Ever had a piece of salmon that just melts in your mouth and flakes off when you put your fork into it? Or pasta made al dente with light creamy sauce that isn’t overpowering along with quartered golden zucchini? How about a bite of USDA steak that is well seasoned and juicy to the palette where A1 Steak Sauce is not always necessary? Well, I have, and it is certainly not from a place where you would expect. I certainly did not. The dish is called the Cedar Seared Salmon Pasta and the USDA choice 6 oz Petit Sirloin from TGI Friday’s, respectively. Surprising, yes? Indeed.
     As much as my fondness of chain restaurants is not the greatest, this particular Friday’s has become a local favorite of mine. Not only do they have great food and drinks, they have great service. This particular Friday’s is located near the Mall of Millennia where it is surrounded by other restaurants attracting its staff to have delicious drinks and food after their shifts are over. This locale also attracts the local regulars since it is not on the major thoroughfare for tourists.  Having frequented this location so many times, I have come to familiarize myself with the management, service staff, and the locals.  The reason that I like this place so much is most likely the same reason that makes the others like it too.
    Whenever my friends and I visit or even by myself, we have become very fond of certain staff members and enjoy having them as our server. Why go to anybody else when you know you are going to get the same exceptional service every time? In turn, we spoil them with more than just the standard tip of 18-20%, which gives them even more of a reason to give us wonderful service. Of course, there are nights where none of our favorite staff members are there to serve us, but having good company does make of for it and the managers are always helpful if we need anything particular.
    Not only does the staff makes us feel welcome and at home, the atmosphere is laid back and a joy to be smothered in. My friends and I can easily spend 4 or 5 hours, if not more, sitting in the cocktail lounge, enjoying ourselves, chatting up with other patrons, or watching something playing on TV, such as the Magic game or the current Winter X Games hosted in Aspen, CO. They also play great music from the jukebox that has something for everybody. The cocktail lounge is also great to people watch, because you never know what is going to happen next.   
    Their pricing is very reasonable and easy on the pocket book. They always have their happy hour drinks and their half priced appetizers, which I love. There is nothing wrong with not paying full price for something, especially if they are offering it at half price. Currently, they are offering their 3-course meal special at $12.99+ tax and $16.99+ tax. This includes an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. Trust me, when I say this is a lot of food, it is A LOT of food.
    Whatever day of the week it is, it is always Friday at TGI Friday’s!  Happy dining!