tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20052528432356492842024-03-19T01:52:58.463-07:00Chubby Kid Likes To EatThe gastronomical musings of a transient gourmand.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-43396207142476506432014-04-01T08:21:00.003-07:002014-04-01T08:21:40.417-07:00JOINTS: HG Sply Co.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The parents of the GF are in town this week, and yesterday's lunch didn't sit well with any of us. I'll review that place sometime in the future, but with everyone not feeling that great at dinnertime, we wanted something that was good but simple fare. As GF said to me, "Dad just wants some cooked chicken breast or something." I was in the mood for something a little bit more...GRAND (<span style="font-size: x-small;">hint...<a href="http://www.hibiscusdallas.com/" target="_blank">Hibiscus</a></span>)... but I figured that eating healthy and not gorging ourselves on food was a good idea too. And that's when <a href="http://www.hgsplyco.com/" target="_blank">HG Sply Co.</a> popped into my head. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks CentralTrak for letting me use this photo...I like it!</td></tr>
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I went here a few months ago with some friends, and was pleasantly surprised. While I wasn't a big fan of the clientele or the kinda snooty atmosphere of the place, I'm not going to lie...the food was GOOD. I'm not a follower of any sort of diet (obviously), but I might be able to get into this paleo thing. I can eat as much meat as I want? Sign me up.<br />
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We started off with a ginger hummus that came with vegetables, fruit, and BACON! It was delicious, especially with the bacon and the green apple slices. Last time I went, I got the Local Stirfry, which is just what it sounds like...stirfry with steak & broccoli with bacon, mushrooms, and some other nom noms. The GF got that this time, and I kept reaching over and stealing little bites. GF's step-mom got the Tex Mex, which looked awesome, and her dad got a simple bowl with chicken, quinoa pilaf, and seasonal vegetables. Even that looked good! <br />
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But I wanted steak, and I was not going to be denied. I got the delmonico, which was coffee crusted, with brussel sprouts and a farm egg. I couldn't taste the coffee in the steak, but it was a good piece of meat. The brussel sprouts were amazing, but I could have done without the egg. I cut it open and let it drip all around everything, and it made it taste weird. Live and learn, I suppose. <br />
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The meal was exactly what we needed...not too much so that we were stuffed, but I feel very satiated after the meal. I don't think I'll become a paleo convert, but this place is a good restaurant if you want to try some good healthy food that will fill you up. This chubby kid was very pleased.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hgsplyco.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">HG SPLY CO. </span></a><br />
<i>2008 Greenville Ave </i><br />
<i>Dallas TX 75206</i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: bold; margin-right: 4px;"></span><span>(469) 334-0896</span> </i>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-78360930497828748672014-04-01T08:03:00.005-07:002014-04-01T08:03:45.024-07:00And now, a word from our blogger....Sorry for not having updated in...let's see...<span style="font-size: large;">ALMOST 2 YEARS!</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">THAT'S INSANE!!! </span><br />
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Anyway, life has kinda gotten in the way of doing stuff like blogging or thinking about blogging...or even remembering that I have a food blog. But, I'm going to try and be a bit more diligent about posting on here in the future, especially since there's so many news places that have opened up around town. I'm going to put down a couple of reviews today, and hopefully I'll be back soon to do some more. <br />
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Sincerely,<br />
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Chubby Kid<br />
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<br />Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-86040160679316077632012-05-14T21:17:00.000-07:002012-05-14T21:30:23.736-07:00CRAFT BEER WEEK at Vickery ParkAs much as I like food, I do have another mistress...which is beer. I mentioned that I went to the <a href="http://www.bigtexasbeerfest.com/" target="_blank">Big Texas Beer Fest</a> the other day, but I also want to mention that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/368498599866411/" target="_blank">Craft Beer Week</a> is happening at <a href="http://www.vickeryparkbar.com/" target="_blank">Vickery Park</a> right now. They're going to have rotating taps of select craft beers, mostly from Texas & the DFW area, all week long. I also heard they might have some people showing up to talk about said beers too. So, mosey your ass on down there, and if you get the GF as your waitress, make sure you tip her really well...she's one of the people who makes this blog happen.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-57301531983124593232012-05-14T21:13:00.001-07:002012-05-14T21:24:20.238-07:00JOINTS: Pecan Lodge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnVxWKwNGAXunkt6vcEcrExCxmgMwphR7JY11Qn35XUS4Z9p65TId-dPCPN4hn3HGUI303LCh2bpQ-zjub7UMwr2fUoVCnKPeasjgVekPc-qsD1MiJ8U-DFW6krclGAWAp4_4tQezaQA/s1600/SMbbqback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnVxWKwNGAXunkt6vcEcrExCxmgMwphR7JY11Qn35XUS4Z9p65TId-dPCPN4hn3HGUI303LCh2bpQ-zjub7UMwr2fUoVCnKPeasjgVekPc-qsD1MiJ8U-DFW6krclGAWAp4_4tQezaQA/s320/SMbbqback.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my picture...sorry, I didn't think to get the sign</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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If you've ever spent any time on this page, then you know that I'm a BBQ aficionado...I'm proud to say I've eaten at <a href="http://www.smittysmarket.com/" target="_blank">Smitty's,</a> <a href="http://www.kreuzmarket.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Kreuz's</a>, and <a href="http://www.lulingcitymarket.com/" target="_blank">City Market BBQ</a>...and I've been able to partake of <a href="http://franklinbarbecue.com/" target="_blank">Franklin's </a>(which is considered by most to be THE BEST BARBEQUE IN AMERICA). That being said, the GF had heard that <a href="http://www.pecanlodge.com/" target="_blank">Pecan Lodge</a> in the <a href="http://www.dallasfarmersmarket.org/" target="_blank">Dallas Farmer's Market </a>had the best fried chicken in town, and being the anal foodie that I am, I also knew that <b>Pecan Lodge</b> was more famous for having really good DFW barbeque. After trying to go there on Friday during my lunch break (not happening) we decided to go back on Saturday and get our grub on.<br />
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Luckily, the line wasn't as bad on Saturday at 1pm that it was on Friday at 12pm, so we waited our turn and each ordered what we wanted...she got the fried chicken plate and I got the 2 meat plate, with a sausage link thrown on there for good measure. The 2 meats were brisket & ribs, the staple of any good BBQ place, and we sat down and waited for our food.<br />
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If you're into BBQ like I am, you know that good food comes to those that wait, and you'll be waiting at <b>Pecan Lodge</b>, though the wait-time isn't anything like it is for Franklin's. After about 30 minutes, our name was called, and we tucked into our food.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-a8GfjCaIn_9DaRcFFcvw4ofsKQcKxP5frMBbPyPvQBGa-92auQJC_KpdPdoWW4lpeeBDDFaWr0Yizw5aRVm4uMBhXrQ37Ps7hxVitWFuXcXq9V913BeTSWdHZ1bhWJjKOtwOS-SXQzI/s1600/pecan_lodge_BBQ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-a8GfjCaIn_9DaRcFFcvw4ofsKQcKxP5frMBbPyPvQBGa-92auQJC_KpdPdoWW4lpeeBDDFaWr0Yizw5aRVm4uMBhXrQ37Ps7hxVitWFuXcXq9V913BeTSWdHZ1bhWJjKOtwOS-SXQzI/s320/pecan_lodge_BBQ.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of slices of Mrs. Baird's would have made it perfect</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The first items I tried were my ribs, which were meaty and really good. The meat came off the bone very easily and whatever sort of rub or sauce they have on them was really good and spicy. Excited by what I had just experienced, I tucked into the brisket. It had an okay smoke ring and a good flavor, and the thing I liked about was how salty it was. I didn't realize it until the next day when I heated up my leftovers, but the brisket had a good salty taste to it, but at the time was moist and flavorful. I wouldn't put it against the big boys, but if this place was in Luling or Lockhart, I wouldn't be surprised.<br />
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The sausage was ok, a little too dense and gamey for me, and the sauce was a travesty. Seriously, if I had one major complaint, then it would be about the BBQ sauce. It tasted more like spicy ketchup than any semblance of BBQ sauce. I'd rather they had just slapped some KC's Masterpiece on the plate, that's how bad it was.<br />
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My choice of fried okra was a bad one, but that was a suggestion by the GF. What I really wanted was their famous mac & cheese, which she got, and which was DELICIOUS. But it didn't hold a candle to what she was enjoying as her meal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLiVFE0ucLsP6JN3ZjnCePuQUSJgOlUFeIb88hZCw7QrHPIhBBa4MI3Z3nAPByf0THoXFiEyVkQUGFzDjkCSVckCbcAic9ZN8F0bLyPPT-iIB3pAibG9Ytt0UvFPVSVhN3XgPON4W87A/s1600/pecan_lodge_chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLiVFE0ucLsP6JN3ZjnCePuQUSJgOlUFeIb88hZCw7QrHPIhBBa4MI3Z3nAPByf0THoXFiEyVkQUGFzDjkCSVckCbcAic9ZN8F0bLyPPT-iIB3pAibG9Ytt0UvFPVSVhN3XgPON4W87A/s320/pecan_lodge_chicken.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prepare to have your fried chicken mind BLOWN</td></tr>
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To say that this might have been the BEST fried chicken I've ever had would be an understatement...this was the BEST fried chicken that ANYONE has ever had. I didn't think fried chicken could taste that way...the skin was crisp and spicy, but the chicken was moist and delicious and had that taste of home-cooking. You're going to have to wait extra when you order the chicken, but it's totally worth it. As much as I love <a href="http://www.babeschicken.com/" target="_blank">Babe's Chicken House</a> and their endless line of rolls & sides, this chicken kicked Babe's ass.<br />
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To sum up, I totally agree with the <a href="http://www.dallasobserver.com/" target="_blank">Dallas Observer</a> by giving this place the award of <a href="http://www.dallasobserver.com/bestof/2011/award/best-barbecue-2400577/" target="_blank">"Best BBQ in Dallas"</a> but as I've said before, that's not saying much. For being a place that is such a pioneer of corporate BBQ, we have some really terrible BBQ places here. <b>Pecan Lodge</b> is the first place I've eaten at that really seems to get it right.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pecanlodge.com/" target="_blank"><b>Pecan Lodge</b></a><br />
<i>Dallas Farmers Market, Shed 2</i><br />
<i>1010 S. Pearl Expy.</i><br />
<i>Dallas, Texas 75201</i><br />
<i>214-748-8900 </i><i><br /></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aWX4pSQ7FEGFkkKaWvX08sQkXVhGcIxog9WOzn55_S0WNqBBpPmGVTqtzqiLdxld8hkajlbIGiorlD7BKaqs-NwNIU49M1-C4PBk7U31nzm7sZ-ueKuScB53czXN-hBn8bEiu3PbxqU/s1600/pecan_lodge_cookie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aWX4pSQ7FEGFkkKaWvX08sQkXVhGcIxog9WOzn55_S0WNqBBpPmGVTqtzqiLdxld8hkajlbIGiorlD7BKaqs-NwNIU49M1-C4PBk7U31nzm7sZ-ueKuScB53czXN-hBn8bEiu3PbxqU/s320/pecan_lodge_cookie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BTW, the cookie was really good too...it had PRETZELS in it!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-10930157232617304392012-04-25T19:25:00.001-07:002012-04-25T19:25:10.853-07:00Street Food Wednesdays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TF_mhtGMJPbOY60r2LRrpLWzYC6hM2sUmRjBM6bRSocTxi2ZyQfV7oVFAGGjCldgdZhpJx38fEEMJnDcFx1p0bQHl7Nf3Lwyy9WwW70-TbqIApPdJKgK7CNrJH_dvm_WUSr4vLx1H9k/s1600/41605_350166718366230_473086366_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TF_mhtGMJPbOY60r2LRrpLWzYC6hM2sUmRjBM6bRSocTxi2ZyQfV7oVFAGGjCldgdZhpJx38fEEMJnDcFx1p0bQHl7Nf3Lwyy9WwW70-TbqIApPdJKgK7CNrJH_dvm_WUSr4vLx1H9k/s1600/41605_350166718366230_473086366_n.jpg" /></a>I was going to write a post blasting the new event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/350166718366230/" target="_blank">Street Food Wednesdays</a>, where a bunch of food trucks park behind Crate & Barrel on Knox-Henderson and serve food, mostly because I went up there today and everyone was either closed or closing up. <br />
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I checked online at their Facebook page, and sure enough, the times said from 5pm to 9pm, which really pissed me off. But then I looked at the flyer that they have on their page, and the times are 5pm to 8pm. Which then made me feel first foolish, then regretful.<br />
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Needless to say, next week I'll definitely be there between 5pm and 8pm, instead of going to the gym and thinking I could pick something up afterwards. <br />
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This is a boring blog post...sorry. They can't all be winners.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com03104 Knox St, Dallas, TX 75205, USA32.82331 -96.78770732.821642 -96.790174499999992 32.824978 -96.7852395tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-39769008134091315962012-03-27T11:18:00.001-07:002012-03-27T11:21:22.406-07:00NOM NOMS : I ♥ New York at Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen Food Truck<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAysdozK78-ytYAmjOelcNM8Fmf6RneW70dp57wbMJ1q12NXgwLJe3wlHRvv7g5WABbRTx3lTJIiA7W9OKYSHam2RDAfVa3Or9fwaOyZGMbz6OvQwBoWGgmatQ46xx22VGl3hi_zrQhU/s1600/iluvny_gandolfos1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAysdozK78-ytYAmjOelcNM8Fmf6RneW70dp57wbMJ1q12NXgwLJe3wlHRvv7g5WABbRTx3lTJIiA7W9OKYSHam2RDAfVa3Or9fwaOyZGMbz6OvQwBoWGgmatQ46xx22VGl3hi_zrQhU/s320/iluvny_gandolfos1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So good, you forget it came off a truck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've been a big fan of the recent wave of gourmet food trucks that have invaded Dallas recently, and one of my favorites is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Gandolfosdallas" target="_blank">Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen</a>. And my favorite sandwich (which I discovered on accident), is the I ♥ New York, a corned beef & pastrami sandwich with Swiss cheese, and either Russian dressing or spicy mustard on a piece of delicious marble rye bread.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIPEJIsoA4wTeOFbPvkbu0KuQs-SDa8rjl-zXhxMhTjfBS7lYnapmnGPdsU-7cU8diMMImeVb0xxKxkedSuUg2k9AKKq7iA0LKQ0TFe_bRJ70fy0d3jE_FcVjOOa6f85O9JxQjKD-rQ4/s1600/iluvny_gandolfos2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIPEJIsoA4wTeOFbPvkbu0KuQs-SDa8rjl-zXhxMhTjfBS7lYnapmnGPdsU-7cU8diMMImeVb0xxKxkedSuUg2k9AKKq7iA0LKQ0TFe_bRJ70fy0d3jE_FcVjOOa6f85O9JxQjKD-rQ4/s200/iluvny_gandolfos2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any sammich that soaks thru the paper is a good sammich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I say I discovered it on accident, because one night, while I was getting a sandwich at Gandolfo's, another customer took the one I ordered and the guys at the truck ended up giving me his (plus some chips & a cookie...they felt bad about the mix up and those are some great guys at Gandolfo's). While I'm sure my roast beef was delicious, it didn't hold a candle to the mounds and mounds of corned beef and pastrami that I discovered as soon as I opened the butcher paper. And like that, I was aware of one of my <span style="font-size: large;"><b>FAVORITE SANDWICHES OF ALL TIME</b></span>. I know, I know...bold statement, but it's true.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvZngxRcHl7kL4cyN8KGdAygFyyPwpxz6h1BKd2W7RFiyoIOWcDKHfkovi3UguEfS3O2d4yDNQHxxMxy3WNLQXtJP6iqp5ipVehJYI9DJGrUYrnXcsFb19bFngbtg3qLIdTYz8VatiD0/s1600/iluvny_gandolfos3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvZngxRcHl7kL4cyN8KGdAygFyyPwpxz6h1BKd2W7RFiyoIOWcDKHfkovi3UguEfS3O2d4yDNQHxxMxy3WNLQXtJP6iqp5ipVehJYI9DJGrUYrnXcsFb19bFngbtg3qLIdTYz8VatiD0/s200/iluvny_gandolfos3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>If you're a fan of good deli sandwiches, you could do worse than ordering from the Gandolfo's truck. I haven't had a bad sandwich from there yet, and the I ♥ New York is a better sandwich than it's counterpart at <a href="http://www.delinewsdallas.com/" target="_blank">Deli News</a>. The meat is supple and juicy, and the Russian dressing is, in my opinion and also that of my GF's, better on the sandwich than the spicy mustard. However, a warning...this is a messy sandwich. I've never been able to eat it without getting meat juices and dressing all over my fingers, which I then eagerly licked clean. <br />
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You can usually find the Gandolfo's truck in the Arts District or in Uptown, but check out their <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/gandolfosdallas" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Gandolfosdallas" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to be sure of where they are. The guys on the truck are good peeps too...I've gotten shout outs back from them on Twitter before. And if anyone asks me, I always tout the greatness that is Gandolfo's.<br />
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<b>**UPDATE** : I forgot to mention, sometimes they're parked in front of Primo's on McKinney late at night for all your late night deli sandwich needs. Genius.</b>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-69501110595258876982012-03-21T14:54:00.001-07:002012-03-21T14:57:07.195-07:00JOINTS: Off Site Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>***NONE OF THESE PICTURES ARE MINE. I STOLE THEM OFF THE INTERNET***</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGBF6inyD8mhnJbPiuhZZaZCojFXnd9Is3LSzZJpFYozvUFf-EY-b9Yy_sWZDxpc-gQo7HPEzOv475Af9ItotxK2ZgHSzXX7OsJ0bwqDFfO7W927jeCMKzoUlirb1Pkd2-MjR2fOcBKA/s1600/IMG_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGBF6inyD8mhnJbPiuhZZaZCojFXnd9Is3LSzZJpFYozvUFf-EY-b9Yy_sWZDxpc-gQo7HPEzOv475Af9ItotxK2ZgHSzXX7OsJ0bwqDFfO7W927jeCMKzoUlirb1Pkd2-MjR2fOcBKA/s320/IMG_0164.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any place that has this sign out front has got to be good</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
For the past few weeks, a couple of friends of mine have been talking about Off Site Kitchen, the new place from Nick Badovinus (who opened up the Neighborhood Services restaurants). From what I've read, Off Site Kitchen is the place where all the meat and fish that's headed to the NS restaurants is taken and prepared before it's sent on. And just because he's an awesome chef, Badovinus decided to open up a little food shack out front and give people "light industrial food," or in other words, "what line cooks eat."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-ub-mXbtHUYQAdFGZJTVqooUnrOpj0Mhq-eog3k9k0okGuB3ZmyzN4jRIhOHcRzxk5X9fMTXrF8HQDFHTmsdWNEEnLNv6fDwWhmHSOGKY6gDzLx-VxzLnDQ5ZCyvpP40wyiXXPPM2UA/s1600/DSC_0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-ub-mXbtHUYQAdFGZJTVqooUnrOpj0Mhq-eog3k9k0okGuB3ZmyzN4jRIhOHcRzxk5X9fMTXrF8HQDFHTmsdWNEEnLNv6fDwWhmHSOGKY6gDzLx-VxzLnDQ5ZCyvpP40wyiXXPPM2UA/s200/DSC_0278.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I was supposed to meet a friend, but instead decided to go it alone, so I didn't have someone else yammering in my ear about how good it was...I wanted to have an unbiased mind. First off, the location is on the far west side of the Design District...near the Trinity River at the corner of Wycliff & Irving Blvd. At first I coudn't find it, because the only sign announcing it's presence is the metal one shown above that just says "EAT". I should have realized where it was with the mass of cars parked in the tiny parking lot and the line of people standing outside the door. I walked up, took a menu from the lovely waitress, and perused the items. <br />
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After talking with my friends, I knew that I was going to get the Crispy Sloppy Taco, a large taco shell filled with sloppy joe meat, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. And I heard good things about their burgers...<br />
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<i>...I must digress at this point, and change the subject of the conversation for the moment. There's been a lot of talk about how great of a burger town Dallas is, and I'm one of those people that champion it as the mecca of Burger-dom. But a recent conversation with my GF resulted in my understanding that a burger is a burger is a burger. There isn't much difference between the burger you get at Whataburger and the one you get at Twisted Root...the only difference is the condiments. I can't see how the ground beef is any different at one restaurant than it is at another...it's GROUND BEEF. In other words, I'm a bit of a burger snob. For me to classify a burger as A REALLY GOOD BURGER it's gotta blow my socks off...and usually that's done by changing something with the bun, or whatever junk you put on top of it. There endeth the sermon... </i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMBYSqjImMMbeowD5ncM0FZUBMNXjjNs0DWCyLu2HELmGEWnTrwZH2JB36AWyQsZZVq0pWa4UDojtyo5ms2JbTD4ElTSxpBZQKUuoMG4sCCGwzv02N3LMszQI_DGjIWgw0WfPAG5K6Ww/s1600/IMG_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMBYSqjImMMbeowD5ncM0FZUBMNXjjNs0DWCyLu2HELmGEWnTrwZH2JB36AWyQsZZVq0pWa4UDojtyo5ms2JbTD4ElTSxpBZQKUuoMG4sCCGwzv02N3LMszQI_DGjIWgw0WfPAG5K6Ww/s320/IMG_0171.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I walked into the former chicken shack and instantly fell in love with the decor. If I had a wood paneled man cave in the early 1980s, it would look like Off Site Kitchen. Posters & pictures adorn the walls along with beer signs & cow heads. The menu on the back wall looks like one that you'd find at an old butcher shop 30 years ago, and classic rock was blaring through the speakers.<br />
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If you're claustrophobic, you might just want to get a friend to go in and pick up your order, because the inside is SMALL...and with that many people trying to get at this delicious food, there were a few times that my personal space was invaded in an uncomfortable way. But the line moved fairly quickly and the lady behind the counter was efficient. <br />
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One of the great things about OSK is the old fashioned juice dispensers at the front. The best thing to do is grab a Styrofoam cup, fill it up with ice, find your favorite flavor (Hawaiian punch & Gatorade lost out to Lemonade for me) and sip on your beverage while waiting to place your order. Don't be like the lady in front of me that was doing her best MC Hammer impression, back and forth between the counter and the drink bar. Can't touch this.<br />
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I ordered my food and headed outside and sat down at one of the many picnic tables they have. I liked the planters they had on the table...small delicate flowers resting inside old Army ammo tins. That's a great metaphor for this place...the food is classy and refined, but it's made for the working man.<br />
<br />
My food came out fairly quickly considering the line, and I was aghast at the burger in front of me. The Double Delux is two meat patties covered with melted cheese, bacon, lettuce & tomatoes. There was no way I could stick this thing in my mouth. I picked it up out of the meat juices it was sitting in (not a big fan of that...my bun got all soggy) and started eating it like a lion attacks a gazelle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluFxFWizX58N3vLT0YKHOBfSx-BszuYGfN7tDk4ZmAisNK2c6Zx53Ng1zq0BHDomBJuuKG6Ja_6mFVUiUyhe4xcdvXcRHMsufSOtWjot0dg34g4uVDZx6o7_lFXVx6y3Ee_pGq3j6GLc/s1600/off-site-kitchen-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluFxFWizX58N3vLT0YKHOBfSx-BszuYGfN7tDk4ZmAisNK2c6Zx53Ng1zq0BHDomBJuuKG6Ja_6mFVUiUyhe4xcdvXcRHMsufSOtWjot0dg34g4uVDZx6o7_lFXVx6y3Ee_pGq3j6GLc/s320/off-site-kitchen-2.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>The burger was a tasty burger, but like I said above, it tasted how a good burger should taste. The ingredients were fresh, the meat was cooked throughout and was tender, but I could do the exact same thing on my grill at my apartment. Looking over the menu and reading other reviews, I really should have tried one of the sandwiches, which the place is really known for. The taco was as good as I was told, and the more I bit into it, the more I enjoyed it. One thing, though...it's a BIG taco, so make sure you have room to eat it. I was miserable after everything I ate this afternoon.<br />
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The real treat was the small pecan pie that I took home and enjoyed later at work. Wow. That thing was fantastic, though I don't know if it was $2.95 fantastic. If it was bigger, sure, but it was smaller than my palm.<br />
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All in all, it was a fantastic lunch, and I'm looking forward to going back again. Maybe tomorrow.<br />
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<b>Off Site Kitchen</b><br />
<i>2226 Irving Blvd. </i><br />
<i>Dallas, TX 75207</i><br />
<i>214-741-2226</i>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-21185889057362410902012-03-21T13:57:00.000-07:002012-03-21T13:57:10.270-07:00Sorry I haven't updated in awhile, I've been busy...with work, with my girlfriend, and eating...BOY HOW I'VE EATEN. Luckily, my GF likes to eat just as much as I do, so we've been hitting some pretty fantastic places around town. One of our original goals that we talked about was to eat at every restaurant on Knox / Henderson. So far, we've hit <a href="http://www.highlandparksodafountain.com/" target="_blank">Highland Park Soda Fountain</a>, <a href="http://www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/home.aspx" target="_blank">Chili's</a>, <a href="http://www.ontheborder.com/" target="_blank">On the Border</a>, <a href="http://www.wildaboutharrys.com/" target="_blank">Wild About Harry's</a>, <a href="http://www.chuys.com/" target="_blank">Chuy's</a>, <a href="http://velvettaco.com/" target="_blank">Velvet Taco</a>, <a href="http://www.dickeys.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Dickie's</a>, <a href="http://www.hibiscusdallas.com/" target="_blank">Hibiscus</a>, <a href="http://www.firesidepies.com/" target="_blank">Fireside Pies</a>, <a href="http://www.oldmonkdallas.com/" target="_blank">the Old Monk</a>, <a href="http://www.vickeryparkbar.com/" target="_blank">Vickery Park</a>, <a href="http://www.capitolpubdallas.com/" target="_blank">Capitol Pub</a>, Horne & Decker (no longer there), Fish City Grill (no longer there), <a href="http://neighborhoodservicesdallas.com/" target="_blank">Neighborhood Services Tavern</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sr2PvlNRjE" target="_blank">Louie's</a>, <a href="http://barcadiabars.com/barcadia-dallas/" target="_blank">Barcadia</a>, but there are still so many more to try. <br />
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Make sure you check out my Twitter handle <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/chubby_kid" target="_blank">@chubby_kid</a>, because I update that more than I do my blog. Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-42987240320857758922011-09-14T16:35:00.001-07:002012-03-21T13:43:17.068-07:00JOINTS: Capital Grille<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRank-8QRqmfRx4BbMk-eEcy5HoMYSDHr1cHB6xiTJ_Dz4Ra6QMu0ymbqLhrIPJzFASxiFmbTGAlaASBtIbfiuPvUCy1JsarY_GFrAnDmGOmD8X9HaZGfvP9_T8DF58qxQszd-6u2zXdc/s320/CapitalGrille-logo-2.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
I was lucky enough last night to have a truly fine dining experience. A friend of mine, miss L, had herself a little birthday yesterday, so as a birthday present I decided to take her out to a nice steak dinner. ("I wanna buy you a steak dinner")<br />
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To be honest, my first thoughts went something like this...<i>Texas Land & Cattle Co. or H3 Brothers in Ft. Worth</i>. Both are fine restaurants in their own right, but then I decided to wanted to do something really special for her. Luckily, as she always is, miss L took matters into her own hands and got herself a reservation to Capital Grille, located in the Crescent in uptown Dallas.<br />
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If you're a vegetarian or someone who can't eat things that have faces, this place is must seem like the 4th level of Hell. But for those that are looking for one of the BEST RESTAURANTS I'VE EVER BEEN TO...I know, bold statement...then look no further.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCdqfYuUx1gyy7uOJVgilhm61e1tyR33y8-BtN82mUKZf7erGFAKXEM_VMwDAniIj789WQ5HXfZZ469cbdkykTUDCsQ7c8OXn8HWK-SE8f-9yx11wetJWD99VM5rEWUJ7cAu-M9j0qPI/s1600/Capital+grille+filet+oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCdqfYuUx1gyy7uOJVgilhm61e1tyR33y8-BtN82mUKZf7erGFAKXEM_VMwDAniIj789WQ5HXfZZ469cbdkykTUDCsQ7c8OXn8HWK-SE8f-9yx11wetJWD99VM5rEWUJ7cAu-M9j0qPI/s320/Capital+grille+filet+oscar.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet Oscar...and yes, it tasted as good as it looks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since it was miss L's birthday, they rolled out the red carpet for her. The hostess greeted us warmly and quickly sat us at our table, which was decorated with birthday confetti and candles. Our waiter, Steve, introduced himself and let it be known that the kitchen had a few special things prepared for us. Miss L ordered a bottle of wine, and we were off!<br />
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The wine came out and two glasses were poured, and then Steve came back with two appetizers...the first was their crab & lobster cake with house-made tartar sauce, and the second was house-made mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto with heirloom tomatoes soaked in 12 year old Balsamic. To say they were heavenly was to do them injustice. The only thing that I could possibly see wrong with the meal was the mozzarella was cold, but delicious. Seriously, I don't think I've had mozzarella that good before...and especially not wrapped in prosciutto!<br />
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We ordered our main entrees...Miss L went with the Filet Oliver (small filet with crab meat & Bearnaise sauce drizzled over the top of it) and I went with the bone in Kona crusted dry aged sirloin with caramelized shallot butter. To say that this was one of the best steaks in my life wouldn't be a lie...it ranks up there with the very best! <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDgnq5mm7gtYiuazy-1TIjORAlCxWJX921XBCOBy6tZUoh2gdPkS-6Gvd-dP0ZMju8caHgtkCbH9GOnNVrEl6DuGQekPXJW0ydHC_6OC9kgLTLEDIM0yfwWvqrDKUOTW3immwI4UkZD0/s1600/03669b928e81dfc0dc8a5bdde7ae1356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDgnq5mm7gtYiuazy-1TIjORAlCxWJX921XBCOBy6tZUoh2gdPkS-6Gvd-dP0ZMju8caHgtkCbH9GOnNVrEl6DuGQekPXJW0ydHC_6OC9kgLTLEDIM0yfwWvqrDKUOTW3immwI4UkZD0/s320/03669b928e81dfc0dc8a5bdde7ae1356.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine wasn't cooked this well, but it tasted sooooo good</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My only complaints are minor and not at all worthy of writing here...but since this is food blog, I've gotta. I ordered my steak medium, hoping to get a nice wet center...but what I got was medium well to almost well done. No hot pink center, mostly cooked meat throughout. The center was better than the sides of the steak, but for a place as renowned as Capitol Grille, and for the prices we were paying, I should have gotten exactly what I was ordering. Miss L ordered her filet medium rare, but that little bastard almost moo'ed at us...it was RAW. That was really the only thing that I could complain about the whole experience...but for a steak house, this is a pretty major flaw.<br />
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One thing that wasn't lacking was the customer service. Steve was a professional waiter, and I don't mean that in a derogatory sort of way. This man was a PROFESSIONAL...which is something that is kinda lacking in society. The night was made special by the way that Steve treated us and waited on us, and he was really what made the night as enjoyable as it was. I will probably go into this more in another blog post, but professional waiters (and professional bartenders) are some of my favorite people in the world. Get to know them, chat 'em up, because if you do, you might find a friend for life...and get in good at some of the top restaurants in town.<br />
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The night ended with a surprise birthday cheesecake for Miss L and two glasses of champagne. The night was really special, and I hope my friend had a good birthday. Needless to say, the next time I want to impress someone, I'm taking them to Capital Grille!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu4vdqWdlimvM-XZcgaI_EGtOqHehP2Q7leqthNlJuuA5vRZYnY84YcL_J-0EzL1hXtey9SIbJO_5QJr2yUL-0wZq788jevAzmLCdUEi3jmCVn4k5UrFEzudyU8TeWsUMc0xQKvbs30Q/s1600/Capital+Grille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu4vdqWdlimvM-XZcgaI_EGtOqHehP2Q7leqthNlJuuA5vRZYnY84YcL_J-0EzL1hXtey9SIbJO_5QJr2yUL-0wZq788jevAzmLCdUEi3jmCVn4k5UrFEzudyU8TeWsUMc0xQKvbs30Q/s320/Capital+Grille.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>Capital Grille</b><br />
<i>locations across the US</i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/">http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/</a></i><br />
<br />
<b>Dallas location... </b><br />
<i>500 Crescent Court</i><br />
<i>Dallas, Texas 75201</i><br />
<i>In the Crescent Shops & Galleries</i><br />
<i>214-303-0500</i><br />
<br />
<b>***UPDATE***</b><br />
<b>From now on, miss L will be referred to as "THE GIRLFRIEND", as she has become my culinary partner for the foreseeable future. See what a nice dinner can get you? </b><i><br />
</i>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-21747425169411343552011-07-18T10:52:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:52:52.792-07:00NEWS: Top Chef is shooting in DallasAs it should be with you, <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef">Top Chef</a> is shooting it's new season in and around Dallas! Since there are only three things to do in this town (shop, drink, and eat), this would be a natural fit for the show. <br />
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<a href="http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/cityofate/2011/07/yes_top_chef_is_shotting_in_da.php">Check out the article on the Dallas Observer City of Ate blog, which has some scathing news about how the show demands places to pay for them to shoot there.</a><br />
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Now I need to start driving around town and see if I can stalk <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/gail-simmons">Gail Simmons</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7LdE-1sCXB2N-w5v1skDSpdqJtu1RAHJg9XTahcBq8dZzZTu1uBjq7WXZyu9nsOMSBTVLmGGy6v6T6oAisdAXdwwcDElqxeEp5WPhFxh5AYiAJ2OvneSpywic1Mx99RzEBNNEoaur3M/s1600/gail-simmons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7LdE-1sCXB2N-w5v1skDSpdqJtu1RAHJg9XTahcBq8dZzZTu1uBjq7WXZyu9nsOMSBTVLmGGy6v6T6oAisdAXdwwcDElqxeEp5WPhFxh5AYiAJ2OvneSpywic1Mx99RzEBNNEoaur3M/s320/gail-simmons.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I love you too Chubby Kid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-50362364841238882722011-07-18T10:30:00.001-07:002012-03-21T13:42:26.730-07:00JOINTS: Engine Co. No. 28<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmr0RlPKAwkhbJ8yKMD8-5C8iAlbqHrW4lg6WH31UXnUCYUf2ltn0KDJVHIOPw1NKvB8d-QZJD8-sdrlrlSld3swjYd9oajihPJBaW_cls-vFu76p7wyGYHN3yyrK9NWSYpV5pkr0Du8/s1600/Engine-Co.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmr0RlPKAwkhbJ8yKMD8-5C8iAlbqHrW4lg6WH31UXnUCYUf2ltn0KDJVHIOPw1NKvB8d-QZJD8-sdrlrlSld3swjYd9oajihPJBaW_cls-vFu76p7wyGYHN3yyrK9NWSYpV5pkr0Du8/s1600/Engine-Co.png" /></a></div><br />
One of the things about my job is that I sometimes get to go to neat places, but I never really get a chance to explore or appreciate the place I'm at. It's usually a business trip where time is of the essence, so my food choices are limited to what's near where I'm at. However, occasionally I find a little gem I didn't know about, and that was the case with <a href="http://www.engineco.com/">Engine Co. No. 28</a> in downtown Los Angeles.<br />
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I was pressed for time, so I needed someplace within walking distance of where I was in downtown, and right across the street was this old firehouse that someone had turned into a restaurant. I checked the reviews on <a href="http://www.yelp.com/">Yelp</a> and it looked like it had some decent reviews. I walked over with a co-worker and found ourselves a table very quickly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0orvnb9LHRXRYiSjhWFisxjP7bLlku5LCZ_D089nKFyzjXx2uPq2UZWThLtsh_AivG07AUGzfOiNkK-cvLVwvDklfUj_pME6ObIA7-E19MhFCRmfj4fBrwh3PJIsIp4HQSyh6s79A8U/s1600/c-photo-bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0orvnb9LHRXRYiSjhWFisxjP7bLlku5LCZ_D089nKFyzjXx2uPq2UZWThLtsh_AivG07AUGzfOiNkK-cvLVwvDklfUj_pME6ObIA7-E19MhFCRmfj4fBrwh3PJIsIp4HQSyh6s79A8U/s320/c-photo-bar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>First off, the service was great. The manager came up to us and got our drink orders and said that since we were in a hurry, our food would be at the top of the queue. In no time, out came our sandwiches, and I tucked into my cold meatloaf sandwich and cup of firehouse chili.<br />
<br />
The sandwich was really good, though I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had been heated up just a bit. It wasn't the normal kind of meatloaf that I was used to, but it was really good. The chili took some getting used to. I'm from Texas, and we're as proud of our chili as we are our barbeque, but this was more like a chili flavored soup with chunks of roast in it. At first, I wasn't a big fan, but by the end of the cup, I was lapping up what remained with a chunk of bread. The meal was done, we had our check paid for, and an enjoyable lunch was done in less than an hour on a busy Thursday afternoon.<br />
<br />
The inside of the restaurant is gorgeous, and they've definitely kept the "old firehouse" feel to it...the pole is still there! The waiters were friendly and efficient, the service was prompt but not rushed, and having the manager out there on the floor talking with us made us feel like we were big shots in the big city.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If I ever get the chance, I'll definitely be going back to this place...except next time, I'm going to get a bowl of the chili!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nkKyRvq7hkMdSqr1aWca_ZsRW3l_DDwsFW0e-7sxyiGvezawbiYK8NGPL6rI00F1H3xzaDKSnbm9wpMTX4HR1V8R7ZD581N0A1PTK3bYObnmU61L0alNI73RN4rUw-8Mff9KKDFoe8I/s1600/250px-Engine_Co._No._28%252C_Los_Angeles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nkKyRvq7hkMdSqr1aWca_ZsRW3l_DDwsFW0e-7sxyiGvezawbiYK8NGPL6rI00F1H3xzaDKSnbm9wpMTX4HR1V8R7ZD581N0A1PTK3bYObnmU61L0alNI73RN4rUw-8Mff9KKDFoe8I/s320/250px-Engine_Co._No._28%252C_Los_Angeles.JPG" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Engine Co. No. 28</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>644 S. Figueroa Street<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90017<br />
Phone: (213) 624-6996<br />
Fax: (213) 622-8780<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:information@engineco.com">information@engineco.com</a><br />
Web: <a href="http://www.engineco.com/">www.engineco.com</a></i></div>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-70786105977153189062011-07-18T09:42:00.001-07:002012-03-21T13:42:09.003-07:00JOINTS: California Chicken Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mDczioHEtQp-XvvzRzpfHJLrjee4gQ8KLCx1TQzRyglZ8rw6gG_pYOVSTp8JYqI2Asd4WY8G6PvadZGy255yG2ue3QOHSqHkQNdN_PW-mhS7mkVjPFNIJW2_ylg3dzp9UwNTWPzNeTg/s1600/CaliforniaChickenCafe224x160x01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mDczioHEtQp-XvvzRzpfHJLrjee4gQ8KLCx1TQzRyglZ8rw6gG_pYOVSTp8JYqI2Asd4WY8G6PvadZGy255yG2ue3QOHSqHkQNdN_PW-mhS7mkVjPFNIJW2_ylg3dzp9UwNTWPzNeTg/s1600/CaliforniaChickenCafe224x160x01.jpg" /></a></div>After a killer travel day, I pulled into my hotel in Sherman Oaks and immediately hit up <a href="http://www.yelp.com/">Yelp</a> to try and find some food. The only thing I had consumed all day was a <a href="http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/full_menu/breakfast/bacon_egg_cheese_biscuit.html">McDonald's Bacon, Egg & Cheese biscuit</a> earlier in the morning, and it seemed like everything was trying to prevent me from eating. There were a couple of choices within walking distance of my hotel, but the only one that had 4 stars on Yelp and a lot of positive reviews was <a href="http://www.californiachickencafe.com/">California Chicken Cafe</a>. What the heck, I thought, I like chicken.<br />
<br />
I walked over to the restaurant and saw what looked like a West Coast version of <a href="http://www.bostonmarket.com/home">Boston Market</a>. There were a lot of healthy things on the menu, but I had picked out a few that were recommended in reviews on Yelp. I started off with the 3 piece rotisserie chicken plate, and since dinner was on my office, I went with three sides of hummus, potatoes, and Asian side salad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZMQ7itRjhjWpocDrCrqguEXZgvSjK3IS-8uidBKp9vCi7CtHEXQEl4qL5r20yNUqgmbHuX5UDPrvAZcOpDenp11o85QGUpAYcYnugM1DbV1T-AOYSIXTTdR5cs_PFhQ-Nvg3w5D57q8/s1600/California+Chicken+Cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZMQ7itRjhjWpocDrCrqguEXZgvSjK3IS-8uidBKp9vCi7CtHEXQEl4qL5r20yNUqgmbHuX5UDPrvAZcOpDenp11o85QGUpAYcYnugM1DbV1T-AOYSIXTTdR5cs_PFhQ-Nvg3w5D57q8/s320/California+Chicken+Cafe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>To start off, the chicken was mediocre at best....Boston Market has these guys beat pants down when it comes to oven-roasted chicken. The skin was sticky and kept getting stuck to the insides of my mouth, but the worst part was the taste! It had none! I tried picking at the smell pieces of chicken, but it was a lost cause.<br />
<br />
Luckily, the sides were pretty decent. The hummus had a pretty strong cumin flavor, but it was good...there was just SO MUCH OF IT. Seriously, I could have shared that hummus with everyone in the restaurant and still had enough to snack on later. And the two pieces of pita they gave me for it didn't help put a dent in it. I finally had to start eating it with my fork, which was weird.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAxGDeMGlhTJzhg-2fsRQ-8BJeYGWDy_Z6aVIrvHrJwr4t4tSqAbtyRjOtjA2BXTwgR-ecSdJVVeVrwcN5CHXM88ZBDMiffKkKhMLBKv7crlD1AbPfDblJPZwKssYR8aHpFxZ8JiWS8A/s1600/caiforniachickencafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAxGDeMGlhTJzhg-2fsRQ-8BJeYGWDy_Z6aVIrvHrJwr4t4tSqAbtyRjOtjA2BXTwgR-ecSdJVVeVrwcN5CHXM88ZBDMiffKkKhMLBKv7crlD1AbPfDblJPZwKssYR8aHpFxZ8JiWS8A/s1600/caiforniachickencafe.jpg" /></a>I followed the advice of the reviews on Yelp and ordered the Asian side salad, and that was pretty damn good...made me wish I had just ordered the chicken salad instead of the rotisserie. I enjoyed the entire thing until I got down to the bottom of my cup and noticed the big black hair there. Telling myself that it was probably just one of my hairs, I continued on to the potatoes, which were another highlight of the Yelp reviews. They were tasty, a little rubbery, but pretty damn tasty with their sauteed onions. Luckily, the pre-hair discovery Asian salad and potatoes made up for the mediocre chicken & cumin covered hummus. <br />
<br />
My final opinion is that while California Chicken Cafe might be a healthier alternative to Boston Market, it is NOT a better one. Next time I'm in the Sunshine State, I won't be heading there for lunch or dinner again.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-43041155865773592322011-01-03T00:09:00.000-08:002011-01-03T00:09:01.349-08:00TxL&CC, you are not my friend tonight<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7slt_ZS3bBMPIwNYePgIdwJb4HytYLfR9X0eTSPNeGEUAVurroVuqbi9N-nv0MqK3B7p4zeAmHrzzcf9-0K_Nh-8sgJ_LWeYxqTo0b1xFyuUehHzoQjx5SboBsQBJeESw6b5r3CKkVo/s1600/Texas+Land+and+Cattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7slt_ZS3bBMPIwNYePgIdwJb4HytYLfR9X0eTSPNeGEUAVurroVuqbi9N-nv0MqK3B7p4zeAmHrzzcf9-0K_Nh-8sgJ_LWeYxqTo0b1xFyuUehHzoQjx5SboBsQBJeESw6b5r3CKkVo/s200/Texas+Land+and+Cattle.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why do you hurt me so?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I just got back from a dinner at <a href="http://www.texaslandandcattle.com/files/home.aspx">Texas Land & Cattle Company</a> on Lemmon Ave and Cole, which is one of my favorite chain steakhouses. I decided to do something a bit different, and I didn't order my usual Smoked Sirloin, which is a poor imitation of <a href="http://www.h3ranch.com/">Hunter Brothers H3 Ranch</a> smoked sirloin, which is damned near the best meat I've ever put in my mouth (insert joke here...(insert another joke about my "insert joke here" remark)).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83Xjn0TJG07tooiU_3qRruAXMlU8_xd1lk-tdYE8vH4bJVhU4oTBBxnh3BdAJf2WmE8xAXsGNGsuupnl4uHErP0WwU59ILVlBoptdGZqsut7T6kRh2xeCNhkukJXEnuwYVKuQB4bdkEY/s1600/4861319189_e15d421f85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83Xjn0TJG07tooiU_3qRruAXMlU8_xd1lk-tdYE8vH4bJVhU4oTBBxnh3BdAJf2WmE8xAXsGNGsuupnl4uHErP0WwU59ILVlBoptdGZqsut7T6kRh2xeCNhkukJXEnuwYVKuQB4bdkEY/s200/4861319189_e15d421f85.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine did not look this good</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I decided to try the Bacon Wrapped Sirloin because...HEY! I LIKE BACON! I mean, I had some this morning, and my apartment still smells like it (mmmm....bacon). What came out was a pitiful looking 6 ounce sirloin that must have been on it's way to becoming ground beef, but instead ended up on my plate. It was tough, full of sinew, and the bacon was lank and unappetizing. <br />
<br />
Of course I ate it, and it was mediocre at best, but from now on, I will definitely be following my heart and not my head and ordering the smoked sirloin.<br />
<br />
The mashed potatoes were good, though.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-90784319200267990312010-05-24T21:21:00.000-07:002010-05-24T21:21:13.614-07:00BREAKING NEWS!!! In-N-Out Burger coming to Texas!I know I haven't blogged in awhile (chubby kid gotta work so chubby kid can eat!), but I thought I'd break my silence with this HUGE piece of news...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/around-town/food-drink/In-N-Out-to-Build-in-Garland-94770729.html">(click here for the original story) </a><br />
<h1 class="title"> <span>In-N-Out to Build in Garland</span> </h1><h5 class="author">By <a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/results/?keywords=%22FRANK+HEINZ%22&author=y&sort=date">FRANK HEINZ</a> </h5><h6 class="timestamp">Updated 4:00 PM CDT, Mon, May 24, 2010</h6><div class="imwarelist"><div class="user_interaction share_module"><script language="javascript" src="http://www.nbcdfw.com/includes/nbc_post_fb.js?r=2009-04-29" type="text/javascript">
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</script> <div class="jqm jqm_abs_wrapper_1"> <div class="jqmNotice jqm_ex_image jqmID1" id="jqm_wrp_1"> <div class="jqmnTitle jqDrag"> <div class="overlayTitle"> </div></div></div></div><!-- // IMAGE OVERLAY \\ --> <div class="image_embed"> <div class="overlay_wrap_lead" id="jqm_trg_1"> <div class="dropshadow mainLeadImageWidth"> <span class="bordermask"><img alt="" border="0" class="storyImage1" height="307" src="http://media.nbcdfw.com/images/410*307/in-n-out+burger.jpg" title="" width="410" /></span> </div><div class="caption_background" id="imgCaptionWrp_1"> <span class="credit overlay_caption_text"></span> </div></div></div><!-- \\ IMAGE OVERLAY // --> </div><div id="paragraph1"><i><a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/around-town/food-drink/Double-Double-Rumor-Up-and-Running-Again--92230689.html">The rumors started up again late last month</a> about yet another burger chain looking to leave a footprint in the DFW burger-crazy market. The rumor appears to be true -- <a class="informTopicLink" href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/topics?topic=In-N-Out+Burgers+Inc." title="In-N-Out Burgers Inc.">In-N-Out</a> is gunning for <a class="informTopicLink" href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/topics?topic=North+Texas" title="North
Texas">North Texas</a> and at least one location is now known.</i></div><div id="paragraph1"><br />
</div><div id="paragraph2"><i>According to the city of Garland website, the planning commission approved <a class="informTopicLink" href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/topics?topic=Jim+Powell" title="Jim Powell">Jim Powell</a>'s plans for the first In-N-Out location in Texas east of Lavon Drive and south of Town Center Boulevard.</i></div><div id="paragraph3"><i>Last month, <a class="informTopicLink" href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/topics?topic=Carl+Van+Fleet" title="Carl
Van Fleet">Carl Van Fleet</a>, VP of Planning and Development for In-N-Out, told the EatsBlog "We are, in fact, working on a few site opportunities in the market," he wrote. "However, it is still very early in the process so it would be premature to comment on any specific sites and very premature to speculate as to if/when we might actually be doing business in the <a class="informTopicLink" href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/topics?topic=Dallas+%28Texas%29" title="Dallas (Texas)">Dallas</a> area." </i></div><div id="paragraph3"><br />
</div><div id="paragraph4"><i>Looks like the time is now and that double-double animal style will soon be a very popular term in the Metroplex.</i></div><div id="paragraph4"><br />
</div><div id="paragraph5"><i>In-N-Out currently has locations in California, Arizona and Nevada.</i></div><div id="paragraph5"></div><div id="paragraph5"><br />
</div><div id="paragraph5">Everytime I've been in LA, I've never had a chance to eat an <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/">In-N-Out burger</a>, even though I've been told they're the bee's knee's by more than one person. But Texas is a tough burger market...not only does Dallas have great burger places like <a href="http://www.chips-burgers.com/">Chips</a>, <a href="http://jakesburgers.net/">Jake's</a> and <a href="http://www.twistedrootburgerco.com/">Twisted Root</a>, but the chains here (<a href="http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/">Dairy Queen</a>, Texas Burger, <a href="http://www.whataburger.com/">Whataburger</a>) ain't too bad either. It'll be interesting to see how it fares here in the Lone Star State. <i><br />
</i></div>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-80778498339180833292010-03-07T14:24:00.001-08:002012-03-21T13:41:51.261-07:00NOM NOMS: Mama's Meatballs from Jimmy's Food Store<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yIytneCpe1rkGm0lop_Ou3BZiM4x1cwUdcAZxS60XWcUDpUBj220coxu1sAwNdTzdjOQ7v-X6fB1Sl0gZv0iYfsuwRauBZUpGy-4vSYHNC9WK2-_lBIaIz1V8QkZazSFU-MCwFA8mgw/s1600-h/logo_background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yIytneCpe1rkGm0lop_Ou3BZiM4x1cwUdcAZxS60XWcUDpUBj220coxu1sAwNdTzdjOQ7v-X6fB1Sl0gZv0iYfsuwRauBZUpGy-4vSYHNC9WK2-_lBIaIz1V8QkZazSFU-MCwFA8mgw/s320/logo_background.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If you live in Dallas and you like food and you haven't been to <a href="http://www.jimmysfoodstore.com/">Jimmy's Food Store</a> yet...what the F is wrong with you? Seriously, this is one of the BEST places to get fresh pasta, meats, and wine in the area...and their sandwiches ain't half bad either.<br />
<br />
But the reason I made a trip there was to pick up a couple pounds of what can only be described as THE BEST MEATBALLS IN THE WORLD. Yeah, I said it. How did I find this out?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1JMu4pkoe1WXG9jy0aCha7ffNJKC7eh7Sh2o_E7wyYQy80vgki_wY98TeSOeNWKJ0ytpQh4xYc4mIU4x1zeKyuPlbzrHv_AlLfXAD6M3BjuPd4dYmCvaS1dixy7lx-yX6yHSaJS6ddM/s1600-h/contact_store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1JMu4pkoe1WXG9jy0aCha7ffNJKC7eh7Sh2o_E7wyYQy80vgki_wY98TeSOeNWKJ0ytpQh4xYc4mIU4x1zeKyuPlbzrHv_AlLfXAD6M3BjuPd4dYmCvaS1dixy7lx-yX6yHSaJS6ddM/s320/contact_store.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A friend of mine was going to a party where his dish to bring was simple meatballs for appetizers. I suggested Jimmy's, and away we went. Not only did I open his eyes to that wonderfulness, but we checked out the Mexican grocery store across the street (greatness) and I've already written on this blog about Mai's Vietnamese food, on the same corner of Fitzhugh and Bryan.<br />
<br />
We took the meatballs home, cooked him, threw in some sauce, and set them out for people to munch on. Everyone at the party devoured them, and I swore that the next time I was in town, I was taking some meatballs home to Mom and Doc. And true to form, both the parental units were blown away at how delicious these little meaty bastards are.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
If you get the chance, venture into the area and check out Jimmy's, even if you're not going to buy anything. It's like what I imagine a New York style market to be like. And there's always some Dino or Frank playing over the stereo. And their wine selection is pretty outrageous as well. And the sandwiches are fantastic. I really can't say enough about it.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.jimmysfoodstore.com/">Jimmy's Food Store</a></b><br />
<i>4901 Bryan Street at Fitzhugh</i><br />
<i>Dallas TX, 75206</i><br />
<i>214.823.6180</i>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-55961731671998773652009-12-06T13:10:00.001-08:002012-03-21T13:41:17.308-07:00JOINTS: Leona General Store Steakhouse<a href="http://www.leonageneralstore.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412236392837244130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjox4gmd8YFtbQHh8-iGJhlUzd5lPEbL81-U8uXaO1wKUqSMTltvDIrdFJWUBCJr1dWG7tOjvqfcsSGiyfe6gPCzWwMNipoGEp66oWlijyGQbewjNOyTuIkY4sFcqOJiP8XmfRCPeEd7q4/s320/lgs_logo.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 201px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Texas has a very unique type of restaurant that I don't think you can find in other parts of the country...the small town steakhouse. Most are famous in their own area, though a few (like the <a href="http://www.periniranch.com/">Perini Ranch Steakhouse</a> in Buffalo Gap) can become world famous.<br />
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As I've traveled around the state, I've gotten the chance to sample the wares at these small steakhouses, from the aforementioned <a href="http://www.periniranch.com/">Pereini Ranch</a>...to the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=steak+shed+jack+county+texas&fb=1&gl=us&hq=steak+shed&hnear=jack+county+texas&cid=7218232862510376259">Steak Shed</a> in Jack County...to the infamous <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/114/1428216/restaurant/College-Station/Somerville/Sodolaks-Original-Country-Inn-Snook">Country Inn Steakhouse</a> in Somerville.<br />
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But my absolute favorite would also have to be the closest to me, and that's the <a href="http://www.leonageneralstore.com/">Leona General Store Steakhouse</a>, right off of I-45 between Dallas and Houston. Like all good small town steakhouses, Leona General Store is only open Thursdays (catfish night), Fridays and Saturdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, your choices are steak, chicken, and pork chops. The sides include a trip to the salad bar, twice baked potatoes, and hot buttered dinner rolls. And dessert, of course. But that's it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvICdmdgNw89uBcR2NUgePTXdHcCpwlw3MY-VAQlz6eQpD_HUmIqsHoB9tlFekVDqGk01q-vZFuf1b7IPT3URTKPuU0CtdRWStZKQkY5ASBPtQPkD-2juQJq3WkmMPepIgNe-6rI_KGI/s1600-h/GWRobinson1_Leona_2003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412241552193700162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvICdmdgNw89uBcR2NUgePTXdHcCpwlw3MY-VAQlz6eQpD_HUmIqsHoB9tlFekVDqGk01q-vZFuf1b7IPT3URTKPuU0CtdRWStZKQkY5ASBPtQPkD-2juQJq3WkmMPepIgNe-6rI_KGI/s320/GWRobinson1_Leona_2003.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 278px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>Make sure you get there early, because EVERYBODY from a number of different towns around the area make this a must. We got there around 6pm, and didn't have to wait for a table. Once you're there, get ready to have some nice dinner conversation, because service is a bit slow, but they always refill your drinks, and if you get a waitress like Dee, you're in for a treat.<br />
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This is as typical of a small town steakhouse as you can get, and it has all the country charm. We sat in the "John Wayne Room" which has wall to wall pictures and posters of The Duke. I ordered the 12oz steak, and that's what I got. 12 ounces of meaty delicious goodness, with a fine spicy crust on the steak. There wasn't even any fat or gristle to trim off, and that which was left went straight into my mouth.<br />
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The twice baked potatoes are heavenly, with chives, bacon and cheese in them, and the buttered dinner rolls are slippery with butter, perfect for mopping up leftover juices. We finished dinner off with two orders of dessert for our table; some bread pudding with rum sauces, and blackberry cobbler with Homemade Vanilla <a href="http://www.bluebell.com/">Blue Bell Ice Cream</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leona General Store Steakhouse</span></div><span style="font-style: italic;">FM 977 & Hwy 75</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Leona, Texas</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">(903) 344 - 2202</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">*if you're driving between Dallas & Houston on I - 45, then take the Leona exit (FM 977) and go a short way until you hit Hwy 75. Make sure you get there before 6pm, or you're in for a wait. Only open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and only serve catfish on Thursdays. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt06cphQ3lhykfG6M7LV5Np2-myDTxJdNyRcmmlw90aSLK4w6UtNE1eP33gsR8UUMWCb_YKNHRL0or_Jn3XjFqsIeqlWNIcfFzLqO6elEYgEiUoUsM4d3_wcWYi6v8j2HyoE6JvcwqSPQ/s1600-h/9305639.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412243677816940738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt06cphQ3lhykfG6M7LV5Np2-myDTxJdNyRcmmlw90aSLK4w6UtNE1eP33gsR8UUMWCb_YKNHRL0or_Jn3XjFqsIeqlWNIcfFzLqO6elEYgEiUoUsM4d3_wcWYi6v8j2HyoE6JvcwqSPQ/s400/9305639.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-79500171368671349992009-12-05T14:28:00.000-08:002009-12-06T13:09:29.716-08:00MY CULINARY TRIP THROUGH AUSTIN, TEXASOver the past two weeks, I've spent a bunch of time in Austin, Texas working...and as I'm wont to do...eating. And eating well, I must add. Below are the reviews of three places that I went to while I was visiting the Lone Star state's capitol. Much thanks to my hosts, Lois & Brad, for the grub!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLACES: Cheesecake Factory</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C9jKricEGKDQdhWopxw3CjiUI45s1DLab9MSnS73TW9U-dTANegAZmzd0TU5H_ZXiecONZ3vnyZYTgI_EGiXNJ4uGQkgNSzktR5BtdVaHL89vbuxEEbsFrl_ekcj8QRm7dXMdIMDbsg/s1600-h/Cheesecake+Factory2.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C9jKricEGKDQdhWopxw3CjiUI45s1DLab9MSnS73TW9U-dTANegAZmzd0TU5H_ZXiecONZ3vnyZYTgI_EGiXNJ4uGQkgNSzktR5BtdVaHL89vbuxEEbsFrl_ekcj8QRm7dXMdIMDbsg/s320/Cheesecake+Factory2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411892726173207298" border="0" /></a>I'm ready to make a confession, right here and right now.<br /><br />I've never been to the <a href="http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/">Cheesecake Factory</a>.<br /><br />It was never a conscious decision not to go, there just isn't one anywhere near me. And I always thought, I'm not really in the mood for cheesecake right now. And if I am in the mood for cheesecake, I get it at whatever restaurant I'm in at the time. I mean, a cheesecake's a cheesecake, right?<br /><br />Well, I was about to be proved wrong. When I was told where we were going, I again stated, "But I'm not in the mood for cheesecake." Oh, they have more than just cheesecake, I was informed. They have a 40 PAGE MENU. This I couldn't believe, I had to see it with my own eyes, so off we went.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVRcmZxyOcebrOiYjqX_5DyVRj4etbmBqGxa3528dkTqjasyh3PRTgV7q4g2hD2ef-A5EMNCpVLmSxQKfKHbh6lWtXRwrTaW_wW4Er_7hDzNss2k6fuBI6Ch9SHKK4lPWjD3JnhDX7vo/s1600-h/cheesecake_factory.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVRcmZxyOcebrOiYjqX_5DyVRj4etbmBqGxa3528dkTqjasyh3PRTgV7q4g2hD2ef-A5EMNCpVLmSxQKfKHbh6lWtXRwrTaW_wW4Er_7hDzNss2k6fuBI6Ch9SHKK4lPWjD3JnhDX7vo/s320/cheesecake_factory.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411893085272422082" border="0" /></a>My first impression of the place was like a Vegas casino, but for food...which instantly struck my fancy. We sat down in the bar, and were informed numerous times that they were understaffed. Thanks for the heads-up, but once or twice is enough, pal. Even though our drinks took a long time to get to us, our appetizers came out fairly promptly. Kudos to Brad for picking the Buffalo Blasters, which came with their own sides of bleu cheese and Franks Hot Sauce. I ordered the Chicken Madeira, which their menu states is their signature chicken dish. And the menu IS almost 40 pages long, though half of that is advertisements.<br /><br />I wasn't disappointed with the C Factory (as I will call it from now on), and will probably be going back. A good point was made at dinner, though. For some people, the Cheesecake Factory is their version of fine dining, and the portions match the price for their dishes.<br /><br />This chubby kid will definitely be going back, though I hope next time, I'll have a waitress that looks like Kaley Cuoco from The Big Bang Theory.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC2bFc_xXYL-vjcTn9YQtesJHfzqoGMwdwW9ftPLAaEr-FjJqnkMVR2HXJ8w1k4Y5B07rhrRPhYBDgQDsMddttBED3vzscqjPSJipc2mXB69HkfIMLW3Ky9rBqX1nlmzocV4rxS_SFwc/s1600-h/bigbangtheory-hamburgerpostulate_1193182646.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRC2bFc_xXYL-vjcTn9YQtesJHfzqoGMwdwW9ftPLAaEr-FjJqnkMVR2HXJ8w1k4Y5B07rhrRPhYBDgQDsMddttBED3vzscqjPSJipc2mXB69HkfIMLW3Ky9rBqX1nlmzocV4rxS_SFwc/s320/bigbangtheory-hamburgerpostulate_1193182646.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411893333242454194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >If our waiter had looked like her, I would eat there all the time.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a href="http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheesecake Factory</span></a><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">10000 Research Blvd</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Austin, TX 78759-5854</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(512) 241-0777</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLACES: Roaring Fork</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XuSiFmYYmETw845swerGMrvHi-JAGNwGlyUdEXzGQA1gQ5U44_bYl30wKkth4AZDHNfn7eR2GTxB2MGa2njbsxd1JK1926XEEFwAy8M8SZnG6j3lTk_iu3o0Ngt-Dy0Q_v_wj_vjA-A/s1600-h/roaring_fork_logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XuSiFmYYmETw845swerGMrvHi-JAGNwGlyUdEXzGQA1gQ5U44_bYl30wKkth4AZDHNfn7eR2GTxB2MGa2njbsxd1JK1926XEEFwAy8M8SZnG6j3lTk_iu3o0Ngt-Dy0Q_v_wj_vjA-A/s320/roaring_fork_logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411884987827657874" border="0" /></a><br />After a long day of work, we headed down to dinner at the Roaring Fork, located inside the beautiful historic Stephen F. Austin hotel in downtown Austin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdDZXeUxI9t0yvOzaPZdm902hqNPeaaOLiIZBJ8FZDu4JoRYbHEsg9_-oIkVSLybyAuFc-eNh0JRnXF-pbh0rPQ_IFVFS-yibOf_bKD6bLNCxs7nVNdYlEVr8txGRk-lqo-ZAr2Dxvos/s1600-h/roaring-fork-exterior.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdDZXeUxI9t0yvOzaPZdm902hqNPeaaOLiIZBJ8FZDu4JoRYbHEsg9_-oIkVSLybyAuFc-eNh0JRnXF-pbh0rPQ_IFVFS-yibOf_bKD6bLNCxs7nVNdYlEVr8txGRk-lqo-ZAr2Dxvos/s320/roaring-fork-exterior.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411887030695675234" border="0" /></a>The bar, I was told, is a good place to go if you want to pick up single women who are traveling, and I'm pretty sure this was true. There was definitely more female clientele than male, so I put on my best "I'm a famous blogger" pose and let the ladies come to me.<br /><br />The place was dark but very cozy. A fireplace was at the end of the bar with small couch-like seats and the bar waitress' were helpful and prompt. There isn't really a way to screw up a Johnnie Walker Red on the rocks, but my companions seemed to enjoy their cocktails and we soon moved to our table.<br /><br />We were seated (a bit too close and uncomfortably) and told the specials. I wasn't especially hungry (WHAAA?), so I ordered the Crisp Chicken, which came with black beans and tortillas. And that's exactly what I got.<br /><br />I'm sure that if I ordered something else, I would have been more impressed, but my chicken was so-so, my tortillas were wet and ordinary, and the black beans were just beans. The menu was chock full of good eats, and next time I head there, I'll try something different.<br /><br />My overall impression of the place was that it was a fancy version of Cowboy Chow, which does the whole Southwest flavor thing a helluva lot better. I'll give it another chance, though, because I hear the Big Ass Burger is pretty fantastic. But as nice and posh as the place is, it's still a chain, and their chicken reminded me of something I could get at Taco Cabana...but TC's would have better tortillas.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.eddiev.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roaring Fork</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">701 Congress Avenue</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Austin, TX 78701-3216</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(512) 583-0000</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLACES: Z Tejas</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawahM4bCLyajkEhmN3kol7uMJh6JamH5PZtGuCfGZsbg0tCxF2q7fof31ffhfxxE7E1r7HegoVRyt_FybwfgOoUX80GT_t0mpmcqmdj0JxDhjZmf-oxf_rAuGJQr1Pgl_t-Dc4-Ayf2Y/s1600-h/z-tejas-shouthwest-grill.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawahM4bCLyajkEhmN3kol7uMJh6JamH5PZtGuCfGZsbg0tCxF2q7fof31ffhfxxE7E1r7HegoVRyt_FybwfgOoUX80GT_t0mpmcqmdj0JxDhjZmf-oxf_rAuGJQr1Pgl_t-Dc4-Ayf2Y/s320/z-tejas-shouthwest-grill.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412229129856351186" border="0" /></a>As I was about to head home, my hosts took me out for one last dinner, this time to <a href="http://www.ztejas.com/">Z Tejas</a> in the Austin Arboretum area. I had to admit, I was in the mood for some Mexican food, being in Austin and all, and my fellow diners extolled the virtues of this place.<br /><br />I sat down, ordered my usual Johnnie Walker Red on the rocks, and perused the menu. The first thing that came to mind was, this place is a fancy <a href="http://www.abuelos.com/">Abuelos</a>, which is a compliment in my book. The menu items were different takes on Mexican standards, and I kept choosing one, only to go back to another one, and then seeing something else that I wanted to try.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-Bn11v6fLSJixpZvmOIfSdbf6PjItDPU870UMLqTXsVdv_SxR9Fg06PDymIsP_ivgRPvFwHhSkz1GX01i37slB6tZ0kSeMAisQtfnzjAFQ98_vbQE5uAQLyXkEwLH9qzk0nF3gGbhA/s1600-h/883076dbcc2b8327f7815a4290c9f649.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-Bn11v6fLSJixpZvmOIfSdbf6PjItDPU870UMLqTXsVdv_SxR9Fg06PDymIsP_ivgRPvFwHhSkz1GX01i37slB6tZ0kSeMAisQtfnzjAFQ98_vbQE5uAQLyXkEwLH9qzk0nF3gGbhA/s320/883076dbcc2b8327f7815a4290c9f649.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412229833511409186" border="0" /></a>I picked the chorizo-stuffed pork tenderloin, which reminded me of the chorizo-stuffed chicken that Abuelos has, and I was not disappointed. Very good, though I think I prefer the chicken more. That's just WAAAY too much pork together for me. Chorizo plus bacon plus pork tenderloin. I'm surprised I didn't oink when I left.<br /><br />The queso was good too, as were the tostada bites, which were small tostada chips with guacamole and a big fat shrimp on the top. I popped two into my mouth before I even passed the plate.<br /><br />I ended the night full and not ready to drive the two plus hours home after a long day of working and a delicious meal with good company. But drive I did, and made it home to enjoy the <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/301/1275566/restaurant/Texas/Centerville/Leona-General-Store-Leona">Leona General Store Steakhouse</a> the next night. That review to come later.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ztejas.com/z-tejas-arboretum.html">Z Tejas</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">9400 A. Arboretum Blvd</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Austin, TX 78759</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(512) 346-3506</span><br /><br />All in all, a wonderful trip to Austin, with lots of delicious food consumed, good company enjoyed, and a lot of different places that I can go back to to try out different things. I can't wait to go back.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-84200372188922640002009-10-04T22:27:00.000-07:002009-10-04T22:33:54.694-07:00I'm sorry gentle readers (Lois, Beth & Nic, Melissa), but I haven't eaten anywhere spectacular lately. I'm hoping to knock out something this week, though. I'm hoping to make it to the State Fair, and try the food booths for the best (and worst) of the Fair Foods. <br /><br />And just to be fair (heh heh, get it, since I was JUST blogging about the State Fair, now I've used "fair" in another way), here's the link to the <a href="http://eatsblog.guidelive.com/">Dallas Morning News food blog EATS</a>. It's pretty good, if you like eating at expensive douchy places like Craft and Loft 610....sigh....I'd love to eat at Craft. Anyway, I'm the other end of the spectrum from that blog, checking out all the mom-and-pop places...with some fancy schmancy thrown in there for good measure.<br /><br />If you have any requests, or ideas, of places for me to try and review, then let me hear from you, America!Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-17047729486058846542009-09-24T14:00:00.001-07:002012-03-21T13:40:46.927-07:00JOINTS: Taco Joint<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4EmWYM7Eiyn_vw7ZtXZ0_N-Kl4CltPGL7yfDBnn8vwfx2v15DEubYDR2fSvq22PSrDBXg0wn49JjPvVg0vbaSdCW6Xnnx7RB0N2roHgsa1iUkwANM01KmdyKOHJQR523Gbq9DRNd-iQ/s1600-h/1b_VeteransDay_t26.jpg.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385150563362267474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4EmWYM7Eiyn_vw7ZtXZ0_N-Kl4CltPGL7yfDBnn8vwfx2v15DEubYDR2fSvq22PSrDBXg0wn49JjPvVg0vbaSdCW6Xnnx7RB0N2roHgsa1iUkwANM01KmdyKOHJQR523Gbq9DRNd-iQ/s320/1b_VeteransDay_t26.jpg.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 193px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 285px;" /></a><br />
I wish I could say that I'm not the type of guy who listens to reviews...but I'm the type of guy who listens to reviews. If someone says this place is good or that place is bad, I'll usually take their word for it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwjugeMeEA9_qY3TML3sR3O459rFHaaabzNMYIC4HwxX3q1ZEkDaTk-oCT1jHtRk5bA2wIuSzkwRpL07FmRj3F89EPAvRdQd7ZdP6-Ceg_eilSSMXyNpRYYEdQ7ZRIhcHj7nx42PXenk/s1600-h/wall1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385150681747513058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwjugeMeEA9_qY3TML3sR3O459rFHaaabzNMYIC4HwxX3q1ZEkDaTk-oCT1jHtRk5bA2wIuSzkwRpL07FmRj3F89EPAvRdQd7ZdP6-Ceg_eilSSMXyNpRYYEdQ7ZRIhcHj7nx42PXenk/s200/wall1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a>That being said, I had heard good things about <a href="http://thetacojoint.com/default.aspx">Taco Joint</a> on Peak & Gaston in east Dallas. <a href="http://www.dmagazine.com/Directories/The_City_Guide/Best_Breakfast_Tacos_Taco_Joint.aspx">D Magazine</a> said it was the best place for breakfast tacos in Dallas, and a number of friends have also extolled it's virtues. I had planned on going, but never got around to doing it. Till now...<br />
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I was driving into work, and finally decided to stop in and see what the fuss was about. Let's not beat around the bush...this place isn't in the best neighborhood. There are crack houses right down the street. But when you walk in, what you find is an open, inviting, and hip eatery. It's like if Chipotle and <a href="http://www.freebirds.com/">Freebirds</a> had a kid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPSGrwcjGkk7QKDEm5dFu5I45eMckSxSETRyX9REqZA7jbgEmNY0gJi7w2iW1dB9zIZi9LYM4ALPnG-jiD-1QyOvXvcTVBdibu_9xtn1K7t1blAP09RWvm_yOUQmBxFQQLkANy8X9ODg/s1600-h/work.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385150922504561298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPSGrwcjGkk7QKDEm5dFu5I45eMckSxSETRyX9REqZA7jbgEmNY0gJi7w2iW1dB9zIZi9LYM4ALPnG-jiD-1QyOvXvcTVBdibu_9xtn1K7t1blAP09RWvm_yOUQmBxFQQLkANy8X9ODg/s200/work.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 142px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>The guy behind the counter was nice and talked to me for a bit (SIDENOTE: I think he thought I was someone else, cause he said, "Thanks for coming in again!" I didn't have the heart to correct him), and gave me a take-out menu and told me that if I call in my order, I don't have to wait in line. Good to know, since there was almost a line out the door.<br />
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I was going to try one of their signature tacos (either the Lester or the Sophie) but the sign on the door said they had a Thursday special of Fried Chicken Tacos with beans and rice and a drink. I was sold. I also ordered some chips and queso, since I am a queso connoisseur, and promptly dug into my food.<br />
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There's only one way to describe how good these tacos were...I didn't want to eat the second one because then the meal would be over and I'd be sad. That's how good they were. And I can only imagine how good their <span style="font-style: italic;">regular</span> tacos are. Or their breakfast tacos.<br />
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This is the kind of place that is worth the journey to get there. Forget <span style="font-weight: bold;">Urban Taco</span> or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Taco Diner</span>. This is the real deal, and won't break your budget either. I got a massive amount of food for $12. And I over-ordered.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMnL4r5nHu1nwZ2kL76x4c8uCzWyq5A-NbuoyisToE6KQ0JK_EXu35NSNIQC3mpT6C-UZ2lQDzj0ITUudXOkAXyyDMUKxuQ1FODgGrrmBbSgHWAMJ3pBkvtyTa0Q4C-9YPH6cycSwDbE/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385151029468581250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMnL4r5nHu1nwZ2kL76x4c8uCzWyq5A-NbuoyisToE6KQ0JK_EXu35NSNIQC3mpT6C-UZ2lQDzj0ITUudXOkAXyyDMUKxuQ1FODgGrrmBbSgHWAMJ3pBkvtyTa0Q4C-9YPH6cycSwDbE/s320/1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 196px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>I think I found my new favorite taco place.<br />
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<a href="http://thetacojoint.com/default.aspx"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Taco Joint</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">911 N. Peak St.<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Dallas, TX 75204</span><br />
214-826-TACO (8226)<br />
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ps-I totally stole these pictures from another blog's review. I know, I'm horrible, but they're much better than the ones I took with my iPhone.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-12573768334183538992009-09-05T07:31:00.000-07:002009-09-05T07:35:43.199-07:00Tomorrow, I'm head to beautiful West, Texas for the annual Czech heritage festival, <a href="http://www.westfest.com/">WESTFEST</a>!!! Now, what does this have to do with food, oh Chubby one? I'll tell you.<br /><br />There is a TON of delicious vittles all over Westfest. Beer bread sandwiches with sausage and sauerkraut. Homemade cheeseburgers from the Baptist church. Spudzillas dipped in cheese and BBQ sauce. And of course, kolaches by the ton!<br /><br />This is one of my gastronomical trips that I look forward to throughout the year, and my stomach is already rumbling thinking about it. If you're in the area, check it out. It's a small drive south from Dallas, a short drive north from Waco, and a bit longer drive north from Austin.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-20754254911872833282009-09-03T13:46:00.001-07:002012-03-21T13:40:01.898-07:00JOINTS: Madden's Casual GourmetSorry I haven't posted in awhile, I've been busy working and trying to find work, since I'm not supporting myself as a blogger...yet. Be sure you check out my Twitter page at <a href="http://twitter.com/chubby_kid">http://twitter.com/chubby_kid</a>. I'm always updating that. Now, onto my review!<br />
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Yesterday, Moms and I were having a nice mother / son bonding day in College Station, and decided to go to lunch at a place that she suggested<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>. Located across the street from the Lasalle Hotel, <a href="http://www.pmaddens.com/">Madden's Casual Gourmet</a> is tucked into the corner of a specialty gift shop with a bunch of stuff that I would never buy...maybe the huge elk antlers they had hanging on the wall. The restaurant is very quaint, with half walls going up to the beamed ceiling, and a old, scuffed dark hardwood floor that reminds you that this used to be a warehouse at one time.<br />
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I ordered the tenderloin and portabella quesadillas with cotija cheese, which turned out to be our waiter's favorite. Mom got the crab and avocado salad, which came out in the shape of a hockey puck, with the crab on top and the avocado on the bottom. Both dishes were presented very nicely, like something you would seen done on <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef">Top Chef</a>. While this doesn't impress me much (taste does), it tickled Mom pink. Fancy!<br />
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All in all, the food was good, but it wasn't "knock my socks off" fantastic. Maybe it as the quesadillas...I didn't know whether to pick them up and eat them by hand, or eat them with my fork like a civilized human being. So, I did both. But Mom's crab was some of the freshest I think I've ever had, and that's saying something, coming from over 200 miles inland from the coast.<br />
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I'll go back to Madden's and try something different, but there are a lot of new restaurants and bars in the downtown Bryan area, and I'll probably try one of them first. If I gave stars, I'd probably give Madden's three, but I don't so I won't.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pmaddens.com/"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Madden's Casual Gourmet</span></a><br />
202 South Bryan<br />
Bryan, TX 77803<br />
(979) 779-2558Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-37676406719384344122008-12-27T17:47:00.001-08:002012-03-21T13:39:30.651-07:00JOINTS: Layne's Chicken FingersPops and I were in College Station yesterday getting some post-Christmas stuff, and we were hungry. The first place that popped onto our radar was <a href="http://www.cjbbq.com/">C&J's BBQ</a>, which is good, but I wasn't feeling it. He then suggested <a href="http://www.jasonsdeli.com/">Jason's Deli</a>, and I figured, that'll be good. I can get a salad and some soup, maybe half a Beefeater. But as we were driving to our destination, what should we drive by? The (in)famous <a href="http://www.layneschickenfingers.com/">Layne's Chicken Fingers</a>. <br />
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Now, those that haven't had the privilege to go to Texas A&M or spend any amount of time in College Station will probably know NOTHING about Layne's, but it was a staple of my diet during my college years. Their menu is simple...chicken fingers. And fries. And toast. And sauce. And that's it. <br />
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I know what you're going to say. "Chubby Kid, that's the same thing as <a href="http://www.raisingcanes.com/">Raising Cane's</a>" I digress. Yes, it is VERY SIMILAR. And even the College Station Raising Cane's is right next to Layne's. And I've heard that Raising Cane's has been around longer than Layne's. But f' that. I'm all about the Layne's. And, according to the Raising Cane's and Layne's websites, Layne's beat out Cane's by two years. TWO YEARS PEOPLE! <br />
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Now, while Layne's might not have the franchise opportunities that Cane's has, what it does have is attitude and atmosphere, which you'll find on their website, in their restaurant, and especially with their food. <br />
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If you're ever in College Station, and the need for chicken fingers hits you like a whiskey bottle in the colon, I suggest you bypass the chain chicken finger place and head on over to Layne's. And they now have two locations!Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-36709767525661812912008-12-19T15:55:00.001-08:002012-03-21T13:39:09.408-07:00JOINTS: Mai's VietnameseYesterday, I found myself debating with a co-worker as to where we'd go eat around the noontime hour. This process usually takes about 20 minutes or more out of my work day, but it seemed like the fates smiled on us and popped the idea of <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/13/165733/restaurant/East-Dallas-Lakewood/Mais-Vietnamese-Dallas">Mai's Vietnamese Restaurant</a> in east Dallas into both of our minds. Mai's is a favorite of ours, because their fried rolls and Imperial rolls are some of the best in Dallas, and it's not too expensive.<br />
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We both ordered five rolls each, and they came out fairly quickly. I went for the #25A, which was the Garlic Chicken Bowl. My co-worker went with the Wonton Soup, which looked pretty good itself. Again, the food came out pretty quickly, and was delicious. I don't know what spice they had in the Garlic Chicken Bowl, but after a dousing of peanut sauce, I had myself a tasty little meal. And, we got out of there for under $10 each.<br />
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Don't go into Mai's thinking it's a five star place. What they lack in atmosphere, they make up for in their food, much like my favorite Chinese food place, <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/13/163408/restaurant/Fang-Fang-Chinese-Food-Plano">Fang Fang Chinese Cafe</a> in east Plano.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-65103010051981792802008-12-10T20:01:00.002-08:002012-03-21T13:38:47.905-07:00NOM NOMS: Hormel Always Tender Peppercorn Flavored Pork Tenderloin<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alwaystender.com/defaultbc96.aspx"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278378431977344738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrJ4gH-YTshTY7zzVstbGQVgyHsJw_Om5xx9QY_M3SP1chisZv4bDYolzlvBevQdWCoJiSBdlHQuiFfMFzjplnWeklFD5wsUKjRdo0FZlu_4DumJzPCBQTmd6FGwg-usthQxNobh62eQ/s320/PepperconrFlavPorkTenderloin275.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 157px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 275px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">click on the photo for more information<br />
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When I get home from work, I usually don't want to cook myself a huge dinner. For one thing, I don't have the energy. For another, I usually make too much food. I found that if I just cook myself a protein, or a side, then I'll eat that instead of eating an entire meal.<br />
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Tonight, I was rummaging around in my freezer, looking for something to eat, when I spotted this tasty morsel. I had picked it up a few weeks ago, when I first moved into my apartment, and it had sat unmolested in my freezer ever since. I took it out, defrosted it while the oven got hot, then threw it in there for 30 minutes.<br />
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The first thing that hit me was the smell. God, it made my whole apartment smell good. And even though I thought I cooked it too long (when dealing with pork, I tend to overcook rather than undercook. Blame that on a unfortunate childhood cooking incident involving raw sausage), it was still moist and delicious.<br />
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Without even noticing it, I ate almost half of it. Now, I've got something to make tacos for lunch tomorrow, and I can feel the first waves of my food coma coming to envelop me.<br />
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If you want to make something that is easy, delicious, and fast, I can't think of anything better. They have a couple of different flavors, which are all delicious.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005252843235649284.post-80312014591733054142008-12-08T18:28:00.001-08:002012-03-21T13:38:26.456-07:00JOINTS: Fat Daddy's Burger House<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlJxqTBE2mOuQ0o5gKKOZIA8IdUSAASXVTm9O8oHOmklyZpPi5_EUOg_Lxq9zBPAAxWfs0QlE2GG3lp8A4-7REizx6x9f0I0iTMuez_AFHpJBdejmEQH3AqUrUQiphB6hqWBjMQrkpzM/s1600-h/FDBH-New-Logo.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277612908100731714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlJxqTBE2mOuQ0o5gKKOZIA8IdUSAASXVTm9O8oHOmklyZpPi5_EUOg_Lxq9zBPAAxWfs0QlE2GG3lp8A4-7REizx6x9f0I0iTMuez_AFHpJBdejmEQH3AqUrUQiphB6hqWBjMQrkpzM/s320/FDBH-New-Logo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 223px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Since I moved into my new apartment, I've driven by Fat Daddy's Burger House probably 100 times, and yet I've never stopped in. I was either not in the mood or it didn't look appealing. That all changed tonight when I had a decision to make....do I want to go to the store and spend a bunch of money to make myself some hamburger sliders, OR do I want to just go get a hamburger at this place that I keep seeing? After doing the math, I decided to try out Fat Daddy's.<br />
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I had read some positive reviews about the place, so I called in my order for pick up. The girl on the other end of the phone seemed distracted (and she was, evidently there was a lady covered in gasoline standing in front of her when I called, she told me later) but she got my order. I figured I'd get a normal burger, fries, and some guacamole and queso, which the review said was good. I picked up my burger, loaded up an extra box with some pico de gallo and jalapenos, and headed home. <br />
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First off, the smell of the burger was salive-inducing. My jeep smelled heavenly as I drove the few blocks home. I wasn't too impressed with the sweet tea, it tasted more like sweet brown water. When I got home, I took a bite from the burger (1/2 lbs, with pepperjack cheese). This was a damn good burger. The patty was slightly smaller than the bun, and you couldn't really taste the cheese, but the addition of the guacamole, pico and jalapenos made this one of the better burger I've had in awhile. <br />
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The queso was pretty damn good too, almost as good as mine (ALMOST), and so I dribbled a bit on the burger...yep, pretty much AWESOME. I ate the burger way too fast, and then proceeded to dip my fries (which were stellar by themself) into the queso until there was nothing left.<br />
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I'm now t-minus 30 minutes from slipping into a food coma, but I definitely give Fat Daddy's Burger House two chubby thumbs up. And one extended belly.Hunter Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08477218619317792137noreply@blogger.com0