Q: negative

A: Two words: Zombie mall. As if going to a successful mall weren't bad enough, this one adds the unavoidable stench of failure to the outing. The place is doing maybe 10% of the business it needs to break even, I'd say. A good number of closed storefronts. Lots of activity on game nights, but then the place is crammed full of loud-mouthed douchebags. So if that's your cup of tea.... On the upside: Plenty of free parking! It's sad that just when it seemed Glendale (the Valley's raggedy stepsister) might have something going for it... this is what they get. If you're in this part of town, head east on Glendale Ave and go to the "historic" downtown, which they've done a pretty good job with. La Perla is still a solid dinner joint. Whatever you do, run away from the plastic brand-name chain shops in this Westgate place, unless you like that sort of thing, in which case you'd probably be just as happy going to your nearest Applebee's, so why drive farther?

Q: negative

A: 03/19/10 Kitschy, fun country-life decor. There was about a 15-minute waiting time. Lots of older citizens waiting, which made for interesting chit-chat amongst the women. It's refreshing when a restaurant's setting allows people to feel comfortable enough to interact among strangers-- Mom and I encounter so many "closed" individuals on a daily basis at work, so this is a nice change of pace for us. Staff here seem friendly and busy, but efficient. At least, ours was. One complaint: it's a bit cramped in here. It would be nice to have a little privacy from other neighboring tables, especially when I spied a room in the back that had maybe four 4-tops, and only one was occupied. Can't recall what Mom ordered, but I wasn't surprised that she didn't enjoy it-- the menu description definitely did not appeal to me. Website does not list a menu, and all I can recall is that it was an omelet w/ a couple of fibrous veggies (snow peas and something else; it was a strange combo, of that I'm sure of. Chestnuts, maybe?). I went w/ a Belgian waffle, two eggs, and bacon. Coffee was weak, but our server offered to brew a stronger pot. Nice! While we waited for our selections, she brought out some mini-muffins to enjoy, and that we did! We both really liked the bran. I also enjoyed the zucchini-- Mom thought she detected cinnamon (not a fave of hers), but I think it's the nutmeg she was referring to. Then again, I may be mistaken... Waffle was, well, a waffle. No accompanying fruit compotes or coulis to liven things up. I always bring my own 100% organic maple syrup, because while most restaurants say they offer maple syrup, it isn't 100% pure, but a blend of maple and corn syrups. (If it smells like Mrs. Butterworth's, it isn't 100% maple. Just sayin'.) Eggs were cooked to over-medium, just that way I like 'em. Bacon was very nice. Cute saucer and dinner plates, lovely mini-muffins (we bought extra to-go!), good bacon, and efficient service make for a solid two stars. I wouldn't mind giving KTC another try, if we're in the area. Next time we'll try the pancakes and crepes!

Q: negative

A: 4 stars for the place itself and it's food/coffee. 0 stars for the service, or lack there of. My business partner and I were in town for a convention. We heard we should check out Lola. So we did. We were excited. The lady (I use the term loosely here) who took our order was LESS than patient OR helpful. We asked a few questions. She barely answered us, then when we had to repeat the question she was nothing short of annoyed. An example. We asked where we could get a glass or cup of water. She mumbled something about the bar/table. My partner walked over and saw no cups. She came back and asked where the cups were. On the table came an exasperated retort. I walked over to inspect for myself. There were no cups on the table. So I kindly asked her if the cups should be on the table, if so there appeared to be none. She said they are on the table, but *sigh* I'll go check, but I know they're there! 10 seconds later she comes out of the kitchen with a tube of cups. IMAGINE THAT the customer was right. I watched this lady serve other customers. It appears that regulars are treated with a smile and courtesy and patience. Newcomers or people she doesn't like are treated worse than the dirt on the bottom of her shoes. My suggestion to management, adjust her attitude or get rid of her! She is not good for business.

Q: positive

A:
I am so glad that Pita Jungle moved into my ever so lovely Mesa area. I say that with just a hint of sarcasm. I truly am happy about the arrival of a friendly, tasty and healthy dining option to my...my uh .. well Anandita put it so well. Let's just say West Mesa is a cozy, gun ridden, overhead copter flyin-spotlight shinin', dilapidated, killer cop area. Hell- even TGI Friday's went out of buiness here. I have not experienced the other locations, but I love the food. The staff has always been very friendly and quick. I have mostly done take out. My favorites are the Chicken Shawarma, the jalapeno and cilantro hummus and the lentil soup. There are many other things I am interested in trying. The decor is desperate if I have to say anything negative, which I don't, but it is alarmingly sparse, all neutral colors, crooked hanging paintings, poor lighting and bargain sale furniture. It is surprising because the staff is obviously artistic, as they are quite decorated themselves.