Around Ames/ISU

Angie · 08-06-2008, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

Simply awesome...and I'm a picky eater...

Their pad thai is so freaking awesome. They have some pad prik ew or something that is delicious, too - a little peppery. The chef used to be a chef at a four- or five-star restaurant in Thailand, didn't he?

chuckd4735 · 08-06-2008, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by Angie

House of Chen is very good - they're moving out to West Lincoln Way soon. Chinese Homestyle Cooking on Lincoln Way (across from Taco Bell) is very good. Go Thai at the Spice, though, for the best food!

You're from Nevada, please tell me you have had the pleasure of enjoying Happy House?!?!

Angie · 08-06-2008, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by chuckd4735

You're from Nevada, please tell me you have had the pleasure of enjoying Happy House?!?!

I have had it - it has definitely grown on me (it used to be HORRIBLE when it was Golden Wok). I think the one I like is the Hunan Chicken?

chuckd4735 · 08-06-2008, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Angie

I have had it - it has definitely grown on me (it used to be HORRIBLE when it was Golden Wok). I think the one I like is the Hunan Chicken?

Yes, Golden Wok plain sucked, as it does in Ames. If you ever grab the buffet at Happy House, the Black Pepper Chicken is great, and the Honey Chicken is very sweet!

IcSyU · 08-06-2008, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Angie

Their pad thai is so freaking awesome. They have some pad prik ew or something that is delicious, too - a little peppery. The chef used to be a chef at a four- or five-star restaurant in Thailand, didn't he?

I don't remember what I got...it was pasta-ish stuff and it was phenomenal. When my boss said he was taking the interns to the Spice, I looked it up and though oh god...freaking Thai. Ordered that stuff and it was absolutely awesome. Their smoothies also get my seal of approval.

sloaner · 08-06-2008, 04:53 PM

yummmy....I am hungry now!

BryceC · 08-06-2008, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by bmuff

-Speaking of not recognizing a place, the University Book Store looks awesome. When I was a student, they had a very small selection of ISU clothing. Now they have more selection than Scheels in WDM and I bet twice that of T-Galaxy. Overall, they did a great job with the MU renovation/addition.

Little bit of trivia for you - the bookstore makes almost nothing on books. Their revenue is mostly driven by people buying clothes and stuff like that. That's why it was a big benefit to expand.

cybsball20 · 08-06-2008, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by BryceC

Little bit of trivia for you - the bookstore makes almost nothing on books. Their revenue is mostly driven by people buying clothes and stuff like that. That's why it was a big benefit to expand.

So what's the question?

ISULifer · 08-06-2008, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by Angie

House of Chen is very good - they're moving out to West Lincoln Way soon. Chinese Homestyle Cooking on Lincoln Way (across from Taco Bell) is very good. Go Thai at the Spice, though, for the best food!

Where are they moving to on West Lincoln Way? Any idea?

Angie · 08-06-2008, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by chuckd4735

Yes, Golden Wok plain sucked, as it does in Ames. If you ever grab the buffet at Happy House, the Black Pepper Chicken is great, and the Honey Chicken is very sweet!

I've never made it for the buffet, but I'll do my best to try!! Usually end up going at night when it's all closed. I wonder if they do the buffet on the weekend??

Originally Posted by IcSyU

I don't remember what I got...it was pasta-ish stuff and it was phenomenal. When my boss said he was taking the interns to the Spice, I looked it up and though oh god...freaking Thai. Ordered that stuff and it was absolutely awesome. Their smoothies also get my seal of approval.

The pad thai is all noodle-y, so it could be that! I was nervous about Thai, too - my only exposure had been Thai Kitchen, which had not been the greatest experience for me. Try their desserts - they are all gourmet!!

I want some CHC...!

musicboy · 08-06-2008, 05:01 PM

As a 19 year resident of Ames here are some of my restaurant recommendations:

Chinese - CoCost or House of Chen
Thai - The Spice
BBQ - Battles
Pizza - Great Plains
Mexican - La Fuente

The Cafe is great and they have a varied menu. Hickory Park is probably the best value. Cafe Shi also has dishes that you won't find at an Applebees or Chiles.

If you are looking for something even more unique, Ames has many ethnic restaurants including The Scallion (Korean), an Indian place and even a Vietnamese restaurant.

Angie · 08-06-2008, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by ISULifer

Where are they moving to on West Lincoln Way? Any idea?

I think it has to be later this fall?? They're going to tear down the old Sears area and make a ped mall, from what I understand (I used to work in the mgmt office). I have to think that they're going to break ground soon?? I'll check the dates next time I'm up there!!

Cafe Shi has awesome curry, too.

chuckd4735 · 08-06-2008, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by Angie

I've never made it for the buffet, but I'll do my best to try!! Usually end up going at night when it's all closed. I wonder if they do the buffet on the weekend??

The pad thai is all noodle-y, so it could be that! I was nervous about Thai, too - my only exposure had been Thai Kitchen, which had not been the greatest experience for me. Try their desserts - they are all gourmet!!

I want some CHC...!

I have an older menu here in my office from when they first opened, so it might not be accurate, but it says their buffet is Monday-Saturday 11- 4. The menu I have also says it includes a free soda, and I know that is no longer included.

hoocher · 08-06-2008, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by scottie33

Anyone can go in there...You can even go into the University Bookstore and buy yourself some nice ISU garb and you'll officially be a fan!

ummm...that won't happen. My wife is an ISU grad and I like to tailgate at Trice and take in a game once in a while.

ornryactor · 08-06-2008, 05:32 PM

How in blazes have you people just spent three pages talking about Chinese food in Ames, and not mentioned Little Taipei? You're insane. Little Taipei is the best in Ames, period. If you don't believe me, then ask the Chinese nationals, because that's where they go. I tried Chinese Homestyle once and threw it in the garbage; it was horrible. Cocost and May House are (literally) exactly the same- same family, same menu, same food. It's not bad, but it's not great. I'll go there if I'm eating with friends who insist on it. I've never had New China out next to West Cyde Wings, and I've never had House of Chen. Are either of those places casual (like take-out) or are they sit-down restaurants?

I've had a solid vendetta against Golden Wok ever since high school thanks to their chain-wide horrible food, but it sure looks like the owners of Little Taipei recently bought it out and are now operating both restaurants. Anybody know anything about this? I keep seeing the GW cars in the LT parking lot, and I got a flyer shoved under my door that has the LT menu on one side and the GW menu on the other, with the same phone number for each.

As for Thai, both places are great. The Spice is wonderful, but it's a sit-down place and it's also kinda pricey. Thai Kitchen (on Chamberlain in Campustown) is a casual place and much cheaper. Their pad key mao is amazing... aaaand now I'm hungry.