When The World Is Your Oyster, But You Want Pizza

I'm not sure about all of you, but when you have a kid (or multiple) they usually win out at the pizza war.  At our house, most every Friday is pizza and a movie.  We sometimes make our own, order something that we can't get delivered (so we run in and pick it up), but in most cases it is a standard chain delivery.  While easy and usually enjoyable - it does get boring. 

So!  What do you do when you are kid-free on a Friday night?!?  You do adult pizza night and a movie (We watched The Gray Man on Netflix).  That was easy part - then you have to decide where to go get that adult pizza in Fort Worth.  That turned into a HUGE research/discussion.  

Here were some of the points of discussion ~

• Should we pick based off splitting a pizza - i.e. they will do a 1/2 and 1/2
• Crust and reheatability (i.e. how do those leftovers taste)
• Do we try somewhere new or do a tried and true favorite
• Yelp sorting by ratings and number of reviews narrowed the list down.

There are so many new places that we haven't tried yet.  Price, location, and just uncertainty of the unknown all played into our decision.  Once we hashed out all the possibilities, we decided on a tried and true favorite ~ Zoli's Pizza.  

Zoli's is the brain child of Cane Rosso favorite, Jay Jerrier.  When we lived down in the 'hood (aka Southside) we spent many nights enjoying pizza at Cane Rosso - or as it became known at our house "The Red Pig".  I think on the pizza side this might be another obsession with a chef - because everything he touches we adore.  We would drive to Dallas - 45 minutes away! - just get some Zoli's before we had a Fort Worth option.  

At Zoli's you have to decide - am I square or a round type of person.  Do I like my pizza large and in charge with a thicker crust (square pie), or am I a traditional, classic crust that's a little thin and doesn't get in a way of the toppings (round pie)?  Don't get me wrong, they both have their place in the pizza world.  I do not discriminate against any great pizza - which is what makes Zoli's so much fun.  

I've never, ever had a bad thing from here.  My ultimate treat is to start with an order of Zucchini Fries and almost not leave room for the pizza.  I've tried to replicate this wonderful dish at home - and I can't even come close.  Not to mention the house-made jalapeño ranch that you dip these wonders in, and some pizza if there is any left.  

The pies are all a preferential decision.   I'm usually a classic ~The Spangler, while my husband will almost 99% of the time order The Honey Bastard.  I do love me a NY White when I'm not in the mood for a red sauce base (can I recommend that if you order this, get a side of the red sauce and use it as a dip!)  As for the 50/50 split - Zoli's will accommodate a split pie as long as the base is the same on the two pies.  

Don't be fooled by our adult pizza night - every kid we see here enjoys the pizza - including our own!  They have a great outdoor space and the decor is off the chain.  Go have a great adult pizza night of your own, or bring along you kids for a great and enjoyable family pizza night!

~Ciao

Grace - Fort Worth

Our first visit to Grace was probably a little over a year ago right after our little veggie was born.  We had a Groupon and decided, what the heck, we'll give it a try.  Shocking!  The ambiance is posh, but the people are friendly and the chef is fantastic.
The items on the menu don't rotate like some of the other "local" style restaurants, but because the menu is simple and the items aren't ridiculously off the wall, it's easy for them to seem "in season" all year round.  But, it seems that they did learn that not all Fort Worth locals eat just meat and potatoes.  On our first visit the chef was so kind as to create a vegetarian dish from scratch.  With this last visit there was a vegetarian item on the menu (beside the salad).
I started with the Organic Local Greens (from Tassione Farms in Stephenville, TX) - crispy potatoes, Texas goat cheese and beets.  I know, some guys are afraid of those "local greens", but come on - who can resist a Texas goat cheese and beets.  The salad is worth that alone.  Hubby had the Shaved Asparagus.  This comes topped with something they call the "black hole" - it is a sort of egg, bacon and hash bake.  Shockingly tasty, and he said should have been a dish of it's own.
The veggie dish on the menu is a fresh made Five Cheese Tortellini - english peas, ramps and green onion emulsion.  I thought I could talk the chef into making something "off the menu", so I was slightly disappointed when this came to the table.  First bite taken - disappointed no more.  A great "warm" summer dish that was the perfect balance of both light and heavy.  And not overwhelming, so have no fear I had room for dessert.
One of the guests that joined us got the Meyer Ranch All Natural Beef - grass feed, antibiotic free, no growth hormones.  The fat structure in the beef just seems so unnatural from what we normally see, but it so smooth that you can cut it with a fork.  Sauce choice originally was just good 'ol original horseradish, but the waitress talked him into trying the chef's special preparation of Espresso Horseradish.  If you are a true horseradish connoisseur - steer clear of this - the flavor combination is unlike an other, but not in a good way.

Local Organic Greens

Five Cheese Tortellini

Meyer Ranch All Natural Beef

3 diners, 3 desserts - Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake topped with Henry's organic vanilla bean ice cream - Pain Perdu with butter pecan ice cream, bruleed bananas and salted carmel - Chocolate Walnut Milkshake made with homemade vanilla ice cream, Nochelle and dark Creme de Cacao.  I ordered the milkshake - the best combination of liquor and milkshake around (I drank the whole thing), then I tasted both the other desserts ordered and both were top notch.  But, if I had to put them in order 1. Milkshake, 2. Chocolate Pudding Cake, 3. Pain Perdu.  Would I recommend dessert - heaven's yes.

**Oh and please pardon the picture quality - I don't claim to be a photographer.  But I thought I had better get better about including photos of the meals.

VegFortWorth

Allow me to make your day all you Veg eaters out there in wonderful Fort Worth. Posted to the iTunes store earlier this week, VegFortWorth gives you a basic list of Veg friendly restaurants in the immediate Fort Worth area. The 3 main areas of interest include Downtown, Near Southside, and the Cultural/Arts District. No genre of food is off limits. While the functionality is simple, easy and balanced - the information is rudimentary. Vague restaurant reviews are all that are available - leaving you wondering if it's giving you a review or helping you find a veg option restaurant. Some restaurants/food options are not veg friendly, so make sure you know your stuff when you go to certain places. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the waiter/waitress and/or make them ask the chef. One HUGE suggestion is to add the menu of the restaurant, or an abbreviated version of their menu with the veg options only. Don't try and review the restaurant - just let people know what they serve, unless you are going to rate all the restaurants on the app. Overall reaction: Fun to have, needs some work.

Rate Your Burgers

Burgers are personal to everyone. We debate all the time about who has the best. Do you like it thick or thin? What about the bun? Do you prefer all the fixings or just the burger, bun and maybe some cheese? Well in the world of veggie burgers it's no different. Do you like black bean patties, portabella mushroom or veggie patties? Do you opt for sauces, cheeses and fixings? What about that bun? Let me help you make an educated decision when it comes to choosing a burger joint that meets the veg requirements of some discerning diners. I don't eliminate one burger over another because of patty style, fixings, etc. I will rate them solely based on taste, quality, and consistency. I usually never have cheese or mayo on a veggie burger - so if it's on the menu with cheese or mayo it get's put on hold.

• #4: The Love Shack: The Boom Boom. See an earlier review for lots of details. This burger is a portabello mushroom that is deep fried and topped with all the fixings. Need I say more.

• #3: Jake's: The Veggie Burger. See an earlier review for lots of details. After lots of thought, I realized that Jake's homemade veggie patty really had it together. This place has potential!

• #2: Spiral Diner: Spiral Burger. Need I say more - Vegan all the way. A homemade traditional style patty topped with all the fixing. This is the most "meat-like" option out there.

• #1: Dutch's: The #7 - Portabello Veggie Burger. This marinated portabello mushroom has all the flavor - balsamic vinegar gives this burger the kick it deserves. I order with no mayo or cheese. You have to give this one a shot.

First Friday on the Greens Returns

This great event for the area starts back up the first Friday in April (2nd). Don't miss out on the food from Chadra (veg options available), drinks and great music.

Fred's Texas Cafe

Lost in the middle of all that development. Fred's didn't sell out! One moderately warm weekend in the middle of winter, we decided to venture outdoors for dinner, to the inviting patio available at Fred's Texas Cafe. The vegetarian option is the Portabella Mushroom Burger - "sauteed to perfection with all the trimmings". I ordered this burger with a twist, adding sauteed onions instead of the raw in the fixins. This burger is fairly plain all the way around - easy on the seasoning, almost none on the mushroom - if I hadn't opted for the sauteed onions the burger would have been so bland a baby could have eaten it. The fries are what makes the "basket" worth the money. Hand cut, thick-style, skin on potatoes. No extra breading - the potato and a mix of seasoning added while the fries are still warm. I ate all mine, plus hubbies, and probably would have eaten more if they had offered. Options in the "basket" include turning your fries into some their famous Cheese Fries or Cheese Fries with all the fixins - bacon, chives, sour cream, etc. If your goal is to have an artery clogging dining experience then you have to have the cheese fries. Layers of cheese on the thick cut fries, brown to perfection... add a side of ranch and mix with some ketchup and you have a well dressed fry. Fred's is moderately priced for what you are eating. The Portabello Mushroom with fries only will run you almost $10.00. Don't be fooled - it's worth it to eat on their patio, have a beer and enjoy some music if it's a band playing weekend. Rating: 3 Carrots

Love Shack - So.7 style

So did you know that The Love Shack has weather related specials? We went one weekend and everything was 50% off because the temp was below 40. Yeah, I know, crazy!?! We had two burgers w/ fries and beers for under $12.00 Make sure you check out the specials.... Anyways, for those of you that have been to the original stockyard version of the Love Shack know that it's all out doors, order on the street and hope you find a chair or place to rest your basket of food. The So.7 location is great - built to support both the warm weather months - with roll up garage doors, outdoor ordering and large patio, or for those colder months - indoor eating and some heat. Minimalistic is the look with great food to eat. All Veggies can eat at this joint. Enjoy the Boom Boom - a marinated Portabella mushroom that is battered and fried with the fixings (remove the cheese if you like - that's how I like it). Juicy, tasty and unhealthy like a normal burger... I do have to say that I prefer the fries at the original location. The fries at So7 are super thin and have an identity crisis - they can't decide if they want to be crispy or mushy. The onion strings are great to eat (super thin, just the right amount of breading and volumes of flavor) and can add that extra crunch to any of your burgers. This veggie burger ranks high on my list. Rating: 3 Carrots

Chadra does Fort Worth South Annual Dinner

I don't normally write about weird eating experiences, especially those the reader could never duplicate, but I have to say that the veg friendly meal I was served at the Fort Worth South annual dinner last night complements of Chadra Mezza was quite tasty.

So, I haven't ever really written anything about Chadra - it's just one of our normal standbys. They have a great buffet that could put any Chinese buffet to same (they should all come and take notes). I enjoy it for the moderately prices items and the high amount of vegetarian options, hubby just likes the buffet of food on Friday nights.

Even though I don't really comment on their "ordinary" meals, this dish was just too original to pass up.

We attended the Fort Worth South Annual dinner and I of course am the odd man out at the dinner table - requiring a green table topper so they could find me the lone vegetarian in the room. The tabouleh and the dessert were just ho-hum, but I couldn't stop eating my main course. Cinnamon flavored rice topped with a marinated portobello mushroom with roasted & almost candied pistachio, almond and walnuts. I have never cooked with cinnamon outside of dessert and cinnamon & sugar toast for breakfast, but this was fantastic. It was like having a healthy dessert for dinner. The flavor was sweet, but not overpowering.

Delightful.

Spiral Diner - Mucho Grande Nacho's

So for the month of January, one of my guilty pleasures - Spiral Diner - feed us a blue plate special full of Mexican food. For those of you that don't know, Spiral Diner is a strictly Vegan restaurant. They try and buy local and organic and never feed us meat, meat-byproducts, dairy, eggs, etc.

Back to the Mexican Blue Plate Specials -

The dishes were a wide variety of quesadillas and nachos. I had a rare weekend visit with my BF, and for many weeks we had been eying the nachos. I know you are thinking, Nachos?? Who cares about Nachos?? Well need I say more than it was Mexican heaven on a plate. Their warm, "cheezy" sauce, quinoa, corn, black olives, tomatoes, jalapenos, beans, and I'm sure I'm missing something covering hearty corn tortilla chips was to die for.

The "cheezy" sauce is made from raw cashews and nutritional yeast flakes and other yummy-ness - you can't tell it's not real nacho cheese sauce. I can't explain to you how good these are. They are so good they need to be a permanent fixture on the menu. Hello Amy, please add the nachos to the menu... I'd be there all the time just to eat nachos.

I don't know about any of you all, but it's super hard to find veg-friendly mexican food. I eat their ate-layer burrito just about every time I go. Why can't I have a nice vegan nacho alternative all the time.

We never made it back to try the quesadillas - we ate nachos every time we went - but I am slightly sad, because they were trying out the new "cheese" fad in Daiya cheese. If the nachos were any sign, I am sure that Spiral had a winner in the quesadillas too.

Rating: 5 Carrots

Mamma Mia Italian Grill & Pizza

Let me start off by saying that their website is of no help. It appears that they rarely update the information.

There are two locations - the original on East Belknap & the newest on West Magnolia in the old Palermo's location.

Having Mamma Mia so close - is both a blessing and curse. We eat there at least once a week (sometimes multiple, especially if you include left overs). I know it can't be that healthy for you to eat rich Italian food every night of the week, but it's so good I can't help it.

I have tried just about every vegetarian dish on the menu - and created a few of my own. If I am in the mood for something a little lighter, I lean toward the Traditional Cheese Pizza. Fresh made dough, cornmeal on the crust, fresh red sauce and cheese overflowing... yum, it's making my mouth water just thinking about it.

The Eggplant Florentine is a great choice if you are in the mood for something to "put meat on your bones". Thinly sliced eggplant, breaded and baked, then rolled with cheese and spinach, covered in red sauce and cheese and served with a side of pasta. WOW is right!

I was in the mood for something a little different and ordered the "build your own" Stromboli - they will put anything you want in here. I had spinach, mushroom, and cheese. Oh it was so tasty... I ate the whole thing!

Of all the dishes I have ordered, my least favorite has been the Eggplant Parmesan. The Eggplant is cut super thin for the Florentine dish and it was just too mushy after it is cooked and covered in the sauce and cheese.

All the entrees come with a dinner salad (the house dressing is wonderful - spicy, oil & vinegar, red dressing). They always start you out with their garlic knot bread - and have oil & vinegar on the table. We have ordered calamari, fried mushrooms, cheese bread and all other kinds of goodie appetizers...

I can't think of a BAD thing I have had there.

I'll have hubby post another for all the meat dishes he has tried.

Rating: 5 Carrots

Paco and John Mexican Diner

Have you met Paco? I have. And he's now one of my favorite restauranteurs.

I am writing this review again after several more visits to what has become our second favorite place to eat in Fort Worth. I don't know how anyone could have doubted our choice, since our favorite is John's restaurant of Paco & John... St. Emilion.

Last weekend Hambre Esposo & his wife joined Foodie and hubby at Paco & John for what turned out to be the most exciting visit to date. Side note: We have gone to eat brunch just about every weekend for the past month - see future posting on the brunch options. Back to the surprise - the dinner menu has been updated!! Not that the menu was bad before, but for all your veg eaters out there you have more than one option.

Here are a few of the newest additions to the dinner menu - the street taco's are available, vegetable enchiladas, spinach & cheese enchiladas, and I think there are a few more - I was so excited I forgot to write them all down.

Of course I had a hard time deciding since I thought I was just going to have to have the Chile Reino again. But, I finally nailed it down to the vegetarian enchilada plate (served with a side of rice, no beans). The plate included two of their sauteed vegetable enchiladas with a spinach & cheese enchilada in the middle. What a feast. The vegetable enchiladas are fantastic. It's the same mix of veggies that they use in their vegetable & sweet potato breakfast burrito - roasted peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and onion. They are all seasoned perfectly and cooked just right to be in an enchilada. The spinach & cheese was okay - but next time I will order all veggie...

Of course the same starters are available - complimentary chips & their great salsa, quesos (crab, chirizo, and a new one with roasted peppers/onion), guacamole.

If you have not had a chance to try this new jewel in the Southside - don't waste another day. Remember for now BYOB and they are closed on Monday's.

Ranking: 4 Carrots

Yogi's Bagel Cafe

Small place, Strange name, Great breakfast.

Hubby and I found this place thanks to the title company we went to several years ago when we bought our house. We had been a few times (mostly bagels & cream cheese visits), but hadn't been in at least a year and a half.

Hubby's sister came to town a few weekends ago and we needed some place new to take her. We decided to give Yogi's Bagel a try once again. I have to say if you're claustrophobic this is not the place for you. It was Sunday morning and the place was hoping. The line was to the door, the tables were full, and it just kept getting more crowded the later it got.

For those of you who have never been, the menu is so full it's almost overwhelming. If you have a hard time making decisions - I highly recommend you check the menu out before you go. This place runs like the "soup Nazi" from Seinfeld - when it's your turn to order in line, you better know what you want.

They are well known for their "coffee bar" - probably 15 different types of coffee are fresh brewed with a "help yourself" type attitude. Also available is pre-packaged house made cream cheese and any type of bagel you can imagine.

Upon this last visit there was a wide range of ordering - Breakfast Taco (egg, cheese and potato), eggs/waffle/toast/meat, and Migas. Nothing is ever "bad", but they do have so many things on the menu - I think they make some things better than others. I highly recommend sticking to the "original" American type breakfast while here.

Don't be afraid to call ahead or take things to go. I have gone in many mornings and picked up bagels & cream cheese to go. The bagels are made fresh every day and the cream cheese (flavors & original) are prepared in house.

Ranking: 3 carrots

Jazz Cafe #2

Oh, how you break my heart. Why Jazz Cafe do you have to let me down?

I know you say, "...after such a raving review"! I don't know what's worse, having to tell you all the truth or admitting to myself that my dream brunch joint has to be left in my sleep.

"What," you say, "could cause such heartache?"

The first (and only other visit) was with a large group, the restaurant was full, the music was playing and my heart was racing... so I probably let the adrenaline rush cloud my judgement of the overall service. Upon the second visit, hubby and I decided it couldn't take that long with only two of us, and not to mention when we arrived it was probably half as full as last time. The music was still playing, and the time management was still a HUGE problem.

We sat down at about 10:45 on a Sunday morning, ordered at some time around 11:00... here is the order: sampler Hummus, Black Bean Enchiladas (yes Veg friendly, see notes below) and 1/2 order Eggs Benedict. Not a complicated order - no special requests - just straight off the menus. We get our appetizer at some time around 11:30 or 11:40 - I know you think I am exaggerating - but I am not. You must be thinking that we ended up eating our appetizer with our breakfast - and you wouldn't be too far from what I was thinking, until it was well after 12:15 when our food finally arrived. I know, I know I must be crazy - but I am not - I didn't get to Central Market until 1:00!! I wasted my whole Sunday morning WAITING FOR FOOD!

Now on to the food.

Hummus was simple with lemon and tahini - not too bad - I'd eat it again. Black Bean Enchiladas: I thought I was going Vegan, until they arrived with a huge "dollop of Daisy" on top. This dish was nothing to ride home about - black beans inside one corn tortilla. I asked for a back up tortilla just because there was so much bean on the plate - I had to do something with it. Of course hubby ate the Eggs Benedict as fast as he could cut it and get into his mouth. He swears that it is one of the best Eggs Benedict's he has had.

Ranking #2: 2 Carrots

The Jazz Cafe

I have found a new best friend and it plays jazz to me and feeds me wonderful vegetarian delights.

After several failed attempts to go to the Jazz Cafe for brunch we finally made it today for a friends birthday. After eating not so good sushi (review coming) and drinking (late but not too late) for said friend's birthday, we decided to get together on actual birthday for brunch.

Do not be afraid - you might drive past this inconspicuous building on Montgomery more than once. And, you might not be able to find parking in their tiny parking lot (it's worth it to park in the street or a lot across the street on the weekend). Or once you finally make it to the entrance the not so well kept patio could deter you from entering, but fear not - I won't lead you astray.

Today I entered the morning version of the Scat Jazz Lounge - my calling in another life. The music was playing, the tables were full and the place smelled wonderful.

I sat down at the table and made the comment that the food would have to be really bad for me not to return. And overall, I wasn't disappointed. This menu has a little bit of something good for everyone. I debated seriously between the Black Bean Enchiladas and the BOS eggs - I had to decide what I would order the next time I came. I decided on the BOS eggs (after prompting from the waitress) and was not disappointed. Now mind you it's not a Mexican joint, but it's definitely a spin on a classic. Scrambled eggs stuffed with cheese, onion, tortilla chips, potatoes, and jalapenos w/ a spicy black bean and pico on the side. They give you three tortillas to create your own breakfast tacos. Other orders at the table included Steak and Eggs w/ a side of French Toast (made with an English Muffin - a unique way to create french toast); Eggs Florentine (Eggs Benedict made w/ spinach in place of the ham) w/ a side of a single pancake (large enough to feed the table, this pancake was killer. Thick, fluffy and with a spice in the batter it was excellent); and a half order of Eggs Benedict. All the eggs were poached just right - not too runny and not too hard. The sauce was thick, but not chunky.

Yes, you can get a full order or half order of most of the Benedict options - just the right size for portion control - I don't know who wants portion control with this type food - but it's there.

One downside was the lack of service. We got one coffee & water refill the entire time we were there and we were there for a while. A table of two sat after us and got their food service almost a full 15 minutes before us. That was probably the most frustrating was waiting and waiting and waiting to get our food. And then really once we ordered we didn't see our waitress again until she brought us our food and then we had to go track her down to pay (literally).

Don't be fooled - I'll go again. I wasn't in a hurry this visit and I'll make sure I'm not in a hurry next time. It was worth the wait to enjoy the conversation with our friends and listen to the great music.

Don't forget the following: At the Jazz Cafe it's okay to call in an order to go, bring cash or check book - they don't take credit/debit cards, it's first come first serve seat yourself.

Ranking: 4 Carrots

Vidalias

About a month ago, some long time family friends came to town from Oklahoma. They of course needed a taste of the great life in Fort Worth and wanted to try one of our great breakfast/brunch institutions. Neither the Mr. or I had tried Vidalias and suggested we go and give it a try.

For those of you that don't know Vidalias is attached to the great Marriott Renaissance Hotel. The restaurants has been award as an official "Go Texan" restaurant by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The dress is causal, but the decor is top notch. We went super casual that Saturday morning - prepared to do our errand running for the day - I almost felt out of place. But don't fret - the staff is laid back, friendly, and down home Texan.

We had a large group of 6 and were one of the first at the restaurant that morning. If you are one of those people that have a secret pleasure with the nice hotel buffet - Vidalias is the place for you! Enjoy the buffet without paying to stay the night at a hotel.

Veg that I am I leaned toward a light and filling breakfast. I had the House Made Granola w/ Yogurt and Fruit. I didn't know you could make such a large helping of yogurt and granola - but this dish was ginormous. I ate probably a 1/4 of the helping I received. The fruit was fresh and seasonal and the granola was fantastic.

Several of the others ordered the Traditional Eggs Benedict and two ordered the buffet. Foodie hubby totally took advantage of the buffet - plates full of bacon, sausage, fresh made mini Belgium Waffles, a made to order omelet and the Granola w/ Yogurt and Fruit.

Overall the restaurant was good. I would definitely go again and recommend it to anyone who lives locally or is out of town staying in Sundance.

Ranking: 3 Carrots

Brennan's, New Orleans - Brunch

This is Foodie husband's dream brunch. Brennan's, which has been open since 1946 (see website), is known for the set brunch menu. You begin with a starter, entree and then dessert. Yes - they encourage dessert even after breakfast.

We needed something to get us started and ordered their famous Brandy Milk Punch, for those of you that want to watch your figure skip this section - a concoction of half & half, brandy, and topped with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg. Oh yeah it tasted as good as it sounds.

I started with the Baked Apple in Double Cream - a cored apple baked and then covered with warmed cream, carmel and cinnamon. Very delicious, and for those of you who have always talked about having dessert first - this the place. Other veg options included Strawberries and Double Cream. Hubby started with their signature Maude's Seafood Okra Gumbo. This gumbo is not made with a traditional roux of butter and flour, but is created using okra instead - there are several other restaurants that have stolen this idea and have an Okra based gumbo on the menu.

Our waiter, who has probably worked at Brennan's since it opened (not really), was outstanding - confident, suggestive, and very willing to take the bull by the horns if given the opportunity. I was debating between the two veg options on the menu - Eggs Sardou & Eggs Portuguese. Why debate when you can have both! He took over and offered to bring me one of each - how phenomenal! For my taste buds the Eggs Sardou was too bland, although it had an excellent presentation and overall did not taste bad. Now the Eggs Portuguese on the other hand - creative, tasty, and creole. There is no question, next time Eggs Portuguese will win the debate. I feel that this dish would have even be just as tasty without the pouched egg on top - the sauce and the flaky pastry were fantastic. Foodie's hubby didn't stray too far from the signature side of Brennan's (wait till you hear about dessert) - Eggs Hossarde was his selection - I don't even know if he tasted it, he woofed it down so fast.

Now to the important stuff - dessert. An order of Banana's Foster (Brennan's specialty) and Crepes Fitzgerald were ordered to share. Both were scrumptious. By this point in the meal I felt like I could bust, but why stop eating such luscious plates of food? We both cleaned our plates and seriously debated about picking them up and drinking the sauces left behind.

This is a "must go" in New Orleans. Reservations recommended. I might go back to New Orleans just to eat here - why aren't you an option in Fort Worth yet?

Ranking: 5 Carrots

Court of Two Sisters, New Orleans

Well, for those of you who aren't in the French Quarter "know", this is supposedly one of the "must go" places if you are in New Orleans. Foodie hubby and I decided late one evening to go here for dinner.

The outdoor patio has been painstakingly designed to provide shade during the heat of the day and a glorious nightly vision in the evening. The wait staff was pleasant, but not top notch. The maitre'D was polite to us, but I watched as another couple asked to be seated at a smaller table and you would have thought they asked him to cut off his right arm.

The restaurant is known for the Table D'Hote or the fixed price, 4 course meal. I politely asked if I might substitute the vegetarian option from the a la carte menu and order the 4 courses. They were not willing to work with me at all. I was extremely disappointed that a vegetarian is not allowed to enjoy the other 3 courses unless they are willing to spend an arm and a leg to order them all a la carte. Shame on you Court of Two Sister for discriminating on those of us in the community who do not want to eat a half a cow or a bottom feeder fish.

Now that I have ranted about their equality for all - I started with the Court of Two Sisters Salad (minus the Tasso or ham). The Creole French dressing was beautiful and had that kick. Overall nothing to toot your horn about. I then ordered the Eggplant Napoleon off the a la carte menu and I'm so glad that I did. This dish provided one of the most savory dishes the entire time we were in New Orleans. For the Vegetarian's in the hunt - this dish is well worth the money - I wouldn't hesitate to have it again. I just hope that the Court of Two Sisters opens their eyes to the fact that vegetarians might like to enjoy the 4 course meal as well and add an option to the fixed price meal.

Foodie husband of course ordered from the Table D'Hote. For a starter he had the Turtle Soup Au Sherry. The trick to this dish is the sherry added to the roux. Overall Foodie hubby gets this just for the roux - the turtle is a tougher meat and can take away from the overall enjoyment of the soup. For his entree - Corn Fried Des Allemands Catfish (served with lump crabmeat cole slaw & cajun tarter sauce). The presentation was striking - yes even for catfish. Hubby doesn't enjoy tarter sauce and it was all over the catfish, so this dish was wasted on him, but the cole slaw excellently seasoned.

The final event - Bread Pudding. This dish was traditional through and through. The bread was soaked and stuffed perfectly making the consistency exactly like a thick, moist cake. It wasn't over done, runny or stuffed with any frills. By far some of the best bread pudding eaten by either of us over the years.

Overall, if on a limited budget this is probably not the place you want to waste your money on. If you have the time and resources you should definitely add it to the list - just to say you have been. Would I give it a second try? - maybe if they added the Veg option to the set priced option.

Ranking: 4 Carrots

La Familia Mexican Restaurant

So it has probably been 3 months since we actually at La Familia. Don't mean any disrespect, but you know things come up.

This is probably one of the best "finds" for us with the help of "Hambre Esposo" and his wife (neighbor buddy & wife, also guest blogger). This was a late Friday night dinner after a neighborhood get together. For those of you that have never ventured in and out of the new development on 7th - there are several great little "hole-in-the-walls" (those restaurants that didn't sell out to the man).

Who needs to say more than Margarita on Fire! In a frozen mug comes the closet thing to a Norman, OK great at The Mont - a swirl of frozen margarita and sangria, topped with a sugar cube that has been soaked in tequila and then set ablaze. This tasty drink quenched our thirst and is well worth the visit alone.

For all the "veggies" out there I know you are so tired of going to Mexican restaurants only to be let down by the fact that they cook with lard - lard in everything including the refried beans. La Familia prides itself on using only natural ingredients and NO LARD in anything!!! This is probably one of the first Mexican joints that I have been free to eat the beans. So silly you say - oh no! - who goes to a Mexican restaurant and doesn't want the beans?

There are many veg options on the menu - from enchiladas to quesadillas and probably a few options in between. I chose the vegetarian enchiladas - stuffed with squash, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms and onions - topped with a small amount of cheese and tasty tomatillo sauce. This dish had just the right amount of veggies and a nice spicy kick.

Don't ask me about the salsa and chips - that was several months ago. I can tell you that all entrees come with bean & ham soup or a chicken tortilla soup - a nice little touch. So you ask will you go back? Of course! What a sweet find.

Ranking: 4 Carrots

Lili's Bistro on Magnolia

So this post has been a long time coming. Foodie husband and I went to Lili's last month for our 3rd wedding anniversary that happened to fall in the middle of the week. Yeah, I know not real extravagant, but the food was fantastic.

We have both been to Lili's several times over the couple of years that we have lived in the Southside, but I had forgotten how much I enjoy the creative dishes. Don't be scared - the dishes are little pricey, but for a special occasion or for a once in a blue moon treat - it is definitely worth it.

For an appetizer we shared the Hummus and Pita. Their pita bread is to die for. If you have a carb phobia - STAY AWAY - you can't stop eating it. I love a nice kick added to any meal and the jalapeno drizzle was just the right touch - unique & an added flavor to what can normally be a bland dip.

Hubby ordered the Lili's House Burger, which is topped with their signature Gorgonzola Cheese sauce and has a side of their mouthwatering waffle fries. As most of you know I don't eat meat, but my first comment was, "WOW, that makes me want to start eating meat again!". It looked fantastic, and must have been, because Foodie Hubby ate it all, licked the plate and went home miserable (see dessert note).

I was slightly more perplexed about what I wanted and debated about several items. I finally landed on the Tzatziki Medley which is a split dish of Tabouli and Bulgher and Berries. I have a hard time finding a Tabouli that meets my acidic/tart requirements, but this Tabouli can't be beat. The tart Tabouli paired with the sweet and warm Bulgher and Berries was a nice combination. I debated hard about eating the whole dish and not taking any home, but the following day at work it was well worth having the left overs. It made me want to go back for more that evening.

As I promised above, the stuffed Hubby ordered the Banana Upside Down Cake to go. He was so stuffed he had to save it for the following evening. But in the tradition of Lili's he warmed it up and topped it with vanilla ice cream and continued our anniversary dinner the following evening.

See their website for reservation policies. This is definitely a recommended pick!

Ranking: 5 Carrots

M & O Station Grill

M & O Station Grill, a part of the Leonard's Department Store Museum, was an interesting adventure into my journey to find truly the best veggie burger in town.

The diner itself is quaint, decorated the way you would expect an old fashioned burger diner to be, and seems to have quite the following.

We arrived early on a Saturday morning (around 11:30) and they were freshly chopping all the ingredients for that day - tomatoes, lettuce, onions, potatoes, and list could go on. I felt encouraged by their attention to the finer details of a perfect burger.

I ordered the veggie burger (no cheese) which comes topped with lettuce, tomatoe, onion, dressing of choice (not knowing about their homemade "special sauce", I picked mustard) and fresh grilled mushrooms. Foodie's husband did the usual - cheeseburger - mustard only. All burgers are grilled to order - as you order them, so they come out fresh and piping hot.

The burgers arrived and what a sight. Fresh buns toasted to perfection, fresh ingredients, and a side of handcut steak-style fries. Foodie's husband was in heaven - they make a skinny patty just like he likes it. I on the other hand was a little disappointed. One of two things happened - and those of you that do the veggie burgers on a regular basis know exactly what I'm talking about - the sides of the patty were so hard my knife wouldn't even cut the burger in half. So, they either freeze these patties and then cook them as they are ordered, or they just overcooked it. What I could eat of the burger was fantastic - the mushrooms made this burger!

I haven't given up yet on M & O Station Grill. I'll give them a second shot.

Ranking: 3 Carrots