restaurant review: march 2011

I've decided to start doing a monthly post of the new restaurants we've checked out over the month. 

This list is in order of my favorites.  I want to go back to some places to check out the full menu soon!

1. Brownstone: Highly recommend.  Amazing.
2. Smoke: Get the pork chop.
3. Zaguan: Great breakfast.
4. Mariposa: Chicken salad heaven.
5. Smashburger: Love the cowboy chicken salad.
6. Cyclone Anaya's: Fabulously strong margs.  Great patio.  Enchiladas are good too.
7. Meddlesome Moth: Great outdoor scene and good cocktails.  Haven't tried the food yet.
8. Joe T's: Was a bit disappointed after all the hype.  But I hear the patio is pretty legit.

Happy eating! 

monday musings: i heart weekends

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Ahh, this weekend was fabulous.  I love weekends with the mister.  He finally had one weekend free from work and we ventured out of town for a short get-away on Friday night.  We hit up FW and dined at Brownstone {i heart Top Chef Casey}.  The food was so good, Mr. Stringer said it just might be his second favorite meal EVER {after MESA}.  We indulged in grandmother's bisquit pan, pork shoulder, chicken stuffed chicken w/ pepperjack cheese grits, and the most amazing polenta {bacon-cheddar-chive}.  We highly recommend hitting up this restaurant if you can!

On Saturday, we ventured to the Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum.  Both were decent museums {considering they were free} but I wouldn't make a special trip to visit.  Following our cultural experiences, we finally checked out the big hype known as Joe T. Garcia's.  It was a little chilly and windy, so we missed out on the awesome patio, but overall the food was decent and the margaritas hit the spot.  

The rest of the weekend was pretty quiet with pizza and a movie {Invictus} followed by countless episodes on Netflix streaming of my newest additiction {Greek}.    

I hope you kids had a fabulous weekend....counting down the days until the next Friday!   

monday musings: happy v-day

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It's Monday again.  Feels like the weekends are just way too short these days.  Had a fabulous weekend full of some super special people.  Friday night dinner at Jasper's w/ the mister was great - the pork loin and corn was pretty amazing.  On Saturday, I cruised to Main Street Bakery for lunch w/ mom and dad.  I just love that they live so close and I get to see them all the time.  Saturday night I painted w/ the bffs.  Let's just say this painting might be hanging in the garage where no one sees it!  Ha!  I'll post a pic later.  On Sunday, we had brunch w/ the Stringer side of the family at Cafe Brazil - delish.  I scored some pretty great b-day pressies, but nothing was as good as spending so much time with good people.  Love it. 

I did have to treat myself to a few fun finds on Sunday.  I hit up Nordy's Rack again and found these awesome DVF jellies for super cheap. 

It's V-Day.  The mister and I never really celebrate it since it's super close to my b-day {and neither of us are mushy}.  What are you doing for the big V-day?  Anything special???

friday fun: feb 11

Holy moly it is finally Friday.  What a day.  More like, what a week.  I am so wiped out... but have a pretty decent wekend ahead of me, so let's get started with my five Friday fun things!

1) I celebrated another year on this earth... in Langhorne, PA.  Not the most exciting adventure, but oh well.  My co-workers and I did venture to a pretty fabulous restaurant Wednesday night in Philly {executive chef is Iron Chef - Jose Garces}.  We indulged in the smoked pecans {soaked in maple and bacon}, fondue {w/ vidalia onions}, suckling pig, wild boar rack {w/ maple grits}, sugar pumpkin croquettes, and beignets {w/ makers mark chocolate sauce}.  Amazing.

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2) This week was absolutely crazy town at work.  A lot to do and always feeling like there are not enough hours in the day!  {I can't even count how many Red Bulls I downed this week}.  Yesterday we had a 6 am flight home... meaning I was up at 3:30am central and put in a full day of work upon arrival.  Needless to say, I just want to sleep in this weekend!

3) I have a jam-packed weekend of birthday bashes.  The mister and I are celebrating my bday tonight at Jasper's.  I've never been, so I'm pretty excited.  On Saturday, I have lunch plans w/ my rents - always a good time.  {The mister has to work thanks to blasted busy season.}  Saturday night is girls night out w/ the bffs!  We are going to Gnosh, like I mentioned recently.  Super excited for another fun painting night and just hanging out.  We have family lunch w/ the mister's side of the fam on Sunday.  Not sure where we are dining yet...but I'm always up for something good! 

4) Between the mix of all the birthday activities, hoping I can finally catch up on laundry and housework.  Ugh!  {doesn't really fit into my 'fun' things Friday... but oh well!}

5) I got the best birthday voicemail in the world from my favorite friend in New Zealand.  It's been almost 6 years since I was there and I still feel like part of my heart has never returned {the mister and I are still scoping out possibilities to move to NZ someday}.  Because of the 17 hour time-difference, we have scheduled our chat for this weekend.  I can't wait to catch up! 

I'll leave you kids with some clear pictures of why I love NZ so much... Happy weekend!

{Auckland skyline... my future home someday!}

{NZ countryside}

{so many sheep!}

{cruising around Devonport}

{Lion Rock at Piha Beach}

{Muriwai...simply awesome}

{don't remember exactly where this was...but I'll never forget standing here!}

{my sweet friend April... I miss her heaps!} 

{Uncle Leon... words cannot describe him.  Love him and his family so much!  Can't wait to catch up soon!}

And of course, If I am going to mention NZ, I have to shout out to my girl Brooke.  I seriously listen to her almost every day.  And never grow tired of hearing her crooning.  This is her first song I ever discovered... and my heart has been full ever since.  Enjoy! 

wednesday whatever: CPE Recipe

I've received some requests for the fabulous Crockpot Enchilada (CPE) recipe.  So... rather than continue to email around, here you go! {As mentioned, got the idea from the lovely Lee and made it my own...so can you!}

Ingredients

6 tortillas (any kind)

4 to 6 chicken breasts (frozen)

2 cans enchilada sauce (can be green or red)

1 can cream of chicken soup (I have also used the Fiesta Nacho soup by campbells for a cheesy flavor)

1 can tomatoes / chiles mix (you can use rotel for this)

additional veggies as desired

taco seasoning or additional spices

cheese (I use a shredded mix and add either during the last hour or just on top after cooking)

Mix the enchilada sauce, soup, tomatoes, and veggies together to create sauce mixture

Layer ingredients as follows

2 Tortillas

2 to 3 Chicken breasts (can be seasoned with taco seasoning or other spices)

1/3 Sauce Mix

Repeat once

Top with the remaining 2 tortillas and sauce mix

Cook on low for about 10 hours (you can cook longer if needed)

Finished product will be a little soupy, but can be served in a bowl or on a plate {or on a bed of chips to make nachos}.

**I love this recipe because it is super flexible.  You can spice it up by adding fresh jalapenos, green chiles, hot rotel, or anything else for a good kick.  This is a great recipe to build up your veggie intake as well.  You could probably also make it vegetarian by subbing in rice or beans.  The sky is the limit.  Basically, just throw a bunch of mexican food ingredients in the crockpot, and you are good to go! 

I don't have any pictures of my masterpiece {maybe next time}, but there are tons of similar recipes here.  For more fun crock pot recipes, check out this blog - a full year of slow cooking!

restaurant review 2010: across the country

I travelled quite a bit this year {11 states, 19 airports, 22 cities} through work and a little bit of vacay.  I've found some pretty fabulous restaurants along the way I would totally recommend or revisit if given the chance.

New Orleans: NOLA {buttermilk fried chicken}, Sucre {everything!}, Pierre Maspero's {chicken and sausage gumbo}, Rocky and Carlos {french fry po-boy}, Cafe du Monde, Pat O's {hurricane}

*We have made many a trips to New Orleans to see family and go to Mardi Gras.  Can't wait for MG 2011!

 Savannah: Vic's on the River {mint julep and fillet mignon}, Lady and Sons {buffet and banana pudding}, B&D Burgers {any burger}, Caraway Cafe {chicken salad}, Holland House {hole in the wall amazingness}, Rocks on the River {french dip} 

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Nashville: Germantown Cafe {plum pork}, Bread and Company {Iroquois sandwich or anything else on the menu}, Jackson's {scottsdale blt, john daly, root beer float - this place was so awesome we ate their twice in one weekend}, Mafiaoza's {fabulous pizzas}, Naticakes {amazing cupcakes from a super cute store}, Dumplins {poppyseed chicken}, Las Paletas {hot chocolate popsicles}

*Follow our friend Matt's blog here; He gave us recommendations for all of the above places in Nashville and definitely did not disappoint!

San Diego/Coronado Island/Laguna Beach: Burger Lounge {turkey burger}, Lou & Mickey's {chicken parmigiana sandwich}, Indigo Cafe {california or santa fe wrap}, Studio Diner {anything - this place was on Triple D}, The Cliff {unbeatable view}, La Sirena Grill {fabulous tacos}, Pink's {unfortunately I didn't get to try Pink's thanks to food poisoning, but Jeff loved it}, In-N-Out {a must visit - rumor is there will be one in the big D soon}

Austin: Juan in a Million {don juan - featured on man vs. food}, Trudy's {mexican martini and migas}, Moonshine {harvest moon tea, spinach and artichoke fondue, green chile macaroni, waldorf salad}, Shady Grove {monterey chicken}, Hoovers {chicken wings, dumplings, and homemade sides}, The Salt Lick {sandwich plate}, Magnolia Cafe {everything - also featured on Triple D}, Homeslice {seriously good pizza}, Z Tejas {southwestern caesar salad}

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Other fabulous finds this year include: Papa Haydn {portland - chocolate hazelnut torte}, Pizzicato {portland - awesome pizza and great downtown people watching} Sticky Fingers {charleston - bbq}, Pie in the Sky {conroe - pies galore!}, Rookwood {cincinnati - fried bacon}, The Pit {raleigh - pulled pork and fried chicken}, Raleigh Times {raleigh - limoncino and roasted turkey sandwich}, Pam's Patio {san antonio - everything on the menu looked fabulous}

Looking forward to 2011 travels and fabulous food finds! 

restaurant review 2010: american{ish}

These last favorites of the year don't really fit into a specific cuisine... so they get their own post.  First up and top love has to be Tillman's Roadhouse.  They have the best decor and amazing food.  I had been here once with some of my dear work friends and then the mister took me there this year for our anniversary weekend dinner before seeing Wicked.  Their menu is incredible but I always order the chicken fried hanger steak {absolutely wonderful}.  The drinks are great and so are the desserts... who doesn't love smores you can cook tableside with fun marshmallows?

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Continuing with fried chicken, we love Babe's.  You just don't find a lot of family-style restaurants these days.  Of course the fried chicken is great... but we try to only indulge once a year in this greasy goodness.

Other favorites include: Victor Tango's {chicken and waffles}, Zea {thai ribs and happy hour please!}, Red's Patio Grill, Kelly's Eastside {spicy chicken finger sandwich}, and Blue Plate Kitchen {everything}. Let me know if you have any suggestions for fun places we should venture to this upcoming year!

restaurant review 2010: mexican{ish}

We love mexican food.  Thank goodness there are some awesome places to meet our taco needs.

Torchy's Tacos is our latest and greatest discovery this year and we are hooked.  Between the mister and myself, I think we have tried nearly every taco on the menu.  My faves include the republican, brushfire, trailer park, and fried avocado.  The mister enjoys the green chile pork and the crossroads.  To top off all the taco goodness, they have cane cola and dublin dr. pepper.  Pure love.

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Continuing with taco favorites, we have found love for Fuzzy's Taco Shop this year.  At $2 a taco, this makes for a pretty cheap date night.  The ground beef taco is pretty solid.  Be careful with the habanero sauce {a little bit goes a long way}!

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Our other favorite taco deal comes from beloved Rosa's.  This was a college staple - you just can't beat three tacos, rice and beans {preferably double rice}, and two tortillas {best enjoyed when covered in honey} for $3.99.  Thankfully, they have built a Rosa's one mile from our house... we are there every Tuesday for Taco Tuesday.  Come join us sometime!

Other mexican{ish} faves include: Yucatan Taco Stand {fried plantains}, La Duni {cake!}, Sangria {everything - it's tapas}, Blue Mesa {tacos for a cause or weekend brunch}, Mattito's {fajitas}, Fuel City {no website - tacos from a gas station - absolutely awesome}.  What mexican places should we add to our ventures?

restaurant review 2010: pizza

We don't venture out to italian restaurants very often outside of pizza {love a good pizza} but there are some pretty good places we've discovered here.  Our latest favorite is Campisi's.  The sausage/jalapeno pizza is amazing and their house salad is truly delicious.  And even better, this place has supposed ties to the mafia - how cool is that?!

Urban Crust is also at the top of the list for yummy pizza.  They have a fabulous rooftop bar and a fun atmosphere.  {Here's a tip: this place is tiny so get there early}.

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Our all-time favorite pizza place is Fireside Pies.  They have a pretty amazing jalapeno/sausage pie.  Delicious.  Not a new discovery this year, but it's definitely a favorite for us.

 

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Other faves include Palio's {Hawaiian Sunrise}, Grimaldi's {everything is good}, Patrizio's {chicken parmigiana salad and penne caprese}, Brio {bellini}, Maggiano's {if you order any classic pasta you get one to take home}.  What are your favorite pizza/italian restaurants around town? 

restaurant review 2010: cafe

So, we eat a lot of sandwiches in the Stringer household.  I'm not a big fan of your super chain sandwich stops {especially subway} but sometimes they meet my needs for a quick re-fueling that is somewhat healthy.  I do enjoy trying new places that offer more than your average turkey and bread combination.

We have always enjoyed Magnolia Cafe and Bakery.  This place is seriously delicious, although the mister tends to joke that he has to check his manhood at the door before entering.  It's a bit girly, but they make great sandwiches and fancy treats {cakes, pies, cookies}.  My favorite item on the menu has to be the avocado sandwich.  I'm not vegetarian, but this sandwich is a must.

LePeep is a new{er} find for us.  There's a LePeep we pass around town quite a bit and we always said we would try it... so one Saturday morning we had 'brunch' at LePeep and walked away pretty impressed.  I had the lite migas and the mister had some kind of skillet dish that tasted pretty amazing.  This place had a neighborhood feel to it - kind of like everyone knew each other.  That feeling seems to be pretty hard to find these days and it was pretty cool to know there are still a few places like that.

Recently, we visited Garden Cafe.  This place is super cute.  They are only open from 8am to 2pm six days a week for breakfast and lunch.  It's a little tucked away place with a charming garden {would love to go back when the weather is a little warmer to enjoy the patio} and great food.  I had their chicken salad sandwich and the mister enjoyed some breakfast tacos.  Next time I think we will have to venture out on a Saturday just to try the herb roasted chicken {pictured}. 

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The mister and I have seriously discussed re-visiting Main Street Bistro and Bakery.  They have the best mac n cheese with bacon {delicious}.  They also have crepes on the menu, which I can't wait to try...along with everything from their dessert counter!

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We have a few other favorites around town including Cafe Brazil {migas}, Baker Brothers {kowloon salad or Texas star}, Cafe Max {chicken salad}, and Snappy Salads {make your own}.  What are your favorite cafes in the Dallas area? 

restaurant review 2010: burgers

I love a good burger.  We don't indulge in burgers very often and most of the time I get a turkey burger.  But every once in a while we crave a juicy burger.  And the Dallas area has a few solid establishments to meet that need including our favorites.

Scotty P's Hamburgers has always been a favorite in our family.  We've been going there for years and it has become the mister's go-to restaurant {we go there every year for his birthday}.  The food is great and the onion rings are better.  I'm not a big onion ring person normally, but these are pretty legit {and not greasy}.

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We also really enjoy Twisted Root Burger Company.  It has been featured on Triple D and they make funky burgers from buffalo, venison, elk, ostrich, emu, boar, antelope, and lamb.  I'm not that adventurous and generally stick to beef {I like the green chile burger}.

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One of our new burger loves discovered this year is Burguesa.  Oh my!  This place is absolutely delicious.  It is mexican meets burgers.  The food is cheap and fresh.  Their menu is pretty short, but always good {I love the spicy fries}.  When Mr. Stringer works downtown, he likes to partake in team building activities like 'La Monumental Mondays.'  This burger includes crazy things: ham, tostada, refried beans, & a whole jalapeno. 

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Our latest burger love is Kenny's Burger Joint.  I've been to Kenny's Woodfire Grill {which is amazing - especially the truffle oil mac n cheese} so we knew his burger joint wouldn't be too shabby.  The onion rings are pretty close to Scotty P's caliber and the burgers are awesome.  The mister indulged in the queso burger, which required a steak knife {he went home happy}.  They also have adult milkshakes that are oh so tasty.  The Insomniac might be my new favorite dessert!    

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What are your favorite burger spots in Dallas?  Any suggestions for new places the mister and I should visit?

finally fall

The blog needed some help... or maybe I just needed some motivation.  Since it finally feels like fall weather, I am turning a new leaf {pun intended} and getting back on the blogging bandwagon.

I L.O.V.E. fall.  Fall means crisp weather, layered clothing, and salted caramel hot chocolate.  Be still my heart. 

I've found some fabulous fall inspiration which begins with spicing up the wardrobe...

...spicing up the house...

...and spicing up the kitchen!

 {I've tried these cupcakes once with a little variation and they were heavenly, but a bit laborious!}

I've also rediscovered my love for Shawn McDonald, Dave Barnes, and Jimmy Needham {ok, Jimmy might be a newer love}.  The love has always been there... just not always playing in my six-disc changer.  I can't help but love some chill tunes that still speak truth.  Check them out and revive your spirit this fall.