Best non-chain restaurants in tri-cities? (Kennewick, Richland: lease, hotel, home)

[GameHog9]

Anyone tried Famous Daves?

I did and if you area a meat lover... you have found your little place in the world

[Moon Waffle]

Originally Posted by Kakwik

Ok, I need to just take the plunge and check this out. I've been hesitant to try Indian in this area but it's time to change that.

Yes, you do. I have a passion for good Indian food (my best friend growing up was Indian and his mom would always cook me a "second dinner" when I went to his house in the evenings) and this place is authentic and delicious. I'd like to see a lot more people in TC try it out but you know how cautious people in this area are about anything that isn't a chain...

[j_k_k]

I used to go to India Palace all the time when it was on Clearwater (close to where I get my mail), to take advantage of the buffet. Lots of good stuff there, and I think the location would have worked for them in time if they'd been able to stay (not sure why they moved). One idea I suggested to the owners was that they help bridge the gap by pointing out how many ingredients come from regional agriculture. Take lentils, for example, which Washington grows in large quantities and which are a staple Indian ingredient. Mint is another. I think it would have been an outstanding marketing boost over time. Food seems less odd and scary (to those who don't actively seek out different things) when it's made from stuff produced right here.

[tcres]

Originally Posted by j_k_k

I used to go to India Palace all the time when it was on Clearwater (close to where I get my mail), to take advantage of the buffet. Lots of good stuff there, and I think the location would have worked for them in time if they'd been able to stay (not sure why they moved). One idea I suggested to the owners was that they help bridge the gap by pointing out how many ingredients come from regional agriculture. Take lentils, for example, which Washington grows in large quantities and which are a staple Indian ingredient. Mint is another. I think it would have been an outstanding marketing boost over time. Food seems less odd and scary (to those who don't actively seek out different things) when it's made from stuff produced right here.

Where did it move to? I live near this location and always wanted to try their buffet and never got around to it. I see that the vacant building is now being renovated so I am curious if a new restaurant is moving in?

I though the Indian place on Col Center was India Palace or is that the same place?

Also, does anyone know what happened to the Thai place that was on Williams in Richland? I used to go there weekly (even though I lived in Kennewick) for the lunch buffet and was sad to see it close with no notice. I actually found out it was closing from the owner of the thai place on Canal which I was not impressed with. The buffet was horrible and our water was warm/hot... and the owner had the nerve to tell me the "buffet was not their focus" when I complained about the lack of selection and quality.

[PDXGirlJ]

We went to brunch at the Desert Winds Winery in Prosser. They only do it on Sundays, but it was wonderful.

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by tcres

I though the Indian place on Col Center was India Palace or is that the same place?

That's where it moved to from Clearwater. I'm amazed it's still there--in twelve years I've seen so many restaurants/clubs pass through that location on CC Blvd, right upstairs from a law firm with a wraparound walkway.

One buffet I've tried a few times, though it's out of my way, is the Filipino one over off Gage near the Social Security office. Good but not marvelous. Terrible location for foot traffic, I think, being so far from the main sidewalk (on which hardly anyone walks anyhow).

[tcres]

You're talking about Manilla? I'm not sure if that is the full name but I did see it when I was going to Costco once and told myself I needed to stop in there. I didn't know they had a buffet. I always like buffets because I can try a little of everything.

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by tcres

You're talking about Manilla? I'm not sure if that is the full name but I did see it when I was going to Costco once and told myself I needed to stop in there. I didn't know they had a buffet. I always like buffets because I can try a little of everything.

I was pretty sure it was named Manila but hadn't been there in a while. Yes, it has a buffet. Every time I go in there it's nearly empty so I can't be certain how it'll survive, though maybe I am just conditioned to avoid peak times for everything.

[Kakwik]

Originally Posted by M3 Mitch

Slightly off topic but what about the little Bella deli that just opened or is just about to open there in Benton City?

Anybody tried it?

I tried it!

The place smells AMAZING when you walk in. Instant drool.

The paper menu is mainly panini sandwiches with some other things thrown in. Their rotating specials/menu items are on a chalkboard and very numerous. Along with the restaurant, they have a small deli of imported meats and cheeses. They also make their own bread to sell.

I got a ham/cheese panini and a slice of their tiramisu sponge cake. The sandwich was on the small side but VERY filling and I could only eat half. I had my tiramisu cake later in the day and it was to die for.

Their prices are their only downfall, especially in their location. It's a place I'd go again but as a special treat. While I realize and respect that I'm paying for quality ingredients and homemade freshness, I'm not sure how many other people care about that sort of thing! There were many more sandwiches, frittatas and salads that I'd like to try out. And more of that tiramisu cake.

[MovinOutWest]

We've been trying to hit up mostly local places in the few months we've been in the area. My favorites so far:

India Palace
Emerald of Siam, thai food in the uptown
Garibaldi's, a mexican place in Pasco

And for a quick mexican meal:
Chico's Tacos on Clearwater
Avacado Grill in West Richland

We've been to two places so far that haven't impressed us:
Isla Bonita on Jadwin in Richland. The food was ok but I didn't like the salsa.
El Rancho Alegre in the new Target plaza. I thought it was just ok. There are lots of better options for Mexican in the area.