Archive for the ‘Restaurant Reviews’ Category

So years ago when I first tried the Puffy Muffin I should have realized to just say no at the name.  I mean, it’s sorta dirty, isn’t it?  “Hey, wanna touch my muffin?  It’s puffy.”

But, you know, I get it, it’s cute.  And I’m a sucker for local and a sucker for anything bakery, be it boulangerie, patisserie, you name it, I’m there, but I now officially wipe my hands of the Muffy Puffin, if I can finally remember to never eat there again.

What are my reasons, you ask?  Well, they are numerous and quite distinct, but relate to only the food, not the location, the decor, the feel of the place or anything else, just the food.  You know, the usual reason you go to a restaurant.

Let’s start at the chicken salad, a dish that should not only be standard in the South but also at an establishment such as the Muffin where it’s a staple.  The salad looks like tuna salad in that there are no chunks of chicken and it looks processed from head to toe.  And speaking of toes, last week when I fell prey to eating there again, I stumbled upon a chewy, hard bite that could only be a chicken toe.  Surely I jest, but come on, get that grizzle out, people!

Let’s move on to the croissant which the chicken salad was served on.  A croissant should be a breeze for a well-established bakery be it in France or Brentwood wouldn’t you say?   Well, I’ve had Kroger-brand croissants that were a better example of this buttery confection.  Kroger, Kroger, people, I didn’t say Publix, did I?  Either the Puffsters purchased these croissants in a freezed state or they have no idea how to go about this tasty bread, either of which is basically unforgivable.

Then there’s the pimento and cheese creation that belongs more in the Kwik E Mart cooled lunch section than at an upscale deli.  The cheese taste processed, the consistency is all off and there is absolutely no flavor.  You can’t even make out individual grated pieces of cheese it’s so mushed up.  Maybe a puffy muffin sat on it….?

Dear me, and when is the last time that you had a slice of Muffy Puffin quiche?  A little heavy on the egg, even by Southern standards, wasn’t it?  It’s like they only know how to make bland food and charge an exorbitant amount for it, but then again, that could just be Brentwood talking.

Listen, I’m not usually such a hater, especially for local establishments, but the Puffy Muffin either has gotten in to some sort of rut or they were never very good in the first place.  Again, I am so sorry to be so disappointed by their fare, but when you’ve had more than a handful of bad experiences, you have to wade through the hype and just tell it like it is.