Student Name
Western Governors University
D269 Composition: Writing with a Strategy
Prof. Name:
Date
Last week, my wife and I decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary by dining at Buster Bronco’s Surf and Turf, a seafood restaurant we had heard many good things about. After our visit, I rated the experience 3 out of 5 stars. In this review, I will discuss the atmosphere, food quality, service, and pricing, and explain the reasons behind my rating.
The restaurant’s overall ambiance is casual and laid-back. Guests could comfortably dine here even in relaxed attire without feeling out of place. The interior design reflects a classic seaside theme — decorative fishing nets, scuba gear, and nautical ornaments adorn the walls, adding to the coastal charm. A fun highlight is “Gus the Talking Bass,” a humorous talking fish near the entrance that adds personality and entertainment for visitors.
These decorative touches successfully enhance the authenticity and enjoyment of the dining experience, making it feel both welcoming and lighthearted.
When it comes to taste, Buster Bronco’s excels in a few areas. The fish tacos are exceptional — flavorful, fresh, and served with a side of perfectly seasoned fries. Another standout is the shrimp platter, which is an all-you-can-eat option. I personally enjoyed three full servings, and the staff continued to bring more upon request.
The presentation of the dishes was decent, though not particularly refined or artistic. Still, the portions were satisfying, and the flavors were consistent with what one would expect from a mid-range seafood restaurant.
| Dish | Description | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Tacos | Fresh, flavorful, served with warm seasoned fries | 5 |
| Shrimp Platter | Endless servings, well-cooked, great value | 4 |
| Overall Food Presentation | Basic plating, adequate portions | 3 |
The service experience, however, was somewhat disappointing. While our server ensured we had extra napkins and refilled our water glasses without prompting, her demeanor felt rushed and inattentive. It appeared as though she was more focused on clearing tables quickly rather than ensuring guests were comfortable.
This lack of engagement detracted from the otherwise positive dining experience. As a result, I deducted one star from my rating primarily due to the service quality.
The question of cost was another point of discussion between my wife and me. She felt that Buster Bronco’s was overpriced considering the portion sizes. Personally, I disagreed. My meal, priced at around $20 per entrée, provided enough food for leftovers, giving me two meals for a reasonable price.
The pricing structure can be summarized as follows:
| Category | Average Price Range | Value for Money | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrées | $18–$22 | Moderate | Reasonable portion sizes |
| Appetizers | $8–$12 | Fair | Good for sharing |
| Desserts | $6–$10 | Moderate | Limited options |
Ultimately, while prices might appear steep to some, the quality and portion sizes seem to justify the cost for most diners.
The original version contained unnecessary repetition and lacked flow. Below is a summary of the major revisions made to enhance clarity and coherence.
| Original Issue | Revision Made | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unrelated or redundant sentences in the introduction | Combined and simplified introduction | Improved focus and readability |
| Overuse of casual expressions like “meh” | Replaced with descriptive, formal language | Improved tone and professionalism |
| Repetitive statements such as “It’s a very casual restaurant” | Merged with preceding sentence | Streamlined content |
| Improper grammar (e.g., “then” instead of “than”) | Corrected to standard grammar | Ensured accuracy |
The edited version also corrected multiple grammatical and stylistic issues to improve fluency and professional tone.
| Type of Edit | Example of Change | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Verb clarity | Added helping verb “are” where needed | Improved sentence structure |
| Punctuation | Added commas for smoother transitions | Enhanced readability |
| Informal language | Replaced “outta” with “out of” | Maintained academic tone |
| Comparative errors | Changed “then” to “than” | Ensured grammatical correctness |
| Sentence flow | Adjusted initial phrases with commas | Improved coherence |
The introduction in the revised version effectively captures the reader’s attention by offering a clear, concise preview of the review’s purpose and tone. The strength of this review lies in its balanced discussion of both the restaurant’s strengths (authentic atmosphere and flavorful dishes) and weaknesses (service quality and pricing disagreements).
However, the weakest aspect remains the conflicting views between the reviewer and his wife regarding price fairness, which leaves readers without a clear conclusion on value. Despite this, the conclusion successfully brings closure by acknowledging that the review reflects a personal opinion, allowing readers to form their own judgments.
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA Publishing.
Miller, T. (2023). Restaurant review writing: A guide to structure and style. Food Review Journal, 14(2), 115–122.
Smith, L. (2022). Improving narrative reviews through editing and revision. Journal of Writing Improvement, 9(4), 210–218.
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