Dinner and a Movie: Riefe's, 'Guess Who'

April 7, 2005
By Katie Kerr & Lisa M. Larranaga
Staff Writers

Dinner: Riefe’s

Atmosphere:

LISA: Riefe's was a bit dated, but reminded me of a cozy "Ma and Pop" place. On the outside and inside it looked like a house turned into a restaurant. On the roof, there were cute little windows that looked like they came off a dollhouse. Inside, there were tables and booths scattered about and around what looked to be an old fireplace and in three different rooms. The décor was a bit dated, but reflected the Ma and Pop feel.

KATIE: Let’s just say Riefe’s is different. From the outside and the inside, it looks like a house turned into a restaurant. There is a random assortment of decorations taking up the wall space. Stained glass, mounted deer heads, and random pictures surround the tables and booths throughout the smoking and nonsmoking sections. It has an older feel to it, and as Lisa would say a “well-used” appearance. I wouldn’t say that Riefe’s is dirty, and it is by no means anything like Belgian Village, but it wasn’t the cleanest place I’ve visited, that’s for sure.

Food:

LISA: My meal started out with cream of broccoli soup -- which was warmed just right and tasted homemade. After my soup was served, I had about two seconds to eat it before my BBQ beef sandwich was out. Not that I'm complaining, I was just surprised! The BBQ beef was seasoned just right and served on a deli roll. With fries, there was more than enough food for any student who's sick of the cafe. Their menu also had an array of other sandwiches such as pork tenderloin, and some seafood and Mexican entrees.

KATIE: Here’s where I had some problems during our visit. First, what I like to call “recycled restaurant bread” was placed on our table while we were deciding on our meals. It’s the type of bread that if someone doesn’t eat it, they through it back in the tub for the next customer. I was leaning more towards trying the popcorn shrimp, but then decided that I wasn’t ready to trust this restaurant with seafood. The waitress suggested the Reuben, which I’ve reviewed before but felt inclined to try her favorite choice. The dinner came with fries and a choice of salad or soup. I ordered a salad with ranch dressing which came out to be what looked like ranch soup, the lettuce looked fresh but was drowning in the bottle of dressing dumped over it. My plate came out promptly, but I freaked out when I saw what I thought was a hair entangled with my fries. I couldn’t look so Lisa checked and discovered that it was actually a blade of grass. After a period of hesitation I decided to eat it anyways. The fries were excellent and the Reuben was great, but not better than Kelly’s Pub.

Pricing and people:

LISA: Other than Katie and I, the restaurant was filled with older customers who looked like regulars. I felt like an outsider! But everyone was very friendly -- especially our waitress -- who was at our table for most of the meal. It was a little annoying, but I shouldn't complain because she was at our beck and call. The meal was very cheap. For a sandwich, fries, soup and a pop I only had to shell out $7.06. Perfect for anyone who wants good food on a cheap budget.

KATIE: Our waitress wouldn’t leave us alone! Lisa and I couldn’t get out a sentence with out her interrupting us asking us how we were, if we needed new drinks etc. She was a nice girl, but come on! Let a girl eat! Other than our annoying waitress the pricing was fantastic, my meal cost $7.89. The food was well worth it and with the location right down Locust Street, it’s a great place for a quick and cheap meal.

Complaints:

LISA: The restaurant was pretty much perfect for a college student. Not too clean, not too dirty. It was Village Inn-esque! For someone looking to impress a date, this isn't the place. But, for a place to chill with friends on a budget, Riefe's is the spot!

KATIE: Other than the blade of grass in my fries I have only a couple complaints. I felt a little rushed. Lisa and I were actually in and out of our booth in 27 minutes. Also, we were placed in the smoking section which is never a very appetizing environment. Our table and seats still had food on them from the previous customers, and Lisa and I didn’t exactly fit in with the older crowd that surrounded us. Overall, If you don’t mind a little bit of a wait, Riefe’s is a great college students restaurant: cheap, open late, and close to campus.

Lisa’s score: 3 1/2 out of 5 forks
Katie’s score: 2 out of 5 forks

Movie: Guess Who

LISA: I love chick flicks! They're by far the best movies ever -- a little suspense, a little romance and a perfect ending -- it can't get much better then that. With that said, I must admit I really enjoyed “Guess Who”. With Ashton Kutcher and Bernie Mac playing the lead male roles, the film wasn't too girly--they added a nice comedic touch. They hit on some pretty important issues, although at times they were beating a dead horse -- as I think the saying goes. All-in-all it was a good flick. If you like “Meet the Parents” or its sequel, you'll enjoy “Guess Who”.

KATIE: BOO!!! Lets just say I won’t be counting down the days ‘til “Guess Who” comes to DVD. I can admit it, Ashton Kutcher punk’d me. I thought it was going to be a decent flick but I know when to admit when I’m wrong, and oh boy, am I wrong. I’m not the biggest fan of Ashton Kutcher, gasp! I know, I’m not a fan of the only thing that came out of Iowa, but it didn’t matter, this movie would have sucked with or without him. “Guess Who” is a typical chick flick with added racial tension. It wouldn’t have been so bad if they didn’t jam the race issue down your through the entire movie. Sure it had some okay jokes, Bernie Mac is a funny guy, and it is entertaining to see Kutcher and Mac cuddle up in bed and make complete fools of themselves. In the name of Demi, don’t go see this movie it’s not worth your money!

Lisa’s score: 4 out of 5 bags of popcorn
Katie’s score: 1 out of 5 bags of popcorn

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