The Summer Olympics

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?