China Garden (the one in the basement) here on the South Side of South Bend is closing at the end of the month. I didn’t go often. But I liked it!
Hibachi Grill, on the corner of Michigan and Ireland (the old Hollywood Video) is to open soon. It has a 100 item buffet in the center of the restaurant. Might be good. I’m a little skeptical of any place that offers American, Italian, Chinese, & Japanese food. Too broad.
Kelly and I signed up on-line to be receive a FREE (and new) Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Chick-Fil-A.
You had to get a reservation. You couldn’t just come in anytime. So, our reservation was yesterday 11:00 – 2:00 p.m.
When we arrived, we were seated in a VIP section and had a little Spicy Chicken Sandwich placard placed on our table.
And then a Chick-Fil-A employee came and took our order and served us as at our table. Come to find out, not only did we get a free sandwich, we got a free side and a large drink as well!! And when we were finished with our meal, the server came back with a half a brownie with chocolate drizzled over the top. And a “my pleasure” in response to our “thank you.”
The sandwich was good. And it was spicy. Not over the top, but it packed some heat.
I have never seen a business give away as much free food as Chick-Fil-A. It is really amazing. They are one of my favorites in regards to promotion, charity, customer service, and quality!
So, Kelly and I are eating lunch at Logan’s Steakhouse (yes…that is what we do…a lot…we have been granted “honorary” ownership of the Ireland Rd. location…which means we are there a lot but make no money off the restaurant) 
Our favorite waitress, Dawn, comes to the table and hands me a large stack of coupons. She talked her manager into giving me a stack of them for the Living Stones Church. The coupon is only good for two days – 5/31/10 & 6/1/10. But it is a “buy 1 entrée, get a second entrée of equal or lesser value free (up to $15).”
It’s like me handing you $15 and telling you to go eat at Logan’s. If you want one…I’ll give you one on Sunday. I’ve got a large stack to give away.
Disclaimer: [the owner of Sam I Am is not employed by Logan's Steakhouse. Nor is he receiving any financial remuneration for this advertisement. He just loves red meat...and a lot of it...and desires to share the love. Thank you.]
Today I had the honor of being treated to some lunch at Five Guys for a delicious bacon-burger and fries by Jeff Hammett (Jeff…I’m sorry if the fry distribution was unbalanced). I’d never been there. Delicious. It was also the first time that I had been to the new Eddy Street Commons. Wow. Very nice. Loved the look of the place. That area REALLY looks different.
But, now I’m back on the South Side. I like it here (even if we don’t have a Chipotle, Outpost Sports, Five Guys, blah, blah, blah). [By the way, I saw another Pastor friend from the West Side hanging out at the same Five Guys. I don’t want to blow his cover, so I’ll call him by a cryptic pseudonym – bRyan Yazel.
Sidenote: Last night Alex (my 8 year old daughter) and Kelly were having a conversation and in the conversation Alex asked a question about a woman that Kelly had done some work for. In the conversation, Kelly told Alex this woman whom Alex was asking about had moved to Granger. After telling Alex this, she squinted her eyes, bunched up her nose and said, “mmm…Granger…nope…never heard of it.” South side baby. South side.
five other
I know Cold Stone Creamery didn’t make it. In the same space has now opened Pop Style (three weeks today). I LOVE their popcorn. Love it!! So does Caleb. My favorite – the caramel/cheesy mix. Of course, I’ve not really had the other flavors. But they have 1,230,517 other flavors. They don’t have a sign out front (which I hope they remedy for their sake), but it is goooooood!! I was pleased that when we walked in they had about five other customers before us!! I’m thinking about moving all Living Stones Church meetings to Pop Style. Go South Side!!!
Don Pablo’s (in Mishawaka) has closed their doors!!! 
For the past several years its service and quality has been in decline. It was amazing how empty the restaurant was at peak meal times.
Figured it was inevitable.
My wife and kids loved it (but they also want a puppy – so how much can you really trust their opinion ).
Long live Fiesta Tapatia!!!
O.K. Southside…moving into the Erskine Village is Pop Style Popcorn. They are replacing the now absent Cold Stone Creamery. Their popcorn…DELICIOUS!! Seriously. First thing I have been excited about in this retail center in a LONG TIME!! Their Chicago Style flavor (caramel and cheese combined)…is crack-a-lackin! They have a shop downtown…now they are coming to the Southside!!!
This is Pad See Ew.
I just ate it.
My tummy is very pleased.
Love the Cambodian/Thai restaurant downtown South Bend next to the Dainty Maid Bake Shop! I feel I owe Brian Walter something big for the introduction.
So Ann Lynn turned 27 yesterday and Jennae Gee and I took her out for lunch. Ann wanted Chinese food for lunch. No problem…love Chinese food…culinary genius’!
Drive to New China…CLOSED ON MONDAYS. No problem. Let’s go to China Garden…CLOSED. OK…no problem. Let’s go out to Mandarin House on Ironwood and Edison…CLOSED ON MONDAYS. What?!
What is up with Chinese restaurants being closed on Mondays. Is it a Chinese Sabbath day?
Finally found The Grand Empire on McKinley. They were open. They must not be observant of the Chinese sabbath. Anyone ever have their peanut butter chicken (I’m not kidding)?
And another southside store bites the dust. Sear’s Essential is closing. Liquidation begins mid-March and the store is expected to be closed by May.
Great location for a Cracker Barrel!
