Guide to Fort Bliss: Best (and Worst) Restaurants, Part 3

"Since this post is so close to the last, can you tell I'm trying hard? Seriously, I promise to finish this restaurant guide before our upcoming move if it's the last thing I do. Hopefully I'll not only finish the restaurant guide, but I will also have time for grocery stores, entertainment... and a few other things."

This is how the post originally started, when I began writing it several months ago. Obviously, none of these things happened on schedule. I didn't even finish one post, much less all of them. Moving has certainly played havoc with my timeline. But, today is a new day! Let's get this show on the road, people.

Oh wait... I'm already on the road. Hubs and I are in the middle of our cross-country jaunt as we count down the days for our flight to Germany. I'll try to actually finish this time, but I'm not making any more promises.

If worst comes to worst, I'm going to tap one of you as a guest blogger for the rest of this guide! Volunteers? Anyone?

Well, you can get back to me on that.

So today, I'm going to talk about the best and worst of our local bakeries and breakfast eateries. Those two feel like they should go together. If you missed out on Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, check them out!

As usual, keep my disclaimer in mind: Depending on when you view this guide, times may have changed. Some of these restaurants may have closed, and newer ones may be open. Your favorite place could very well be on the "bad" list, and I'm sorry for that. Truly. If possible, I will update when I can, but the Hubs and I won't be living here then, so I wouldn't be able to speak from personal experience. Please comment below if you've had different experiences, or if you know other restaurants you want included. I welcome your input, always.

Best and Worst Restaurants (Fort Bliss and Surrounding areas), Part 3: 

Bakeries:

I love me an excellent bakery! Though we had a hard time finding bakeries when we first moved here, I did eventually find a few that I like. These are established businesses, with a storefront. However, I also suggest you look for at-home bakeries. These are often extremely talented people (many of them fellow spouses!), who simply cannot afford a storefront. Their pricing may be better, even. Because these people will constantly change, I won't be including them here. Search community Facebook pages, however, and you are sure to find them!

1. Bake Me Happy - This is, by far, my favorite bakery to date in El Paso. Go forth and eat cupcakes, peeps! Not only is the shop tastefully decorated, the cupcakes themselves are divine. Specialty flavors abound, I've never been disappointed. My only note is this - If you arrive promptly at opening time, not all cupcakes may be available yet. If you're looking for something specific, I suggest calling in advance to ensure your cupcakes will be ready. The owner here is fantastic, extremely friendly, and willing to work with you to suit your needs. Visit at least once and see what you think.

2. Marina's German Bakery - The bread, the bread, the bread! Also, did I mention the bread? While this bakery sells pastry, sandwiches, and other assorted items, the bread is (in my opinion) what they are known for. Many friends have mentioned this to me over the years, and they are right. In fact, some of Marina's products are used to stock the commissary on post. Urbanspoon gives them a huge 92% positive rating as well... this many people can't be wrong!

Photo from Marina's website

3. Belle Sucre Bakery - I haven't tested this particular bakery, but I wish I had. Their online ratings are high and I've had several recommendations that I go and try them. The 'menu' promises delicate French pastries, breads, cookies, and candies. If you've been, I'd love to hear about your personal experience. Pictures would also be excellent, if you've a mind to snap a few. As most of El Paso bakeries are either American or Mexican in style, I think Belle Sucre offers a nice change of pace.

4. Valentine's Bakery & Kitchen - Unfortunately, I've been unable to find a web address for this particular bakery. I have extremely mixed reviews, but I'm including them on the "good" list because Valentine's is a local El Paso favorite. Personally, I didn't much care for the cakes I've tasted here. However, they serve more than sweets. Also on the menu are local favorites, such as burritos, tamales, and menudo. If you enter expecting typical American flavors, you are doomed to disappointment. If you keep an open mind, though, you might find yourself surprised. My tip is this: don't drop by during mealtimes and expect to be served quickly. Instead, try to go a little before or after lunchtime.


Now for the bad news... the following places just didn't make my cut. 

1. International Bakery and Deli - This is another bakery where there is no website reference, sorry folks. I've been to this bakery once or twice, but after a while they shut down and moved to a new location. While online reviews are mixed, I think this bakery has good points and bad points. Their cakes and sweets are average, their sandwiches somewhat better. The local reviews took a small nosedive when the new location opened. If you happen to visit the new spot, let us know how your experience is.

2. Dirty Mouth Cupcakes -  I'm sure a lot of you will disagree with me, but I don't care for the cupcakes at Dirty Mouth (don't judge me!). Local reviews are mostly positive, but I find myself agreeing with those who think the cupcakes have dropped in quality over the last bit of time. I find them overly sweet and artificial for my tastes, especially for the price. However, I do appreciate that they offer a military discount. Also, they bake 'Pupcakes' for your dog if you want to buy 1/2 dozen with one shot. Try this place for yourself and see which side of the line you fall on.



Breakfast:

Many of the bakeries above would qualify for breakfast, especially if you're talking pastries. But there are a few places I'd like to add who serve more traditional fare. Breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day. Sometimes I even eat it for dinner! The Hubs, on the other hand, could take it or leave it. When eating out, we try to compromise on brunch so we each get a taste of what we love most.

1. Ripe Eatery - This is my favorite place for brunch, you MUST try it at least once. Seriously. Although they are open every day of the week, brunch is only served on Saturday and Sundays. The staff is friendly, the food is fantastic, and the online reviews reflect this. You'll be seeing Ripe Eatery again when I talk about local American restaurants and gastropubs. If you're having breakfast, don't forget to try the fresh biscuits. They come to the table with house-made strawberry preserves, yum!

Goat cheese, caramelized onion, and ham quiche

2. Crave Kitchen and Bar - This is another restaurant you'll be seeing on my list again, for their lunch and dinner items. However, their breakfast takes the cake! Unlike other places, Crave serves breakfast every day of the week. I've eaten at the Eastside location more times than I can count, and will personally testify for their blueberry pancakes and Croque Madam. We've moved before I could try all the breakfast items I wished, and I'm dying to know what their Nutella waffle is like. If you visit, please snap a pic and tell us your story.

My mom and sister join me for a meal at Crave
during one of their visits

3. Lucy's Coffee Shop - A tiny, local cafe, Lucy's is a popular spot for both breakfast and lunch. Though I haven't eaten here myself, I know several people who visit often. It's their favorite spot! Urbanspoon and other reviewers rate Lucy's positive as well, so I'll be stopping in here on my next pass through El Paso. Closed on Sundays, the cafe is open the rest of the week, serving great breakfasts in the morning and popular Mexican dishes at lunch. Email me or post your pictures of Lucy's on my Facebook page and show everyone what all the fuss is about.

4. The Lunch Box - Open for breakfast 7 days a week, the Lunch Box is always ready to serve you breakfast. Their menu offers many Mexican specialties (both for breakfast and lunch), is competitively priced (a.k.a. inexpensive), portions are large, and reviews are great. Why wouldn't you try them at least once?? If I'd known about them sooner, I have a feeling I would have gone back more than once. Here's a quick view of their breakfast menu (click on image to enlarge):

5. Ardovino's - Another hot spot which serves weekend brunch. I missed an opportunity to eat here, and I wish we'd taken the time one weekend to enjoy it. An Italian restaurant for lunch and dinner, I hear the weekend brunch is delicious. To top it off, a farmer's market runs here every Saturday during the season. I would completely enjoy a relaxing breakfast followed by some browsing, and likely purchase, of fresh fruits and veggies at the market.




As for the not-so-great places to eat, the news is good for local places. Most of the negatives are chain locations. I won't even bother to review most of them, just know that they are not up to snuff. When it comes to breakfast, eat local and be happy!

1. IHOP - I shouldn't have to say anything else... I mean, it's IHOP. You get what you expect, which is mediocre food and long lines to be seated.

2. Village Inn - Though well-known for their pies, the rest of the menu leaves a lot to be desired.

3. Denny's - Here, I'd like to be a bit more specific. I know that many of you reading are affiliated with the military in some shape or form. Because there is a Denny's on post at Freedom Crossing, I know there will be those of you which eat here. In my experience (and those of several good friends), this is not a good bet. Service is poor, and the food is questionable. Do yourself a favor and try one of the other places I've listed here. I doubt you'll go back to Denny's.


So, that's all for now folks! Get out this week and try something new. Have a quiet breakfast with your spouse or your kids, or heck, have a quiet meal to yourself. I hope you enjoy some of these great local spots while you can.

Happy eating, my friends.

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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Guide to Fort Bliss: Best (and Worst) Restaurants, Part 2

I know, I know... I've been really slow putting this guide together. If I am super sorry, will you please forgive me? I've got a good excuse, I swear!

You see, the Hubs and I recently received some interesting news... we're moving to Germany! Exciting, isn't it? We are both thrilled beyond words. However, along with the excitement comes a bit of panic. I never realized how much was involved in an OCONUS move before (for my civilian pals, OCONUS means "outside of the contiguous United States").

For several weeks, I've run around like a chicken with my head cut off. The army isn't exactly forthcoming with all the information you want/need. But, I finally feel like I'm back on an even keel, and can devote some time to these guides before we are no longer members of the Fort Bliss community. Also, I've been keeping track of our overseas moving craziness, so there will eventually be a PCSing guide here too. Bonus!

Let's see... In Part 1 of this guide, we talked about the best and worst Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurants, as well as the best and worst Steakhouses. I think this time we'll concentrate on BBQ and Delicatessens. What do you think?

Always keep in mind that these guides probably have an expiration date, and I can't really tell you when that will be since the Hubs and I will be moving soon. Times change, and so do restaurants. A new owner or manager can make a huge difference, both good and bad. By the time you find your way here to this guide, some of these places may have closed and newer, better places may have opened. Please forgive me for any discrepancies. And feel free to add to this guide! Contact me via email, comment below, or reach out to me on Facebook. Let's help each other.

Best and Worst Restaurants (Fort Bliss and surrounding areas), Part 2 

BBQ:

Texas is known for its fabulous BBQ. Depending on what region you're visiting in Texas (east, central, south, or west), the flavors can vary greatly. I was very much looking forward to testing BBQ here in El Paso, and I wasn't disappointed. Here are the restaurants that make the best grades:

1. Rudy's - This makes the top of my list, because I loves it! There are two El Paso locations, and the Hubs and I stop in whenever we are close by. Since my pal Becky moved away though, we haven't eaten there (she lived close to one, so it was always convenient to pop in there). The west side location is attached to a gas station, which may seem weird, but don't let that deter you! The food is excellent. And don't forget to ask for your military discount (also a huge plus in their favor. I prefer supporting establishments which support our troops).

The online reviews praise the consistency of this joint, always a bonus in my opinion. Since there isn't "service" to speak of (you order at the counter and the food is brought to the pick up area on a tray), there are no worries about a bad waitress experience. This is great for a delicious, simple meal with your hubs and kids.


2. Chubb's BB-Q - Reasonably priced, with smashing reviews, I think this is a great place to check out! I can't comment with personal experience, sadly. The location is apparently somewhat hidden, a true "hole-in-the-wall" spot. So use your GPS if you're having difficulty finding the storefront. I'm not sure of their range, but Chubbs' also delivers! Since their only issue seems to be limited parking, delivery may be the way to go. I'm not sure if they offer a military discount, so please comment at the end of this post if you have any info on that.

Reader submitted photo, from Tiffany
06/13/2013

One quick note, from an excellent reader: "Add to your blog that if Chubbs is not busy, they close early, so call ahead." Also, while the BBQ is an A+ rating, the dessert leaves something to be desired. Thank you Tiffany for the comment, update, and the photo!


3. Aloha Hawaiian BBQ - Although this isn't your typical Texas BBQ, I feel it deserves a mention here based on all the good reviews. The original location is on the East Side off of Zaragoza Road. I have yet to eat here, but it's on my El Paso bucket list! This isn't a sit-down, fancy place... more like a higher class type of quick, fast food. Good for lunch, or grabbing an easy dinner after a late day.


4. Johnny's Pit BBQ - The reviews here are few and far between, but almost all of them are positive. Carrying a whopping 90% on Urbanspoon, I figure this restaurant is worth a mention. Their most famous of dishes is the "Big Johnny", an El Paso-style brisket sandwich. They also offer delivery, a nice plus, though I'm unsure of their range. Please comment if you've eaten here, or have any additional information to offer!


5. The State Line - The Hubs and I enjoyed dinner here thanks to some wonderful friends, Pat and Jackie. I would feel bad putting this in the ho-hum category, because we had a great evening, with good service on a busy night. I feel the need to add, however, that recent online reviews have been somewhat poor. Since we went some time ago, it's possible the quality of food and service has declined. If anyone has been here recently, I'd love to hear about your experience!

Image from Stateline website

Now, I'd like to talk about those restaurants which have some mixed reviews, and some of which are just terrible. I apologize in advance if your favorite restaurant is on this list, but feel free to defend it in the comments section. I'm placing these here based on personal experience (of myself and others), reader comments, and online reviews. 



1. Famous Dave's - Let me preface this review by saying, I know there are a lot of people who love Famous Dave's... and I don't disagree with them. The food is generally consistent, service is decent, and the atmosphere is good. The only reason I'm including them here is for one simple fact: This is a chain restaurant. And although that doesn't make the food bad, I could also eat here if I was in Virginia versus El Paso. Famous Dave's is everywhere. So I highly suggest trying some of the local flavor first, but don't forget a good standby like this.

2.  Smitty's BBQ -  Although the restaurant has some good reviews, a large portion are negative complaints about the food and service. An old-school atmosphere isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if the food doesn't measure up, then I'm not interested.

3. Smokey's Pit Stop -  With several locations around El Paso, the reviews vary. Although the menu appears reasonably priced, it seems the food reflects that price. Many complained of dried out meats, with little flavor. I would be caution against eating here, but please let us know if you had a different experience!



Delicatessens: 

After moving here from the East Coast (and with much of my family being native New Yorkers), I was extremely disappointed by the deli situation in El Paso. Of course, I knew nothing would quite measure up to the taste of home, but I expected more than there was. Luckily, after some time living here, there are a few places that may not be "just like home", but they're pretty dang good.


1. Spec's - This isn't just a deli. It's also a wine, cigar, and liquor shop. Plus meats and cheeses, oh my! With an outrageous 96 % rating on Urbanspoon, Spec's gets my vote as the best deli in El Paso.

Image from Spec's website

Normally I wouldn't choose a chain as my top pick (I prefer local), but the food here really outdoes them all. There are three locations in the area, two on the west side and an eastside express location. Have any of you visited the "express" Spec's? If so, let us know how it was! I've yet to visit. So, whether you're in search of a cool gift, a specialty food item, or a great sandwich (or wine! or cigars!), then this is a place for you.



1. Brown Bag Deli - located close to Main Bliss, this is a convenient lunch stop if you're living on post. And if you're not, this is still a great place to enjoy a sandwich! A traditional "hole-in-the-wall", the service, food, and portion sizes are routinely praised. Though I love Spec's, Brown Bag Deli is such a close second that they can't really be separated in my mind. I call a tie for #1 (and you thought my numbering was a typo)! Definitely a must-eat stop on your El Paso adventure.

3. Pike Street Market - Who knew there could be so many delis in El Paso with such fabulous reviews??! Pike Street Market, located in downtown El Paso, is another deli with an excellent reputation. I haven't been here personally, but the menu appears interesting and reasonably priced. The one downside I see is they are closed on weekends. So if you want lunch at this deli, make sure it's during the week or you will be disappointed.

4. Jason's Deli - A new addition to the El Paso food scene, I had to include Jason's here. Despite the fact they are a chain, and not exactly a true deli, there are several great features that I wanted to mention. #1 - who doesn't love free soft serve ice cream with every meal?! That's right, baby. Free ice cream. Fabulous when you want to eat somewhere quick with your kids. #2 - They deliver. Granted, there is a small deliver fee based on your location. But, they are also one of few places that deliver something other than pizza or Chinese. Keep in mind, though, that you must either pay with credit over the phone or have exact cash for your delivery person. They don't carry change, so don't expect any back!

With all that said, the food itself is pretty decent. It's nothing I would write home about, but it's good and filling. Jason's also offers a salad bar, which I love. And they offer good variety. If you want a sandwich and the hubs wants pasta and your kid wants salad... well, you can find it all here.

5. Kipps Cheesesteak - Though this is not a "deli" per say, I felt the need to include it here. I haven't been myself, so I can't give a personal opinion, but so many of you recommended Kipps I couldn't not include it. I'm a pretty tough critic when it comes to cheesesteak (it dang well better be traditional Philly style!), but they seem to be getting it right. Reviews are mixed, with the primary complaints being about the cheese (whiz style), and the bread (too crumbly). If you're hankering for a cheesesteak, I say try it out and pass your review on to us!



And now for the bad news....

I only have two places on my warning list, and I'm sure the first one will have many of you up in arms. I'm going to apologize in advance, ok? But read my reasons before you blast me please. Someone had to rank lower than others, and I made the tough choice. It was rough. But necessary.



1. Corner Bakery - Don't start throwing things at me!!! I know many of you love Corner Bakery. I've eaten here myself, and I enjoy it, ok? Unfortunately, I can never seem to move past the fact that it's not Panera Bread. I'm including Corner Bakery on my not-so-great list as a warning to those of you who expect it to be Panera.

Because it's not.

Sure, the two are similar. Similar food, similar style, similar service. But it's just not the same, I'm sorry. If you enter Corner Bakery with no Panera-like expectations, you will be happy. Your sandwich will be delicious, your pastry yummy. But if you start comparing.... poof! All your happiness will disappear.

For my fellow Panera friends, you've been warned.

2. Chubby's Bronx Deli -  Let me just start with this... the original link I found for this deli didn't work. The link here is to their Facebook page. Why didn't the link work? Apparent non-payment. At least that is what the website announced when I tried to navigate to it. This alone doesn't bode well for Chubby's.

Once I start examining the reviews, I realize there are many complaints. Poor service, poor value, and a hit or miss on the flavor. Though they serve Boars Head meats, which generally equals quality, it appears their sandwiches don't always match the standards of their meat. I haven't been here, but there are other places I would want to try above Chubby's. If you've been, give a shout out and share your experience.


So, that concludes Part 2 of our best and worst El Paso restaurants. More posts are coming soon, the next featuring your favorite breakfast and bakeries options. If you want your opinion voiced, check me out on Facebook and send me the best you think El Paso has to offer (or the worst!).

Until then, happy eating!

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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Guide to Fort Bliss: Best (and Worst) Restaurants, Part 1

Whenever we PCS (which basically means moving, for my civilian readers) to a new post, there are certain things we must find out all over again. Like, where is the best place to buy groceries? Or get your car washed? Who has the cheapest gas? What roads are traffic prone?

You get my point, yes?

The little things we often take for granted must be relearned for our new location. So I thought to myself... why not work on a post guide? I wish I had one for everywhere we've been and the places we've yet to go, so it might prove useful for someone else.

In light of that revelation, here's the first installment of my Guide to Fort Bliss. I've compiled your opinions (that's right!), along with personal experience and some fact-checking online. Please, please feel free to help me add on to those guides. Times change, and tomorrow this information could all be wrong. Comment, send me an email, message me on the Army Life Facebook page... but add your own insight and experience. Help take the mystery out of this post for the next family coming in.

The picture to the left was taken inside one of many restaurants here in El Paso, TX. As with any other city, restaurants can be hit or miss. Some are really very good, and others... well, not so much.

El Paso has been swiftly growing with the addition of so many troops at Fort Bliss. I know the Hubs and I noticed many changes in the time we've been there. Four years ago, there weren't nearly as many places to eat out as there are now. And new places are being built everyday!

So, I asked, and you all answered... What are your favorite restaurants in the El Paso area, and which ones would you avoid?

Because there were so many good responses, the list is taking quite some time to compile. I'm kicking off Part 1 of this series with two staples in the area, Mexican/Tex-Mex and Steakhouses!

Best and Worst Restaurants (Fort Bliss and surrounding areas), Part 1 

Mexican and Tex-Mex:

Being so close to the Mexican border, you would naturally assume that El Paso is home to some excellent Mexican restaurants... and it is! Lots of them, actually. But there are also a few who, let's just say, aren't as good. We'll start with the ones we'd go back to again and again, what do you think? I think yes.

(Take note: These are in no particular order!) 

1. Carlos and Mickey's - (this restaurant is currently working on their website, but in the meantime you can check them out at Urbanspoon)

I've heard mixed reviews about this place, but the larger part leans toward the positive. The atmosphere is festive, usually with live mariachi on weekends and some outdoor seating. I've personally been once, and the margaritas are on point! The biggest complaint seems to be about wait times. Consistently, there is a crowd at the door waiting for a table. And while this might deter some, it also vouches for the restaurant's popularity, right?!

2. Kiki's - This tiny restaurant is actually recommended by Aaron Sanchez of Food Network, specifically their Beef Machaca dish. Check out this YouTube video to get your taste buds watering!

I don't know why I haven't tried this restaurant yet, but you can bet it's now on my El Paso bucket list!    

3. Burritos Crisostomas - Picked as one of the top 4 restaurants in Mexico by GQ Magazine (Mexico edition), I think their El Paso locations are worth trying out! I haven't yet been here myself, but several of you made recommendations. Urbanspoon reviews are very mixed, some loving it and others absolutely hating it. If you've eaten there, please comment and let us know whether you enjoyed it or not.

4. Julio's - There are several of these around El Paso, with the newest location at 3630 Joe Battle Blvd, in the Far East. The Hubs and I have eaten here only once so far, but we enjoyed it. The atmosphere was amazing, the new building is beautiful. Our service was prompt (not always the case in El Paso), and the food was good. I wouldn't say it was the best I ever had, but I would go back. The latest reviews on Urbanspoon have been positive. Plus, several of you have also mentioned this as a favorite. Win all around!

5. L & J Cafe - affectionately dubbed "the old place by the graveyard", this tiny hole-in-the-wall touts some excellent food. Their list of awards are numerous, and their popularity hits a whopping 92% on Urbanspoon (as of today). Based on reviews, I'd say this is the best Mexican you'll find around these parts. I'm so impressed, the Hubs and I will be checking it out ourselves within the next few weeks.

Now, I'd like to talk about those restaurants which have some mixed reviews, and some of which are just terrible. I apologize in advance if your favorite restaurant is on this list, but feel free to defend it in the comments section. I'm placing these here based on personal experience (of myself and others), reader comments, and online reviews. 

1. Leo's - I'd like to start by saying: the Hubs and I have eaten here, and we enjoyed it. Was it the best I've ever had? Sadly, no. I would rate the atmosphere as good, the service ok, and the food about average. Several readers commented how Leo's is a particular favorite of theirs.  However, other readers commented how much they dislike the food here. The online reviews seem to vary by location (there are 6 in the area), so this is a difficult one to call. I suggest trying it out for yourself and see what you think!

2. Avila's - This is yet another restaurant I've heard mixed reviews about. However, it has often been featured in Hispanic Magazine's "Top 50 Hispanic Restaurants" (in the United States). Most of the poor reviews center around the atmosphere (old) and the service (slow). For now, I will assume the food makes the rest of it worthwhile, as many people claim this to be one of their favorite Mexican restaurants in town. If you've eaten there and can provide a better perspective, please comment

3. Andale -  This restaurant has more bad reviews than good. Although the margaritas have been praised, the food, service, and atmosphere have all been harshly critiqued. Personally, I have eaten here once and would not go back. I took my mother and sister for a late lunch during the week. Our service was so slow, it was 3 hours before our meal was complete. And the food was not all that appetizing. It was edible, but definitely not good. Many have complained of noise levels, and the Urbanspoon rating hovers only around 50%. I'd say, try at your own risk.

4. Chico's Tacos - One person will tell you these are the best, and another will tell you how sick they got from eating them. I haven't tried it myself, for fear of the whole getting sick thing. Many reviews mention the grease factor (too much of it), so that probably explains the stomach issues. I think the major draw here is the low-priced menu. Another try at your own risk (and let us know how it goes)!

5. This last one is a difficult one to judge. The Hubs and I ate here upon our arrival in El Paso, and had a very negative experience. Therefore, we have never returned.

HOWEVER, the online reviews of this restaurant seem to be good. I haven't yet met anyone else who has eaten there, so I have no way to compare. If you've eaten at La Malinche (any of the locations), email me or comment below, so my biased view isn't the only one here.


Steak Houses:

This is the great state of Texas, so you can rest assured there are plenty of places to eat steak! Between the chain restaurants and the locally-owned, everyone should be able to find what they're looking for.

Peacock at Cattleman's 

1. Cattleman's Steakhouse - When I ask about steak in El Paso, Cattleman's is always everyone's first response. Not only has it been voted America's Manliest Steakhouse, it's won countless other awards.

However... 

While I adore the atmosphere, I personally have not been in love with the food. To be perfectly honest, I've had better steaks elsewhere. And I am always surprised the restaurant doesn't offer any real vegetable selections. I mean, seriously?? I like a little salad or something with my meat.


Despite that, the Hubs and I have enjoyed dinner here several times. We usually take family when they visit because there is so much to see. Peacocks, rabbits, horses, and rattlesnakes, not to mention the movie sets. The whole adventure becomes an afternoon outing.

So, my conclusion is this:

While I wouldn't drive out there for the food alone, I do occasionally enjoy an afternoon at Cattleman's with family and friends. Atmosphere is the huge draw here.

2. Edge of Texas - The reviews of this restaurant have been pretty great all across the board, from reader comments to Urbanspoon. The Hubs and I have eaten here once, and we both enjoyed it, so add in personal experience too. The largest complaint I hear are about business hours. Keep in mind this restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays! Many a patron has discovered this the hard way. While there may be a few naysayers in the bunch, overall the Edge of Texas rates with the best of the bunch here!

3. Corralitos Steakhouse - This is a new find for me, thanks to my pal Becky (you might remember her from our NY or Ireland trip)! We ate lunch there earlier this week, and it was excellent. I've seen a few bad reviews, but our food was perfect and the service impeccable. It's my understanding that this restaurant is doing some restructuring. The new philosophies must be working, because our meal was the best I've had in a while. Also, the atmosphere was cozy, always a bonus. If you've tried them in the past, I suggest going back again. if you've never been, then what are you waiting for?? I'll be curious to hear your responses, I hope you all enjoy it as much as Becky and I did.

4. Texas Roadhouse - I don't really like the idea of including a chain restaurant here; however, I'm adding this one as there will soon be one right on post at Freedom Crossing. As of now, the restaurant isn't open, but it will be fairly soon. In general, Texas Roadhouse tends to be a popular favorite everywhere, so I hope this new one lives up to the hype!


Now for the not so good ones. This was actually harder to come up with than you think. It is Texas, after all!

1. Great American Land and Cattle - I'm including this restaurant in the 'not so good' category for one major reason: Reviews vary greatly based on location. I've heard the Westside location is great, but the Zaragoza location is awful. Others fall in the middle. My only experience here was at Zaragoza, and it was indeed awful. We've never returned, though I've considered trying other locations.   I'd love your input, please feel free to add your two cents in!

2. Cattle Baron - Though this restaurant receives many good reviews, they consistently lose points for the quality of their steaks. The atmosphere is good, salad bar is good, service is good... but the steaks fail to measure up. The most common adjective is "tasteless". I've eaten here several times and in various locations, as it's a chain. BUT, I've never ordered a steak. Love the salad bar though, and my food has always been tasty. Have you eaten a steak here? If so, what did you think?



So, that concludes Part 1 of our best (and worst) restaurants in good old EP. More posts are coming soon, with genres varying from Asian all the way to the best bakeries in town.

Happy eating!

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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Zuppa Toscana

There are so many times I've eaten in a restaurant and wished I could make a certain dish at home. Over time, I realized I could have my favorite dishes at home. All it took was a little perseverance and a lot of experimentation.

This soup isn't actually my favorite dish, it's the Hubs'. I can't count how many times I've asked where he wanted to eat, and he always answers, 'Olive Garden, soup and salad!' Specifically, he wants Zuppa Toscana. 

Naturally, I went to work, determined that I would outdo Olive Garden's recipe.

The Hubs thinks I succeeded, and that's good enough for me!

Of course, now he requests this soup every week. Though I love this zuppa (did you know zuppa means soup in Italian?), I don't want to eat it every single week. I like variety in life! The Hubs, on the other hand, will eat the same thing over and over until he never wants to eat it again.

It's a rough life, but I manage somehow.

Haha. Ok, so it's not that bad. But I do regulate the frequency of our zuppa intake, otherwise we'd be eating this all the time.

So let's get the party started! The ingredient list for this soup is simple:

The ingredients, minus one (as per the usual) 

Start with 1 lb. of Italian sausage. I like to use the 'mild' version, but you can work with the 'hot' if you prefer. The reason I like the mild is because I want to control the spice level myself. I do this by adding a bit of red pepper flakes to the sausage as I cook it (The red pepper is the ingredient not pictured. It wouldn't be one of my recipes if I didn't forget at least one ingredient in the picture).

Brown your sausage in a skillet, adding red pepper flakes if you choose. I only add 1/2 teaspoon (sometimes a little more, I don't always measure!), but you can add as much or as little as you want. The Hubs likes his extra spicy, so we add more to his soup at the end.

Once brown, drain the fat, then set your sausage aside. Pull out your soup pot. Add 4 slices of bacon (chopped into bite-sized pieces) into the pot. I have to be honest, we usually add an extra piece of bacon. Everything is better with more bacon!

Cook the bacon over medium-high heat. When it's about halfway done, add 5 cloves of minced garlic and one white onion (diced) to your soup pot. Continue to saute until the onions are translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.

Next, add 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to the pot, along with 2 cups of water. I suggest the low-sodium broth because the sausage and bacon are both salty already. You can always add more salt later if you like, but you can't take it away if it's already in there!

Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then add 3 large Russet potatoes (peeled and chopped) to the pot. Keep in mind that your potatoes should be chopped into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Continue to boil until the potatoes are tender, about 25-30 minutes.

Boiling broth

If the potatoes are tender, you're almost done! Stir 1 1/4 cups heavy cream into the broth, along with your cooked sausage.

Picture courtesy of Abby, from 1,000 Miles on my Own Two Feet

Allow this mixture to heat through before adding the final ingredient: freshly chopped kale. Kale is a wonderful green for soups, but there are substitutes if your local grocery doesn't stock it. Look instead for Swiss Chard or spinach (Don't use the spinach from a bag, use the fresh bundles instead). I actually just tear my kale into pieces, rather than chopping it. So much easier! Stir in as much or as little as you like, but we use about 3 cups or so.

The kale takes no time at all to wilt, so simply stir and you're done. Test your zuppa for seasoning, add salt and pepper to taste. And, viola! Zuppa Toscana at home.

Zuppa Toscana

The Hubs and I sprinkle our soup with a bit of fresh grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. It's the perfect final touch! For those of you (like me) who cook in advance when they can, this soup freezes well. Just let the zuppa cool to room temperature, then add to freezer-safe ziploc bags. Freeze the bags flat on a cookie sheet, then store until you need them. I like to make single-serving sizes as well, especially for those times when the Hubs is away. Just because you're cooking for one, doesn't mean you can't eat well!

What are your favorite restaurant recipes that you wish you could make at home? Please share in the comments, especially if you have a recipe! I've included the standard form recipe at the bottom of this post for you.

As always, happy cooking!

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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The Standard Form:

Zuppa Toscana

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground Italian sausage

1/2 - 1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes

1 large white onion, diced

4 slices bacon, chopped

5 cloves garlic, minced

8 cups chicken broth

2 cups water

1 ¼ cup heavy cream

3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped

3 cups kale, washed and roughly chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions:

Sauté the Italian sausage with the red pepper flakes until done. Drain any fat from the pan and set aside.

In a large soup pot, sauté the bacon. When the bacon is a little more than half-cooked, add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the chicken broth and water to the soup pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the potatoes. Boil until the potatoes are tender, bout 25-30 minutes.

Stir in the cooked sausage and the cream. Heat through before adding the kale. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with fresh grated Parmesan. 

Baked Feta Cream Marinara

Oh-em-gee... this is one of my new favorite things. It's indescribable, truly. But if I had to try, I'd say it was scrumptious. Mouthwatering. Succulent. Heavenly. Mind-blowingly delicious.

What is this magical substance, you wonder? Mmmmm..... it's Baked Feta Cream Marinara!

A few weeks ago, I had lunch with a friend at one of my favorite restaurants, the St. Clair Winery and Bistro. There are only three locations, and they're all in New Mexico. If I have an opportunity to visit, then I do... you've got to take these opportunities when you can (if you're ever near one, stop in, you won't regret it!).

St. Clair's has an amazing appetizer menu. And lunch menu. And dinner menu. Oh, and don't forget dessert! And the wine.... good gracious. I always stuff myself to the point of embarrassment, because I never know when I may be able to go back.

I finally said to myself, enough is enough! I can't always hop in the car and drive to New Mexico (especially if we're in Germany or something). I need to craft my own recipes to mimic theirs. This way, I can have Feta Cream Marinara whenever I darn well want to.

So that's exactly what I did.

And now I'm going to share it with you, 'cause I loves you. All the world deserves yummy Feta Cream Marinara whenever they want it.

Since my buddy Abby shared in the original gorge-fest, I felt it only fair to invite her for the creation of the recipe. I love it when Abby comes over, not just because we have a great time (though that's the biggest reason), but also because she brings me fabulous, yummy things... like homemade pizza crust, and Focaccia bread, also homemade.

Don't you wish Abby was your friend too??!

On this particular day, she brought me both! I stored the pizza crust for later use, but the Focaccia bread was the perfect accompaniment for our dip.

The giver of pizza crust and bread dough, Abby 

Abby's job was to prepare the bread, because this is one thing I am really not good at. I buy all my fancy bread at Tar-jey. Perhaps someday I'll brave this unknown skill, but today is not that day.

You can use any kind of bread you want... toasted French or Italian would work well, even breadsticks.  I had a baguette on hand, but set it aside when I saw the Focaccia. If you don't have an Abby to bring you fresh bread, then I suggest the baguette. Slice it thin, and toast on one side. The slices make a great scoop for the warm dip.

As you can tell from the ingredient picture, I snapped this before Abby and the bread arrived. That's why you still see my sad, store-bought bread. Don't worry though, I found another use for my Tar-jey baked goods.

This recipe turned out to be super, easy simple. You'll need a jar of good quality marinara, or use your own. I was in too big a hurry for the homemade part. You also need 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese. Get the good stuff!  We've had this conversation before. The picture shows a whole block of cream cheese, but you only need 2 or 3 ounces.

The oregano is optional: I used it to jazz up my jar of marinara. You don't have to do that if you don't want to. But if you do, just pluck the leaves, chop them up finely, and stir them into your sauce. Easy peasy.

Now the basil... this is necessary, people. Do not skimp on the basil! I don't know why, but the dip is not the same without fresh basil. If you don't have any, then go get some. Don't use the dry stuff, it's no good here. Buy the fresh stuff, open the package, and take a nice, long whiff. Thank me silently, then chiffonade the basil leaves.

When you're done, it should look a little something like this:

Set the basil aside for later. Then preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Now, we're going to mix up the heart of this dish. Add your feta cheese (6 oz) and cream cheese (2-3 oz) to a mixing bowl.

WARNING: Don't try this in a blender. Use a hand or countertop mixer. I have already made this error for you, and wasted valuable eating time with the cleanup. Learn from my mistakes. 

Blend the cream cheese and feta cheese together. It's ok if the mix is not perfectly smooth. Little nuggets of feta are a nice surprise. If you like things creamier, go with the 3 ounces of cream cheese. I used two, but I think a little more would have been nice.

Photo by: Abagail Austin 

Next, pour your marinara (about 18 oz) into an oven safe dish. You can use what you like, but a longer, shallower dish would not be so good. Think of something about the size of a cereal bowl. I used this Canopy square dish:

Time for the feta... I used an ice cream scoop in the hopes of having a perfectly shaped ball of the feta mix on top of my marinara. However, it looks a lot like vanilla ice cream!

Don't judge me. Please.

If you don't have a scoop, or you don't want your feta cream to look like actual ice cream, you can always shape the mixture a bit by hand before placing it in the center if the marinara.

Place the dish into your 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the dip for the last 5 minutes or so... it should melt and be creamy, but if any browning occurs, it's time to take it out of the oven.

To serve, top with fresh basil. Provide bread (your choice) for dipping.

NOM. Enough said.

Happy cooking, my friends!



The Standard Form:

Baked Feta Cream Marinara

Ingredients:

18-24 ounces marinara sauce

6 ounces crumbled feta cheese

2-3 ounces cream cheese

Fresh basil, about 12 leaves, chiffonaded

Thinly sliced baguette, lightly toasted, for serving

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a hand mixer, combine the feta cheese and the cream cheese until mostly smooth.

Pour the marinara into an oven safe bowl, cereal size. Scoop the feta mixture into a ball on top of the marinara.

Bake 10-15 minutes, until slightly melted and creamy. Top with basil, serve with baguette.