Eating Out with the In-laws.

With my in-laws in town for several days, we've been on an extended "eat out" tour the past several days.

To expand on my facebook post of the weekend, on Saturday the marinated sirloin steak at California Dreamin' (across from Briarcliffe Acres) gave my jaw muscles a better workout than my legs received on a 30 mile bike ride. I have to admit, California Dreamin' to me is the restaurant equivalent of the Dave Matthews Band. Some people absolutely love it, others don't get it. I have to say I am in the latter camp. The regular nachos were sub-par, some canned chili with not enough jalapenos, cheese, tomatoes or other condiments that make nachos great. The creamed spinach nachos were some frozen creamed spinach thawed on top of some tortilla chips. Not appealing at all. Kudos to our server (Sarah?) for patience and diligence throughout the meal.

Next on the in-law tour was Bonefish Grill (Myrtle Beach location) Sunday evening. Must've been intern night in the kitchen. As usual, the Bang Bang Shrimp were tasty. Hot, spicy and delightful. The calimari was nicely done. My entree, another story. Salmon with Pan Asian sauce, overcooked and literally ashamed to be seen, hidden under a mound of shredded carrots. (Nothing against shredded carrots as nutrition, only as camouflage.) They must've been rationing the vegetable of the day (succotash) as the portion was minuscule. The tastiest part of the entree was the potatoes au gratin. More kudos to the wait staff for promptness and explaining the shortage of clams.

Monday night, E Noodles (20th Avenue South). Thank goodness for some flavor and food cooked properly. Nothing overdone, nothing burned. Pot stickers, pork shu mai, shrimp stuffed tofu, excellent. Crab spring rolls and shrimp tempura, eh. Go with double orders of something else. Spicy Udon with scallops, very enjoyable.

If you're spending your own money, go to E Noodles. I wouldn't return to Bonefish unless someone else is buying or they have an all you can eat Bang Bang Shrimp special. California Dreamin'? Forget it.