Teriyaki plus Smoothies
By: Ed Wright, The Wright Gourmet

Teriyaki plus Smoothies
(909) 794-8680
31364Hampton Rd. #E
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399

Teriyaki + Smoothies is a brand new little restaurant that I would have thought was much bigger based on the reviews and praises I had already received from my wife, in-laws, out-laws, friends and others; all asking “Have you tried “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” yet?” … They are incredible! Having done restaurant reviews for more than a few years now, I can’t honestly recall many restaurants friends had pushed me so hard or recommended so highly before in Yucaipa. I was impressed!

What you have to know about “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” is that it sits right between the Chevron and Arco Gas Stations just off of Yucaipa Blvd., as you first enter Yucaipa from the freeway, and that it is easy to drive right past. It is not that it is hard to find, it is just that traffic gets pretty congested in this area and you might be tempted to drive right on past; and if you do, you missed out! “The Wright Gourmet” agrees; “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” is an incredible little restaurant.

One of the things that made this review fun for me personally was that the owner of “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” Joe and Grace) were enjoying the glowing restaurant review that Bill Irvine, food writer for “The News Mirror” had just published in his “Without Reservations” column. Bill Irvine seemingly loved “Teriyaki + Smoothies;” and I found it a little bit humorous because if you read Bill’s reviews, I’m not sure he has ever found a dining spot he didn't’t claim to thoroughly enjoy. But this said, the owner of “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” was rightfully proud of the review, and he explained that he had no idea it was being written… and he clearly enjoyed sharing it. My guess at that moment was he had purchased advertising space in the News Mirror, so naturally they reviewed the new restaurant (with glowing comments)… but I was determined to be more unbiased.

Note about above comment: Bill Irvine and The News Mirror ("Without Reservations" dining section) got at least this review right on... and without exaggeration.

Somehow I also forgot to tell the owner (Joe) that I was going to write a review. My first problem in doing so was that the menu for “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” offers way more selections and diversity than any restaurant with a name like “Teriyaki + Smoothies” seemingly would serve. I was impressed again… but I was not sure I was going to completely agree with my wife and sister-in-law; Incredible is a pretty strong recommendation!

So what did I think about Teriyaki plus? Unfortunately I did not get to sample the entire menu like it sounds Bill Irvine did, but I did order the “Teriyaki beef meal.” (Please understand that The Wright Gourmet pays for all of the food we order and review... we are not paid by any news papers)

“Teriyaki plus Smoothies” is the type of restaurant you order at the counter and than go sit down at a table; so this is what I did. At this point there was no reason for me to be thinking “Incredible” anything… other than the fact the new restaurant was impeccably clean (it’s new).

Comments on the menu: “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” may be over reaching a bit on the menu offerings; because there are over 9 “Teriyaki” Offerings, including Korean style ribs; countless sub style sandwiches (both hot & cold varieties), breakfast items, and did we mention Smoothies? “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” has an entire page of fruit smoothies and even breakfast & energy smoothies… a half dozen different “Bobas” plus all kinds of ice-cream offerings.

What struck me in carrying on a brief conversation about the new restaurant with the owner was the incredible pride (and yet humility) he took in his new restaurant, and how he seemed to genuinely want everyone to enjoy “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” hospitality. This was impressive; and I do not think he had any idea I wrote restaurant reviews (I was wearing my typical "Central City Mortgage" shirt with their mortgage company logo)… he just honestly likes what he is doing and enjoyed sharing.

Other Observations: My review was done at about 11:00 in the morning and the restaurant was not too busy yet, so it was possible to talk with the owner a little bit before my order was ready. In my brief conversation before sitting down, I heard how Bill Irvine had surprised them with his review… and I took the opportunity to ask them what the motivation behind opening “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” was? The response was that the owner had been a chef in the Navy (Thank You for serving our Country), and that his wife also loved to cook… this was just what they both enjoyed doing; so they opened the new “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” restaurant. I never mentioned that I also wrote restaurant reviews, but without going overboard on this point, was once again treated like their best customer. It is fair to note that the two other tables that were dining there at the same time were treated equally well. You simply do not get this level of service in many restaurants anymore... this is my point here.

When my food was brought to my table I was pleasantly surprised, first in that it was brought to my table; and second, to see such a generous serving of Teriyaki Beef, rice and steamed cabbage piled high on a real plate plus a real fork & knife! “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” has got this one right on; No paper plate and no plastic throw away utensils that break while you are trying to eat your meal… this caught me totally by surprise because the menu pricing is very reasonable.

Perhaps my biggest surprise was just how tender and flavorful “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” Teriyaki beef was; everything was exceptionally done, and even the rice was perfect. Which brings me to the service again; the service was prompt and professional, but done in a manner that clearly conveyed the pride these owners and the restaurant takes in everything they are serving. We have eaten in restaurants that charge 10 times what “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” charges and received less in service and attention to details.


Please keep in mind we are talking a “Teriyaki Bowl” kind of place and menu pricing. Despite this very reasonable pricing the service and treatment ranked up there with Yucaipa’s very best sit-down restaurants. I am very impressed!

How did “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” rate? My wife, sister-in-law, Bill Irvine plus half a dozen local Realtors (and Title Reps) are all correct… you can not help but like this restaurant. I agree, “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” is Incredible! The Wright Gourmet rates “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” a perfect 100, and highly recommends you try this great little restaurant with the really big menu. “The Wright Gourmet” wishes this new restaurant, “Teriyaki + Smoothies” and it’s incredibly humble and likable husband and wife team, Joe and Grace all the best. Yucaipa is going to love this restaurant… the Wright extended family and friends already do.

Final Comments: It is my opinion that this restaurant is too new to receive a "Best Restaurant - Outstanding Service" Award... we will wait to see how they do with a few more of our team of reviewers and "The Wright Gourmet," but they absolutely would seem to have exemplary service... the kind that deserves to earn such an award.

Update to this review: We did have the opportunity to go back for lunch on a follow up "second" day, and tried the Korean Style Ribs and Chicken Teriyaki. Both are very well done using “Teriyaki plus Smoothies” own custom teriyaki sauce they make themselves. Personally I like a little more spice in my Korean BBQ, (these are more "teriyaki" than traditional  "Korean Style" BBQ) but we still  enjoyed the ribs. Both items (ribs & chicken) were cooked to order which explains why they are so juicy and flavorful without depending on the sauces to cover up any reheating or overcooking. “Teriyaki plus” custom blended teriyaki works well and kicks up the flavors of the chicken and the ribs without being sickeningly sweet or to anything (pineapple, ginger, ect).
 
This article was posted by: Ed Wright and Central City Mortgage’s “Wright Team,” specializing in Residential and Commercial Mortgage Lending… Purchase and Refinance. Serving all of California from offices in the Inland Empire. For all your mortgage lending questions please call Ed Wright “Your Personal Mortgage Consultant For Life” at (909) 938-3777 or E-Mail “The Wright Team:” Ed@ForHomeLoan.info

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