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 Joey, better known as JoeMollica. So let’s learn more about Joey from Brookeville, MD.

Introduction

My name is Joey Mollica. I’m an Audi technician by day; insatiable restaurant-goer by night! I grew up in Brookeville, MD (Capital for a day in 1812! Huzzah!) in an eclectic, gastronomically-curious family. I first started really appreciating diverse foods when I would sit in the kitchen and watch my mom make Turkish food. I was so intrigued by food other than normal childhood staples that I began asking my parents to make other international dishes. My family has lived all over the world, so dinner ideas often had multi-national roots. I spent some time in Boston and some time in PA, but for now I’m back in good ol’ Maryland.

1. How did you find out about Menuism?

I found out about Menuism while living in Glenmoore, PA. I was trying to find some awesome local restaurants on CitySearch to no avail. Google took me here and I’ve been hooked ever since!

2. What about Menuism first appealed to you?

I feel Menuism’s best qualities are the ability to rate individual meals and having user profiles. I’ve found that some restaurants who specialize in ‘Item A’ make a fantastic ‘Item B’, and how would you know without this individual meal rating system?

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

Michaelangelo’s Pizza in Downingtown, PA! I was so shocked to find near-perfect pizza in such a small, forgettable shopping center that I had to tell the world about it! Unfortunately, I think Downingtown, PA is the likely the lowest on the destinations list for most travelers so my review isn’t doing much good!

4. What is your food philosophy?

My philosophy on food is simple: You don’t know what you’ll love unless you try it! My mom would tell me as a kid “Eat at least a bite. If you hate it, you don’t have to eat it again. You can’t hate it until you try it!”. I guess my other philosophy is something along the lines of “Food is supposed to TASTE good… not necessarily smell good.”

5. What are your favorite restaurants?

Sol Azteca in Olney, MD. Austin Grill in Rockville, MD. Dempsey’s of Ashton, MD. Lastly, Famous Afghan Kabob in Tysons Corner, VA. All of these places have good food, but more important to me is sitting down and immediately feeling at home. Atmosphere is huge to me.

6. What are your favorite cuisines?

I’m a sucker for Middle Eastern. My fiancee’s uncle is Palestinian/Jordanian and his cooking is unbelievable. Maybe it’s a throwback to cooking Turkish in the kitchen?

7. What are your favorite comfort foods?

Hamburgers, Bangers & Mash, and Crabcakes. The first reminds me of home, the middle reminds me of Boston, and the last reminds me of the beach.

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

I’ll set the scene: Boston, late December, snow on the ground- lights in the trees @ Columbus Park. Very quiet night as my girlfriend and I stumble in to the Elephant and Castle in the Financial District. The lights are cozily low and the air is warm with the scent of pot pies and stews. We sit down, order some Fuller’s London Pride and our meals. One bite of the Lamb Curry I ordered and I had to check my pulse for surely I had died! It was fantastic! What’s more is the cold combined with the curry and the company made for one awesome meal. The staff there was amazing as well. Like I said before, the food is only part of the meal. The company and atmosphere count for a lot!

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

I have two favorites: Weber’s Charcoal Grilling and Turkish Cooking by Irfan Orga. The former has a ton of delicious recipes and meal prep ideas. The latter is a book measured in old-world style with some downright tasty dishes. Kofte out of this cookbook is fantastic!

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

Write everything you know about the place you’re reviewing! Is parking hard to find? Got a good night to go on? There’s more to a restaurant than the food… is it OK for mom and dad to take the kids or is it better suited for the older crowd? Proper grammar doesn’t hurt either.

If you’d like to be able to keep up with Joeys 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