Panda's Express: Is It the Best Chinese Restaurant in Idaho?

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There are quite a few Chinese restaurants in Idaho. In my home town of Blackfoot there's the New Hong Kong that has a yelp review

In Pocatello, however, there's quite a few. A lot of ISU students may have noticed the Mandarin House in the SUB building.

But the one I'm reviewing today is Panda's Express.

A plate meal

My Meal

Another bowl

Overall, I think comparing Panda's Express to Blackfoot's Chinese restaurant, Panda's Express is miles better.

To read my full review, click here.

Senor Iguanas offers flavorful Mexican cuisine

Senor Iguanas restaurant

Senor Iguanas first opened its doors on December 8th of 1997. Caleb Corona opened Senor Iguanas with no cash flow or capital to his name, but he did have his mother's recipes. With those recipes, the restaurant has stayed open for the last 17 years.

On Yelp, reviews range from very satisfied customers to customers that vow to never return again. Most of the reviews said the service was excellent and that the food was good quality. On a few occasions, however, the reviews stated that the service wasn't very good, and that the food was awful. One complaint most individuals had was that the restaurant appears to be a mess at times. Trip Advisor features more reviews with similar responses from customers.

The 1ft. Smothered Burrito

The menu features traditional Mexican cuisine, American options, and a kids menu that is titled "Kylie's Picks" after Caleb's daughter Kylie. American options and "Kylie's picks" include things such as: cheeseburgers, hamburgers, and chicken tenders.

I had a pleasant time at Senor Iguanas and I will most definitely return. The food is excellent and you get plenty of it for your money. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for a hot meal on a budget. For more information, you can read my full review here.

Yoshida Adds Japanese Flair to Pocatello

Yoshida Adds Japanese Flair to Pocatello

Ever since they opened in October of 2013, business has been booming thanks to a local news story. At first, the Japanese native Sanae Wood was apprehensive about opening a restaurant by her self, but with a little prodding from her family, she made it happen.

Sanae Wood (right) in front of her restaurant

Her favorite part about owning a business is what she can share with new customers. Wood enjoys making acquaintances, even friendships, with people due to her little shop in Old Town Pocatello. She admits that her favorite dish is the Ton Katsu (breaded chicken over rice). 

Niku Dango (pork meatballs over rice)

It's pretty easy to have a favorite since the menu is so small; there are only six main items available. They are  all affordable, priced under $8 each. Visit their Facebook page to view their menu. Their page also has an overflowing amount of customers raving about the food and low price. This is also apparent on their Yelp page.

In the Midst of Pocatello, Sushi and Asian Fare can be Found at Sumisu

In the middle of Pocatello, Idaho it is possible to find great sushi. Sumisu, located at 309 East Center Street has been serving fresh sushi since they opened their doors in December of 2010. Everything is made in house by the chef on duty. If you sit at the bar, you can even watch the chef prepare and roll your sushi. Besides the sushi bar Sumisu provides small and large seating arrangements so it's a great place for date night, or for the whole gang.

Tiny Dancer Roll

One popular menu item is the Tiny Dancer Roll which includes crab, spicy tuna, cucumber and a few other ingredients. With almost 20 different rolls there is something for everyone. If you are looking for something adventurous, you can also opt for a "Domo Dozo" which is basically a creation of the chef's choice. For those in your party who aren't into raw sushi, there are plenty of alternative options as well. Sumisu's menu includes both raw and non-raw sushi options, traditional entrees like Teriyaki Steak and Red Pepper Chicken, and even a Kid's Menu. While you're there don't forget to

Edamame

try the Edamame which are a staple item at any Asian style or sushi restaurant. To see Sumisu's full menu click here. 

After my visit I got to sit down with one of the owners, Lyndi Smith, to learn more about the background of Sumisu. Family owned and operated, Sumisu has truly been a family affair since the idea hatched several years ago. Two of the family members have even been professionally trained by groups in California in preparing sushi. So from the day to day operations to the name, which means Smith in Japanese, Sumisu is truly all about family. To read more about the Smith's story and my visit to Sumisu read my full article here.

Sumisu is open Monday through Saturday for the lunch and dinner crowd. Their hours, take-out and dine-in information, and more can be found here. You can also find them on Facebook or view reviews from other patrons on sites like Yelp, and Google. Google has given Sumisu a rating of 4.1 stars out of 5. Yelp has given them a 4 out of 5 star rating, and includes reviews from 47 patrons.

There's Fresh and then there's Efresh

      There is a place in Pocatello, Idaho that is bringing a whole new meaning to the word "Fresh." Efresh is a deli that doesn't follow the rules but rather bends them. Owner Emily Fisher created this wonderful restaurant with a simple idea on a napkin and has now brought it to life with the help of her cooks Dan and Reegs. Together there is well over a decade of culinary schooling and cooking skills that have been perfected into this amazing food.

Faces of Efresh, Emily, Dan and Reegs

     Efresh uses nothing but the highest quality ingredients that are found locally in Pocatello. When you receive your sandwich or salad there is an apparent craftsmanship that you just don't see at any other joint in town. They have a sandwich special every single day and it is always a new idea they are cooking up or a highly requested concoction. The menu is large both literally and physically so be prepared to start reading, but have a napkin ready because you might start drooling at the descriptions.

One of the Daily Specials the "Burger Eh"

      Efresh is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm but if you can't make it during those times there is hope. On Friday and Saturday night there is a special late night menu that is only available from 10pm-3am, YES 3am! This menu is perfect for a late night snack or the hungry crowd after a long night of drinking and partying. One of the biggest hits here are the julienne herb fries that have the whole town talking. These fries also come with bacon and cheese in the late night menu and they are out of this world.
     Yelp reviews of Efresh are outstanding with a whopping 4.5 stars of 5 for 35 reviews but you should honestly get off the computer and head down there to try it for yourself.
     If this blog was not enough or you want to hear the full story click here for the entire article.

Old Town Pocatello's Secret: Healthy Eats Right Under Our Noses

It may be a little tricky to find a restaurant in Pocatello that embraces a healthy philosophy when it comes to eating out.  Especially if that place still has an old sign from a previous business on it’s storefront.  Hiding under that disguise is The Healthier Place to Eat, located in Old Town Pocatello.  This restaurant uses fresh, all-natural, allergy-friendly ingredients that come together to make some unique and tasty dishes.

The Healthier Place to Eat
121 S. Main St., Pocatello, Idaho

I enjoyed my visit with Mila and Raymond Gouchenour, owners of The Healthier Place to Eat.  I was amazed by their tenacity to make their business work in a challenging market.  I was impressed with the planning that went into the creation and continuing development of what their particular restaurant will provide in the food industry world.  Above all, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the passion the have for what they do, and that passion shows through in the well prepared dish I was served.

Mila Gouchenour and I in the cheerful dining ara.

I am a big believer in trying new things when the opportunity arises.  So,I ordered the vegan lasagna ($12.49) with gluten-free pasta, vegetables, a coconut white sauce and topped with cashew parmesan.  The meal included a side salad with a great vinaigrette and gluten-free toast.  This meal was satisfying both in taste and volume.  And I can honestly say that the toast was some of the best gluten-free bread I have tasted. To learn more about the menu and dining experience at The Healthier Place to Eat, read my full review.

Vegan lasagna with side salad and gluten-free toast.

So, the next time you are looking for a restaurant that deviates from the abundant franchise options, give The Healthier Place to Eat a try.  And while you’re in the mood to explore new things, choose something from the menu that might be a bit of stretch for you.  You will probably be pleasantly surprised.  After all, cashew parmesan cheese hooked me into trying lasagna with a creamy coconut sauce and now I have a new favorite.

El Jacalito Brings Quality Mexican Food to Pocatello

El Jacalito from the outside. 

El Jacalito was founded by the Camacho brothers in 2007 and has been thriving ever since. The restaurant is very casual, some may call it a "hole in the wall", and that attracts a lot of people who want an affordable and delicious meal.

On TripAdvisor there are mixed responses to El Jacalito. Some people absolutely love it while others do not really care for it. Those that love it think that the food is very good and the workers are very kind. Those that do not care for it do not like the food and they think the place is a little messy.

Bean and cheese burrito with rice.

The menu is decently sized and gives a lot of variety. They have classic Mexican food like tacos, burritos and tamales, but one of the things that stands out about El Jacalito is that they also have burgers. Their burgers are advertised as some of the best in town, and a lot of people who have had them would completely agree.

I enjoyed my experience eating at El Jacalito. I think that the food is really good for the price and it is a very convenient place to get food quickly. It is definitely a place that I will go to frequently and I think other people should try it as well.