Review of J's Prairie Rose cafe

The first thing I noticed about J’s Prairie Rose Cafe, was the name. J’s is located at 410 S 2nd street; the longtime location of Rose Cafe, a small family run Chinese restaurant. Rose Cafe closed its doors last September, and I think it is no coincidence that J’s is trying to use the name recognition that Rose Cafe developed over its thirty years in Laramie.

The restaurant is still in the process of decorating. Most of the walls are blank and freshly painted white; others have a few small pictures hung on them. There were some strange silver-wear and horse shoe structures hanging from the ceiling. The counter seats had been recently re-upholstered, but the counters were worn and faded. The wait staff was polite, but quiet and non talkative. Sitting at the front counter I didn’t have to wait long to get my drink refilled.

The food served at the Prairie Rose Cafe is classic diner cuisine. They feature several types of burgers, fried chicken, club sandwiches, soups, and sides such as fries, onion rings, and cottage cheese. The food seems reasonably priced. One could expect to spend less than $9.00 for lunch. J’s also features a Daily lunch special for $5.99, although it was sold out when I arrived. Currently J’s is only open during breakfast and lunch hours; from 6 am until 2 pm.

I decided to try the Big Laramie burger with pepper-jack cheese and bacon. The burger was very big, and perfectly cooked. The big Laramie comes served on a large toasted sesame seed bun with the usual burger toppings on the side: lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions. The fries are seasoned with a type of seasoning salt, and while there were plenty, they were a bit on the soggy side.

As I was waiting for my food I was able to watch the kitchen staff work through the food service opening between the kitchen and the counters. I noted that none of the kitchen staff were wearing hats or hair nets. Seeing this type of thing doesn’t help a restaurant experience.

While the prices are reasonable, Prairie Rose Cafe seems to be lacking in charm, hospitality, and identity. All things it could use to help to make up for some of its other shortcomings. I don’t see myself returning anytime soon.

Service: 17
Atmosphere: 13
Food: 15
Experience: 14

S.A.F.E. Score: 59


S.A.F.E. Score explained:
Each restaurant is rated in four categories with a possible 25 points available in each. Service rates how friendly the staff was, how long it took to get seated and order, were drinks refilled promptly, etc. Atmosphere covers the look, feel, and sounds of the establishment. The Food rating is based on taste, satisfaction, and portion size. The experience score is the overall experience of the restaurant and includes items that don’t fit into other categories such as value. The total of those categories is the S.A.F.E. score. The higher the score the more “SAFE” it is to say you’d enjoy that restaurant.

Restaurant Reviews

I have decided to begin to write restaurant reviews of various places in Laramie. One of the things I love to do is to go out to eat, and I have eaten at just about every single restaurant in Laramie. the other day I was in a new place eating, and the thought occurred to me that I should start reviewing restaurants. Of course I also had thought of Homer Simpson being a food critic shortly after. I think I will put my reviews on my Blog to start, but will create a page on Laramieweb.com to house restaurant reviews to more easily share with the public.

Cowboys Shutout Rams 24-0

Wyoming really took it to CSU in the second half, and now the boot is back home where it belongs. Our defense was superb. They held the rams to -9 yards rushing in the second half.

We need to keep this momentum going at TCU, and get some revenge there.

The Border War (and happy birthday dad)

This Saturday will be the 98th Border, and the 107th anniversary of the Wyoming CSU rivalry.

Wyoming has been without the bronze boot (The traveling trophy) for two years now. This is the year to take it back. Our defense should shut them down, and our new QB is on a roll. It should be a fun game.

Dad had a birthday he is now 2^6. This weekend he gets to be an honorary assistant coach for the Wyoming CSU Game. He will be in team meetings all morning, etc. then get to watch the cowboys win. I'm glad that they invited him to do this - I think he'll enjoy it.

GO POKES!
BEAT THE SHEEP!

HOLY BEARS!!!

I have never in my life seen anything like that before. The bears were down 20-0 at halftime, and looked like they had overlooked the cardinals and would lose.

Down by 20, 6 turnovers, no offensive touchdowns, and they WIN! This defense stole this game. Two fumbles ran in for touchdowns, then a punt return for the game winner.

I'll have to watch this ending again and again.

WOW!

GO BEARS

Good 'Ol butt whoopin

The Cowboys really took it to utah yesterday. Our defense dominated them helping us get to a 24-0 halftime lead, and lead by as much as 31-0 before letting up.

The final score 31-15 doesn't really reflect how dominating we were.

Our defense have moved up one spot to #3 in the nation in overall defense, and still remains #1 in the nation in pass defense.

Now at 2-1 in the conference that puts us in third place. The border war is next. Time to beat the sheep.

Cowboys Win 14-10

Finally!

We spotten NM 10 points with 3 turnovers in the first half, but came out strong in the 2nd half to get the win 14-10.

Overtime Loss and Golf

Well Wyoming lost in overtime to Syracuse 40-34. I did like the coach's decision to switch to sween as our new quarterback. I hope it will pay off this year. We have had to many close losses this year and last.

I was able to get 18 holes in on saturday at least. I started out ok, but I did horrible on the back nine. That may be my last round this season.