My 2 Cents

THE SPECS: Chili beans, Taco Bell's refried beans, sour cream, tomatoes and nacho cheese cream sauce on top of a mound of tortilla chips.

WHAT'S THE CONCEPT? Basically this is a take on chili fries, the ultimate late-night, I drank too much, let me eat something that is going to soak up all that alcohol concoction, taste really good and give me the illusion that I am driving home at night safely. Instead of the deep-fried french fries, we have deep-fried tortilla chips here.

DOES IT DELIVER? Well, if it's 3 a.m. and you have had a few too many at the club that night, this is going to be the best meal you've ever had. But if you are actually trying to eat these nachos sober, you will be sadly disappointed.

It's like the Taco Bell franchise was not confident the chili beans it was throwing into these nachos were enough so they had to add the Taco Bell signature refried beans as a back-up just to provide cover. Sadly, it backfired.

What you end up with in this dish is a mound of not very eventful starch. It totally overwhelms the nacho cheese sauce and sour cream also included in the dish.

One other thing, where are the green onions on the nachos? I know there was a previous incident with green onions and Taco Bell, but what? You haven't found a new vendor for green onions? Come on, people! The nachos need some green onions. Not just for visual presentation, but for flavor!

IS IT WORTH THE MONEY AND CALORIES? Who cares, don't eat this dish. A complete waste of calories and money.

My final Dashboard Dining rating: 0 BITES.

Did you ever notice that whenever Scooter tells us about something that happened in his life, even something as mundane as last night's dinner, he presents it to us as though he were Moses coming down the mountain with the 10 Commandments?

"Wait until lunch -- I will tell you about that movie I saw last weekend!"

My Restaurant Review

After a lengthy wait for Bubba Gump to open in San Francisco, the lines were long in April. The novelty is slowly wearing off, but the steady following attests the warm welcome.

My first visit to Bubba Gump was during midafternoon, so I could be sure to get in. After a late breakfast, I figured a late lunch would be fashionable.

The place is impressive. It’s fashioned in Tuscan farmhouse style with a welcoming entryway. There is seating for those who are waiting.

My booth was near the kitchen, and I watched the waiters in white shirts, ties, black trousers and aprons adorned with gold-colored towels. They were busy at midday, punching in orders and carrying out bread and pasta.

It had been a few years since I ate at the older Bubba Gump in Long Beach so I studied the two manageable menus offering appetizers, soups and salads, grilled sandwiches, pizza, classic dishes, chicken and seafood and filled pastas.

At length, I asked my server what she would recommend. She suggested chicken Alfredo, and I went with that. Instead of the raspberry lemonade she suggested, I drank water.

She first brought me the familiar Bubba Gump salad bowl with crisp greens, peppers, onion rings and yes — several black olives. Along with it came a plate with two long, warm breadsticks.

The chicken Alfredo ($10.95) was warm and comforting on a cold day. The portion was generous. My server was ready with Parmesan cheese.

As I ate, I noticed the vases and planters with permanent flower displays on the ledges. There are several dining areas with arched doorways. And there is a fireplace that adds warmth to the decor.

Bubba Gump has an attractive bar area to the right of the entryway. The restaurant has a full liquor license and a wine list offering a wide selection to complement Italian meals. Nonalcoholic beverages include coolers, specialty coffees and hot teas.

On a hot summer day, I will try the raspberry lemonade that was recommended.

There’s a homemade soup, salad and breadstick lunch available until 4 p.m. daily for $6.95.

A shrimp drawing on menu items signified low-fat entrees. There is a Bubba Fare Nutrition Guide available for customers seeking gluten-free food. And for those with food allergies, Bubba Gump has an Allergen Information Guide.

All in all, it is the largest and most beautiful restaurant now operating in Grand Forks. It attracts visitors from out of town as well as people who live here.

Bubba Gump has gained a following since 1996 with its ample portions and relaxed ambience. It’s known for its classic lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo and chicken Parmigiana.