The Keg Steakhouse

If you are in North Phoenix and looking for a great meal - The Keg is the place. First impression was that the management must have a tendency for hiring "fake-and-bake" servers. That problem aside, it truly was a fine dining experience. Each staff member was very professional and polite, but not stuffy. They were able to keep conversation casual. The menu is organized into simple categories; this made it easy to make selections. There is also a full bar and comprehensive wine list with options by the bottle and glass.
A key feature that I enjoyed was that each booth had a high back. This made it feel much more like an intimate dinner than the typical noisy steakhouse. We were able to keep the conversation to ourselves and definitely were not interrupted by other tables.
For the The Keg - I rate a 4 out of 5 and here is why. While my prime rib was very flavorful (make sure you order the peppercorn sauce - it's GRAND), the two at our table were both labeled medium rare but one was more medium and one was more rare. The kitchen needs to work on a consistent product.
The Keg is also close to some great shopping and the Desert Ridge shopping district. So make it a fun evening with friends.

Holiday Inn Select - La Mirada

I should let you know that I was checking in with VERY low expectations. This is Holiday Inn which caters to families and noise. HOWEVER: the service blew me away!
Holiday Inn Select La Mirada is a ways off the beaten path so thankfully my Hertz navigation was able to "recalculate route" a couple of times to place me in the parking lot. The hotel has a Red Robin and a pool and spa on location and there is an Elephant Bar just across the street; behind is an industrial park which uses both rail and truck for shipping. The noise level comes not from children but industry and the occasional train whistle. My room is comfortably furnished with recently updated furniture and a workstation that looks out the window.
I was welcomed the moment I came in the door and the receptionist went out of her way to help me navigate the lobby with my large bag. Since my reservations are direct billed to the company she printed all the instructions and explained she wanted to make sure to things right the first time.
On the down side, the drapes in my room are a little worn out and this location does not serve a complimentary breakfast. Overall - I'm rating this hotel a 3 out of 5: hard to find, no free breakfast, excellent service.

Sushi in Denver

I have had two sushi experiences in Denver, CO.
Park Meadows Shopping offers Mikuni's, a trendy, uptown atmosphere with excellent sushi. The many choices are available from the sushi bar or for table service. The traditional bar also offers many appropriate beverage options. There is even a prize wheel for those lucky birthday parties. However, the customer service leaves room for improvement. So if you don't mind table service without a smile you would rate Mikuni a 4 out of five for the atmosphere and the cuisine.
Hapa Sushi has several locations in Denver each of which offers the consistent Hapa Sushi experience. The restaurant combines Japanese pop culture with chic dining and superior service for a fantastic customer experience. The menu offers plenty of choices for the virgin to mature sushi eater in a way which is sure to stimulate conversation. The bar compliments each menu choice with plenty of beverage options and a great happy hour. For a more private experience, try the location in Denver Tech Cent during the week. Overall Hapa Sushi earns a 5 out of 5 for all three: atmosphere, cuisine, and service.

The Premis

Ok so here's the deal:

I am a young professional working a travel based job for a major US corporation. As I travel I will be using many hotels and airlines AND trying many local restaurants and attractions. I will be using the upcoming blog to journal my destinations and think critically about my experiences.