Foodie panel talks variety at local restaurants

Ellen Gipson

Applebee's Bar and Grill = Jack-of-all-trades, master of... uhm... mozzarella sticks? When it comes to options, no other restaurant in town comes close. American? Mexican? Chinese? Italian? Thai? Steaks? Salads? Pasta? Pub Food? Sandwiches? Cajun? Southern? Burgers? Healthy food? Dessert? They literally have it all. Without question, there is something for everyone. There has to be, they have all the food! Unfortunately, the 12 minutes or it's free lunchtime guarantee doesn't apply to how quickly you can read through the entire menu. It's basically a short novel with over 14 different food and beverage categories. I only suggest adding a scratch and sniff appendix at the end.

Laura Hermsdorfer

If you're looking for a restaurant that offers a lot of variety, I'd suggest Grecian Steakhouse. It seems like you can get a little bit of everything there, from classic meat and potatoes, to fried scallops, to teriyaki chicken. There's a lot of comfort food, but there are healthier options as well, like salads and soups so even picky eaters can find something they'd like to order on the menu.

Matt Glenn

Miguel Morales prepares steaks in the kitchen at the Grecian Steakhouse on Wednesday in Cape Girardeau.KASSI JACKSON ~ kjackson@ semissourian.com

Port Cape Girardeau has a little of everything from pub grub to a rib eye. And the barbecue isn't too shabby either.

Jessica Medlock

For the sheer scope of the menu, I'm going to pick Grecian Steakhouse. There are multiple kinds of fish, an oriental offering, some south-of-the-border offerings, and of course, a gyro from Greece (it's in the name, after all.) Add that with all of the classic American meals and you will be hard-pressed to find a place that offers more choices.

Rebecca LaClair

I'm picking Applebee's Bar and Grill for all the different choices they offer with good quality. From the quesadilla burger to teriyaki salad there is plenty to choose from. Oh, and don't forget the four-cheese mac-and-cheese with honey pepper chicken tenders (loaded with carbs and my fav!)

Nick Johnston

When I think of a very diverse menu, it has cuisines from many different cultures. It can be difficult to pull off a concept like that, because, in large part, it's difficult to be "good" at everything. That being said, I found a place in town that has gotten it right, at least every time I have dined there. My pick this week is the Farmer's Pick Buffet at the Isle of Capri Casino. Why? The food is fresh and good, they source locally, offer good value, are very clean, and there always seems to be something for everyone. Happy eating!

Carol Nunnery

I've visited the Southerner by Tractors at the new Drury Hotel twice. I think they have the most unique menu in town! You can get from "Three Deviled Eggs Went Down to Georgia" as an appetizer, a "Kentucky Hot Brown" from the sandwich menu or some "Shrimp & Grits" as an entree. My personal favorite was the Grilled Street Tacos! They were served on fresh corn tortillas with a unique cilantro lime slaw. All I can say is fresh. This was a meal that is healthy and delicious!

Devon Smith

The most diverse menu that I can think of would have to be Outback. They have everything from chicken dishes to steaks and even some seafood if that's your thing. There are a lot of places with similar menus but their details to the food is minimal and kind of basic.

-- Compiled by Joshua Hartwig