MealMe.com

If my wife and I go shopping at Ikea, we go after work on a Friday. The place is nearly empty, so we fly through the store in record time. Problem is, our stomachs are nearly empty too, which means either shopping with low blood sugar, or a paying a visit to the heinous Ikea cafeteria. Worst macaroni and cheese I've ever tasted. It was bland, mushy and barely edible, in fact my wife couldn't even finish it. Salad was bitter and the dressing straight out of a bottle. Next time we come, we're shopping on empty.

I've always thought Ikea furniture was poorly made, but their food is ten times worse. If you've ever bought a piece of cheaply made Ikea furniture, you know this must mean their food is pure crap. Gooey pastry, tasteless filling and a bitter salad. How do you say awful in Swedish? Ohygglig.

Another pre-made, factory pastry. Do yourself a favour and do not go to any Ikea location on an empty stomach. While this bun took the edge of my wife's hunger, it was anything but satisfying. If you think their pastries are bad, wait till you taste their hot entrees.

Basically an apple strudel in a swirly pattern. Fresh-out-of-the-box, as most Ikea food items are. A bit dry, but otherwise tasted like any factory made pastry would.

I attended the grand opening of the Ikea store in Stoughton, MA and tried out their restaurant. They had these 6 inch high apple pie slices that had a lovely glaze poured over-top. The apples were tender but not mushy, tasty, spicy, moist. The glaze was a nice counterpoint. The crust was lovely, flaky and had a good body that kept it from flaking away. I give this dessert a big thumbs-up and if you have a chance to visit IKEA sometime soon, check out their restaurant and this dessert.