Papa Murphy’s Restaurant Review

 Papa Murphy’s is the type of place that you fall back on when you need to feed a bunch of people without busting the bank.

Personally I am not a fan of Papa Murphy’s, but we do buy their pizzas once in a while, usually when my son’s friends come over.

The dough is not right, and it always tastes old if you know what I mean. There is just something wrong about the food and I cannot place my finger, or my taste buds, on it.

I have been there when they ran out of dough and were frantically calling other Papa Murphy’s to try and borrow some.

The place is ok, but far from great. If it was 100% my choice I would never eat there again, but it’s not (I have a family) and so I will…unfortunately.

 

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McDonald’s Canada Restaurant Review

 Is the Canadian version of McDonald’s better than the U.S.? Well…they have blueberry pie.

I have never seen blueberry pie in the U.S., in fact I can barely find cherry. The restaurant atmosphere seemed a lot different, at least in the restaurant that we went to. It was a high-tech sort of building, but the seating layout made it foreign for a McDonald’s; there was a large group dining room table, as well as booths and bar like seating. This place was hopping, and didn’t slow down.

Was the food different? Not really! There were differences, but there were enough similarities that we each got something that we wanted. My kids always eat the same thing when we go to McDonald’s, however, that particular burger was not on the menu, nor had the employees ever heard of it. No worries…the experience was fantastic!

Next time I’m in Canada and want to do some more comparative research, I am going back to McDonald’s.

http://chrisallreddesign.com

Burger King Canada Restaurant Review

 There is absolutely nothing different from BK Canada and BK U.S., except the poutine.

The poutine was ok, but it was the Burger King fast food version and not the “real” poutine that you can get throughout the magical land of Canada.

Everything was familiar and the same; which means that everything that you love and/or hate about BK in America will easily transfer over the border to out northern neighbors without having to declare it at the border crossing (Note: you can declare your feelings about BK to the border crossing guards, but they’re not going to care).

Overall…nothing special.

 

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5 Guys Restaurant Review

 I used to think that 5 Guys made a great burger, and they do as long as you don’t compare it to superior places.

When I 1^st tasted 5 Guys burgers and fries I was blown away. The food was good (messy but tasty), the ordering was almost revolutionary, and all you can eat peanuts.

We ate there quite often, and were quick to overlook the discrepancies in the food (nothing bad or gross). Then we started to explore other burger joints, and realized that 5 Guys wasn’t all that great or tasty.

We took a year or so off from eating at 5 Guys and then went back. The food sucks! It is ok for what it is, but there is so much more out there that I cannot stop comparing it.

Be fair and stop comparing…it’s not fair! Ok…let’s break it down. The burger was ridiculously greasy. The fries were burnt and greasy. The cheese was inconsistent; really thick on one half, which it was like eating a really greasy grilled cheese sandwich, and then no cheese on the other half. The mushrooms were unflavored and did nothing for the burger. The burger itself kept falling apart. There was no balance, no care, and everything about it sucked.

If you have never tried another joint that only specializes in burgers, other than 5 Guys, then you have no idea what I am talking about and think that I’m stupid. However, I am confident that the other folks out there that had a chance to compare will back me 99.9% (left room for error).

chrisallreddesign.com

Black Angus Restaurant Review

 Can Black Angus cook a steak? Yes, as I would hope they could…they are a steakhouse after all. The big question is; can they season their food? The answer is NO…no they cannot; absolutely no seasoning on mine or my wife’s food.

No seasoning means no seasoning; they did not use salt or anything else.

Steak? No seasoning. Fries? No seasoning. Mashed potatoes? No seasoning. Fully loaded potato skins? No seasoning.

Let me stop and complain about the fully loaded potato skins for a moment. If all I had to base a review on were these potato skins, then I would fire the chef. Obviously there was no seasoning (we established that), yes the bacon was salty, but not enough to cover the stupidity of the kitchen staff. The potatoes were still hard and undercooked. I am not joking in the least; from the outside the potatoes appeared to be beautiful, but the inside was still hard and raw, but it must have been ok because they tried to hide the fact under a blanket of bacon and cheese.

I want to give Black Angus salt for Christmas. Wrap it up and put it under the tree. However, they have probably never seen salt and will think it’s snow and throw it at each other; resulting in burning red eyes.

The wait staff was probably the worst that I have ever seen. The lady that helped us was moody, mean, and wanted to be anywhere but there.

I can overlook the wait staff somewhat, but not using salt on anything is the stupidest, dumbest, most moronic possible thing ever. It was a waste of my money and time to eat there.

I want to keep complaining…I want to use foul language when I speak their name, but I will stop writing about it for now.

http://chrisallreddesign.com

Cameo Café Restaurant Review

 The Cameo Café is a mixture of looks, which are confusing and tacky. If I didn’t go there for a meeting, I never would have gone there. If my food wasn’t bought for me, I never would have eaten there.

The place has no curb appeal, and it looks like it closed down years ago.

However, they provided me with the top 3 best biscuits and gravy ever. The biscuits and gravy was the bomb digity, and I loved every bite. I hated the hash browns, but I find it hard to find good ones anywhere, which is sad because I am a potato lover.

The Cameo Café is one of those local joints that surprises you…surprised you didn’t die; either from food poisoning, tetanus, being stabbed by a patron, being stabbed by the waiter or waitress, disease, or any of the above combinations.

What I had was good, and it is a tossup if I’ll go back. Like I said, top 3 best biscuits and gravy ever, but is that enough to override the look and feeling of the place? It might be worth exploring…



See more of what’s going on at http://chrisallreddesign.com

Fultano’s Pizza Restaurant Review

 Fultano’s Pizza is ok, and every time I eat there it gets better (I have eaten there twice). The pizza was cooked well, and their signature tatter tots were nice and crispy. I have nothing bad to say about them…at all.
Is it my favorite joint? No, but they sort of have the market cornered based on location. I have only found Fultano’s at the beach. They may be other places, but I don’t care to investigate further. The atmosphere is trendy, and I like the look of the restaurant.

The question is; would I eat at Fultano’s if they were in a bigger city with 10 other trendy pizza joints around them? The answer is, I don’t know.

chrisallreddesign.com

Skippers Restaurant Review

 Skippers is Skippers, and sometimes you just want some fish and chips.

I understand that Skippers used to be everywhere, but that’s not the case anymore. Over the last many years it has been hard to find a Skippers restaurant, and when you do it may not be what you remembered.

Personally I love Skippers, and it is one of those places that I can overlook the falling down overly aged decor; as long as the food is good, the kitchen is in order, and the cooks look clean.

I love fish and chips…I swear I was born to be English.

chrisallreddesign.com

Thai Orchid Restaurant Review

 Thai Orchid is a hip looking, but understated restaurant. The food is good; although it’s not always consistent, it is still good.

Maybe I should say that each dish at Thai Orchid has levels of goodness based on the day of the week. I have nothing bad to say about the restaurant, and enjoy their food quite often (it is my wife’s favorite place to eat).

So it you are looking for something other than burgers and pizza, try Thai Orchid and you might just start craving something different.

See more of what’s going on at http://chrisallreddesign.com

IT IS A GLORIOUS DAY…

The rain is shining and tacos for breakfast. What could possibly go wrong on a day like this? (Hint: the answer is nothing…nothing can go wrong on a day like this) Come on…tacos for breakfast…Love it!

chrisallreddesign.com

22 Jump Street Movie Review

 “22 Jump Street” is exactly what you think it is. It is the sequel that makes fun of sequels, just as the first instalment made fun of TV shows being turned into movies.

On a talk show interview, the question was asked to Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum on why Mr. Hill’s character gets the girl, and the answer was the Jonah Hill wrote the movie…simple as that.

Johnny Depp and Peter DeLuise are dead, but Richard Grieco gets a cameo in the end of this second film.

As a fan of a certain musical genre, I found the references to Ice Cube and NWA to be quite hilarious.

“Looks like the Captain has a new office”…“It’s like a cube of ice”
“Where you from?”…”I’m straight outta Compton…”
After asking if the drug dealers are high…“Don’t get high off your own supply” (I was the only one in the audience that laughed at that one).

The entire relationship between Schmidt, the Captain, and Maya is absolutely hilarious; that relationship made a predictably stupid / funny…ish movie a lot better than it would have been. The movie is exactly as advertised, and that is the reason that you would watch it. You don’t watch this type of movie because it is a good movie; you watch it because you feel like watching a B-rated type film. With that, I give this movie two thumbs down, and I recommend you wait to see it when it comes out on TV.

See more of what’s going on at http://chrisallreddesign.com/

We now have weekly meetings for those in the Portland/Vancouver metro area that offers help and support for social anxiety and public speaking phobias.

Sign up today at: www.meetup.com/Confident-Me-Fighting-Social-Anxiety-Public-Speaking

Question: “Why did you start charging for your services [classes, workshops, cooking, writing] when you have done it for free in the past?”

I did it for free because I wanted to; it was my way of giving back, and I still do in certain cases. I have been partnering with some great people and some great organizations, and what I found to be true is that there is a way to make money doing what you are passionate about.

I had a meeting with one of my networking partners awhile back and she told me that tools [AllFate Industrial Supply] are boring, but that I wasn’t. People need the services that I am offering through Chris Allred Design, and through that they are able to see a person that they trust and believe in.

I took what she said to heart, and I have met many more people in the business world like her saying similar things as my networking community has been growing. I thought about it, prayed about it; and it is the right thing to do, plus the most important piece is that Kari is on board.

I was born a confident person; I am confident in my abilities, and confident in myself. I want to help people and find avenues for them to be whoever they want to be. The best part of charging for my services (other than getting paid) is that it weeds out the people who don’t care. I have spent hours working with people just to realize that they were wasting both of our time. However, there are people who are very serious and don’t have the finances to foster change, and those are the people that I’ll help and never charge (case by case basis).

Chris Allred Design has weekly classes and workshops focused on social anxiety and public speaking phobias, plus the core cooking and writing services. All of these things are “designed” to let you be you, and to help open up options to do whatever you want to do in life.

If you are ready for a change and want to see what’s on the other side of that proverbial fence; please reach out and contact me, and we’ll get things going.

http://chrisallreddesign.com/

http://chrisallreddesign.com/

Edge of Tomorrow Movie Review

 “Edge of Tomorrow” is a fantastic movie. The movie is based off of a Japanese novel, which apparently also has a manga based off of it.
I am also told that Tom Cruise was the perfect person to play the role of the main character. I cannot say anything about that as I am not a follower of the book. I can say however, that the movie was written for Mr. Cruise because it played to his strengths. Tom Cruise was the perfect person to play Cage.
It is all in the details; like for example, different sounds for different deaths. What does one really sound like when they get hit by a truck?
It is a classic story…aliens invade, unlikely hero saves the day, the hero lives the same day over and over again like he’s Bill Murray.
“Are you from America?”
“No, I’m from Kentucky.”
Bill Paxton’s character portrayal was great. He’s an okay actor normally, but he did himself proud in this movie. Give old Bill a moustache, and you have yourself one hell of a soldier.
I love this movie, and I was glad to see Tom Cruise in a wimpier role that he had to grow into before he became the hero. He was never the over the top tough guy, or even the smartest person in the room. Cage was the average person that had to decide what the right thing to do was.
I really enjoyed this movie and give it two really big thumbs up, and I recommend seeing this in theaters.

See more of what’s going on at http://chrisallreddesign.com/

The Pros & Cons of Cooking for a Party

(Photo by Kari Allred)

Saturday I had this great opportunity to cater a party, which I did, and it was an honor to even be thought of. There were lots of positives, but there were also a lot of takeaways to grow from. I have been doing this off and on for a while now, and I really enjoy the art of cooking. The difference this time was me, and by not following my own rules I set myself up for failure. Maybe cooking for friends kept me from the formalities of business? One of my favorite sayings is, “Friends is friends, but this is business”. Will I remember that going forward? Yes!

Rules I Broke:

1. Communication – Sure we communicated, but not at the level for success. Over communication is better than a lack of communication. Very unprofessional on my part because there shouldn’t have been any surprises.

2. Site Visit – I always visit the site beforehand, but did not do it this time. Why? I don’t know. Where was the party at? Where was the food going to go? What additional materials were needed? Access to the facility? Restrictions? Time? Backup plan?

3. Equipment Usage – I had access just prior to the party to finish prepping and cooking, as well as setting up. Broken Rule # 2 would have solved most of this. I learned a humbling lesson about an induction cooktop –vs- a glass top range. My in-laws have a glass top range, and how do I know it is glass top and not induction…because all of their old ass pans work on it. I felt like an old person with a smart phone (if you’re reading this then you’re too young to be offended). Power? Check. Burner controls? Check! Stove working? No! The thing was laid out like an IKEA instruction booklet…easy to follow. Except you need the right pans, and my pans were not the right pans. However, I now know the difference, and can operate the equipment.

4. Help – I planned accordingly to not need help based on no issues. That was a bonehead move because you should plan for the worst, and hope for the best. It was like I was writing the manual of what not to do.

Pros:

1. Love cooking!

2. Got to see some great people.

3. Lots of help and support from friends and family.

4. Good reviews.

5. Getting the opportunity.

6. Got to be part of part of a great celebration of life.

7. Trust and honor!

Cons:

1. Broken rules from above.

2. Time.

This was a great event in a family’s life, and I had the opportunity to be a part of that. The entire day was positive. People may take my broken rules and cons as negative, but they’re not; they are positives, because anytime that you can grow, learn, and takeaway from a person or a situation; then that is a positive experience.

I have never received negative feedback in my life; it has always been positive. It is not always easy to hear, but it has always been positive. Feedback is determined to be positive or negative in the mind of the person receiving it. If you cannot look at yourself as you truly are, or are not willing to hear what others have to say; then how will you ever grow as a person? I grew as a person on Saturday, and it is a great feeling.

Special love and thanks go out to my family (the Allred family), the Gregory family, the Rose family, and the Bower family. You know who you are and the great things you did, and I really truly appreciate all of you. Thank you!

http://chrisallreddesign.com/

 

Check out these 2 great events from a person who knows what they are talking about. From the 1st moment I met Patricia “Z” Coash, I knew that she was a person who cares.

Maleficent Movie Review

 “Maleficent” is a predictable, yet good movie based around how some view humanity. Why is Maleficent evil in the 1^st place, and what did Princess Aurora do to bring such a wrath down upon her?
I liked the story, because Maleficent was never evil-spirited; she was a woman scorned and hurt by both love and betrayal. People hear of this sort of thing a lot, and unfortunately that is one of the many things that humanity is known for.
Maleficent believed in true love, and that love broke down walls. The two came from different worlds, but that didn’t matter. Change happens, and while she lived her life happy and free; he fell into the trap of wanting what others had, the need for money and power. He got his wish, and the price was Maleficent.
He used their love to take what he wanted; he raped her of her wings, broke her will, shattered her pride, and left her shameful and alone. She was broken and couldn’t move on. Over time that shame turned to anger, and that anger into revenge; not for all mankind, but for one; but in her heart was love, and that love grew, and that same loved saved her.
Overall the movie was good, and I liked the story behind the story. I am hoping to see great things out of Elle Fanning, who played Princess Aurora, who is growing out of her sister’s shadow. I cannot tell if she is acting, or if the world through her eyes is the most wonderful place. She had a similar wonderment as the home schooled kid in “We Bought a Zoo”.
Great movie as Maleficent was both the hero and the villain, and nobody could blame her for her actions. Plus anytime that you can have Murdock from the A-Team fight anybody is great; even though Sharlto Copley himself is a terrible actor. I give this movie 2 thumbs up, and I recommend you wait to see it when it is released on DVD.
 

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X-Men: Days of Future Past Movie Review

 “X-Men: Days of Future Past” was a decent “Wolverine” movie that made the impossible possible by giving new life to the original storyline.
This movie made it possible to redo anything that they wanted because the past was changed. Old friends and colleagues are alive, and old relationships were saved. This film has a strong connection to what friendship is all about; why we do things, how far is a friend willing to go, and how far is too far.
For all of the fans of Hugh Jackman’s physical appearance, they get a bonus treat of seeing him completely naked (from the rear only…pun intended). There is no question that Wolverine is the main character of this movie, within the storyline as well as the on-screen time. Everyone else played their roles, and Logan couldn’t have done what he needed to do without them; however it was easy to see that everyone else was the supporting cast. There is nothing wrong with that, because they played their roles well. There seems to be a fine line between good and bad, and right and wrong that is an underlying theme throughout the entire movie, but the biggest driver (as seen in all X-Men movies) is the fear and persecution of differences. In this movie part of that fear caused the creation of a weapon that kills mutants.
Personally I like the old Sentinels (which the movie also has), but the newer version, even though more effective, were ridiculous. Bishop was a needed character, and I am glad that he had his role to play; when I saw him and all of the destruction of war, it just felt like the story was on the right path. All and all it was a good movie that kept both fans of the series and people who don’t know their Marvel from their DC entertained; and a new third group who just watched it for Hugh Jackman’s butt.
I give this movie two thumbs up, and I recommend seeing this in theaters.

Check out this review and many others at chrisallreddesign.com

 

Godzilla Movie Review

 “Godzilla” is back and better than ever. This movie plays homage to old-school Godzilla, and is better than ever.
Please don’t judge this movie by the Matthew Broderick (he’s probably glad to see his name in print…people remember me kind of thing) piece of crap version that hit the big screen in the late 90’s. This is the real deal Godzilla.
Godzilla in the 50’s. Godzilla in modern day. Godzilla in Japan. Godzilla coming to America. Godzilla is the good guy who saves the world. What is not to love about this movie? Oh…did I forget to mention that Godzilla breathes radioactive fire?
Whatever your hold ups or reservations about Godzilla are, get over them and see this movie. This is the real deal old-school Godzilla that they first found in the 50’s. Think of this movie as a sequel, because by most definitions it is. I give this movie two Godzilla sized thumbs up, and I recommend seeing this in theaters.

Check out this review and many others at chrisallreddesign.com

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Movie Review

 “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” followed the story pretty well. Certain things happened as they should, and I was pleased that they did.
Andrew Garfield is the Peter Parker that everyone wants, no offense to the other guy but it’s true.
Harry Osborn was perfect to fit the role of a rich kid jet setting with other rich and famous people. He fit the bill, not because he’s good looking, but because people flock to him for his money (not Peter of course).
The cast was solid, the movie was solid, and the story was great.
SPOILER ALERT****
Gwen Stacy dies! She needed to die because that is how the story goes. I was hoping for it in the 1^st movie, and would have been irritated if it didn’t happen in this one. She falls, Spider-Man tries to save her, he catches her with his web, and the jolt snaps her neck.
Watch out for Paul Giamatti…he looks crazy. I had to give him a 2^nd look just to make sure it was him.
I was so-so about this movie before it came out, but it was worth the wait and price of admission. I give this movie two thumbs up, and I recommend seeing this in theaters.

Check out this review and many others at chrisallreddesign.com