Batona "in search of good food"

Despite this McDonald’s having a playground that my daughter enjoys, this location is horrible.

Apparently this McDonald’s is unable to hire competent workers and that includes the manager. Ninety percent, yes that is correct, of the time there is a problem with the order in the drive thru. Do not pull away until you check your bags. One time when all that was ordered was a cheeseburger Happy Meal, the cheeseburger was forgotten.

In addition to missing food, the drive thru does not move with any immediacy. There is nothing fast about this fast food joint.

The few times I have dined inside has been no better. There are four registers, but I have never seen more than two operating. That backs up the lines. The self-serve soda machine is usually out of ice.

The inside has full trash cans, dirty tables, and the like. We avoid this location most of the time and drive the extra couple miles to the Sherman Ave. location when we want McDonald’s.

Many years ago I was introduced to Marciano’s (then Luighi’s) via a student of mine; he gave me a gift certificate and a menu. Wanting to use the gift all at once, I looked for a gourmet pizza and settled on the chicken barbecue, which is a style I had never had previously.

When I called, they questioned me noting I was calling from Millville, which would not be local. I informed them I would drive over. It was a drive I would begin making frequently. All the way home the smell of the pizza filled the car. I was in heaven. I was most impressed with the flavor of the pizza. And with all the toppings, the crust held up well with my dough test.

After meeting my wife, we began dining at the converted Wawa convenience store, often on the chicken barbecue. She liked the Tiramisu, so was agreeable to dining here.

We eventually began branching out trying other dishes. Most filled out bellies well.

Eventually the restaurant was re-designed. o longer was the dingy restaurant a reminder of a sub shop; about three years ago the renovations were completed. Now Marciano’s, there are two dining rooms, a banquet room, and a separate pizzeria and take-out joint. The decor was stepped up and the experience of dining there has generally improved.

Our latest dining experience was not quite as wonderful as other times. We were seated near the kitchen, despite the few diners. Our waitress was friendly and accomodating. Admittedly, our children were not at the level of behavior I expect when out. Nothing too bad, but a little loud and Fritz tossed everything on the floor. :( We usually are better than this.

Anyhow, our food began coming out. I noted there was no bread basket. That was disappointing. The house salad was a disappointment. Most of the lettuce was the hard crunchy white part of the lettuce. Yuck! The Italian dressing had no taste.

We’ll return to Marciano’s, but with a not as great experience as we usually have, I will not be itching to return. Perhaps it is time to order another pizza.

We don’t have Hardee’s in southern Jersey so whenever I drive south and see one, I dine there.

There’s nothing exceptional about the chain, but it’s nice to have a little variety. Their burgers are flame-broiled, so that helps.

I am cynical by nature. Even when I like something, I seem to qualify it.

Venuto’s is the exception for me. One opened locally. I knew nothing about it. Then my FIL began speaking of it. We still didn’t go. Finally, the family and I went in. I was in heaven.

This is my kind of pizza. Hand-tossed thin crust (including whole wheat) with a healthy selection of toppings that add to the experience.

The first time in we ordered a whole pie with meatballs, sausage, and extra cheese. It was delicious! This is exactly what Millville needed!

Of course, my lovely wife announced, “I’m never coming here again!” No, this is not pre-packaged airy pizza like the Hut is.

I now re-visit only for myself. Good varieties of pizza are available by the slice. Two slices and an all-you-can-drink beverage costs $5.00.

We have a Starbucks right at the mall that I pass pretty much every day. I decided to head down Delsea on the way home to take this photograph.

I pulled in, got out, snapped a couple photographs and got back in the truck. This took about 30 seconds. While I did this, one of the silly mall security vehicles drove by.

I could see he was pulling around. I made certain I started the truck. He pulled right up and I put the window down. This Richard asked, “Were you taking pictures of . . . ” I finished the question for him: Starbucks.

Richard: “Do you work there?”

Me: “No.”

Richard: “You are not permitted to take photographs of the stores. This is private property.”

Me: no comment as I continued to type in the name of the waypoint on the GPS.

Richard: “If you have any further thoughts, you can contact the mall office inside.”

Me: “Okay”

At first I was livid. Then I realized I was dealing with nothing more than a rent-a-cop. While it may be technically true that this is private property, what is going to happen? I had a more serious run-in in the mall a few years ago with the Easter Bunny. It’s no wonder I do little shopping here.

Anyhow, I wonder how Starbucks actually feels about this.

My wife turned me onto Bim’s . . . and it took a while.

About eight years ago I first tried Bim’s. I was not impressed. The crust did not agree with me. My wife likes it, but I balked whenever she suggested it.

About a year ago I gave it another try. Much better this time. Much much better!

Perhaps I had a bad pie or perhaps something changed on their end. Unlikely either way.

The crust is perfect every time out. Joe is as friendly as anyone could possibly be. Prices are reasonable.

Because it’s such a small operation, wait times can add up, but they are pretty straightforward with that. Since we came back we have not had a bad pizza.

As Joe points out, Bim’s=Best in Millville. We agree.

Once upon a time I was a fan of Bennigan’s and Houllihan’s and other places like this. The atmosphere was fun and there was a lot of merriment. That seems to have changed over the years.

This location opened a couple years ago as part of the area’s growth. We dined here with my in-laws. We had a decent meal, but nothing special. We have re-visited a couple times since. Each time the experience seems to slip.

We gave it Bennigan’s another attempt last evening. It may be our last.

My son and I were seated at a table that was not clean. It took a few minutes, but eventually someone came and pushed the crumbs onto the floor. The table was seated right by the kitchen, so we had plenty of foot traffic throughout the meal. That included a dishwasher who mopped the floor with smelly water. And the mopping continued most of the meal. What we didn’t understand is that the guy kept mopping near us. He would mop down away and then come back. He did this multiple times. Lovely.

Our waitress, Ikeirra, was very pleasant and upbeat. She served us our drinks right away. Then there was a wait for food. Gert had ordered fried mushrooms as an appetizer. They didn’t come. After a bit our dinner was served, but no mushrooms. I suspect Ikeirra forgot to order them. She rushed the order and when they were served, a lot of grease was added to the basket. Splendid!

Gert and I both ordered the French Dip. Eh . . . There was certainly nothing memorable about the sandwich. The au jus, otoh, was incredibly salty. I am sure they use a package and this thing was nearly inedible. It is not recommended.

The children had mac-and-cheese and a grilled cheese. Both were adequate.

The mushrooms, in addition to be greasy, were not particularly tasty. Stems were left on the ’shrooms, the batter greasy, and other than looking good, did nothing for us.

So, two out of the four items ordered were not good and the cleanliness of the restaurant was less than appealing. It will take a while, a long while, for me to want to return.

Geno’s, located in South Philly, forms a formidable intersection with Pat’s across the street.

The layout here is better and I prefer the steaks here, although there is nothing wrong with Pat’s. As a previous reviewer commented, the bread is good.

As for the racist comment . . . that is not warranted. It is requested that one orders in English. Food is not denied if it is not. An inquiry into the sign found it to be acceptable.

Anyhow, back to the food . . . good! While it is a touristy thing to do, when in Philly, treat yourself.