30th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While a dollar sure doesn’t buy much these days, it’s STILL enough to purchase a Greater Lansing passport, allowing event participants to visit more than 60 local partnering establishments. Old favorites include: Impression 5 Science Center, Potter Park Zoo and the Michigan Historical Museum. Be sure to visit one of the many new stops including, FRAG Center, MSU’s Breslin Center, WKAR Studios and taste the new “Capital City Sundae” ice cream flavor at the MSU Dairy Store. Some attractions will offer a discount on services through June with the passport.

“The tourism industry is a key component of the Greater Lansing economy,” said Tracy Padot, Vice President, Marketing Communications. “Based on a study conducted by Michigan State University, more than 5 million out-of-town guests visit Greater Lansing each year, generating $431 million in direct spending and supporting 7,500 jobs in the tourism sector. We want residents to not only enjoy the leisure options Lansing offers, but also recognize the importance of creating a hospitable environment for our guests by serving as community ambassadors.”

Here’s how the event works:
1. Participants need to purchase a $1 passport from the Celebration Cinema or Meridian Mall customer service desks, the AAA Michigan–Grand River Avenue location, Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing Art Gallery, CATA C.T.C or the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau in Old Town. Passports will also be available on May 30th at information stations throughout the city.
3.Throughout the month of June, “tourists” can have their passport stamped at participating attractions, and once they receive 10 stamps, they are eligible to enter a prize drawing. Participants that get 15 or more stamps, are entered in for the grand prize – a night in a suite at Oldsmobile park and 10 tickets.

2.Passport holders can park at the Breslin Student Events Center on the campus of MSU, in Old Town, at the Lansing Community College parking ramp on N. Grand Avenue or at the lot adjacent to the Michigan Historical Museum and hop aboard one of four CATA Be A Tourist public bus routes. Round trip fares are only 50 cents per person.


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Categories : Lansing, Michigan, Press Releases

Press Release – Melting Moments Celebrates 25 Years

22 05 2009

From a press release….

Melting Moments Celebrates a “Quarter Century of Good Taste” 

Mark Geovjian, creator and proprietor of Melting Moments finds it hard to believe that it has been 25 years since he served his first homemade ice cream in Downtown East Lansing. “Amazing how time really does fly,” he remarked.

The 25 year milestone presents an opportunity for reflection. “We’ve always remained true to our steadfast commitment to quality. We have continually searched out the finest of ingredients for our ice creams. We still make everything by hand, as we did with the very first tub in 1984,” said Geovjian. “We are proud to be a part of the East Lansing Community, supporting a variety of causes including our own ‘Melting Moments Giving Fund’ with the Capital Area Regional Foundation and the ‘Melting Moments Children’s Fund’ at the Haven House. It’s also surprising to calculate over those 25 years how many students we’ve employed who have used this job to work their way through college. It has to be well over a thousand kids.”

The recently renovated retail store is still downtown in the original location at 313 E. Grand River Ave. In 2007 they moved the kitchen production facilities and offices to a building in Lansing where all of their tasty concoctions are created and produced. The addition of handmade Italian Gelato offers the area’s only large variety of the European treat.

When asked about new directions for the next 25 years, the discussion leads to the many “Ice Cream on the Move” events in which the company is involved, including the upcoming E. Lansing Arts Festival, Folk Festival, Jazz and Blues Festivals and a variety of Air Shows. They are also expanding their involvement in a vast number of off-site events with their fully outfitted ice cream concession trailer and fleet of ice cream carts.

Most importantly, the 25th anniversary marks a time for Melting Moments to show appreciation to all of their loyal customers. “We actually have children of folks that grew up eating cookie sandwiches at MSU events coming into our store,” said Geovjian.

Mark would like to invite the entire community to the “Quarter Century of Good Taste” celebration at Patriarch Park June 7th from 3-6pm. There will be fun and games for the whole family but most importantly free ice cream for all!

 

“Life is good…there’s ice cream.”


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Categories : East Lansing, Michigan, Press Releases

Blimpie Subs & Salads – S. Pennsylvania

22 05 2009
  • 6030 S. Pennsylvania Avenue #11
  • Lansing, MI 48911
  • (517) 393-5477
  • Website
  • Menu
Blimpie Subs & Salads on South Pennsylvania in Lansing.

Blimpie Subs & Salads on South Pennsylvania in Lansing.

We had to kick off our Memorial Day weekend with a few errands before J went to work.  Everything we needed to do, we could do on the south side of town, so there was no need to go out to Delta Township.  The thing with staying close to home is that we are running out of new places to eat lunch.  There are definitely a few places that we have been making repeat visits to, but tyring something new is always more fun. 

One of the places we haven’t tried is Blimpie in the strip mall at the corner of Pennsylvania and Miller.  In fact, neither one of us had ever eaten at a Blimpie.  J didn’t even realize it was there and she goes by it everyday on her way to work.  I see the signs near the road for $5 12 inch subs and I’ve seen some pretty good specials at other stores.  J said she just wanted a sandwich anyway, so we went to check out a new place.

Blimpie is set up like most sub sandwich shops.  They have an assembly line counter with three ladies who made different parts of your sandwich.  The first lady cuts the meat.  She has a deli slicer in front of her and they cut the meat to order.  The next lady puts the toppings on.  There’s not as many options as some of their competitors, but they still have the most popular items.  The third lady took care of drinks and the cash register. Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Michigan

Biggby Coffee – Frandor

22 05 2009
  • 1429 W. Saginaw St. #100
  • East Lansing, MI 48823
  • (517) 324-7007
  • Website
  • Menu
Biggby Coffee in East Lansing near the Frandor Shopping Center.

Biggby Coffee in East Lansing near the Frandor Shopping Center.

After my last trip to Starbucks, I’m sure you all know how I feel about the place.  If you missed that review, I’m not a fan.  I don’t like coffee anyway, so my opinion on the subject doesn’t really matter.  J’s not the kind of person that can’t function without coffee, but she does enjoy the occasional after meal mocha.  Since we ate dinner at Lou & Harry’s Grill & Bakery and there was a Biggby around the corner, she wanted to stop and get a drink.

You all know the Beaner’s/Biggby story better than I do, so I won’t even get into it.  There are several East Lansing locations.  This location is right on the Lansing/East Lansing line in a strip mall between Saginaw and Grand River. The Biggby faces Saginaw Street, but it’s accessible from both roads.

The store isn’t huge, but it is typical of the franchise.  The thing I absolutely love about Biggby is how they adapt to their surroundings.  They don’t tear buildings down and put up the same pretentious building on every street corner.  I like that they use the available space and, in some cases, blend right into the fabric of the community.  This store is in a strip mall, so it’s not anything super unique, but it’s still a Biggby.  Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Chains, Coffee, East Lansing, Michigan, Restaurant, Reviews

Smoking Ban Moves Out of Committee

20 05 2009

Well, it’s a start, but it’s set up the same as last year and they couldn’t come to an agreement then….

A House committee approved today a ban on smoking in all bars, restaurants and all other workplaces – except for Detroit’s casinos and smoke shops statewide – reigniting a debate that has smoldered for years.

[snip]

House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township said he had spoken with Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, and said, “I would bet it gets done this year.”

However, Dillon said he supports a smoking ban exemption for the gambling floors of casinos only, but not the restaurants or anywhere else in the facility. Bishop said his Republican caucus supports a total ban with no exemptions.

No exemptions.  How sad is it they want to exempt casino floors that are covered with old guys in oxygen masks?  Why should casinos get exemptions but not bars and restaurants near those casinos?  Detroit’s competition is Windsor…and Windsor is smoke free.  They know that people would cross the border to gamble if the two are actually on an even playing field…hell, I’m going to Windsor this weekend…but it has more to do with smoke free than anything.


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Categories : Lansing, Michigan, Politics

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