Flattop Grill - Champaign

a review and a question for discussion
Mrs. Smalltown wanted to go to the local Flattop Grill for her birthday yesterday (someplace new for us and the U of I students aren't back in town yet). Overall, we found it to be a good, not great, feeding. For those who aren't familiar, Flattop has you select the ingredients you want, including a sauce, and they stir fry it. I thought they had a nice selection of ingredients, lots of veggies (some good edame in my opinion and nice bok choy), 3 types of noodles, brown and white rice,lots of sauces and the hostess let you sample them and also suggested combinations, and a reasonable selection of meats (and tofu, etc, for the non-carnivores) including salmon. Mrs. Smalltown and I had chicken for our meat and Smalltown Jr. had salmon and beef. Portion size is based on your selections (basically whatever you can fit in your bowl) and we all ended up with leftovers. We also had their triple chocolate storm (essentially a big brownie with ice cream) for dessert. I'd grade them as a B, edging toward B plus. they are what they are but they do it pretty well.

here's my question for discussion: our bill, with tip (and no alcohol), was $55 for 3 people. Granted, we went to a chain, so we basically got what we asked for (and we could have left when we saw the prices), but doesn't it seem that they're a little prouder of their product than they should be? I liked their food and service but it would have been more satisfying at 2/3 of the price. I doubt that we'll return for a dinner (lunch prices were less but also not nearly so convenient for us). I have trouble seeing how they succeed in campustown (I couldn't have paid those prices for supper when I was a student). thank you for your thoughts.

Yup, I'm with you - we've been to Flattop Evanston a couple times (and it's now-gone evil twin whose name I don't remember) While I like the concept of a customizable meal, I find all my culinary creativity tends to evaporate and I wind up eating essentially the same thing every time, where if I went to an ethnic restaurant that used the same ingredients, I'd be happier for $5, as opposed to the $15 or so they charge for the meal (not including drinks, dessert or tip.)

Mhays wrote:Yup, I'm with you - we've been to Flattop Evanston a couple times (and it's now-gone evil twin whose name I don't remember) While I like the concept of a customizable meal, I find all my culinary creativity tends to evaporate and I wind up eating essentially the same thing every time, where if I went to an ethnic restaurant that used the same ingredients, I'd be happier for $5, as opposed to the $15 or so they charge for the meal (not including drinks, dessert or tip.)

Not to mention, you don't have to cook your own dinner at an ethnic restaurant.

Mhays wrote:Yup, I'm with you - we've been to Flattop Evanston a couple times (and it's now-gone evil twin whose name I don't remember) While I like the concept of a customizable meal, I find all my culinary creativity tends to evaporate and I wind up eating essentially the same thing every time, where if I went to an ethnic restaurant that used the same ingredients, I'd be happier for $5, as opposed to the $15 or so they charge for the meal (not including drinks, dessert or tip.)

Wasn't the evil-twin across from the Metra tracks between Church & University?

That's the one - I forget the name. We liked it slightly better (possibly because it was a dollar or so cheaper, still not enough to make it worthwhile.)

How did you spend $18 a person during lunch? That's how much I spend on the dinner price. I know that they have a student special for students which makes it slightly more affordable but I agree that it is still expensive.

Champaign Urbana is my alma mater and yes I was there when Flat Top just opened (4 years ago now, I want to say?). For me it was exciting because I do really like the food at Flat Top and was familiar with the Evanston location back at home. It's not something affordable every day but it makes a nice night out with friends.

I wish they always had the same ingredients though because sometimes they get rid of something I go there to have. For example, I loved when they had mandarin oranges. It added a different flavor to my stir fry that I adored. They took those away and I couldn't understand why. They're out of a can I'm sure so how could they be seasonal?

Just as an FYI, I believe the Champaign location has a breakfast buffet too which not all locations have.

Mhays wrote:That's the one - I forget the name. We liked it slightly better (possibly because it was a dollar or so cheaper, still not enough to make it worthwhile.)

Oh great! - I was counting on you to remember the name.
Now I've got to rack my brains to try to remember it.

chewonthat,
we did go at supper, my grammar wasn't clear regarding the lunch prices, which are less. I thought the lunch price was more reasonable but that the supper price was higher than than the product justified. and they do have a slightly lower ($2 if I recall correctly) for students, so junior higher Smalltown Jr did save us a little. I'd think about going for lunch (if the students aren't in town, parking in campustown is a hassle when school is in session) but CU isn't hurting for places for us to go to, and we can make more satisfying use of our $ at other places.

thanks to all for the comments