foodha for thought – menuism blog

Menuism reviewers are truly awesome! Whether they found an unexpected tasty gem of a restaurant or took it for the team after having a terrible meal, we truly applaud all their efforts in giving us the scoop on where we should be spending our hard-earned money on. On that note, I’d love to introduce you to those reviewers who we feel really contribute quality content to the site as well as quality information to fellow Menuism’ers. Our Featured Reviewer today is Timothy, better known as turtley. So let’s learn more about Timothy from Irvine, CA.

Introduction

I am a 21 year old student studying biotechnology at UC San Diego. I favorite animal is the turtle and I love to eat; thus the name Turtley! I was raised to eat about any food and to finish my plate, so I’ll eat whatever is in front of me. My justification for eating a lot when I go out is that I will eat less when I eat at home… at least thats the plan. I also like to review restaurants that I really enjoy, and tend to just block out bad places; that’s why I have so many good reviews =). My picture is me eating a reindeer patty (at least thats what I was told) on some delicious sourdough at a buffet in Norway. The person across from me took a picture since she thought I looked crazy with all my food and my combination of sourdough and reindeer.

1. How did you find out about Menuism?

I found out about Menuism from the founder, Justin. I have also had a couple friends mention it that are out of the realm of Justin’s influence.

2. What about Menuism first appealed to you?

FOODHA! He’s a cute mascot, and his goal to reach food enlightenment is an honorable goal. I also like the ability to rate food items, since I never know what to actually order when I’m at a “well-reviewed” restaurant.

3. What restaurant did you write your first review about?

Chili’s Grill and Bar. It is near my home, and I used to eat there a lot. Ribs and burgers are hard to pass up.

4. What is your food philosophy?

I have found my food philosophy to be surprisingly different than other people. Many people go into a restaurant with a certain state of mind, such as “I don’t eat eggplant” or “I only eat things that are drenched in butter.” When I open a menu, or see a lot of food, I will try EVERYTHING. I try not to be limited by preconceptions, though sometimes they can’t be helped (intestines? no thanks) When I was in Norway, I was at a buffet with some strange looking (and odd colored!) food, and nobody knew what anything was; I just dug into everything, and I’m pretty sure most of the people thought I was crazy. There are things that will be hit and miss, but you have to try it first. My other philosophy is that anything cooked with EGG or POTATOES are almost guaranteed to be grade A awesome.

5. What are your favorite restaurants?

My favorite restaurant has historically been Claim Jumper, since I love any of their chicken dishes there. I’ve recently become a huge fan of Taco Rosa due to its high food quality, range of prices, and nice atmosphere. Some other places I frequent a lot is Red Robin and CPK. I always enjoy going to NBC restaurant for their great chinese food and incomparable dim sum (better than any I’ve had in China!). Of course, the BEST restaurant in the world is Peking Restaurant in Westminster; its a small place, but the best Chinese food ever.

6. What are your favorite cuisines?

I enjoy all cuisines, and I want to try ones I don’t know super well yet (i.e. Indian, Thai, South American, African). The cuisines I enjoy and eat often are Chinese and American.

7. What are your favorite comfort foods?

Chinese bakery buns, Golden Spoon frozen yogurt, and juice.

8. What is the best meal you ever ate and why?

Best meal… I’ll just mention the more memorable foods I’ve had. The first that comes to mind is any meal from Peking Restaurant. The second isn’t a meal, but its a fresh Belgian waffle with strawberries/whipped cream on top in Brussels, Belgium. I also recall a sweet and sour whole fish in China, seabass from Roy’s, a burger from Hodad’s, and breakfast at La Note in Berkeley. Of course, the most enjoyable meals are home-cooked meals, particularly my mom’s chinese ribs, porkchop, and meatballs.

9. Do you have any favorite cookbooks (if any)?

I leave the cooking to the professionals.

10. What words of encouragement would you give to first time Menuism reviewers?

Review your favorite restaurants. Look at the favorite restaurants of others. Go EAT at those restaurants. Be happy. Enlightenment is only a few bites away if you keep an open mind!

If you’d like to be able to keep up with Timothy’s reviews, click here to check out his profile!

If there is a Menuism reviewer who has really helped you make great dining choices and you’d like to see him or her be a Featured Reviewer, than be sure to message me or send me an email at abby@menuism.com.

By Abby C. Abanes
Menuism Community Manager