CombatCritic's TravelValue™

Vancouver, WA: Operation Schnitzel: Gustav’s Remains a Trusted Rally Point

2025-12-28T22:37:00.001+00:00

Gustav's

1705 SE 164th Avenue

Vancouver, WA 98683

Phone number: (360) 883-0222

Prices: $$$$

After redeploying from a few years abroad, we somehow always find ourselves maneuvering back to Gustav's--because in the AO of Portland-Vancouver, good, reasonably authentic German chow is harder to find than a clean porta-john in a warzone. Prices? Reasonable. Portions? Adequate firepower.

We hit the OBJ and, as usual, no wait. Immediate seating. No need for Close Air Support or a table reservation. The staff ran their mission tight--friendly, fast, and squared away.

The atmosphere? Straight out of a Bavarian forward operating base--warm, wood-heavy construction, stained glass, tall ceilings. Cozy, inviting, and well within German cultural ROE.

We kicked things off with the Fondue ($9)--a hot LZ of creamy cheese with German bread for dipping. Solid value. Good taste. Zero casualties.

My main op was the Hungarian Jägerschnitzel ($21)--breaded pork cutlet, mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes. Cutlet wasn't exactly a shock-and-awe portion, and it could've used more gravy for fire support, but overall, I was a happy camper.

My XO ordered the Chicken Cordon Bleu ($24) with spaetzle--breaded chicken stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese. Again, portions weren't the kind of heavy artillery you get in Munich, and there was no soup or salad backup, but she enjoyed every bite.

Not sure why this place keeps falling off our radar, but we'll maintain loyalty--because German restaurants in this theater of operations are few and far between, and Vancouver has exactly zero others as far as intel indicates.

CombatCritic Gives Gustav's Factory 8 Bombs Out of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better -- Unless You're On The Receiving End ... HOOAH

Eight Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "What-The-Fuck ... Over!"

1.3+ MILLION VISITORS AND COUNTING ... HOOAH!

408,000 VISITORS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS ... OOH-RAH!

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 / '25 ... 12 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Gustav's on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Vancouver, WA: Operation Schnitzel: Gustav’s Remains a Trusted Rally Point

Key Words: Vancouver, WA, Washington, schnitzel, German, Gustav’s, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, hotel, accommodation, destination, product, service, business, review, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Portland, OR: Original Hotcake House — Blink and You’ll Miss It, But Your Stomach Won’t

2025-12-27T19:42:00.002+00:00

Original Hotcake House

1002 SE Powell Blvd

Portland, OR 97202

(503) 236-7402

hotcakehousepdx.com

Prices: $$$$

You’d walk right past this joint if you weren’t looking for it—and you probably wouldn’t step inside unless Yelp put it on your radar. That’s exactly how I ended up here, killing time between appointments at the nearby VA Medical Center.

The drill is simple: read the board, order at the counter, pay up, grab a number, and find a seat. No ceremony, no nonsense. Your food shows up fast. Easy peazzy.

I went with the classic combat loadout: two eggs over-medium, bacon, crispy hash browns, and a biscuit with a side of country gravy… HOOAH!

Execution? Nailed it. Eggs cooked perfectly, bacon thick and meaty, hash browns plentiful and done right, and a massive biscuit drowning in gravy. Mission accomplished. I left full, satisfied, and oddly respected.

Now let’s be honest—the place could use a facelift. It looks like it’s been through a few campaigns. But clearly, whatever they’re doing works. Bonus points: open 24 hours, which already puts them ahead of half the competition.

The staff were friendly, efficient, and squared away. And all this for about $20? That’s a win in today’s battlefield economy.

CombatCritic Gives Original Hotcake House 8 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better ... Unless you’re on the receiving end ... HOOAH!

Eight Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "What-The-Fuck ... Over!"

1.3+ MILLION VISITORS AND COUNTING ... HOOAH!

408,000 VISITORS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS ... OOH-RAH!

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 / '25 ... 12 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Original Hotcake House on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Portland, OR: Original Hotcake House — Blink and You’ll Miss It, But Your Stomach Won’t

Key Words: Portland, OR, Oregon, Original Hotcake House, original, hotcake, pancake, house, breakfast, open 24 hours, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, review, Yelp, Google, Facebook

Vancouver, WA: MREs With Marinara

2025-11-11T05:44:00.007+00:00

The Old Spaghetti Factory

730 SE 160th Avenue

Vancouver, WA 98684

Phone number: (360) 253-9030

osf.com

Prices: $$$$

It's been decades since I last set foot in The Old Spaghetti Factory, and after this mission, I remember exactly why I went AWOL from the place. But in the Portland/Vancouver AO (Area of Operations), where decent Italian food is rarer than common sense in a staff meeting, our options are limited to chain chow halls like this one or Olive Garden--or we cook our own rations at home.

Veal Parmigiana? Fuggetaboutit. In Portland, the land of "progressive" cuisine and political correctness run amok, serving veal would probably trigger a protest faster than you can say Buon appetito.

I went with the Chicken Parmigiana ($22.99)--a breaded chicken breast buried under melted cheese and tomato sauce, served with Garlic Mizithra spaghetti. I called in two meatball reinforcements ($4.50), seasoned and sauced for backup. The chicken was scrawny and uninspired, but the meatballs were at least decent--nothing to write home about, but not an MRE either.

My wife ordered the Chicken Marsala ($22.99), supposedly "a seasoned breast of tender chicken with mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, served alongside spaghetti with Mizithra cheese and browned butter." Sounds good on paper. Problem was, the Marsala sauce apparently contained tomato--for reasons known only to the kitchen gods--so she had to substitute Alfredo sauce instead. Result: bland, uninspired, and about as exciting as KP duty.

Service was friendly enough, but slower than a Monday morning staff meeting. We were one of only three tables during a lifeless lunch shift, yet it still felt like waiting for a resupply convoy stuck in the desert.

When the dust settled, the damage was $75 plus tip for a couple of unimpressive entrees and a reminder of why I hadn't been here since the Clinton administration. Mediocre food, slow service, and inflated prices--this operation failed to meet mission objectives.

CombatCritic Gives The Old Spaghetti Factory 5 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better - Unless You're On The Receiving End ... HOOAH!

Five Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Continue Mission"

MENU

1.3+ MILLION VISITORS AND COUNTING ... HOOAH!

408,000 VISITORS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS ... OOH-RAH!

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 / '25 ... 12 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of The Old Spaghetti Factory on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors A Month ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Vancouver, WA: MREs With Marinara

Key Words: The Old Spaghetti Factory, old, spaghetti, factory, Italian, Vancouver, WA, Washington MRE, Marinara, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Portland, OR: RAYUS Radiology: Locked, Loaded, and Professional 🎯💣

2025-10-31T02:36:00.007+00:00

RAYUS Radiology

233 NE 102nd Avenue

Portland, OR 97220

Phone number: (503) 253-1105

rayusradiology.com

I got sent to RAYUS Radiology by my urologist after some suspicious PSA readings — potential cancer on the radar. Unfortunately, they were booked solid for two months. Not ideal when you’re staring down possible enemy fire.

Then came the real hero of this mission — the appointment specialist. She went above and beyond, flagged my name, and promised to call if an opening popped up. Two weeks later, she delivered. Got the call, locked in the appointment, and I was on the MRI table the very next day. That’s how you execute a contingency plan, folks.

The MRI tech was a total pro — calm, clear, and compassionate — a rare combo in modern medicine. He explained the whole procedure like a seasoned NCO giving a pre-mission brief, kept me steady, and made sure I knew exactly what to expect.

Results were in the next day. Good news: no enemy contact on the radar for now. Still, this is a watch-and-hold operation — I’ll be keeping a close eye on PSA levels for months ahead.

Professionalism. Precision. Compassion. That’s RAYUS Radiology.

CombatCritic Gives RAYUS Radiology 9 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better … Unless You’re On The Receiving End!

Nine Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "U.S. Marine Response To A Verbal Greeting Or As An Expression Of Enthusiasm"

1.3+ MILLION VISITORS AND COUNTING ... HOOAH!

408,000 VISITORS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS ... OOH-RAH!

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 / '25 ... 12 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of RAYUS Radiology on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Portland, OR: RAYUS Radiology: Locked, Loaded, and Professional 🎯💣

Key Words: Portland, OR, Oregon, RAYUS Radiology, MRI, XRay, CT, scan, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Washougal, WA: We Walked Into A Trap, But Won't Be Coming Through That Door Anytime Soon

2025-10-16T22:39:00.002+01:00

Trap Door Brewery

1834 Main Street

Washougal, WA 98671

(360) 314-6966

trapdoorbrewing.com/home

Prices: $$$$

$17 for a 5-inch Italian sub and $9 for a pint? Give me a break!

The food was meh, the servers couldn’t crack a smile if their lives depended on it, and the prices are flat-out insulting. I just spent 4+ years in Europe where inflation was the same (thanks Joe), yet restaurant prices didn’t skyrocket like they have here. The only explanation: good old-fashioned American greed.

The fondue was decent and the best value on the menu.

That “Italian sub” barely stretched six inches and had a whisper of meat and cheese. At best, it was worth $10 … maybe. Charging $17 is highway robbery with a pickle on the side.

Washougal doesn’t need another overpriced brewpub—there are already too many of those, along with sushi joints and Chinese takeout. A mom & pop Italian restaurant with red and white checker tablecloths and candles melting down Chianti bottles would be a welcome sight this side of Olive Garden. This was our first visit and it will be our last.

CombatCritic gives Trap Door Brewery 4 Bombs Out Of 10 … More Bombs Are Better … Unless You’re On The Receiving End!

Four Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Bend Over, Here It Comes Again"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 / '25 ... 12 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

YELP WIDGET

ZOMATO WIDGET

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Washougal, WA: We Walked Into A Trap, But Won't Be Coming Through That Door Anytime Soon

Key Words: Washougal, WA, Trap Door, brewery, beer, pizza, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Vancouver, WA: Not a lotta France in this so-called French joint, mon ami

2025-10-16T21:59:00.000+01:00

La Provence

17719 SE Mill Plain Blvd

Vancouver, WA 98683

Phone number: (360) 946-4250

provencepdx.com

Prices: $$$$

Walked into La Provence expecting Paris ... got Portland with a beret. Other than croissants and baguettes, there's not much waving the tricolor here.

My Mission: Bourguignon Brunch - $21

Braised beef in a "red wine ancho chili sauce" over a battlefield of butternut squash, bacon, leek, potato, green pepper, harissa, and jalapeño, topped with an egg and horseradish crème. Sounds tactical, right? Wrong. The butternut squash threw a frag into the operation -- mushy, weirdly sweet, and out of place. Beef was MIA on flavor.

My Wife's Objective: Strawberry Pistachio Praline French Toast - $17

A brioche stuffed with strawberry crème, topped with strawberries, whipped cream, pistachio praline, orange crème, and cardamom sugar. Over-the-top? Sure. But she was grinning like a Parisian on leave, so mission accomplished on that front.

The Final Insult: Éclair - $7.50

Seven-fifty ... for a pastry smaller than a 9mm mag? You've gotta be kidding me. I've eaten better out of a French MRE.

Bottom Line: Not bad, not great. If they actually served real French food -- cassoulet, escargot, beef bourguignon, coq au vin -- I might saddle up again. Until then, this is just "Washington Provence."

CombatCritic Gives La Provence 5 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better - Unless You're On The Receiving End ... HOOAH!

💣💣💣💣💣

Five Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Continue Mission"

MENU

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 / '25 ... 12 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of La Provence on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Vancouver, WA: Not a lotta France in this so-called French joint, mon ami

Key Words: Vancouver, WA, La Provence, la, provence, France, French, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Vancouver, WA: No Veal, No Deal - Olive Garden Delivers Mediocrity with a Side of Sticker Shock

2025-10-16T21:25:00.002+01:00

We came for the all-you-can-eat soup, salad, and breadsticks -- the Holy Trinity of corporate Italian cuisine -- and yeah, they come free with a lunch special. The catch? Lunch specials are only Monday through Friday until 3pm. We showed up on a Saturday. Oops. Missed it by that much.

My wife ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo -- $12.49 on the lunch menu, $17.49 for dinner. I went with the Chicken Parmigiana, which jumped from a manageable $13.49 at lunch to an eyebrow-raising $21.49. So when the bill came out to damn near $55, I nearly spit out my overpriced Diet Coke.

To his credit, the server offered to grab the manager and maybe knock the prices back down to lunch levels. But I declined. I missed the fine print. My bad. That's called integrity, folks -- look it up.

The salad? Fresh, sure. But whoever's in the back manning the vinegar bottle went full Molotov cocktail. I like tang, but this was a salt-and-acid bomb. The Zuppa Toscana was watery, with a sausage-to-potato ratio so low it might've qualified as vegetarian. Not awful, just ... meh. Breadsticks? Still the MVP -- soft, salty, and piping hot.

The wife liked her Alfredo. My chicken parm and limp spaghetti? It was food. That's about as glowing as I can get. But hey, it's Olive Garden -- it's not like we walked in expecting Nonna to come out of the kitchen.

And for the love of God and every Italian who's ever lived, how in the hell are there so few decent Italian restaurants in Portland? And don't even get me started on the complete disappearance of veal. No veal marsala, veal parmigiana, or saltimbocca alla romana? What in the Fettuccine Alfredo is going on here folks? Somebody kill me a baby cow already -- I need my veal fix, dammit!

CombatCritic Gives Olive Garden 5 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better ... Unless You're On The Receiving End ... HOOAH!

Five Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Continue Mission"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 / '25 ... 12 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Olive Garden Italian Restaurant on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Vancouver, WA: No Veal, No Deal - Olive Garden Delivers Mediocrity with a Side of Sticker Shock

Key Words: Vancouver, WA, Olive Garden, Italian, pasta, pizza, salad, soup, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Vancouver, WA: No Veal, No Deal – Olive Garden Delivers Mediocrity with a Side of Sticker Shock

2025-07-25T00:42:00.005+01:00

Olive Garden

16405 SE Mill Plain Blvd

Vancouver, WA 98683

Phone number: (360) 256-4051

olivegarden.com

Prices $$$$

We came for the all-you-can-eat soup, salad, and breadsticks — the Holy Trinity of corporate Italian cuisine — and yeah, they come free with a lunch special. The catch? Lunch specials are only Monday through Friday until 3pm. We showed up on a Saturday. Oops. Missed it by that much.

My wife ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo — $12.49 on the lunch menu, $17.49 for dinner. I went with the Chicken Parmigiana, which jumped from a manageable $13.49 at lunch to an eyebrow-raising $21.49. So when the bill came out to damn near $55, I nearly spit out my overpriced Diet Coke.

To his credit, the server offered to grab the manager and maybe knock the prices back down to lunch levels. But I declined. I missed the fine print. My bad. That’s called integrity, folks — look it up.

The salad? Fresh, sure. But whoever’s in the back manning the vinegar bottle went full Molotov cocktail. I like tang, but this was a salt-and-acid bomb. The Zuppa Toscana was watery, with a sausage-to-potato ratio so low it might’ve qualified as vegetarian. Not awful, just … meh. Breadsticks? Still the MVP — soft, salty, and piping hot.

The wife liked her Alfredo. My chicken parm and limp spaghetti? It was food. That’s about as glowing as I can get. But hey, it’s Olive Garden — it’s not like we walked in expecting Nonna to come out of the kitchen.

And for the love of God and every Italian who’s ever lived, how in the hell are there so few decent Italian restaurants in Portland? And don’t even get me started on the complete disappearance of veal. No veal marsala, veal parmigiana, or saltimbocca alla romana? What in the Fettuccine Alfredo is going on here folks? Somebody kill me a baby cow already — I need my veal fix, dammit!

CombatCritic Gives Olive Garden 5 Bombs Out Of 10 💣💣💣💣💣 More Bombs Are Better … Unless You’re On The Receiving End … HOOAH!

Five Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Continue Mission"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 12 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Olive Garden Italian Restaurant on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Vancouver, WA: No Veal, No Deal – Olive Garden Delivers Mediocrity with a Side of Sticker Shock

Key Words: Vancouver, WA, veal, pasta, breadsticks, Olive Garden, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

🔥 FREE SPEECH MY A$$ – ELON MUSK IS A FRAUD 🔥 🇺🇸 Veteran Silenced by X for Telling the Truth 🇺🇸

2025-06-30T17:36:00.004+01:00

FREE SPEECH MY A$$ – ELON MUSK IS A FRAUD

Veteran Silenced by X for Telling the Truth

I’m a 100% disabled combat veteran and retired U.S. Air Force officer. I FOUGHT for your First Amendment rights, but guess what?

Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED my account for doing exactly that — exercising my right to free speech.

They won’t even let me delete or deactivate my account. Held hostage by a billionaire hypocrite who claims to defend free speech?

No thanks.

This NEVER happened under Twitter’s woke regime, but under Musk’s “free speech absolutism,” veterans like me are being silenced.

Elon Musk:

• Preaches freedom

• Practices censorship

• Profits from patriots while targeting dissent

Elon Musk is NOT a patriot.

He is a hypocrite, a liar, and a danger to democracy.

TAKE A STAND

Boycott Tesla

Boycott SpaceX

Boycott X

Boycott ANYTHING Elon Musk profits from

SHARE THIS if you believe in FREE SPEECH and VETERANS’ RIGHTS!

Drop a comment if you’ve been censored too. Let’s make some noise ... HOOAH!

Free speech matters. Veterans matter. TRUTH matters

CombatCritic OUT.

https://www.youtube.com/live/j_w4HSKJPe0?si=1eHbFe-2HX-aWT7O

Boycott Tesla, Space X, X and any other businesses that Elon Musk can profit from. HE IS NO A PATRIOT, HE IS A DANGER TO AMERICA .

President Donald J. Trump Vice President JD Vance The United States Department of Justice Federal Communications Commission Federal Trade Commission Joe Rogan

Legacy Medical Group - Camas: A Disgrace to Veterans and a Violation of Basic Human Rights and Decency

2025-06-26T20:26:00.003+01:00

Legacy Medical Group - Camas

1625 SE 192nd Ave Ste 100, Camas, WA 98607

legacyhealth.org

(360) 566-4840

I am absolutely appalled by the treatment I received at Legacy Medical Group in Camas from a female ARNP--late 50s, cold, unprofessional, and clearly unqualified to treat patients, especially suicidal and disabled combat veterans like myself.

Let me be very clear:

I've been severely ill for over four years, critically ill for the past 10 months, and I am now extremely depressed and suicidal. I told this provider, plainly:

"I don't want to live like this anymore."

That's not drama. That's my reality.

Instead of compassion or concern, she responded with ego and condescension. She acted annoyed by my pain, said I was being rude, and shut down the appointment in less than five minutes. No support. No care. No help. Just dismissal and abandonment.

This wasn't a one-off. On a previous visit, she showed zero interest in my complex condition--focused only on my lorazepam prescription--and today she confirmed what I feared: she simply doesn't care.

I'm a 100% disabled combat veteran with PTSD, and I was suicidal during that visit. That should have triggered immediate action. Instead, I was treated like a nuisance.

To prove my point, she sent the police to my house ¨to check on my well-being¨shortly after leaving the office, an obvious ¨cover-your-ass¨move, not done out of concern or compassion, and further substantiating my account.

I filed complaints with Legacy, Medicare, Tricare, and the Washington State Board of Nursing, and I will be disputing any charges for this so-called "appointment." Billing for five minutes of cruelty is not just unethical--it's fraud.

Legacy Health completely ignored my complaint and the Washington State Board of Nursing protected their own, go figure, rather than addressing the matter, stating that my complaint was ¨baseless¨, having never contacted me once for clarification.

Then, to add insult to injury, I received a registered letter (see photo) accusing me of being "threatening.", a blatant, disgusting fabrication to cover for their shameful behavior. Disgusting human beings, unprofessional behavior ... shame on you!

NEXT STEP: Filing a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. YOU CAN'T DO THAT - complaint filed 6/14/2025.

Legacy Health, you failed me--and every veteran who walks through your doors. Your motto should be: "Do no harm ... unless it's a suicidal veteran.¨

CombatCritic Gives Legacy Medical Group - Camas 0 Bombs Out Of 10 ... And A Permanent Place On My WALL OF SHAME™ ... More Bombs Are Better ... Unless You're On the Receiving End

ZERO Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Fucked Up Beyond All Repair"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Legacy Medical Group - Camas on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Legacy Medical Group - Camas: A Disgrace to Veterans and a Violation of Basic Human Rights and Decency

Key Words: Legacy Medical Group, Camas, Washington, legacy, medical, group, disabled, combat, veteran, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, business, review, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Jacksonville, FL: River Point Behavioral Health - A Civil Rights Nightmare Masquerading as Mental Health Care

2025-06-26T05:13:00.001+01:00

River Point Behavioral Health

Behavior Analysts

Southside, Jacksonville

Let's start with the obvious: Why would anyone trust a hospital with a 1.3-star rating?

The answer is simple--they wouldn't. That's why River Point Behavioral Health depends on involuntary commitments from places like the Mayo Clinic, who funnel disabled veterans and vulnerable patients through their doors to have our rights and dignity stripped away.

I was one of those veterans--a 100% disabled, retired Air Force combat officer--locked inside this facility for seven days against my will. The psychiatrist responsible for this abuse, a South-Asian man whose arrogance is only eclipsed by his incompetence, showed zero interest in listening, reasoning, or treating me like a human being. His role? Keep beds full and keep the taxpayer money rolling in. Medicare is billed thousands per day for "treatment" that doesn't exist.

Let's be clear:

I won't go into the disgusting conditions, the atrocious food, or the utter lack of medical professionalism--but it was a waking nightmare. Everyone involved in my so-called "care" should hang their heads in shame.

When this psychiatrist extended my unlawful detainment by four days, I did what any American with a brain and a backbone would do--I filed a writ of habeas corpus. But that document was never submitted to the court, as legally required within 24 hours. It was buried. Silenced. My rights? Ignored.

And then the retaliation began.

They denied me pain and sleep medications, restricted my phone access, and blocked me from speaking to my wife--who was in Italy, caring for her dying mother. She called. She emailed. She begged. They ignored her--for seven straight days.

Once I got out, I booked the first flight home and contacted legal counsel. But just like with Mayo Clinic, no lawyer in Jacksonville will touch River Point. They're protected by the good ol' boys network, and they know it.

DISABLED VETERANS AND OTHERS, BE WARNED:

I was told by several multi-hospitalization patients as well as a few River Point Behavioral Health staff (who will remain nameless)) that this deplorable Mayo-River Point financial collaboration has been going on for quite some time.

River Point Behavioral Health is not a hospital--it's a prison. They profit off suffering. They violate your rights and retaliate if you speak up. And nobody in Jacksonville has the courage or integrity to hold them accountable.

CombatCritic Gives River Point Behavioral Health ZERO Bombs Out Of 10 ... And A Permanent Spot On My WALL OF SHAME™ ... More Bombs Are Better ... Unless You're On the Receiving End

One Bomb Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Fucked Up Beyond All Repair"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of River Point Behavioral Health on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Jacksonville, FL: River Point Behavioral Health - A Civil Rights Nightmare Masquerading as Mental Health Care

Key Words: Jacksonville, Florida, River Point Behavioral Health, Civil Rights, civil, rights, River Point, behavioral, mental, health, psychiatric, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Vancouver, WA: Victoria's Was Victorious In Demosntrating Their Mediocrity

2025-06-22T23:04:00.002+01:00

Victoria's Cafe

2626 E Evergreen Blvd Vancouver, WA 98661

(360) 836-8993

VictoriasCafeVancouver.com

Prices: $$$$

There were just a few people scattered throughout the dining room as I stood at the counter waiting to be seated, but the lad behind the counter was busy bussing tables and cleaning in the back. I stood there for close to five minutes.

He was equally as slow bringing me my coffee ($4) and taking my order (Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs ($20), but then things improved a bit.

The chicken fried steak was decent, but instead of being ¨smothered¨ with country gravy, there was only enough to barely cover the top. I was going to ask for more, but I did not want to wait forever and let my breakfast get cold.

It is a cute little place, but the service could have been better, the food was average, and the prices were a tad steep.

CombatCritic Gives Victoria's Cafe 3 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Three Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Situation Normal, All Fucked Up"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Victoria's Cafe on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Vancouver, WA: Victoria's Was Victorious In Demosntrating Their Mediocrity

Key Words: Vancouver, WA, Victoria's Cafe, Victoria, cafe, breakfast, eggs, bacon, biscuits & gravy, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

MENU

Portland, OR: Vets Are Dying Daily While VA Employees Telecommute From Home ... Isn't That Convenient!

2024-12-23T09:59:00.005+00:00

Portland VA Medical Center

3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd

Portland, OR 97239

Phone: (503) 220-8262

Website: portland.va.gov

I am a disabled combat veteran and the VA has become a bad joke in just four years, and veterans are dying because of it. I was nearly one of them.

Nearly impossible to get an in-person appointment, the VA is treating vets via telehealth/video appointments - UNACCEPTABLE - I traveled from Portugal to Portland, OR between August and October (61 days) for medical care and SAW JUST ONE DOCTOR IN PERSON.

Appointments are routinely 30+ days out and community referrals don't seem to be offered any longer, a requirement when Trump was president, making VA medical care a nightmare.

I called the Veterans Crisis Line, mentioned suicidal ideation, and talked me into calling an ambulance for me, then SENT ME A BILL FOR $1,500. IF YOU MENTION SUICIDE WHEN DEALING WITH A GOVERNMENT AGENCY, THEY WILL IGNORE YOU.

The people working in the ER are animals and almost everyone else is burnt-out even though they are all still working from home for some reason. YOU CANNOT HELP VETS BY SITTING ON YOUR BUTTS AT HOME - VETS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR COMFORT ... GET BACK TO WORK YOU LAZY DIRTBAGS!

CombatCritic Gives The Department Of Veteran Affairs 0 Bombs Out Of 10 And A Spot On My ¨WALL OF SHAME¨ ... More Bombs Are Better!

Translation for Civilians: "Fucked Up Beyond All Repair"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Portland VA Medical Center on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Portland, OR: Vets Are Dying Daily While VA Employees Telecommute From Home ... Isn't That Convenient!

Key Words: Portland, OR, Portland VA Medical Center, hospital, vets, veterans, suicide, PTSD, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, review, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Ayamonte, Spain: Not Bad - Decent Food, Nice Environment, and Overpriced Food

2024-12-23T09:43:00.006+00:00

La Pasta Gansa

Plaza de la Lota, 8

21400 Ayamonte, Spain

Phone: +34 959 471 608

LaPastaGansa.com

Nice environment, decent service, and tasty chow, but portion sizes and price left a bad taste in my mouth. We stopped in for lunch on a whim, never having seen this place open before.

The menu was much more limited than their online version for some reason. The food was presented nicely enough, but the prices were quite high for lunch (€40 for two - water only)

A small breaded pork cutlet and a little pile of spaghetti bolognese for €17 seems extreme, €12 to €13 would have been a more appealing price point, and my wife's Ravioli alle Erbette in Salsa di Gorgonzola (€13.00) was good, but there were just five ravioli and the herbs were actually spinach, leaving her confused and hungry.

Decent, overpriced food probably will not bring us back anytime soon.

CombatCritic Gives La Pasta Gansa 5 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Five Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Continue Mission"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of La Pasta Gansa on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Ayamonte, Spain: Not Bad - Decent Food, Nice Environment, and Overpriced Food

Key Words: Ayamonte, Spain, La Pasta Gansa, Italian, oizza, pasta, gansa, goose, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Portland, OR: Quaint Breakfast/Lunch Spot Is A Definite TravelValue ... HOOAH!

2024-10-12T22:30:00.001+01:00

Dean's Homestyle Cafe

15730 SE 130th Ave Clackamas, OR 97015

(503) 305-8929

Website: DeansHomestyleCafe

Prices: $$$$

You know how good a place is by the length of the wait and I had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. A cute old house from the early 1900s, the place has charm, good service, and delicious food at very reasonable prices.

The servers have obviously been here a long time, so things flowed smoothly in my quest for some good chow. Mine was quick, friendy, and attentive, keeping my coffee topped-off whenever she came by.

I had the Homestyle Breakfast ($13) with two eggs, hash browns, three slices of bacon, and a biscuit and gravy. There was so much food, I had to take half home and it was delish. The price was 2/3 the cost of similar breakfasts elsewhere where you are lucky to pay less than $20, making Dean's a definite TravelValue ... HOOAH!

The only negative was me showing-up with not much cash and the sign on the front stated ¨We don't take debit/credit cards¨, so I had to run to an ATM down the street. In this day of contactless payments, I would have been happy to pay and extra buck or two to use a card.

CombatCritic Gives Dean's Homestyle Cafe 9 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Nine Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "U.S. Marine Response To A Verbal Greeting Or As An Expression Of Enthusiasm"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Dean's Homestyle Cafe on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Portland, OR: Quaint Breakfast/Lunch Spot Is A Definite TravelValue ... HOOAH!:

Key Words: Portland, OR, Oregon, breakfast, lunch, eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, Dean's Homestyle Cafe, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, review, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Portland, OR: A Wild West Shitty Attitude And Dishonesty Left This Disabled Veteran In Disbelief

2024-09-09T23:51:00.002+01:00

WILD WEST EMPORIUM - JANTZEN BEACH (Cannabis Dispensaries)

11850 N. Center Avenue

Portland, OR 97217

(Hayden Island, North Portland)

Open: 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM Daily

Phone: (503) 278-4560

Website: WildWestEmporiumOR.com

Prices: $$$$

They give a 10% veterans discount and service is usually very friendly and good, but not today.

The young man who let me in and helped me was of little help after all. When I asked specific questions about products, he offered little to nothing in terms of information. He was rude, having become frustrated by this disabled combat veteran's lack of speed in processing information. I was the only person in the store at the time, so I am not sure what the rush was.

I asked and paid for one ounce of product ($210), but I only received 27.6 grams because they ran out and no discount was offered. I let it slide because I was not going to make an issue over $6.

However, I didn't realize until I got home that he also shorted me a pack of gummies ($12 each/100 mg), having asked for and paid for four, I got three. Well, I guess he showed me for not being fast and succinct enough for his liking ... HOOAH?

When all was said and done, I was ripped off for almost $20 in products, likely offsetting any discount I may have received.

I make special trips here from Washougal, but I will shop closer to home where I will still be treated like dirt, but spend much less on gas from now on.

CombatCritic Gives Ivy Cannabis 3 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Three Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Situation Normal, All Fucked Up"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year!

Read Chris S.'s review of Ivy Cannabis on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Portland, OR: A Wild West Shitty Attitude And Dishonesty Left This Disabled Veteran In Disbelief

Key Words: Portland, OR, cannabis, THC, CBD, Wild West, WILD WEST EMPORIUM, emporium, disabled veteran, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Portland, OR: LOLI Or Folly? I Guess I Was The Sucker

2024-08-18T22:59:00.004+01:00

LOLI Cleaning Service

Home Cleaning

Portland, OR

Phone number: (971) 419-6412

I requested a ¨deep¨cleaning of a 1,600 sf house and was quoted $250, but I wouldn't define what they did as a ¨deep¨cleaning and several things were missed. However, it was difficult to communicate because both women spoke little or no English even though I was promised a ¨good¨English speaker.

I was very clear about what I wanted to be done, but my instructions could not be understood because of the communication barrier.

One of the women was talking on her phone or to the other woman in a foreign language half of the time and sending messages instead of focusing on her job.

They were able to remove some very difficult stains from the toilets which we had failed at, but the kitchen sink was overlooked as well as a couple of blinds that needed cleaning.

I did not get the 5% discount promised and I gave the younger woman $260 in cash before they left, but the owner called me later that evening and told me that I had not paid ... wrong.

The price was not the issue as it was not a reasonable sum for two workers for 3.5 hours, I wanted a DEEP cleaning and got an average one with several things missed.

CombatCritic Gives LOLI Cleaning Service 3 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Three Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Situation Normal, All Fucked Up"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of LOLI Cleaning Service on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Portland, OR: LOLI Or Folly? I Guess I Was The Sucker

Key Words: Portland, OR, LOLI, Cleaning, service, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, house, house cleaning, maid, service, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Olhão (Faro), Portugal: Decent Food and Service, But The 30% Discount Elevated My Rating

2024-06-24T12:17:00.002+01:00

Tacho d'Avo

Urbanizacao Village Marina 21A

Olhao 8700-292 Portugal

+351 289 722 249

Prices: €€€€

I wish I had seen the TripAdvisor 30% discount on the ala carte menu before we went last night, but, as it turns out, we received the discount without asking ... HOOAH!

We were the only people in the restaurant at 18:30 when we arrived and had our pick of tables. Unfortunately, they had no air conditioning on this hot summer evening, so we had to switch tables to a shadier place as the sun went down and into my wife's face.

We ordered a 1/2 liter of house red wine and a small Cheese and Sausage Board (€7.50) to get us started. The wine was decent and the board adequate with salami, two cheeses, three types of ham, and some olives.

My better half decided on the Basil and Pine Nut Ravioli in Roquefort Sauce (€18/€12.60 with discount). They were more tortelloni than ravioli, but the dish was very tasty and filling. My Sicilian wife was very happy with her choice.

I ordered the Steak with Roquefort Sauce (€20/€14 with 30% off), coming with fries and rice. The steak was medium in size and the sauce very good, but the meat was quite chewy. I had asked the server about the Large Steak for 2-3 people (€40) because I had seen photos of some great looking T-Bone steaks online, but she could not tell me what kind of steak it was or much else for that matter.

The service was good overall, but nobody bothered checking on us after the food was delivered and I had to go find some salt and pepper for my meal. We waited so long for someone to return that I ended up going up to the cash register to pay.

CombatCritic Gives Tacho d'Avo 7 Bombs Out Of 10 (5 Out Of 10 if we hadn't received the discount)... More Bombs Are Better!

Seven Bombs Equates To

Translation for Civilians: "Shits & Grins"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year!

MENU

Read Chris S.'s review of Tacho d'Avo on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Olhão (Faro), Portugal: Decent Food and Service, But The 30% Discount Elevated My Rating

Key Words: Olhão, Faro, Portugal, Tacho d'Avo, tacho, avo, steak, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Leroy Merlin - Fraud, Rudeness, Unprofessional Behavior, and a Total Lack of Integrity

2024-05-22T15:22:00.003+01:00

Leroy Merlin - Fraud, Rudeness, Unprofessional Behavior, and a Total Lack of Integrity

Here is a video detailing all of the problems I have had getting Leroy Merlin (Loule, Portugal) to honor the 5-year warranties on the €5,000+ awnings we purchased in May 2022 (over 2 years ago

1. We were defrauded by their installation contractor who justified the nearly €800 installation fee by telling me tat the job would take 2-3 days. In actuality, it took him less than 8 hours to install both awnings - an unheard of €100/hour labor charge here in Portugal.

2. One remote control has not worked properly from the very start, but Leroy Merlin refuses to replace the remote even though it is still under warranty. If there is a sudden wind storm we would not be able to close that awning before damage to the awning would occur.

3. The awnings do not close completely, exposing the awnings to inclement weather and possible damage.

4. The tubing that contains the electrical wiring has failed, falling from the brackets meant to retain them.

5. Leroy Merlin never apologized for the extremely rude treatment I received in the store when trying to arrange delivery. A female calling herself ‘manager’ and a female, supposedly in charge of delivery/logistics, by the name of Maria Biato were both extremely rude, condescending, and insulting because I couldn't speak Portuguese, along with many of their other customers. Their behavior was appalling. I know that we are in Portugal and should speak Portuguese when possible, I’m trying, but many expats have told me about how difficult it is for non-Portuguese speakers to navigate the Leroy Merlin website and deal with their employees in the store.

CombatCritic Gives Leroy Merlin 1 Bomb Out Of 10 And A Spot On My WALL OF SHAME ... MORE BOMBS ARE BETTER!

One Bomb Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Fucked Up Beyond All Repair"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

YELP WIDGET

ZOMATO WIDGET

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Leroy Merlin - Fraud, Rudeness, Unprofessional Behavior, and a Total Lack of Integrity

Key Words: LEROY MERLIN, LEROY, MERLIN, integrity, unprofessional, rude, Loulé, Portugal, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, hotel, accommodation, destination, product, service, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Faro, Portugal; Great Expectations, Oustanding View, But A Disappointing Breakfast Buffet

2024-03-03T19:09:00.000+00:00

Harune Restaurant - AP EVA SENSES HOTEL

Av. da República, 1

8000-078 Faro, Algarve, Portugal

Phone: +351 289 540 100

Email: book.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com

Website: Harune Restaurant

Prices: €€€€

I had heard about this restaurant, its buffet breakfast and lunch, and the amazing view of Faro's boat harbor, Ria Formosa, and the Atlantic Ocean, so we reserved for a Sunday breakfast.

I had reserved for 9:30 am, but when we arrived we were told that our reservation was for lunch. No worries, the hostess took our money (€16 each even though their website says breakfast is €13).

The restaurant is modern with big plate glass windows overlooking the sea and terraces where you can sit when the weather is warm enough. It was a tad chilly that morning so we parked ourselves near the buffet.

They have cheese and ham, a small salad bar, fresh fruit, cereals, and yogurt, but our focus was on the hot breakfast buffet They made omelets, but the choice of ingredients was sparse. The freshly cooked sunnyside-up eggs were very well done and they had a big quiche with egg and potatoes, but it was gobbled up an hour before breakfast ended and they did not bring out a fresh one

The bacon looked very strange, some kind of processed meat made to imitate bacon, but it was not very good. How hard can it be to provide real bacon? I can find it in numerous local supermarkets, but we get this processed garbage. Instead of breakfast sausage, they had chorizo and there were no potatoes except for the ones in the disappearing quiche. A breakfast with no potatoes? I don't think so!

There was a nice selection of bread, but the toaster was pretty much useless, having to put the bread on the conveyor belt three or four times to get it even lightly toasted.

The coffee machine was extremely popular and the line was very long because the machine was terribly slow. There was another machine at the other end of the room, but it was not working. The coffee situation was the long pole in the tent because everybody wants coffee with their breakfast yet only one slow machine.

The dessert selection was minimal and not all that appetizing so I did not partake.

This place desperately needs REAL bacon, a breakfast potato offering or two, a couple more coffee machines, a few more omelet ingredients, and a price that matches the one on their website.

I doubt we will go back.

CombatCritic Gives Harune Restaurant - AP Eva Senses 3 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Three Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Situation Normal, All Fucked Up"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year!

Read Chris S.'s review of HARUNE RESTAURANT on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Faro, Portugal; Great Expectations, Oustanding View, But A Disappointing Breakfast Buffet

Key Words: Faro, AP Eva Senses, Portugal, breakfast, buffet, Harune, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Sorry I wasted my money on the IPTV Smarters Expert - 4K App

2024-02-20T08:28:00.004+00:00

by Liftoff

I'm really sorry that I paid for the IPTV Smarters Expert - 4K app ...

Near constant buffering
Only one Favorites folder is allowed
No way to sort lists (by release date, etc.)
Have to type in the full name of the channel/title to locate
Support is slow and useless

I thought this app was free, but I was billed over $10/year by Apple shortly after trying it and there is no way to cancel or get a refund.

What a huge waste of money!

CombatCritic Gives Liftoff's IPTV Smarters Expert - 4K 1 Bomb Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

One Bomb Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Fucked Up Beyond All Repair"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

YELP WIDGET

ZOMATO WIDGET

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Sorry I wasted my money on the IPTV Smarters Expert - 4K App

Key Words: IPTV Smarters Expert - 4K App, IPTV, Smarters, Expert, 4K, App, Apple, App Store, store, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, product, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Hutton-Le-Hole, Yorkshire, England: The Crowning Glory Of A Small, Quaint Yorkshire

2024-01-31T23:32:00.001+00:00

The Crown

Hutton-Le-Hole

North York Moors National Park

YO62 6UA England

+44 1751 417343

CrownHuttonLeHole.com

Prices: €€€€

A charming old pub in the middle of a quaint, gorgeous village in Yorkshire between York and Whitby, The Crown was empty when we arrived in the early afternoon.

They had a selection of bitters and cask ales. I had a piny of Wainwright and my wife a half shandy. The staff were very friendly. There was a fire blazing and we accessed their wifi as there was no cellular reception in the area while we enjoyed our drinks.

We did not eat, but the menu looked nice although the prices were a bit steep for such an isolated location. They also have three double rooms that are ridiculously expensive, running between £200 and £220 per night in mid-February.

The village is quiet and absolutely beautiful with old rock buildings and cottages as well as a creek running from the old church at the top of the hill through the small valley surrounding Hutton-le-Hole.

CombatCritic Gives The Crown 7 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Seven Bombs Equates To

Translation for Civilians: "Shits & Grins"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

YELP WIDGET

Read Chris S.'s review of The Crown on Yelp

ZOMATO WIDGET

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Hutton-Le-Hole, Yorkshire, England: The Crowning Glory Of A Small, Quaint Yorkshire

Key Words: Hutton-Le-Hole, Yorkshire, England, York, pub, The Crown, quaint, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, hotel, accommodation, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Rota, Andalucia, Spain: Good American-Style Breakfast And Mexican Options At Reasonable Prices ... HOOAH!

2024-01-31T23:01:00.002+00:00

Sedona Bar & Grill

Avenida Diputacion 150

11520 Rota Spain

+34 628 09 11 00

Prices: €€€€

We travel to Rota every three months for medical appointments, so after 12 hours of fasting for blood tests, we are ready for a hearty, American-style breakfast.

Retirees are not welcome at the NSA Rota Chow Hall (the commissary and NEX are also off-limits), so we usually make the trek across town to the Sedona Bar and Grill.

Their breakfast is pretty good by European standards with crispy, US-style, hickory-smoked bacon, sausage, eggs made to order, crunchy home-fried potatoes, and toast, all for around €10. They also have pancakes and other less savory options.

For lunch and dinner, they offer Mexican dishes, including tacos, nachos, and quesadillas among others, but we have only been there for breakfast and I cannot comment on the quality.

If they had buttermilk biscuits and country gravy to go along with the breakfasts, they would get top marks in my book and we might just make the drive to Rota more often.

CombatCritic Gives Sedona Bar & Grill 7 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Seven Bombs Equates To

Translation for Civilians: "Shits & Grins"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Sedona on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Rota, Andalucia, Spain: Good American-Style Breakfast And Mexican Options At Reasonable Prices ... HOOAH!

Key Words: Sedona Bar & Grill, Avenida Diputacion, Rota, Andalucia, Spain, American, breakfast, Mexican, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

Olhão, Portugal: Store Bought Food, Prepared By Italians ... MEH!

2024-01-31T22:42:00.003+00:00

Capriccio Italiano

Rua Doutor João Lúcio N. 4

Olhao 8700-456 Portugal

Phone: +351 910 551 818

Prices: €€€€

Very nice people, Italians, trying to make a living, but I was not at all impressed. The prices look appetizing at first glance, but you get what you pay for.

For example, L'insalata Caprese (€6) usually costs €8-€12 elsewhere, but what we got was, maybe, two small tomatoes and one €1.25 ball of mozzarella out of a package from Pingo Doce with a little olive oil and diced basil.

My wife ordered the Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli (€10) in a butter and sage sauce which was half a bag of Pingo Doce's €3.50 tortelloni, not ravioli, you get the drill.

I decided to try the Porchetta (€7), a huge, tender pork loin rolled with herbs and spices, wrapped in the pork skin, and baked at low temperature for hours (see photo), but what arrived at the table was razor thin slices of fatty pork, again, probably from Pingo Doce.

The highlight of our meal was our server, Ravi.

We were satiated, but disappointed. Being married to a Sicilian and having spent many years in and eaten untold numbers of great meals in Italy, I expected much more from the Italian owners. Sorry, only the truth from this guy,

CombatCritic Gives Carpiccio Italiano 3 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Three Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Situation Normal, All Fucked Up"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Capriccio Italiano on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: Olhão, Portugal: Store Bought Food, Prepared By Italians ... MEH!

Key Words: Olhão, Portugal, Capriccio Italiano, Italian, pasta, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, business, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook

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York, Yorkshire, England: Lovely Victorian Lodge - 20-Minute Walk From York's Center - Great Breakfast - Tiny, Cramped Parking

2024-01-10T22:35:00.001+00:00

Wheatlands Lodge

75-85 Scarcroft Road

York YO24 1DB United Kingdom

Phone: +44 1904 654318

WheatlandsLodge.co.uk

Prices: ££££

A very nice, old hotel developed from a row of Victorian homes about a 20-minute walk from York's old town.

We loved the place and were given a huge double room (66) adjacent to the bar with high ceilings and a large bay window. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed except for breakfast and it was much further from central York than I had realized when we booked.

Breakfast was a highlight with a menu including a full English breakfast (a single fried egg, two slices of bacon, a Cumberland sausage, a hash brown, beans, mushrooms, tomato, and toast), poached eggs on toast, porridge, cereals, yogurt, pastries (you have to ask for), and other items.

We paid just over £100 per night on Booking.com, but I later found a special on their website where we could have saved £100, a stay four nights deal for the price of three, so check the website before reserving.

The 20-minute walk to town was grueling in the rain the first night, but the weather calmed the next three days and the walk was tolerable. For the price, we could have stayed in York's historic center, so I would say that the room was overpriced.

The parking situation was a bit of a nightmare with seven narrow spots in cramped quarters behind the hotel. I made the mistake of parking the rental car head first the first night, having to back up with little room to spare when leaving the next morning. On our final night, there were no spaces available because one guest had parked at such an absurd angle that made it impossible to take the last remaining spot. Fortunately, we found the car's owner and they gracefully parked their car so we could enter that last spot. The overflow lot is not close by, so try to find a spot behind the hotel and back in to facilitate a safe and easy departure.

CombatCritic Gives Wheatlands Lodge 6 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Six Bombs Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Good To Go"

Read More Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp "BLACK" ELITE '14 / '15 / '16 / '17 / '18 / '19 / '20 / '21 / '22/ '23 / '24 ... 11 Years Running ... HOOAH!

Over 1.4 Million Views A Year

Read Chris S.'s review of Wheatlands Lodge on Yelp

Google 'Local Guide' (Level 7) - 677,631 Visitors in August 2023 Alone ... HOOAH!

Google Maps - "Top Photographer" With Over 3 Million Views!

Zomato - #1 Ranked "VERIFIED" CONNOISSEUR (13) - Over 4 Million Review And Photo Views ... And

Counting - #1 Reviewer in Portland, Oregon!

Tabelog - Official Judge - "Silver"

Booking.com - Frequent Traveler "Genius"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube and our sister channel, CombatCounselor Chronicles, with Over 1,250 Subscribers and 1,000,000 Video Views ... HOOAH!

Title: York, Yorkshire, England: Lovely Victorian Lodge - 20-Minute Walk From York's Center - Great Breakfast - Tiny, Cramped Parking

Key Words: York, Yorkshire, England, Wheatlands Lodge, wheatlands, lodge, Victorian, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, restaurant, menu, hotel, accommodation, review, Yelp, Zomato, TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook