Our TV, which is usually left abandoned on weekends, was much obliged to serve us all weekend long. We had our own modest Olympic party... just me, Tim, and the Kones buddy (we call him that so much that I think he's starting to think that's his name). Our conversation consisted mostly of OOHS and AAHS and YESSS and NOOOS. I especially enjoyed watching the USA vs. S. Korea women's volleyball match. I didn't know who to root for. It was quite the dilemma ;). But since I'm not a U.S citizen just yet...
We did step out for several hours on Saturday to eat lunch and run some errands. We went to Z'Tejas for the first time. As I've mentioned, we only go out to eat once or twice a week, which means we have to make the most of every opportunity. Last month, upon realizing that we were going to the same handful of restaurants, we decided to proactively seek and try out new restaurants. Therefore, expect to see restaurant reviews every Monday. It's been fun so far. We get to go on dates, AND I'm getting inspired by all the new dishes and flavors I'm encountering.
First thing Tim said when we woke up on Saturday morning was, "where are we going to eat today?" Poor guy. I think he's a lil' deprived. But I'm thankful that he doesn't complain and eats enjoys everything that I cook for him during the week.
Z'Tejas specializes in New American cuisine with Southwestern flavors. I immediately thought of Bobby Flay and wondered what he would think of the place. I loved that the menu had something for everyone, including vegetarian and gluten-free options!
Bottomless house-made, fresh from the oven cornbread!! The best part was the crunchy corners. Can you see them?
To start, we ordered Ahi Chipotle-Citrus Bites which had ahi tuna, mango and jicama on crispy tostada bites, topped with avocado wasabi aioli. I know!! So much going on, huh? I loved the complexity of flavors that were orchestrated so beautifully. I got acidity, sweetness, smokiness, tanginess, and earthiness all in one bite!
For my main entree, I ordered this...First, guess what type of fish you think it is!
Did you guess ruby trout by any chance? If you did, I'm quite impressed! I would never have guessed it in a million years due to its salmon-like color. This is a result of the fish's diet comprised of shrimp and crawfish! Had never seen or tasted anything like it before.
Tim and I (well..mostly I) always like to rate our food on a scale from 1 to 10, and I say this dish was a solid 9.2! (don't ask how I came up with that number). That's a huge compliment considering only a few meals in my lifetime have received a perfect 10, one of which was this pizza. Not only was the texture on point, it was rubbed with cilantro pesto, topped with avocado mango relish, and grilled to near perfection! It was served alongside green chile rice and sautéed vegetables. And this whole dish was just 550 calories! Not too shabby :).
This is what Tim ordered. Can you see the difference bw our food preferences?
He ordered chicken fried chicken which was rubbed in cilantro pesto (they really love their cilantro), battered, fried, and served with Texas cream-style gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. He gave it a 7.5. I, on the other hand, was not a fan. Like Sara, I do not like food drenched in sauce. On top of that, yup you guessed it - it was too salty. Not to sound like the salt nazi, but is all that salt really necessary? Anyway, all in all, it was a great experience, and we would definitely go back in the future..after we try all the other places on our list, which means it won't be for a while ;).
As a favor to our stuffed bellies, we walked around IKEA and World Trade Market. We're in desperate need of some sort of organization in our closet (one of these days, I hope to have one of my own), so some serious browsing was definitely in order.
To our disappointment, we didn't find quite what we were looking for, but my eyes have def been spoiled. For ONLY $2150, I can have a closet like this...ahh...
Tim bought me a $1 nonfat soft serve yogurt instead, and I decided that all was well with the world once again.
We then went to World Trade Market bc I knew they were having a huge outdoor furniture sale, and on top of that, I had a 15% off coupon. Did we end up buying any furniture? Nope! Instead we walked out with a bag full of food, including Biscoff Spread!! I fell in love with the cookie when I tried it for the first time on the airplane (those good ol' days when they actually served us snacks..for free!), but I had no idea that it was available as a spread! Did you know this? What an incredible find!
I saw Cinnamon Raisin Swirl by Peanut Butter Co. for the first time also, but I didn't get it as I already have 2 of their products, Dark Chocolate Dreams and The Bees' Knees waiting eagerly to be eaten. I'll def remember this one, though ;).
On the other hand, while on a mission to find a new chocolate to try this week, I came across this...umm...I'm scared.
Question:
-How often do you go out to eat per week?
-Have you tried the Cinnamon Raison Swirl PB before? If so, how'd you like it?
Min says
Cornbread is good stuff! I'm hoping that one of these days the hubby will come to his senses that he's not a teenagers anymore...metabolism is quickly slowing down...But I sure do love seeing him enjoy his food!
sprint2thetable says
It looks like you chose well on the restaurant! I love the looks for that Ahi Chipotle-Citrus Bites, and I definitely would have ordered like you did. 🙂
I got out to eat less now that I'm on a training plan, but I do go at least once a week. It's a hobby. 🙂
I've like bacon chocolate (I even have a recipe for back chocolate chip cookies on my site)... but jerky chocolate?!
Min says
Seal of approval from you? That means I did good ;). It sure is an awesome hobby, no?
Some crazy things are happening in the chocolate world!
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
Sounds like a perfect weekend Min! I am loving the Olympics too - so much more TV than usual! - and I laughed at your 9.2 meal score 🙂 That closet is amazing too.
Min says
Seriously! We DVR everything and watch it together first thing in the morning since I go to bed so early (by the time Tim gets home, I'm half-dead). It's quite a chore...gotta make sure there's enough recording space and that every sec of it gets recorded! Oh, I wish it can last forever...I.need.that.closet!!! You should play the rating game with Mr. Bite too! It's quite fun, I tell ya!
Corrie Anne says
LOVING the summer olympics. We always eat out Thursdays and usually maybe one lunch. We like to try new places too!!! Love the rating system.
Min says
Sounds a lot like us too! It sure must be hard with your husband's busy schedule and your new business venture (so exciting!), but I'm betting that your time together must be so so amazing!! I can relate! And what am I going to do with myself once the olympics are over :(.
healthninja says
What an amazing dinner you had! I really should bake some cornbread soon.
And I had quite a laugh on the meal comparison with your boyfriend, with me and my hon its exactly the same when we are dining out.
freshlifefindings says
Love the post Min! I have yet to try the flavored pb's yet but they always sound so good! I'm just afraid I will eat the jar in one sitting 🙂 Biscoffs were the bomb back in the day! Now it's only peanuts and I always ask for an extra pack lol 🙂
Min says
Oh yes...there's always a danger that comes with something so heavenly...but I'm willing to take the risk 😉 Ooh yes yes..the honey roasted ones!
Michelle says
MIN!!!!! I have been away and absent from the blog world for so long and I have missed you!! I am trying to get caught up on my blog reading and I had to come see yours ASAP when I saw you got a makeover. I LOVE it!!
Min says
MICHELLE!!! You're back!!! You just made my Monday very very marvelous :)!!!
myhealthyohana says
That ruby trout looks amazing, so fresh and light!!
I really want to try the white chocolate wonderful flavor of that PB! You'll have to tell me what you think of the other ones. Did you see that they have a restaurant in NYC? They serve all different kinds of PB sandwiches and desserts 🙂
Min says
I really need to eat more fish bc clearly I'm missing out!! It really was amazing, but I'm sure you get a plethora of fresh ones in Hawaii!! So jealous!
I know!! I've heard!!! NYC has everything...no fair...
Which ones have you tried? The Bee's Knees is by far my favorite!! Even my sister who doesn't really like pb raved about it! The Old Fashioned Crunchy I like for the texture. It's a nice lil' change. Dark Chocolate Dreams..I just like to lick it off my finger. I've made granola with it, and that was amazing.
So in conclusion, you can't go wrong with any of the flavors! So why didn't I get the Cinnamon Raisin Swirl...hmm...
myhealthyohana says
I almost always order fish/seafood when we go out, because I don't often cook with it. I'm intimidated and don't know what to buy in the supermarket, I think. Have to get over that, since most of the time it's really easy and fast to cook!
The Bee's Knees is the only one I've tried...loved it!! Now you have to get that cinnamon raisin swirl 🙂
HealthyDiva (@HealthyDiva31) says
Thank YOU beautiful for joining in! I am so glad you do!
You looked so beautiful in that dinner pic, that color looks wonderful on you!
My husband and I eat WAY different too, so I know how that is!
Happy Monday love!
Min says
How can I not? I always want my Mondays to be marvelous ;). Your positive attitude is def contagious! And thank you for the compliment..blush. The maxi dress was $15 at Old Navy. How could I refuse? 😉 I'm trying to convert him one vegetable at a time haha. What about you? Any luck?
Gabby says
Ah! So many of my favorite things going on in this post! Cornbread, IKEA, cinnamon raisin swirl pb (it's amazing, by the way)...love it! 🙂
Min says
Right? Isn't it amazing how simple things in life can bring such joy? 😉 I'm def going to try it! That cornbread btw, sooo good!! I'll go back just to eat that. Ok, maybe I'll order a cocktail. I'm not a freeloader 😉
balancejoyanddelicias says
all the food looks really good and inviting to be eaten right away!!!
I eat out several times a week at work, kind of getting tired of it, somedays I just don't know what to eat!
I've tried that cinnamon swirl PB, didn't like it much because I find it too sweet. biscotti spread? that sounds really good actually, I'll check out at my local wf! 🙂
Min says
I know what you mean as I've def been there. However, since we hardly go out to eat now, everything taste so delicious at restaurants haha.
Biscoff spread is like...hmm..how do I describe this..liquid biscoff. Wow..how clever..but that's all I can come up with. Delish!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
Happy Monday!! Okay, how crazy that we both discovered the beef jerky chocolate this weekend! I actually really want to try it, but I don't want to spend the money on something I'm pretty sure I won't like. Haha! I have tried bacon chocolate though, so I doubt this would be THAT much different. 😉
Your meal at Z'Tejas looks amazing! Those ahi tuna bites sound heavenly; I think I could make a meal out of three orders. 🙂 But your 9.2 rated trout looks equally as scrumptious. I actually DID guess trout! After living in Idaho for 10 years, I know my lake fish! 😉 When my family went camping, I'd always go fishing early in the morning with my dad. Trout was all we'd ever bring back for breakfast. 🙂
Next time you're at World Market, definitely buy Cinnamon Raisin Swirl! It's SO good! <3
Min says
Seriously!! I laughed when I saw that picture on your blog ;). Ok since you've already tried the bacon one (how was it?), you try it first and let me know. I trust your tast hehe. Wow! That's awesome!! My dad loves fishing also! I wish I had joined him more though. Bet you guys shared many bonding moments while catching whole lot of fish! Trout for bfast? That's pretty hardcore 🙂
I'm definitely buying it!!
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles says
World Market is terrific!! And I love Ikea's room set-ups too.
I tagged you for a blog award in my last post! https://blueberrysmiles.com/2012/07/30/11-things-blogger-award-fun/
Min says
Yes..they sure know how to tempt you and convince you that your entire house needs a complete makeover. Thank you for the award! You're so sweet!
afterdinnerdance says
Ooo that place looks so good! And your pictures are great - they must have had good lighting ;). We usually eat out once a week, sometimes we don't at all, and occasionally twice. On average, once a week. I try to cook as much as possible!
Min says
The lighting was great..and I'm taking photography lessons from my friend ;). I hope that had something to do with it also. Same with us. At first, it was to save money, but now, I love cooking and experimenting. However, I love the inspirations that I get from eating out and trying different dishes. Plus, I get to dress cute and go out with my best friend 😉
Courtney says
World Market!!! My boyfriend is obsessed with the licorice they sell there, and I love their cute home accessories. 🙂 I've tried cinnamon raisin swirl, and it's good but in my opinion it has too many raisins. :/
Min says
Wow! Didn't know World Market was soo popular! And here I thought I was one of the few who goes there..haha. Thanks for the feedback..too many raisins=the hubby won't be a fan. But I on the other hand.. 🙂
IHeartVegetables says
Oh my gosh I love World Market. LOVE IT!
I actually haven't tried the cinnamon raisin swirl either, because like you, I already have a bunch of the other flavors 😉 haha
I hope you had a fantastic weekend!! 🙂
Min says
Thanks, Liz! I sure did!! I'm kinda regretting not getting it..you can never have too many pb jars 😉
Alex @ therunwithin says
ISN'T WORLD MARKET AWESOME, I just discovered it this weekend. I got the best snacks for like no money. YUM
Min says
It sure is! Looks like we'll be going there more for the food!! 😉
Khushboo Thadani says
Your entree looks so yum! I usually eat out 2-3 times a week which is the perfect amount for me...any more and I seriously crave home food! Love Biscoff biscuits but am yet to buy a jar of the spread...I imagine it wouldn't stand a chance with me 😉
Min says
Oh boy! It's like liquid biscoff.. Taste just like it. I've been licking it off my finger every chance I get.
chimes says
I love Peanut Butter and Co. PB! That one is a good one. I think it might be my favorite.
Min says
Oh really?! I really need to pick it up next time I go..maybe today? haha