the Review
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This year in our food gift review section, we are also including reviews of several restaurants. Gift cards make the perfect gift - everyone enjoys the opportunity to go out for dinner and gift cards may provide an opportunity for the person on your gift list to visit a new restaurant. Gift cards area also very easy to get - you can buy them in person at a restaurant or you can buy them when you do other shopping like at WalMart, Staples, Krogers and more saving you an extra stop or special trip. You can also order gift cards on-line - the ultimate easy way to shop! Gift cards are the perfect item to have on hand for last minute gifts, hostess gifts or if you didn't know or remember you needed a gift for someone. Check out the food and restaurant reviews below!
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O'Charley's
Restaurant www.ocharleys.com |
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Special Needs Friendly |
| Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- floor plan is special needs friendly - no steps to trip or fall on!
- clean, attractive, "comfortable" design
- excellent lay out - I could not smell cigarettes where I sat
- menu with a wide variety of options - simple sandwiches to the most amazing trout! The menu has so many delicious choices it was truly difficult to decide what to order!
- food was perfectly prepared
- wait staff extremely friendly and helpful - when I special ordered my trout, the waiter thought to check and see if I had any allergies
O'Charley's has absolutely incredible food! Everything about this restaurant is perfect - the design, menu, pricing, way the food is prepared, waitstaff - everything is amazing! There are so many items on the menu that I want to try, I'm absolutely sure I will be visiting O'Charley's again and again - as you and anyone on your gift list will as well! Absolutely tremendously well done, O'Charley's! O'Charley's gift cards can be ordered on-line, purchased in their restaurants or in stores like Staples and Krogers - they receive our "ease of use" commendation as it is so easy to get certificates.
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Chili's
Restaurant www.chilis.com |
Special Needs Friendly | |
| Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- floor plan is special needs friendly - no steps to trip or fall on!
- clean, fun "cantina" design
- excellent lay out - I couldn't smell cigarettes where I sat
- menu has a nice variety of southwest dishes along with burgers and sandwiches
- wait staff was very friendly and helpful
Chili's is a great restaurant choice! The atmosphere and menu are "fun"! If you have a person on your gift list who enjoys southwest foods, they will find many tempting dishes on Chili's menu! Extremely well done, Chili's! Chili's gift cards can be ordered on-line, purchased in their restaurants or in stores like WalMart - they receive our "ease of use" commendation as it is so easy to get certificates.
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Famous Dave's www.famousdaves.com |
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Special Needs Friendly |
| Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- clean, fun "rib-joint" design
- menu definitely reflects it's specialty - ribs, but there are a variety of other dishes available as well
Our reviewers found Famous Dave's to have excellent food and a fun atmosphere. Tremendously well done, Famous Dave's! Famous Dave's gift cards can be ordered on-line, purchased in their restaurants or in stores - they receive our "ease of use" commendation as it is so easy to get certificates.
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Red Robin www.redrobin.com |
Special Needs Friendly | |
| Ease of Use |
- Favorite Features -
- clean, fun, colorful setting - very family friendly - lots of primary colors and shapes along with decorations that appeal to the family
- entire restaurant is non-smoking - great for families who have children with asthma
- burger menu is extensive and they have "endless" fries - although I would be surprised if very many people have room for seconds on the fries
- floor plan is special needs friendly - no steps to trip or fall on
This is an excellent restaurant choice for families with children - great and completely fun place for families to have parties - what kids doesn't like burgers and fries?!! Great alternative to fast food while providing a "sit-down" dining experience for the entire family! Extremely well done, Red Robin! Red Robin gift cards can be ordered on-line, purchased in their restaurants or in stores - they receive our "ease of use" commendation as it is so easy to get certificates.
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Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican Cafe` www.carlosokellys.com |
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Special Needs Friendly |
| Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- clean, Mexican cafe` setting - lots of fun
- excellent lay-out - I couldn't smell cigarette smoke where I sat
- floor plan is special needs friendly - no steps to trip or fall on
- menu has a wide variety of Mexican food choices - my reviewers had a hard time deciding what to order as it all looked so good!
- generous servings - good thing they have "doggie bags" so extra can be brought home to enjoy again later
Carlos O'Kelly's is an excellent choice when you want Mexican food! Friendly and helpful wait staff, fun surroundings and delicious food options all combine for a great restaurant choice! Tremendously well done, Carlos O'Kelly's! Carlos O'Kelly's gift cards can be ordered on-line, purchased in their restaurants or in stores - they receive our "ease of use" commendation as it is so easy to get certificates.
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Cracker
Barrel Old Country Store www.crackerbarrel.com |
Special Needs Friendly | |
| Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- fun, "down home" feel to restaurant - you can wait to be seated in a rocking chair on the "porch" or browse in the "country store"
- floor plan is special needs friendly - no steps to trip or fall on
- menu has a wide variety of good 'ol down home cooking - something for everyone and lots of "comfort" food
- wait staff is helpful and polite
Cracker Barrel is a great option for families with their down home setting - relaxing and fun! Extremely well done, Cracker Barrel! Cracker Barrel gift cards can be ordered on-line, purchased in their restaurants or in stores - they receive our "ease of use" commendation as it is so easy to get certificates.
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Cafe'jo
Coffee Pods www.cafejo.com |
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Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- very easy to order on-line and even have shipped to coffee lovers on your gift list
- wide variety of coffees available - while you can't go wrong with any of them, I especially love the Costa Rican and Vanilla coffees
- each pod is individually wrapped for freshness and flavor
- one package includes 18 pods of coffee
Tremendously delicious coffees - the flavor just "explodes" in your mouth for a completely enjoyable coffee experience! These are some of the best coffee pods I've tested - I will absolutely continue to purchase them for use in my home and to give as gifts to friends who are coffee lovers! Tremendously well done, Cafe'jo!
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Baronet
Coffee Pods www.baronetcoffee.com |
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Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- very easy to order on-line and even have shipped to coffee lovers on your gift list
- wide variety of coffees available - while you can't go wrong with any of them, I especially love the Mexican and Fair Trade Costa Rican coffees
- each pod is individually wrapped for freshness and flavor
- one package includes 18 regular pods or 16 Mega pods
Decaffeinated, fair trade, mega, light, medium or dark roast, 50/50, flavored - Baronet provides an extremely wide variety of coffees for you to enjoy - if you can't make up your mind which to try, give their sampler packs a try! Again, these are some of the best coffee pods I've tested - I will absolutely continue to purchase them for use in my home and to give as gifts to friends who are coffee lovers! Tremendously well done, Baronet Coffee!
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Aloha Island Coffee Pods
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Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- very easy to order on-line and even have shipped to coffee lovers on your gift list
- exclusively kona coffee from Hawaii - premium kona coffee
- unbelievably amazing flavor from a pod
- each pod is individually wrapped for freshness and flavor
- one package includes 12 pods
Incredible coffee flavor - it is obvious great care and attention is given to the coffee beans this company grows, harvests and roasts for their coffee pods! This coffee is not as inexpensive per cup as some of the others, but the flavor and enjoyment each cup of Aloha Island Coffee brings to those who drink it makes it a splurge that is well worth it! Tremendously well done, Aloha Island Coffee! I will absolutely continue to purchase this coffee for myself and those on my gift list!
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Java
Podz www.shopforpodz.com |
Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- very easy to order on-line and even have shipped to coffee lovers on your gift list
- variety of coffee flavors available - some unique like blueberry cobbler
- each pod is individually wrapped for freshness and flavor
- one package includes 15 pods
You will find quite a selection of pods available from Java Podz. Very nicely done, Java Podz.
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Community
Coffee www.communitycoffee.com |
Ease of Use |
- Favorite
Features -
- very easy to order on-line and even have shipped to coffee lovers on your gift list
- five types available - dark roast, medium roast, decaffeinated, hazelnut and new chicory blend
- each pod is individually wrapped for freshness and flavor
- one package includes 16 pods
Community Coffee is a great coffee pod buy - priced affordably! I found the paper used with the chicory blend fell apart during brewing in a Senseo and caused the machine to become "stuck" - took hours for the pressure to release so the machine could be opened. I'd recommend cutting a small piece of a regular coffee filter and placing it under the pod so this doesn't happen if you use a Senseo. Very nicely done, Community Coffee.
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| Mrs.
Prindables www.mrsprindables.com |
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Ease of Use | |
- Favorite
Features -
- incredible large apples and delicious small apples covered in a wide variety of caramel, chocolates, candies and more
- special holiday apples
- apples can be ordered on-line and shipped to people on your gift giving list
- large apples are large enough to have as a special, impressive and unique dessert for your holiday gatherings
- crisp, tasty apples appeal to your taste buds while the creative toppings make for unique and beautiful apples that appeal to your eyes!
Tremendously well done, Mrs. Prindables! These unique apples are sure to please anyone on your gift list who receives one or more! The wide variety of options as far as toppings and sizes allow you to pick the item that fits your gift giving needs!
Popcorn Palace www.popcornpalace.com 
27 Gourmet
Popcorn
Flavors
- Favorite Features -
- popcorn available in a variety of flavors - we tested Cheddar Cheese, White Cheddar Cheese, Gourmet Caramel, Caramel Nut and Macadamia Butter Crunch - and my testers unanimously agreed the popcorn was excellent!
- popcorn remains crispy - not stale
- available in a variety of tins and sizes
Absolutely enjoyable! This popcorn makes a great add on gift, item for a gift exchange or just for fun! Consider ordering a treat from Popcorn Palace to add a touch of fun to your Holiday gatherings! Tremendously well done, Popcorn Palace!
Cornzapoppin www.cornzapoppin.com 
32 Popcorn
Flavors
- Favorite Features -
- popcorn available in a variety of flavors - we tested Cheddar Cheese, Salt and Vinegar, Creamy Caramel, Vanilla Bean, White Chocolate Caramel, Milk Chocolate Caramel and Chocolate Cherry - my testers weren't "hot" on the Salt/Vinegar, but absolutely loved the rest!
- Chocolate is from Ghirardelli
- popcorn remains crispy - not stale
- available in a variety of tins and sizes
There's nothing, "so-so" about popcorn from Cornzapoppin! Delicious and fun, Cornzapoppin makes a great gift to give or receive! Treat the people on your list to something special from Cornzapoppin - treat yourself, too! Tremendously well done, Cornzapoppin!
Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels www.kimandscotts.com
Gourmet
Soft Stuffed
Pretzels
- Favorite Features -
- pretzels available in a wide variety of flavors - we tested sourdough asiago, stuffed apple cinnamon, traditional Bavarian, stuffed cinnamon roll, stuffed chocolate crumb, stuffed spinach feta, stuffed pizza, stuffed cheddar jalapeño, stuffed savory herb and cream cheese, all American grilled cheese, stuffed breakfast pretzel, stuffed parmesan and stuffed mixed berry cobbler - my testers found them all to be delicious!
- easy to heat with directions for frozen or refrigerated and microwave or conventional oven
If you are in a gift exchange where you exchange food items - consider giving gourmet stuffed pretzels and an unique, fun and delicious gift! As they are, or warmed these are not your ordinary pretzels! Extremely well done, Kim & Scott's!
Oh Danish Bakery www.ohdanishbakery.com 
Kringles - Favorite Features
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- available in a variety of flavors - we tested cherry, blueberry, apple and cream cheese - all my testers absolutely loved the kringles!
- arrives fresh with easy to follow directions for re-heating
- fresh ingredients and a flakey crust - delicious!
A Kringle makes a wonderful gift - guaranteed to be enjoyed! Consider giving Kringles to the people on your list with instructions to open and enjoy first thing Christmas morning. Consider beginning a tradition of your own with a fresh from the oven Kringle first thing Christmas morning! Tremendously well done, Oh Danish Bakery!
Selmas www.selmas.com 
Brownies, cookies
and crispy treats
- Favorite Features -
- available in a variety of flavors - we tested Butter-Me-Up-Brownie, Triple Chocolate Brownie, Snowman Crispy rice treat, Crispy rice treat with chocolate on top, Crispy rice treat with chocolate candies, plain Crispy rice treat, Chocolate Chip Cookie Supreme, White Chocolate Chip Cookie and Peanutbutter cookie - what wasn't there to love?!!!
- fresh, tasty and fun!
Their peanutbutter cookie is one of the best I've ever had! If you give any of these items to someone on your list, you are sure to put a smile on their face! Great add ons, perfect for gift exchanges and just for fun! Tremendously well done, Selmas!
Mrs. Fields Cookies www.mrsfields.com 
Nibblers - Favorite Features -
- available in a variety of flavors - we tested semi-sweet chocolate without nuts, Debra's Special, White chunk with macadamias, triple chocolate, peanutbutter and cinnamon sugar - my testers absolutely enjoy their job when they get to test cookies as delicious as these!
- fresh ingredients and no preservatives
- available in baskets, tins and more for the perfect gift
Who wouldn't love a gift of Mrs. Fields cookies?!!! Soft, tasty - the perfect cookie! Nibblers are great for Holiday entertaining as well - people can enjoy a little of each, or just their favorite! Tremendously well done, Mrs. Fields!
Annie B's Confections www.anniebs.com 
Desserts - Favorite Features -
- available in a wide variety of sizes and flavors - we tested mini tarts, pumpkin cheesecake and chocolate lava cakes - my testers found them to be amazing!
- shipped fresh and ready to enjoy
To give as a gift or for a special touch to your Holiday celebrations, you can not go wrong with a treat from Annie B's! Extremely well done, Annie B's!
Ghirardelli Chocolates www.ghirardelli.com 
Holiday
Chocolates
- Favorite Features -
- available in a variety of flavors - we tested holiday squares as well as their premium boxed chocolates and my testers, of all ages, absolutely loved them!
- available in tins, special boxes, velvet stockings
Ghirardelli Chocolates are so creamy and delicious! The combination of mint or caramel or almonds or raspberries with their chocolate makes a treat certain to be enjoyed by all who receive them! Tremendously well done, Ghirardelli!
Lake Champlain Chocolates www.lakechamplainchocolates.com 
Hot Chocolate - Favorite Features -
- 54% cocoa
- shaved chocolate melts quickly and easily to make hot chocolate or consider adding a spoonful to your favorite coffee
Truly unique, consider giving this exceptional chocolate to someone on your list who absolutely loves coffee and chocolate! Extremely well done, Lake Champlain Chocolates!
Mackinac Island Fudge 
Fudge - Favorite Features -
- available in a variety of flavors - we tested chocolate pecan, peanut butter pecan and rocky road - my testers found it to be exceptional fudge
- made with no preservatives
Absolutely the standard for fudge, you can not go wrong with giving a gift of Mackinac Island Fudge! Perfect to give, or receive as a gift and an incredible extra touch for Holiday celebrations and gatherings! Tremendously well done, Mackinac Island Fudge!
Masterfoods Inc. www.dovechocolate.com www.mms.com
Dove Holidays - Favorite Features -
- Rich Dark Chocolate - actually a healthy choice as dark chocolate provides health benefits
- Smooth Milk Chocolate - this chocolate is so smooth and completely enjoyable
- available in festive holiday wrappers
Dove chocolates are completely enjoyable! Great for add on gifts, gift exchanges, stocking stuffers and for use in your holiday celebrations! Tremendously well done, Masterfoods!
Masterfoods Inc. www.mms.com 
M&Ms - Favorite Features -
- Happy Holiday's Mix - available in Milk Chocolate and Peanut in red and green for the holidays
- m*Azing Minis - available in Crunchy and Peanutbutter . . . I love the peanutbutter! - Fun, festive holiday wrappings on each piece
- Special Edition Holiday Messages - six fun designs
- My Message - available in red and green with two fun messages
- Minis - Character filled with candies
- Tube - topped with a train engine and filled with candies
How can you go wrong with M&Ms! An absolute "must" for holiday celebrations and great add on gifts! Extremely well done, Masterfoods!
Paper Street Teas www.psteas.com 
Green Teas 
Herbal Teas 
Rooibos - Favorite Features -
- incredible variety of teas and flavors available
- absolute dedication to quality
- amazing health benefits
- completely affordable
I drink iced teas everyday and have found Paper Street Teas to have the widest variety, highest quality and most affordable teas! My personal favorite combination is as follows - White Tea, Blueberry Green Tea, Rosebud, Yummy Berry Herbal and Rooibos Cherry Rose. A tablespoon of each in an iced tea maker gives you the absolutely most delicious tea ever! This tea has so much flavor you do not need to add any sweetener - even people who do not enjoy tea, love this tea! My husband has stopped drinking soda pop and drinks my tea instead - a considerably healthier choice! This tea I make provides the following health benefits - great source of iron, calcium, fluoride, potassium, protects the heart, lowers cholesterol, boosts immunity, reduces effects of stress, high in antioxidants, fights viruses, lowers blood sugar levels, improves memory, encourages prostrate health, encourages weight loss and more! Give the gift of good health and delicious beverage choices and put together your own special mix of tea for those on your gift list! Tremendously well done, Paper Street Teas!
The Review Source
Copyright © Lynda Freeman
Last Updated Nov. 3, 2006
Web Page by Lynda Freeman
Send an e-mail to Lynda at Lynda@thereviewsource.net