Eating through Chains - AZ

Scott and I hit the road late Monday night for Arizona for a 5 day horse show. While he drove I curled up as best as I could and napped during our drive into the desert. As soon as Scott decided to pull off the highway for a break, I instantly woke up and jumped out of the truck.

He pulled into a McDonald's and I was starting to configure what I was going to order before I even got out of the truck. I knew for sure I would grab one of their delicious Coca Cola fountain sodas. What made them extra delicious anyway? The hash browns are a salty treat, so I definitely would grab one of those but what else...

I had never had a Bacon McGriddle so I decided to go for it. It was sweet and salty with the bites of egg, cheese and bacon. I was throughly impressed with this breakfast sandwich! I am not much of a breakfast lover so this made our stop pretty much a success. Have you tried a McGriddle?

In Arizona where we are staying, it is like chain restaurant city and there is nothing wrong with that. As much as I enjoy fine dining, I also like to eat at everyday type of restaurants. They aim to please and are affordable. I hadn't been to an Applebee's in awhile so I was actually looking forward to it.

Ah, the good old Oriental Chicken Salad with extra dressing. This salad has ben on their menu for as long as I can remember and it always has been good. The dressing is creamy, but totally unique. They could bottle it and probably survive off the profits of the dressing alone. The crispy chicken with bites of shredded carrot, sliced almonds and crunchy rice noodles are just to die for.

Who doesn't love Texas Roadhouse? Have you been to one? They are the restaurant responsible for teaching your children to just throw their used peanut shells on the floor. I never understood the concept but maybe it made people feel like they were at home? Who throws peanut shells just on the floor? Ok. I am done ranting about the peanut shells, but I enjoy the salty snack waiting for me at the table as soon as we are seated. 

I was in the mood for a frosty beverage and thought a frozen margarita was just the ticket. The margarita itself was blended perfectly smooth but the mix itself was much too tart. A couple sips of the frosty concoction would leave you puckering your cheeks up tight.

My meal at the roadhouse was a very simple one. Grilled Salmon, buttered corn and loaded mash potatoes not pictured. The salmon itself was nicely cooked, maybe a little touch over done to my taste but it was nicely seasoned so it made eating it very enjoyable. The bites of corn and mashed potato were great sides and I couldn't have left more satisfied.

What chain restaurant do you just love? 

Christmas Day - San Juan Bautista, CA

On Christmas morning my Mom woke up peacefully to wander downstairs to make a hearty breakfast at an easy pace. As we did not need to do our usual Santa present madness this year as it was just us big kids to entertain. Christmas ham, hash potatoes and sunny side up eggs fueled us for a relaxed day ahead. 

We opened a few presents after breakfast. It was fun for me to play Santa and look at the faces of family as they opened each package. I would have to say, Scott was the best gift giver - my Mom cried with tears of happiness! Now that is what Christmas is all abut, making family happy!

My Dad got tons of books so he tore into them and starting reading after breakfast.

My Mom got started on squeezing lemons for her Lemon Meringue Pies...

Piping the meringue...

And finishing them off in the oven!

I got started on the prep work for our Shrimp and Scallop Puffed Pastry topped with Garlic Cream Sauce. New recipe...

Garlic, shallots...

Mushrooms... Chop, chop, chop.

I even made my Oven Baked Risotto recipe. It is a winner every time.

Too big of an Le Creuset pot for just 8 serving of risotto but it did the job.

James request these Stuffed Peppers at every holiday meal. Bacon, sausage, cream cheese, green onion... Easy peasy.

Dinner is served! It is not the most visually attractive meal but it tasted like heaven. Rich, creamy and totally the right amount of food. Everyone cleaned their plate and there were no left overs... Now that is the perfect sized meal.

Butter and cream live here.

Two of Santa's favorite elves!

Chico's Cafe - Paso Robles, CA

There is nothing like a great breakfast! My Mom and I were waking up from a night out in Paso Robles and decided to treat ourselves to a sit down breakfast in the town square. I have walked passed Chico's Cafe a million times on my way to other restaurants so I figured today was the day to give it a try.

 My Mom ordered the Huevos Rancheros and said it was very tasty. The eggs cooked to perfection, salsa flavorful and beans a perfect consistency. The only suggestion was to crisp up the corn tortillas before layering them on the plate. A little bit of texture on the plate goes a long way!

I always order the same breakfast where ever I go! I like the dessert like qualites of the pancakes slathered with butter and syrup. The pancakes were very nice. I liked that there was a hint of sweetness from extra sugar in the batter. The eggs were over easy and perfect for dipping my sweet pancakes in for a savory blast. I like my bacon crispy and it came out just so.

A great breakfast place can be hard to find but look no further in Paso Robles. Their dinner menu sounded fantastic as well, with prices being totally affordable. A return visit will be in the works!

Madonna Inn - San Luis Obsipo, CA

Yesterday was a great day! I woke up early on my Sunday morning and took a drive up north on the 101 to have a great visit with my sister. We met at the Madonna Inn for breakfast and I couldn't be more thrilled at our VIP status. Our table was reserved when we walked in and we had the best seat in the house. What fun!

I ordered an Iced Tea in a pretty pink Carnival glass goblet with a rock sugar candy on top. It is mostly just for fun but it is too cute for swirling in your beverages. I like the interactiveness of it all. They are .75 cent s if you want one to go home with you. So worth it...

I ordered Pancakes and was not disappointed. These pancakes were light, fluffy and made specifically for me! The batter is what makes them and they are doing it just right. I love that the butter came out room temperature, there is nothing worse than trying to spread cold butter! The syrup was lovely as well. I cannot brag enough on these cakes!

I asked for my side of bacon to come out crispy and it too was done just right. Sweet and salty bites from the pancakes and from the pork. The one thing I would have wished was the plate of bacon was never ending... 

I really enjoyed this morning meal with my sister because the special time I spend with her is so few and far between.  The Madonna Inn is a perfect place to meet for us as it is almost halfway for the two of us. I see many meals being shared gabbing with her here. 

What a beautiful day!

Montgomery Street Cafe - Fort Worth, TX

Located just a half a mile from our stalls at the Will Rogers Coliseum is the Montgomery Street Cafe. Everyday, in and out of the horse show, we drive past it. Well, one morning Scott suggested we try it instead of ignoring it. I agreed and we walked in the unassuming building.

We walked in to an almost packed house. It is first come, first serve so be prepared to wait outside if there is not an open table. There are no menus, you just place your order with the waitress who hollers it off to the scratch cooks in the kitchen. 

The lack of guideline to order from left us pretty standard with normal breakfast fare. Scott went for over easy eggs, crispy bacon and wheat toast. He asked for salsa and it came out afiring. It tasted like someone knew someone who knew someone that knew how to make some mean chili! 

 Pancakes. Bacon. Yes, sir. It is my go-to when ordering breakfast because I love the salty sweet combination. I liked that these pancakes came out fluffy and light. The pancake mixture must have had some oomph to it to make it rise up. I like oomph!

Well, it wasn't our finest culinary adventure but it was priced right. I never realized how affordable breakfast really is. I usually am on the go or not craving it so it is the one meal I usually skip out on. Looking at those pancakes right now makes me want to get up extra early this Sunday and indulge in a stack!

The Great Outdoors - Fort Worth, TX

Sometimes all I crave is a really good sandwich. It is rare, but when the hunger strikes I usually like to make it a good one. I am a major Togo's fan and despise Subway so I figured The Great Outdoors was as close to a togo's type sandwich as possible... 

We went into the sub shop at about 11 A.M. so I guess Scott wasn't ready for lunch because he ordered a breakfast sandwich. It was complete with 2 eggs, pastrami, swiss and cream cheese. It sounded quite decadent really. He was very happy with his selection as he ate the sandwich in between sips of coffee. 

As soon as I saw the Croissant Club I knew it was the sandwich for me. Ham, turkey, bacon and cheddar cheese were the base starters. Lettuce, tomato, plenty of mayonnaise, salt, pepper and sunflower seeds made up the extras in the colossal sandwich. It was delicious. 

What I like the most about The Great Outdoors is obviously the sandwiches but a close second is their ice! They serve their large drink selection in a great, sturdy plastic cup and you can munch away on that fantastic ice. On humid days in Texas it is like a dream come true! Go for the ice if nothing else!!

Vickery Cafe - Fort Worth, TX

Breakfast joints. They seem like they are few and far between in our part of the world but in Texas, they are very much alive! Scott and I have been up early every morning to beat the heat and crowds in the practice pen so by the time we are done with chores it is usually prime breakfast hours. Enter the Vickery Cafe... 

One morning Scott explored the Latin side of the menu and ordered the Huevos Rancheros... A crispy tostada shell rested as a base for over easy eggs, salsa and cheese. Refried beans served along side were smooth and totally creamy. We like our bacon crispy and this version was on the verge of almost burnt. I liked it, Scott didn't.

I love a good Chicken Fried Steak and this place does it right! The breading on the steak was super crunchy and the gravy whisked up from scratch. I can just tell. The hash browns were nice, I prefer them maybe cooked a little longer and I mostly ignored my egg. I was too full!  

On another separate visit I wanted to try the Corned Beef Hash as I have never tried it before. As I child I had a bad experience with corned beef so it has made me gun shy in my adult years but that morning I decided to give it a go. It was good, maybe a little fatty and salty. I ate most of it but worked my way around the potatoes that were not cooked until golden brown. I ate the yolk of the eggs because they are the most delicious, the whites are just not my thing.

Breakfast. My least favorite meal of the day. I guess it is good to explore all types of foods but I would rather just eat an enchilada for breakfast. Or Funyuns. 

La Madeleine - Fort Worth, TX

Scott and I arrived in Texas last week and were welcomed to rain! Rain and warm weather has made the countryside so green! The rain fooled us into seeking a comforting setting and what could be more so than a quaint French cafe? 

I am not going to lie Le Madeleine is a little confusing when you walk in. You have to place your order or choose to take from the food line right when you walk in the door. It makes for an awkward experience when you feel pressure to hurry up and order something as the hostess stares at you. I felt the pressure and made my decision of Tomato Basil soup pretty quickly. 

All Scott wanted was coffee and breakfast. Eggs, tomatoes and a croissant is all he wanted. He made the hostess's life easy. I stared at her blanking a little too long for comfort deciding what I wanted with my soup.

Surely a French Dip from a French cafe would be tasty right? Despite the greasy au jus, which did not offend me at all, it was a hell of a sandwich. My only complaint was that I only ordered a half! I could have really dug into another side of that sandwich! 

I noticed the bakery case on my way out and as I lie in bed typing this I am kicking myself for not getting a little somethin' somethin'. A lemon tart or a chocolate macaroon sound really good right now!

La Madeleine - Fort Worth, TX

Scott and I arrived in Texas last week and were welcomed to rain! Rain and warm weather has made the countryside so green! The rain fooled us into seeking a comforting setting and what could be more so than a quaint French cafe? 

I am not going to lie Le Madeleine is a little confusing when you walk in. You have to place your order or choose to take from the food line right when you walk in the door. It makes for an awkward experience when you feel pressure to hurry up and order something as the hostess stares at you. I felt the pressure and made my decision of Tomato Basil soup pretty quickly. 

All Scott wanted was coffee and breakfast. Eggs, tomatoes and a croissant is all he wanted. He made the hostess's life easy. I stared at her blanking a little too long for comfort deciding what I wanted with my soup.

Surely a French Dip from a French cafe would be tasty right? Despite the greasy au jus, which did not offend me at all, it was a hell of a sandwich. My only complaint was that I only ordered a half! I could have really dug into another side of that sandwich! 

I noticed the bakery case on my way out and as I lie in bed typing this I am kicking myself for not getting a little somethin' somethin'. A lemon tart or a chocolate macaroon sound really good right now!