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Talk About Tulsa => Restaurant Reviews => Topic started by: BKDotCom on December 18, 2013, 10:11:49 pm



Title: White Flag
Post by: BKDotCom on December 18, 2013, 10:11:49 pm
Mini review.

I had the Salma Hayek it was very good.  
They make a big deal about made-in-town buns.   I thought the buns were quite tasty.  Sourdoughish.
The person I was with thought that for the price, the fries should be made in house (can't confirm whether they are or not)..  Regardless, they were a just-right curly cut.

My only critique / pointer is street presence.    There is zero indication from the street or sidewalk that there is a restaurant / burger-joint inside.
Hmm.. "White Flag" what is that?   The only way to know is to already know, or walk inside.
Is it a bar?  There are bars on both sides.  Is it a place that makes white flags?  Marketing firm?  who knows.
How about "White Flag Burgers"?  or put a burger icon on the flag logo or something.

What does this place sell?:
(https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1479109_608163962580625_641395954_n.jpg)


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: hello on December 28, 2013, 06:58:56 pm
Tried it out. Was like other BE places-cool concept that I'm very excited to try out spoiled by bad training of staff/management/service.  >:( Their sweet potato tots were good though. 


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: sgrizzle on December 29, 2013, 10:28:19 pm
Tried it out. Was like other BE places-cool concept that I'm very excited to try out spoiled by bad training of staff/management/service.  >:( Their sweet potato tots were good though. 

How was your service experience?


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on December 29, 2013, 10:58:54 pm
How was your service experience?

I've heard service isn't any better than it was when it was BA which was somewhere between inadequate and completely pathetic.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: hello on December 30, 2013, 09:41:42 am
How was your service experience?

The burger I originally ordered was incorrect--he apologized and they remade it. That happens, no big deal. The remake was also incorrect (I'd asked for onions not to be cooked in it--they put a TON of onions on their burgers). I had no desire to send it back and by that time my boyfriend was done eating so we just got a box and took it home so he could eat it later. It wasn't very busy and everything still took a while to come out. We weren't in any hurry but on a busy night I'd be curious to see that improves.



Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: cannon_fodder on December 31, 2013, 04:59:34 pm
I tried it.  Food was good, B+.  Different than Fat Guys (White Flag seemed less greeezy), higher quality than most burgers downtown.  Price point was OK, not cheap but didn't give me pause... a couple in my grouped whine though for "just a burger."

I'm afraid service was lackluster.  Staff was OK, but it took far too long to get the food out (25+ minutes from when we walked in).  The comment was made that we could have walked to fat guys and back...

I will give it another shot, but BBQ and/or burgers should both be relatively fast.  I can't walk 10 minutes to lunch, wait 25, then walk 10 minutes back... leaving 15 to actually eat.  Hope they get it sorted.  It was a few weeks ago now.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: TheAnsonia on January 07, 2014, 02:34:03 pm
Location(s) Being Reviewed: N/A
Date/Time of Visit: Saturday night
Quality of Food (1-5): 4
Menu/Food Options (1-5): 4
Quality of Service (1-5): 3
Atmosphere (1-5): 3
Overall Rating (1-5): 4 
Price ($-$$$$$): $

What makes this restaurant unique: Style of burger patty and homemade buns

Tell us about your experience: We came in on Saturday night. When you walk down the long hallway from the Elgin entrance, you come up to an order window. For a burger experience, I far prefer this type of ordering as I find a waitstaff unnecessary for these types of establishments. The order window register area shared space with the bar area, so if you wish to have some brews with your burgers, you can sit at the bar or in the bar area and receive a little bit more waitstaff attention for your drinks. We ordered the Selma Hayek, Mile-High, and curly fries. I thought the Selma Hayek burger was really something special. Great combination of flavors. The base patty and homemade bun were also great. Perfect size - not too big, not too small. The fries were okay - would probably get onion rings next time as they are the same ones that Back Alley served. The Mile-High burger was good but not quite as good as the Selma Hayek. The pickle bar was a nice touch - we tried the spicy pickles and the bread and butter pickles.

My complaint with this space is similar to what it has always been - I find it to be a little too echo-y and loud for a primarily food-driven establishment. The staff was attentive, but the wait time for the burgers was still quite long (even by fresh burger cooking time). My burger came out significantly earlier than my husband's - something to do with the egg on the Mile-High apparently was to blame for the additional wait. I had finished half my burger before his came out (and I eat quite slow).

I would definitely return and, in terms of downtown burgers, would put this place right up there with Fat Guy's in my heart/stomach. (My #1 still rests with the Tavern burger, but that's a pretty different style of burger all together.)


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Townsend on January 07, 2014, 03:18:46 pm
that's a pretty different style of burger all together.)


That's a pretty different style of burger...

(http://media.cinemasquid.com/blu-ray/titles/airplane/ef323076-0d57-4e77-b1ae-e5de1f467736/screenshot-med-01.jpg)


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: RecycleMichael on January 08, 2014, 02:42:49 pm
I went to the White Flag today for a late lunch and walked in just after 1:00pm.

There were ten tables of people eating including one party of about ten people. Three people were in line ahead of me.

I ordered the basic double burger with cheese. It was $6.25. Burgers started as cheap as $4.25, but most of the specialty burgers were $7.95. I chose water because soft drinks were $2.25. I almost added a fried egg to the burger because it was only an extra dollar, but I am trying to keep my girlish figure.

The bun was great. They get them from the Pancho Anyaya bakery (in east Tulsa) which I have been in before to buy cakes, cookies, and breads. I love their fresh churros made in front of you...

I didn't order any sides, but they had a good selection of fried things. I will bring my kids in to try sweet potato tots. I saw someone else get the large order of curly fries for $2.95 and it was a lot of food.

The burger was good. it was a lightly formed patty with fried-in onions (that made the bottom of the bun hard to hold). There was a couple of slices of tomato and plenty of shredded lettuce.

I ordered my food at 1:06 pm and was served and finished eating at 1:34.

I sat at the bar and talked to a couple of wait staff. They refilled my water glass quickly and checked back with me a couple of times while I was waiting on my food.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: BKDotCom on January 08, 2014, 06:25:44 pm
I noticed that they added a placard outside that essentially says "we sell hamburgers in here"... Perhaps someone noticed what I noticed:  the exterior has a complete lack of "this is a hamburger establishment" vibe.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: BKDotCom on February 26, 2014, 06:57:39 pm
a) https://www.facebook.com/joshua.kline.167
b) http://blakeewing.tumblr.com/post/77928774699/fixing-our-smile-vs-going-away  (forum censors the URL... replace smile with "sh|t"

Good response by Blake


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Hoss on February 26, 2014, 07:17:54 pm
a) https://www.facebook.com/joshua.kline.167
b) http://blakeewing.tumblr.com/post/77928774699/fixing-our-smile-vs-going-away  (forum censors the URL... replace smile with "sh|t"

Good response by Blake

Actually, the site rewrites smile to the other without having to change it.   :)


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Cats Cats Cats on February 26, 2014, 11:12:02 pm
Now the little stupid hipsters are complaining that Blake responded to a post that showed up on his businesses page.  LOL


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on February 27, 2014, 11:02:47 am
I’ve eaten at White Flag a few weeks ago and I enjoyed it.  My only complaint, and it is minor, is I figured the Selma Hayek would be a little spicier.  Service was fine, food was delivered quick.  The only reason I have not been back yet is I rarely eat burgers anymore, just not a part of my lifestyle.  I will return though.

Not sure where the posters on the FB post were saying it was a passive-aggressive rebuttal by Blake.  I thought it was a well-reasoned mea culpa.  It’s obvious: he knows he has problems, he cares, and he’s trying to improve it.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Cats Cats Cats on February 27, 2014, 01:28:47 pm
Whiteflag got tagged last night I think.

Related?
http://imgur.com/qUY5oNh.jpg (http://imgur.com/qUY5oNh.jpg)


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: RecycleMichael on February 27, 2014, 04:16:21 pm
Whiteflag got tagged last night I think.

Related?

No. That was from my followers. I don't blame them for wanting to honor me with paint.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: carltonplace on April 02, 2014, 12:46:57 pm
I had the "failure to communicate" and while I liked all of the ingredients that were listed on the menu, I did not like the way the "melded" on the burger. Other than my poor choice of toppings, the sandwich was good. 

My friend ordered a different burger and really enjoyed it. The curly fries were very good and the choices of Marshall's beer on tap was the biggest in town due to the recent Marshall's take over.

Service was good
I spoke to the chef* for several minutes and I could tell he was passionate about making a good sandwich and making the place successful.

Overall it was a good experience, but it wasn't good enough to steal me away from Fat Guy's for my rare burger fix (unless FG is closed).
I have to say that I love the fact that there are now at least 3 good burger offerings in downtown when ten years ago there were zero.  

*not sure what you call the chef in a hamburger joint.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on April 02, 2014, 01:19:56 pm

*not sure what you call the chef in a hamburger joint.

Chief burger flipper, I think.

What’s the third good burger place downtown?


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: sgrizzle on April 02, 2014, 02:06:20 pm
Chief burger flipper, I think.

What’s the third good burger place downtown?

Ron's or Billy's?


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: nathanm on April 02, 2014, 06:44:22 pm
http://imgur.com/qUY5oNh.jpg (http://imgur.com/qUY5oNh.jpg)

Not that I would condone it regardless of style, but that has got to be some of the laziest graffiti I have seen anyone bother with in a long time.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: swake on April 02, 2014, 07:38:55 pm
Ron's or Billy's?

Ron's isn't really downtown, and Billy's really isn't good. I'm going with The Tavern? The burger there is awesome. It's $15, but worth it.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Red Arrow on April 02, 2014, 08:58:36 pm
Ron's isn't really downtown, and Billy's really isn't good. I'm going with The Tavern? The burger there is awesome. It's $15, but worth it.
It would have to be r-e-a-l-l-y awesome for me to want to spend $15 on a burger.  If that included a couple of Marshall's beers, then maybe.





Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: swake on April 02, 2014, 09:31:40 pm
It would have to be r-e-a-l-l-y awesome for me to want to spend $15 on a burger.  If that included a couple of Marshall's beers, then maybe.





Kobe Beef, stilton cheese, cognac sauce. It's pretty damn strong.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: sgrizzle on April 03, 2014, 08:11:50 am
Kobe Beef, stilton cheese, cognac sauce. It's pretty damn strong.

Sorry, can't buy into the Kobe beef lie:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/04/12/foods-biggest-scam-the-great-kobe-beef-lie/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2014/01/07/the-new-truth-about-kobe-beef-2/


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: saintnicster on April 03, 2014, 08:15:36 am
It would have to be r-e-a-l-l-y awesome for me to want to spend $15 on a burger.  If that included a couple of Marshall's beers, then maybe.
It's $13 normally and half price everyday after 9pm.
Kobe Beef, stilton cheese, cognac sauce. It's pretty damn strong.
It isn't kobe/wagu beef.  They do their own grind from short rib and brisket, listed on their website.  The Stilton/Mushroom Cream Sauce is awesome, and it's all on a made in-house Challah bun.  Shoestring fries with salt, garlic, oil, and rosemary to round it out.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: swake on April 03, 2014, 08:37:23 am
It's $13 normally and half price everyday after 9pm.It isn't kobe/wagu beef.  They do their own grind from short rib and brisket, listed on their website.  The Stilton/Mushroom Cream Sauce is awesome, and it's all on a made in-house Challah bun.  Shoestring fries with salt, garlic, oil, and rosemary to round it out.

Ok, I stand corrected, but it's still really good.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: carltonplace on April 03, 2014, 09:30:03 am
Chief burger flipper, I think.

What’s the third good burger place downtown?

McNellie's makes a tasty charbroiled burger.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: RecycleMichael on April 03, 2014, 10:00:56 am
I like that White Flag has a pickle bar. I think it is fun to start the dining experience with sweet pickles and saltines. It is one of my favorite appetizers and is free (which makes it taste even better).

I also go to downtown Albert Gs and Goldie's hamburgers for the same reason.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: dbacksfan 2.0 on April 03, 2014, 11:47:28 am
I like that White Flag has a pickle bar. I think it is fun to start the dining experience with sweet pickles and saltines. It is one of my favorite appetizers and is free (which makes it taste even better).

I also go to downtown Albert Gs and Goldie's hamburgers for the same reason.

Quizzno's had something similar, and look where they are now. :D


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: dbacksfan 2.0 on April 03, 2014, 11:53:25 am
Kobe, or not, I have a hard time paying more than $8.00 for a burger. I'd rather spend $13.00 for a nice ribeye and cook it myself.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Gaspar on April 03, 2014, 12:46:51 pm
Sorry, can't buy into the Kobe beef lie:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2012/04/12/foods-biggest-scam-the-great-kobe-beef-lie/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2014/01/07/the-new-truth-about-kobe-beef-2/

We have purchased Wagyu beef from Snake River farms.  The primary difference is the excessive fat marbling throughout the cuts, not found in angus, and rare but obtainable in Hereford and Piedmont.   If you are grilling a steak or burger (fast, high-heat) this will indeed make a difference!  Indeed!

. . .however, if you are doing a brisket, roast, or other large cut that will cook for a long period of time, the difference in taste and texture is imperceivable. The only thing a Kobe or Wagyu brisket will do is lighten your wallet.

Handling one is impressive though.  Where a typical high quality brisket will have quite a bit of what we call "flop," but still have a firm texture at the point, your wagyu brisket is like handling an octopus. . .very floppy and with amazing marbling. I did one at Bixby last year, and during trimming, I took part of the point (typically used for burnt ends) and just grilled it for the guys to sample.  It turned out like filet.  The brisket however, tasted no different after 8-10 hours of smoking than the hereford briskets we got from Perry's for 1/10th the price.
(http://www.chefseattle.com/images/article/242-kobe-beef.jpg)

The real myth when it comes to beef is the Angus myth.  Angus is not superior beef, it is simply an easier breed for cattlemen to handle, because they are docile, easy to breed, and have no horns.  They also reach maturity faster. Angus meat is leaner, has less flavor, and more connective tissue.  About 10 years ago the fast food industry started a marketing campaign to promote the Angus product because it was cheaper from production to table, and they were so successful that they ended up with the ability to charge a higher margin.  Grocery chains quickly followed suit, making the Angus the most popular cattle for beef.

Give me a Hereford or Piedmont any day over an Angus.  I like a Wagyu steak, but not enough to pay the premium.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Gaspar on April 03, 2014, 12:47:42 pm
McNellie's makes a tasty charbroiled burger.

Burgers and steaks!


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: dbacksfan 2.0 on April 03, 2014, 01:14:25 pm
I'll buy into Kobe beef right after I take fashion tips from Biker Fox.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Townsend on April 03, 2014, 03:22:12 pm
I'll buy into Kobe beef right after I take fashion tips from Biker Fox.

My stars

(http://bikerfox.com/dancingbiker/bikersfox.jpg)


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: BKDotCom on April 03, 2014, 05:18:21 pm
Kobe, or not, I have a hard time paying more than $8.00 for a burger. I'd rather spend $13.00 for a nice ribeye and cook it myself.

lucky for you, all but one of their burgers is under $8


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on April 04, 2014, 12:16:29 am
I like that White Flag has a pickle bar. I think it is fun to start the dining experience with sweet pickles and saltines. It is one of my favorite appetizers and is free (which makes it taste even better).

I also go to downtown Albert Gs and Goldie's hamburgers for the same reason.

Redneck hors d’oeuvres:

Saltine cracker, sweet pickle, splash of mustard on top of the pickle, black pepper.  If they have Louisiana hot sauce or Tabasco, a dash over the mixture.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on April 04, 2014, 12:19:20 am
McNellie's makes a tasty charbroiled burger.

I’m glad they can still do that, their fish and chips are something worse than dreadful.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: AngieB on April 04, 2014, 11:36:25 am
I’m glad they can still do that, their fish and chips are something worse than dreadful.

Where do you go for the best fish and chips?

Local: I think Baxter's Interurban is really good. Usually.

Chain: Red Robin's F&C reminds me of Arthur Treacher's. I like it a lot.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: swake on April 04, 2014, 12:17:24 pm
Where do you go for the best fish and chips?

Local: I think Baxter's Interurban is really good. Usually.

Chain: Red Robin's F&C reminds me of Arthur Treacher's. I like it a lot.

Doc's on Brookside is really good.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Breadburner on April 04, 2014, 04:57:51 pm
Full Moons use to be good.....


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on April 04, 2014, 10:59:36 pm
I think The Alley has the best F & C in Tulsa at the moment. Though Breadburner’s squeaky wallet says they are on the high side at $16.  I don’t mind the price point because my arteries can only handle that treat every few months or so.

Paddy’s had the best before that, much like Arthur Treachers, Angie.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: sgrizzle on April 05, 2014, 09:12:57 am
I think The Alley has the best F & C in Tulsa at the moment. Though Breadburner’s squeaky wallet says they are on the high side at $16.  I don’t mind the price point because my arteries can only handle that treat every few months or so.

Paddy’s had the best before that, much like Arthur Treachers, Angie.

I'm pretty sure Conan's picture is on the wall at the Alley.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on April 05, 2014, 09:46:41 pm
I'm pretty sure Conan's picture is on the wall at the Alley.

There is a portrait of some sort of porcine character in there.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: AngieB on April 06, 2014, 07:54:01 am
I think The Alley has the best F & C in Tulsa at the moment. Though Breadburner’s squeaky wallet says they are on the high side at $16.  I don’t mind the price point because my arteries can only handle that treat every few months or so.

Paddy’s had the best before that, much like Arthur Treachers, Angie.

Oh, yes, I had forgotten...we did go there once and had fish and chips. It was really good, but pricey.

Is Paddy's still there? I remember going to that place in my early twenties...a couple of years or so ago. ::)


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on April 06, 2014, 09:38:12 am
Oh, yes, I had forgotten...we did go there once and had fish and chips. It was really good, but pricey.

Is Paddy's still there? I remember going to that place in my early twenties...a couple of years or so ago. ::)

Nope, the tax man finally caught up with Keith.  It’s been Fat Daddy’s (or something like that) for quite some time now, at least five years or more.  I used to love to go hear Dave Armstrong and Ray Hamilton out there on the weekends.  Loads of fun.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: TeeDub on April 06, 2014, 08:45:11 pm
Is Paddy's still there?

He now runs a bookstore in BA.   He has a little space in the back where he still cooks and offers a light lunch menu.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: carltonplace on April 07, 2014, 11:25:05 am
Where do you go for the best fish and chips?



My house  8)


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Breadburner on April 07, 2014, 03:41:49 pm
Brady Taverns Fish & Chips are good....


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: BKDotCom on September 05, 2014, 03:00:57 pm
FWIW

White Flag threw in the flag (again?)
Was going to meet my wife there for lunch today. 
There was a sign on the door that it's being converted to a bar/venue.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: sgrizzle on September 05, 2014, 04:56:37 pm
FWIW

White Flag threw in the flag (again?)
Was going to meet my wife there for lunch today. 
There was a sign on the door that it's being converted to a bar/venue.

Not sure what is worse
1. That it happened.
2. That it happened over a month ago and this is the first comment about it.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: BKDotCom on September 05, 2014, 08:39:25 pm
Not sure what is worse
1. That it happened.
2. That it happened over a month ago and this is the first comment about it.

I don't get out much (lately)


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Gaspar on September 08, 2014, 04:51:03 am
People are still confused.  Had some friends that met us down at the GG for the symphony on Friday who tried to take their kids there for dinner.

An announcement would have been nice.  I guess it was a quiet retreat.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: DTowner on September 10, 2014, 01:15:22 pm
That is disappointing, but not surprising.  I went several times and thought it was good, but it suffered the same problems that did in Back Alley.  The menu was too long and too complicated for the kitchen to ever run smoothly and efficiently without a lot more staffing.  The whole concept needed editing and simplifying. 


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on September 10, 2014, 02:26:39 pm
Tried it once, it was good, just not something crave-able that I’d make a point to go back for.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Gaspar on September 10, 2014, 02:35:20 pm
That is disappointing, but not surprising.  I went several times and thought it was good, but it suffered the same problems that did in Back Alley.  The menu was too long and too complicated for the kitchen to ever run smoothly and efficiently without a lot more staffing.  The whole concept needed editing and simplifying. 

I would have to agree.

Ya gotta have a simple documented kitchen process (because staff turnover in the business is constant).  A manager should be able to plug a qualified person into a station with minimal training.  I'm a big fan of using graphic wall/counter cards as a reference for kitchen process.  With a good pictorial workflow, language, and even blood THC levels are not an issue.

Menus should be easy to navigate and offer reasonable choices.  In most cases, the fringe market expansion a restaurant may gain by adding an off-theme menu item, does not make up for the expansion in labor, food-cost, or reduction in overall quality.  Such items also dilute the brand, and make the confused customer consider lesser choices (leading to poor experiences).

Of course rules are made to be broken, and there are some amazing exceptions.  Cheesecake Factory provides a dictionary of menu items.  However their documented kitchen process rivals the Affordable Care Act in it's complexity, and requires an army of staff to pull off.  They employ 35,000 people to run 175 locations.

I don't like to think too much when I dine.  I wanna eat what your brand tells me you are the master of. 



Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: RecycleMichael on September 10, 2014, 02:55:27 pm
I don't like to think too much when I dine. 

I like to order by picture. Denny's and McDonald's do that very well.

Last week we went to Russo's at 91st and Yale and their pictures looked exactly like the dishes we were served. I tipped extra just for that reason.

I would like to do everything by picture. If my voting precinct had pictures of the candidates I would vote by looks as well.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Conan71 on September 10, 2014, 03:15:34 pm
I like to order by picture. Denny's and McDonald's do that very well.

Last week we went to Russo's at 91st and Yale and their pictures looked exactly like the dishes we were served. I tipped extra just for that reason.

I would like to do everything by picture. If my voting precinct had pictures of the candidates I would vote by looks as well.


How is Russo’s doing now?  They were getting slaughtered in early reviews.


Title: Re: White Flag
Post by: Gaspar on September 10, 2014, 03:40:47 pm
I like to order by picture. Denny's and McDonald's do that very well.

Last week we went to Russo's at 91st and Yale and their pictures looked exactly like the dishes we were served. I tipped extra just for that reason.

I would like to do everything by picture. If my voting precinct had pictures of the candidates I would vote by looks as well.


There is actually quite a bit of research on that.  You are in the majority.

There is actually a saying in the the food marketing industry "Gazing Leads to Grazing."  Here's how it works. . . When you look at a menu, your eye will follow a predetermined pattern.  Your first item of focus will be whatever is pictured on the center-right-side of the menu.  This is where the restaurant puts their signature (and most expensive item).  It's called "The Hero Spot."  If you pass up center-right, your next choice will be the item pictured directly below it (this is what they want you to order).

This has proven so strong that most restaurant marketing firms will advise their clients to place their most expensive item center-right and their highest profit margin offering just below it with an image that is about 30% smaller.  The first photo will get you excited and the second provides the "reasonable" alternative.  The restaurant wants you to choose one of these two.

The second item is smaller but will typically ofter more variety and have more descriptive text (additional sides, combinations, and additional descriptive terminology) and takes advantage of what is called the Affect Transfer Effect.  When you are hungry this is very powerful and basically means that the photo and description triggers a very basic impulse in the (animal) mind to justify ordering a large quantity of food, and because it's less expensive than the GIANT photo above it, the customer feels like they are further justified by getting quantity and variety at a good price (even though the restaurant's margin is more).

Menus with pictures are an excellent study in marketing psychology and the practice is quite refined and interesting.  It was my favorite topic of study in a class called Images & Ikons I took in college.