I am sorry I haven’t done a blog post in a while. Truth be told I am a huge fan of Pinterest in using the social media network in my posts. A few a months ago they changed the way you can share pictures on your website. It took me longer than it should have to figure it out. I wish I could make the pictures bigger, however if click on the widget it will open up a new window and you will see a bigger, better picture. It will also give you a chance to comment on Pinterest. I am warming up to this.
On Saturday April 27, 2013 I had the opportunity to take my girlfriend and best friend Catherine L. Keoghan to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Connecticut. I wanted to take her somewhere special afterwards and I could not have thought of a better place than Jalapeno Heaven in Branford, CT.
Jalapeno Heaven’s address is 40 N. Main Street; Branford, CT 06405. Their phone number is (203) 481-6759. It is Route 1 and their picture from the outside is below.
Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.
Jalapeno Heaven
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews
I admit I judge a large part of Mexican Restaurants on the quality of their chips and salsa. Picture of theirs is below, I love the green salsa. I would be satisfied just to eat that alone all day.
Catherine, aka The Cat had the vegetable chimichanga. I recall her saying she really liked it. A picture of that meal is below. If The Cat would like to add any other comments I will invite her to do so on Pinterest. We are being interactive here.
I got the Heaven Combo. A picture of my dish is below. I forgot to mention I am not a fan of sour cream. It was very easy to scoop it off my dish. I enjoyed my dish immensely.
Jalapeno Heaven is in a house. Some people don’t care for this but we enjoyed the coziness. Ellen our server did an excellent job in making us feel comfortable. We are all different but I seriously think Jalapeno Heaven is a great place to bring a date.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.
All the best,
Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com
The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws
Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com
Category: Restaurant Review
Rudy’s Restaurant and Bar in New Haven, CT Restaurant Review
I previously mentioned in a blog post on how I read an article in New Haven Living about the 20 best burgers in the New Haven Connecticut area. Reading it gave me the motivation to start writing restaurant reviews. I thought it would be fun to check out these places and give my two cents. Click here to read that New Haven Living article best hamburger.
Prime 16 Tap House + Burgers was the first restaurant featured in the article that I reviewed. Today I do my second with Rudy’s Restaurant and Bar. Although Rudy’s was established in 1934 and has always been popular, they were forced to relocate a few years ago. The original Rudy’s was classified as a “dive bar”, this new Rudy’s is more upscale. The new address is 1227 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. They are on the corner of Chapel St and Howe St. Below is a picture of the new location.
Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.
Rudy’s Restaurant and Bar
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews (note they have the old address listed)
I ordered the New Haven Burger which is listed as “8oz, / Swiss cheese / Bacon / West Coast Sauce / House Pickles / Bibb Lettuce / Grilled Onion” on their menu. I also had a choice of ketchup. I got the Curry Ketchup which is listed as “Tomato Purée/ Sugar/ Herb Vinegar/ Curry”. Below is a picture of my meal.
I have to say my burger was really good. In comparing it to Prime 16, I have to give the edge to Prime 16. If I was rating the burgers, I would give Prime 16 a solid 9, I would give Rudy’s an 8.85. The French Fries here were better than the ones I had at Prime 16. Anna Liffey’s still has the best French Fries in the Downtown New Haven Connecticut area, I think Rudy’s has the second. I did notice Rudy’s was just a little pricier than the other places I have reviewed. Not a complaint as much as it is an observation.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.
All the best,
Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com
The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws
Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com
Anna Liffey’s in New Haven, CT Restaurant Review
I have two favorite places in downtown New Haven for dining. One is the recent blog post review Zinc, the other is Anna Liffey’s. Both places have very different clientele. I would never go into Zinc wearing a T-shirt with sneakers on. It just would not be right for the atmosphere. I would do this for Anna Liffey’s. In fact I am uncomfortable in Anna Liffey’s wearing a tie.
When you open the door you will see a stairwell. I usually eat downstairs. Below is what you see when you open the door.
Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.
Anna Liffey’s
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews
I had the Portabella Mushroom on Ciabatta Bread. It is listed on the menu as “Grilled Portabella Mushroom with Roasted Red Peppers and Goat Cheese on Ciabetta Bread served with Irish Fries.” The picutre of my meal is below.
I mentioned in a previous blog post how I am on a quest to find the best hamburger in the New Haven Connecticut area. I have yet to try the hamburger here as I love this sandwich that much. I discovered it during lent. I have tried similar plates at other restaurants and no one comes close to comparing. The French Fries here are my absolute favorite. I do tell people that Anna Liffey’s has the best French Fries. If I child again I would just get a plate of it.
In 2011 my friend Cat was visiting from Ireland. She loves this place. Anyway I was meeting her for dinner one Tuesday night and while waiting for her I met a nice couple. They were kind enough to offer me one of their “Spicy Chicken Egg Rolls.” It was fantastic. My friend Cat ordered the “Irish Style Vegetable Curry.” I finished it for her and that was also great. There is a good reason why Anna Liffey’s is one of my favorite restaurants in New Haven. I have yet to have a bad meal here.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.
All the best,
Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com
The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws
Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com
Prime 16 Tap House + Burgers in New Haven, CT Restaurant Review
I mentioned in an earlier blog post how I am on the quest to find the best hamburger. I want to share the article that got me interested in doing this and also my restaurant reviews. A picture of the magazine cover is below, click here to read the article.
This week’s adventure brought me to Prime 16 Tap House + Burgers which is featured in the article above. Their address is 172 Temple Street, New Haven CT 06510. Below is a picture of the outside of the building.
Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.
Prime 16 Tap House + Burgers
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews
I had the Firehouse Burger. It is described on their menu as “hand formed beef patty stuffed with roasted jalapenos, onion, fire roasted pepper and garlic topped with pepper jack cheese. Romaine Lettuce, sliced tomato with a side of Sriracha mayo.” The picture of my Firehouse Burger is below.
This is my third hamburger review and this is a superior burger compared to the other two places. I am sorry Cask Republic. I am sorry Crush Sports Café. The hamburger and French here were just better. There is a reason why Prime 16 is featured in the article.
Prime 16 is also known for being a beer place. Most people I talk to like this. My one complaint is I like to have a Guinness with my hamburger and Guinness is one beer they do not have. It is a shame. My servers were not as friendly as the other two places mentioned here.
Although Prime 16 does have the better burger, if I am in downtown New Haven I think would rather go to The Cask Republic over this place. Tim the bartender knows my name and he gives me a Guinness with my hamburger.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.
All the best,
Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com
The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws
Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com
Zinc in New Haven, CT Restaurant Review
In one of my recent restaurant reviews I talked about the dive bar. There is a good feeling going into a place, dressing down and not worrying about what others might think. I enjoyed going into Viva Zapata and will go there again.
I also enjoy doing the exact opposite. Sometimes dressing up, using the right utensil and getting a fancy dish can make you feel like a hundred bucks. One of my favorite television shows of all time was HBO’s The Wire. In one episode a teacher took his inner-city students to nice respectable restaurant so they would feel like they were worth something. I think this is a positive.
I knew exactly what I was getting when I walked into Zinc Restaurant. Their address is 964 Chapel Street, New Haven CT 06510. Below is a picture of the outside of the building.
Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.
Zinc Restaurant
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews
Zinc is my favorite restaurant in New Haven, CT. This is where I would go if I had to impress someone. I have found this restaurant to be fancy but not pretentious. I get the impression when I see Elizabeth and Shane that they are actually happy to see me and would like to see me come again.
One of the many things I like about coming here is their bread and dipping sauce. Below is a picture of it.
I ordered the Shrimp and Red Curry Panang for lunch. The description was “Udon Noodles/ Asian Vegetables + Shiitake Mushrooms “. Below is a picture of my meal.
I was honestly in a state of euphoria while I was eating. I wanted to light up a cigarette as it was that great. I have eaten here before but this was the best meal I have had there. It was a great feeling. I will be back.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.
All the best,
Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com
The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws
Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com
Crush Sports Cafe in Milford, CT Restaurant Review
I am going to come out and admit the truth. I am constantly on a quest to find the best hamburger. I consider myself a New Haven, Connecticut person and we are known for being the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich. This picture below is Louis’ Lunch who makes the claim.
I have had their burger and to be completely honest I think it is just marginal. People will travel long distances to taste it themselves. The place does have a nice feel inside and I am proud of the history. I would probably lose a few friends if they knew that I think their burger is just okay.
I am a big fan of Yelp and I saw someone recommending Crush Sports Café in Milford, CT. Their address is 1015 Bridgeport Ave; Milford, CT 06460. I use to come here when it was Johnny Ray’s. Below is their picture outside.
Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.
Crush Sports Cafe
Yelp Reviews
Below is a picture of my meal. It was the blitz burger. It had the standard lettuce, tomatoes, onions etc. and my choice of cheese. I like blue cheese on my burger.
It was a good burger, but I was more satisfied with the burger I had at The Cask Republic. Their French Fries were standard, nothing to write home about.
Jeff the bartender/server was hospitable and I would come here again to try something else. It was a good hamburger, but not the best.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.
All the best,
Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com
The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws
Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com
Viva Zapata in New Haven, CT Restaurant Review
My second review is Viva Zapata in New Haven, CT. Their address is 161 Park Street; New Haven, CT 06511. It is listed as a Mexican Restaurant. Below is their picture outside.
Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.
Facebook Viva Zapata Fan Page
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews
As you read different reviews you will see the words “dive bar.” I looked up the definition and found the following at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dive_bar… “A dive bar is a type of bar or pub. Dive bars generally have a relaxed and informal atmosphere. They are often referred to by local residents as “neighborhood bars,” where people in the neighborhood gather to drink and socialize. Individual bars may be considered to be disreputable, sinister, or even a detriment to the community.”
This is not a place to get dressed up for. This is not a place to impress someone. It is not at all pretentious. If I was ever going to walk in a restaurant with sweatpants on this would be it. It is a very relaxed atmosphere.
Tammy, the bartender/waitress is very hospitable. It was a great afternoon as I found out she went to the same College that I went to, Southern Connecticut State University. It also happened to be the same college four of the customers went to so we had a great time talking about old bars, dorms and off campus parties.
Below is a picture of the chips and salsa that was brought to me. I have had it before and to be honest it was lacking with what I have had in the past. Maybe they were having a bad day but I still finished more of the chips.
Below is a picture of the Chicken Burrito I had. It was good and Tammy was kind enough to supply me with different hot sauces to put on the rice. I liked the Chipotle Sauce.
I had a Dos Equis with my burrito. Total bill was $10.83. I will be back.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.
All the best,
Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com
The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws
Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com
Restaurant Review — The Cask Republic in New Haven, CT
I think Pinterest in a blogger’s dream. It is so much easier to share pictures as well as branding your reputation on the web. One thing I have wanted to do for a while is restaurant review. In this blog post I will do a review and show you how I am using Pinterest. Below are my steps.
1. I take a picture with my cell phone.
2. I send that picture to Pinterest on my cell phone.
3. I find the picture on Pinterest on my laptop, click on the picture and copy the embed code.
4. I write my blog post and use the embed code to show the picture.
5. I find the picture again on Pinterest on my laptop, click on “edit” and put my blog link in link.
Most people who repin my picture are unaware they can actually replace my link with theirs. Still it shows people are repinning my pictures and this increases my sphere of influence.
My first review is The Cask Republic in New Haven, CT. Their address is 179 Crown Street; New Haven, CT 06510. Below is their picture outside.
Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.
The Cask Republic Website
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews
Below is a picture of my lunch. This is The Cask Republic Burger which is lettuce, tomato & red onion on a toasted English Muffin. It was well done which is the way I like it. The fries were also good, they didn’t put too much salt on them.
I am very picky about my burgers and The Cask Republic delivers. I have been here a couple times and both Timothy and Norm are excellent bartenders. This place would never be my hangout as it appears to be a younger crowd but it is worth checking out.
Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.
All the best,
Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com
The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws
Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com