★★ (2 Stars)

Bigger does not mean better.

Lulu’s is supposed to be known for their chicken fried steak, so that’s what I ordered.  What came out was an enormous, extremely beaten, flat, cubed steak severely breaded and deep fried.

The batter was not what i was hoping for.  It was bland, as was the meat, and it seemed to retain a lot of oil.  The steak within the batter was overcooked and crunchy.

I was not impressed and I don’t think I’ll be back.  There are way better places for chicken fried steak.  I don’t know how this place was “voted best chicken fried steak in town.”

★★★★ (4 Stars)

My brother had been recommending La Victoria to me every chance that lunch or dinner popped up in conversation.  My brother has been going there for their Mexican sweet bread since they opened and has loved it.  I had been putting it off for a couple of weeks but decided to check it out this evening.  The first thing I noticed is their cases of sweet bread.  If I had just strolled by I would have thought they only sold sweet bread.  Toward the back they have a menu on the wall with breakfast items like chorizo burritos and plates.  They also list lunch and dinner items like tortas, burritos, and enchiladas.  The next thing I noticed was the ‘cash only’ sign.  I typically don’t carry cash, but luckily had some on me.  I decided to order the carne asada burrito and chips.  Now, before I go on, let me just tell you this is strictly a take-out place.  I don’t recall there being even one seat.  So, I took it home.

On the way home I tried out their chips. They were hot and fresh.  I got home, unwrapped the burrito thinking, “Hmm, this seems a bit skimpy” and I took a bite.  Yummmmm.  I took another bite.  Yummmmmmmmm.  I added a little bit of the red salsa.  It was really good.  The burrito had a perfect balance: rice, beans, carne asada, cheese.  They didn’t overdo or underdo anything.  So, the initial “skimpy” thought quickly subsided with the harmonious blend of fillings.

In addition to the great burrito,  I crown this place as having the best salsa in town.  They have really good, fresh pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa and red salsa.  I ate all of the salsa they provided.  It was awesome.

In the end I was full and very happy with La Victoria.  I only wish I had grabbed some of their sweet bread ’cause it also looked delicious.

I rarely give 5 stars to any place, especially when they only accept cash, and have no seating.   All I can do is hope that people visit this new place often so that it remains open for my own indulgences.