Review of Lovejoy's Bar and Grill

Lovejoy’s bar and grill is a small restaurant and bar located in downtown Laramie at 101 Grand Avenue. When we stopped by Lovejoy’s on a Friday evening it was very full. Despite being full we only had about a 15 minute wait to be seated.

The restaurant was very clean, and nicely decorated with local sports photos. They also have a large screen TV to watch games on, and several TV’s at the bar. The atmosphere was vibrant. It felt like we were at “the place to be” that night. The restaurant was filled with young people in their 20’s and 30’s with a mixture of singles, couples, and the occasional child. The restaurant was a bit noisy, including some music coming from a stereo system, but no one seemed to mind. It appeared that everyone was having a good time.

Lovejoy’s features several types of burgers, sandwiches and wraps. The menu also has a few Mexican and Italian style dishes. Prices range from $7.00 to $13.00. They also feature a full bar, and several brews on tap. One of the things I had heard about Lovejoy’s was that they have great burgers, so I had to try one.

I had the Lovejoy’s burger. A ½ lb burger topped with apple wood smoked bacon, pepper jack cheese, and guacamole. It is served with choice of sides. The burger lived up to its reputation. It is by far the best burger I have had anywhere in Laramie. It was juicy and very flavorful, not to mention very filling. The others in my group were all very satisfied with their dinner choices as well, and no one was left hungry.

Because the restaurant was so full I though that maybe our service would suffer a bit, but I was once again surprised by Lovejoy’s. The service was prompt, friendly, and our drinks never seemed to empty.

If you are looking for excellent food, with good sized portions, a fabulous atmosphere, and want to hangout with a younger crowd, then Lovejoy’s is perfect. If you would like to try Lovejoy’s with a bit less commotion, then stop by for lunch some day when it isn’t quite as happening as it is on the weekends; but definitely make a stop to this local favorite.

Service: 23
Atmosphere: 23
Food: 24
Experience: 24

S.A.F.E. Score: 94

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.

No posts in a month

Sorry about no posts. I've been busy. I do have two more restaurant reviews to post sometime - so be on the lookout for those.

Review of El Conquistador

El Conquistador is located in downtown Laramie next to the buckhorn bar at 110 E Ivinson. Upon entering you notice the colorful walls, dimly lit décor, and well worn dining areas. The tables and chairs reminded me of a cafeteria; while functional they do not add anything to the experience.

The menu features a fairly standard choice of tex-mex favorites such as tamales, chile rellanos, enchiladas, burritos, etc. Prices average around $10 per plate. One item that caught my eye was the stuffed sopapias. While waiting for a friend to join us we sampled their chips and salsa, and also got an order of chile con queso made with hot green chili sauce. Even though the red salsa was nothing special the green chile con queso was wonderful.

The staff was friendly and patient with us while we waited for a friend to arrive. They did a good job of keeping our drinks filled and checking up on us occasionally.

For dinner I decided on a chicken stuffed sopapia smother in green chile. The food was served piping hot on a hot plate with a small amount of shredded cabbage and a quarter of a slice of tomato. The sopapia was beautifully crisp and chewy, and tasted wonderful. The green chile was a great addition.

After a satisfying meal we were treated to complimentary sopapias sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with honey. It was just the right amount of sweetness to cap off a wonderful meal.

The food was definitely the star of el conquistador and although there were few sides served with the dish I ordered I didn’t find myself wanting after the meal. If you can endure a run down décor and dining room, you’ll be thankful you did when you enjoy the food.

Service: 20
Atmosphere: 17
Food: 22
Experience: 20


S.A.F.E. Score: 79


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

Watching the border

I came across an interesting site today. http://texasborderwatch.com/
You can view 8 different web cams and report suspicious activity such as people illegally crossing the border. It is an interesting idea and use of technology. I can sit in Wyoming and watch the Texas border in real time.

My Knee

I hurt my knee last week somehow, and it as been hurting really bad for longer than I though it should. I went to an orthopedic surgeon on Tuesday, and I have some bad arthritis, and wearing of my knee joint. X-rays didn't show any other damage. A steady dose of naproxen is what I've been told to take, and give it two weeks. If it isn't better then a cortisol shot would be next.

So I'm trying to take it easy. Sleeping is the hardest now, my legs just aches enough to keep me up at night. It also aches while I sit at work. I even brought lunch to work so I wouldn't have to leave during lunch time.

In other happenings for Halloween I watched "The Haunting" orig 1962 version. It was pretty good.

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.

Apple fixed iTunes 7

Aplle released iTunes 7.0.1 which fixes the choppy playback problems I was having. I am now enjoying the new features.

Not much else to report ... I think I'll go see Rancid again in SLC on Oct 5th and 6th.

Grandma Kirtley

My grandmother passed away this evening at 9:35 pm MDST. She was very peaceful and comfortable. She was 83 years old.

I remember one time when I was younger she was visiting, and was watching the kids while my parents were gone. We took all the pillows from the couch and around the house and piled them at the bottom of the staircase. We then got out our sleds. We told grandma that mom let us do this - and sled down the stairs ... fortunately no one got injured.

I love you Grandma!

Another Loss ... And iTunes 7

Well Wyoming lost another close game. Our defense is Awesome, but our offensive is offensive, and couldn't put up many points. Air Force is next week.

I downloaded and installed the new itunes 7, and have had mixed results. At work it runs great, and I love the new interface and album art options etc. At home it cannot play back an mp3 without being choppy. I believe it is a video issue, I updated some drivers and that has helped some. Some things I read suggested it may deal with the new quicktime and directx 3d acceleration. I uninstalled iTunes 7 at home and went back to 6.0.5 until they can work that bug out.

At work I have a GeForce 6800
At home An ATI Raedon 8500

Maybe it is an issue with ATI cards...

Tough loss for Cowboys

Man Missing a PAT in overtime is a tough way to lose - especially after dominating the whole game. Once again it was turnovers that caused problems. The fumble at the goal line in particular (although some say it was a TD first).

There is always next week.

Go Pokes

Golf Report

Well we had a good time. The weather was absolutely perfect. We did all 18 holes at Jacoby. As far as scores ... Well I did get par on hole #1. I shot a 124 on a par 72 ... lol But I still like it.

In other news my couch will be here on Friday.

Labor Day Golf

I was able to get a Tee time for tomorrow at 8:30 am. My brother and I plan on golfing all morning, it should be fun. Unfortunately My golf clubs are locked in a friends garage, and he is out of town until tuesday, so I guess I'll just rent a set from the pro shop - Not that the clubs would make a difference to me.

Hopefully my gameplan and concentration will work for me tomorrow...

Cowboys win 38-7

A nice win today. Our defense stut down USU, and our offense had a great balanced attack.