Response to reader about Northway...

My fellow Tattlers,

Normally I respond to reader comments in the comments section but I thought this one deserved a little more input. In regards to Northway Mall, John wrote:

It's sad to go to the mall and look at the photos on the lower level walls. I've been going there for more than 40 years - since I was young - and I remember many of those stores. I think the mall needs a drug store and something like a bakery. It would also be great if there was a place that could cater to the older people who hang out there. I hated the renovation, but I've come to realize that it's good that at least part of the mall is still open. As one of the oldest malls in the country, it's an historical treasure!

Some very good thoughts. Here are some thoughts from yours truly:

- I agree that those photos are awesome and I think they should be better incorporated. Northway Mall is such a landmark in the area that its history should be celebrated in some way.

- Unfortunately drug stores and bakeries in malls are a thing of the past. However, I believe there have to be other opportunities.

- I miss the movie theater at Northway. I also miss arcades, man do I miss those.

- I also hate the renovation project. During planning, I was supportive due to the success that North Hills Village Mall encountered. Every situation is different and this plan obviously didn't pan out.

Hopefully things turn around!

More Chipotle articles...

I finally went to the new Chipotle today located along McKnight Road in Ross Township. However, I want to try it again before I review it. So far, I've been very pleased. The review should be up in a couple days.

In the meantime, here are some articles worth a read:

Chipotle seeks new model for quality fast food

Chipotle Talks Local Produce

Working to keep you posted...

Chipotle review coming soon...

My fellow Tattlers,

While I'm getting my Chipotle review ready, here is a good article to ponder:

Chipotle or Qdoba review

It's a good read!

Working to keep you posted...

Yet another Northway Mall store goes bye bye...

My fellow Tattlers,

I'm pissed.

Yet another retailer at Northway Mall (Shoppes at Northway) is vacating. Party City is closing. While I was never a big patron of the store, I'm pissed because yet another retailer is leaving the mall. It's so sad to watch this once vibrant mall become so desolate.

I blame mall management. When Ross Park Mall purged many retailers during their transition to become more upscale, Northway Mall management should have courted those retailers.

Hopefully something will turn around!

Working to keep you posted...

Update coming soon...

My fellow Tattlers,

I promise an update is coming soon. I've been working on a new project to debut shortly. Keep your eyes peeled for:

- a review of Chipotle

- a rumor mill update

- a development update.

Things tend to slow down this time of year but I'll keep digging for things to talk about. If you have any tips, send me an e-mail: sirfuller@hotmail.com or post a comment :)

Dining Out: Kretzler's Tavern

This Tattler recently dined at Kretzler's Tavern along Babcock Blvd. in Ross Township. This is a family favorite because the food is good and it's nice to support a local business. Here are a few thoughts:

- The patrons tend to be a lot of older people, which means it is a good value. Don't take that the wrong way -- it's a good thing. And 3 sides with dinner? Good bang for your buck!

- A loaf of bread is given to tables during dinner service. I wonder how many loaves they go through on an average day. This Tattler is very picky when it comes to bread so I would rather have rolls or biscuits. However, I would love to know how much bread they go through on average.

- The men's restroom feels like you're going to the John in a castle. Very strange tiling. When you're on "the throne," you actually feel like you're on a throne.

- They offer Potato Pancakes as a side. I love those! Only other place I usually see those at is Max's Allegheny Tavern on the North Side. Mmmmm.

Any thoughts?

Working to keep you posted...

Chipotle opening next week...

The new Chipotle location near McKnight-Siebert Shopping Center will open on May 8.

This Tattler heard the business is owned by McDonald's but I'm not too sure how accurate that is. I did some sleuthing and saw on the Internet that McDonald's owns a majority of stock in the company. Once again, I'm not too sure how true this is.

Anyone know the real deal about Chipotle?

Working to keep you posted...