Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe

Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe

Dish(es):Roasted Peppers and Feta Pita and Athens Fries

Drink(s): Turkish Coffee and water

Cost: $15.57 (before tip)

A nice place to have lunch after my violin lesson. The hostess was incredibly friendly and Chris, my server was helpful and patient while I made my menu selections. Everything was delicious...but...my warm pita sandwich was soggy from the Greek dressing before I was even half way finished with it. The dressing from my pita made a mashy mess of my fries. Would I order this again? Yes, but I would ask for the dressing on the side. My favorite part of the meal - the Turkish coffee. Sweet and strong...yum. I definitely needed that super tall glass of ice water.

Fun Fact: Paymon's is also a hookah lounge. I also remember seeing a sign for belly dancing at their other location (can I join too?).

stripburger

Mom and I at stripburger.

Buffalo Chicken
Sandwich

Onion rings with ranch.

Fresh-cut Fries



Chamborita

Ladies Day Out

Restaurant: stripburger

Dish(es): Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Fresh-cut Fries, and Onion Rings

Drink: Chamborita

Cost: $27.80 (before tax and tip)

I have been to this place once before and I was just as thrilled then as I was during this visit. My Mom and I used this place to take a break from a day full of exploring the Fashion Show Mall. We both had a great time and look forward to our next visit.

Assorted Eats

Back Country Bar - ummm...I wanted to try this for
breakfast. It was...how should I say this...I felt
 like I was eating health food and not in
a "this is so delicious way."

Curry Mix - A staple of mine while I was in Japan.

Curry - Lots of veggies, a hard boiled egg,
and plenty of white rice.

Chocolate Ecstasy - chocolate and coffee together.It was OK. I would rather have a piece of chocolate and and amazing sup of coffee. Not bad for $1.29.

Papaya - I have tried this before and
found it just OK. But decided to try
again while I was walking through
Walmart (UGH) with my Mom.
She asked what it was - she had never
tried papaya. So we tried it together.
It was yummy.

Romaine lettuce, avocado, peppercorn
flavored goat cheese, asparagus,
and home made roasted red
bell peppers topped with mirin and
rice wine vinegar.



Dragon Fruit - I first tried this in Japan.
I loved it then and I love
it now. More please?



Arby's - Yes, it was incredibly unhealthy.
But a little indulgence never hurt anyone.
I ate chicken tenders with potato
cakes with buffalo and ranch sauce.



Peanut Butter Multi Grain Cheerios?
I am not a big fan of super processed
breakfast foods, but thought it was worth
a try. It was sweet and seemed like a
good way to start the day. However, an hour
or two later...I was starving.

Rice Dream. I have been trying alternative
forms of "milk" to enjoy with my coffee. This
one is nice. It is not overpowering in taste
and is not sickeningly sweet. My only complaint -
at the end of my cup of coffee...there is "rice" (or
it's components) hanging out. It makes the last
sip of coffee a little gritty.

Chinese Chicken Salad
I bought this from a local Chinese
take out place. I love this salad.
There is also a Thai chicken salad that
uses this salad as a base and adds
Serrano chilies and peanut dressing. Both
are great.



Falafel. I have enjoyed this dish at
restaurants. I thought...why not
give it a try. Well..I did and I am not
sure that I will again. Somethings
should be left to the professionals. :-)

I have had many food adventure throughout April and so far this month. These are all posted together because I was just too busy to post each and every one individually.

:-)

Banana Cream Pie



Banana Cream Pie

Well what do we have here? Banana cream pie? I have never tried it. I can't believe I have never tried banana cream pie. What better way to try this sweet than for a coworker's birthday! My first bite - sweet...maybe too sweet. Bananas. Whipped cream (or something standing in as whipped cream?). Is that banana pudding? Hmmm...I am not sure. Ehhh....it was nice to try it, but I am OK with not eating it again. Thanks for the adventure...now where is my tiramisu?

mac-n-cheese

Yummy.There is something SO comforting about eat spiral shaped macaroni and cheese by Kraft. Yes, the educated side of me says that this is pure processed crap, but a little indulgence never hurt. I simply loved this box of goodness while I was growing up. I even went so far as to have one box sent to me while I was living in Japan. Sometimes the memories associated with the food are more satisfying then the food itself.

A Delicious Tummy Ache

A Delicious Tummy Ache

Restaurant: T.G.I. Fridays

Dish(es): Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Drink: None

Cost: $6

OK. So it is the middle of my shift at CABO and one of my coworkers pressured me into getting a bite to eat from TGIFridays. I reluctantly agreed (bad experiences at this restaurant chain). My coworker came back and handed me this - something I should have loved. I paid the $6 (it actually costs less on the menu) and took my first bite. Yummy! Chocolate and peanut butter - two of my favorite things paired together. I ate it all and kept on working. Well...before I finished my shift...a tummy ache was in full force. Maybe I should have prefaced this entry by stating that I have eliminated most dairy products, all beef, and all pork from my diet. I am also pretty mindful of what I eat. With that being written, I should have known better. Best of luck if you want to take a risk.

Fun Fact : I have some fond memories at T.G.I. Fridays. From sharing Grateful Deads in Pensacola, FL with Miss.Janice to a farewell dinner in North Las Vegas, NV with Seth to an absolutely amazing dinner of boneless buffalo wings in Tokyo, Japan with Nazm. It can be a great place, just be mindful of your menu choices.

Leftovers for breakfast?

Leftovers for Breakfast

1 Campari Tomato (for garnish)

4 Spears of Asparagus

1 Large Brown Egg

8-10 Baby Potatoes

1/4 Cup Sliced Red Onion

Kosher Salt

Freshly Cracked Pepper

Olive Oil

Sirracha

Frying Pan

Slice red onion anyway you like.

Slice baby potatoes in half.

Slice asparagus spears into bite sized pieces.

Place frying pan onto burner.

Add a drizzle of olive oil.

Medium high heat.

Once oil is warm, add onion, potatoes, salt. and pepper.

Crack egg into a bowl and add sirracha (if desired).

After potatoes have started to brown, add asparagus.

Brown asparagus.

Add egg.

While waiting for egg to cook, slice campari tomato and place onto plate.

When egg is cooked, serve.

Enjoy!

This breakfast was simple. I had leftover baby potatoes from a previous meal. This was a great way to use them. Feel free to add other vegetables (red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow chilies) or even add some pine nuts. This breakfast can be modified to suite anyone so get creative!

Vegan Donuts!?!

Vegan Donuts

Restaurant: Ronald's Donuts

Dish(es): Apple Roll, Apple Fritter, Glazed Donut

Drink: None

Cost: $3.40

I first read about this place in my Las Vegas Weekly magazine (the one with the 50 best restaurants to visit). I had just finished my violin lesson and was a little hungry. I wanted to spend my afternoon getting things ready for my yard sale and thought...let's have a little snack. I order 3 donuts - an apple roll, an apple fritter, and a plain glazed donut.

Apple Roll - Amazing. The outside was like a baked crepe and the inside was like semi-sweet apple pie filling. It was wonderful and went well with my homemade espresso.

Apple Fritter - Rich and delicious. This donut was monstrous. I shared it with my mother and we enjoyed 4 servings from this one donut. I bought it because it reminded me of my Dad (he loved apple fritters). He would have loved this one.

Glazed Donut - Lightly sweet. As this was my mother's donut I enjoyed my one bite. It was great and my mother did not even know it was vegan!!!

I did not enjoy a donut at this restaurant. I will next time. There are some small tables to sit and relax while enjoying your donut and people watching. They have a variety of drink available too. What I found most amazing - their donuts are vegan! I never would have thought that vegan donuts would taste so great. The true test - my mother didn't taste a difference.

I would love to share a website for this blissful place, but they do not have one...yet. I did find a couple sites that reviewed this place. Yelp and VEGGUIDE .

Fun Fact: This little place is in Chinatown. There are so many restaurants here that are on my list of places to try.



The Big Kahuna

THE BIG KAHUNA

I wandered down the aisle of Fresh and Easy. I rarely go down this aisle. I am not sure why. But on Thursday, I did and what did I find? A whole new selection of wines! While I do enjoy really nice bottles of wine, my job does not allow me the budget for extravagant purchases. I saw this bottle and thought - why not?

It was a light tasting red wine with a strong raspberry presence. I enjoyed it and thought that it went well with roasted baby potatoes and the romesco dip (see previous entries). I would also like to try their Merlot. The cost - $2.99 (before tax). Who would have thought?

A Complete Disappointment

Combination Platter

Restaurant:Rosati's

Dish: Combination Platter

Drink: Coke

Cost: $10.90 + tax, delivery fee, and tip

This dish was a complete disappointment. The menu described it as Mozzarella sticks, onion rings, Pepperjack cheese balls, and breaded mushrooms. There were absolutely NO Pepperjack cheese balls...I was really looking forward to tasting them. I had been thinking about trying this appetizer since my first visit to the actual restaurant way back when (I went with my Mom and my Dad). I have tried their pizza, Greek salas, cheese ravioli, chicken fetticcini alfredo, and a variety of their flavored chicken strips (just not all within the same visit). Today, my Mom and I ordered throught their delivery service. I opened my dinner and was a little disappointed by the fact that everything was the same color, but no worries. I tried an onion ring, a mozzarella stick, a breaded mushroom, and searched through the entire thing for a pepperjack cheese ball. I am not sure if the restaurant was out or if they were forogtten, but it does not matter. I would NOT order this again. If I am going to put such an unhealthy thing into my body, I at least want it to be worth it. 

Fun Fact:  This place delivers soda in a can.

Make Your Own Pancakes!?!

Make Your Own Pancakes!?!

Restaurant: Denny's

Dish: Peant Butter Cup Pancake Breakfast

Drink: Coffee

Cost: $6.99 + coffee + tax and tip

This breakfast was SUCH a treat. I have loved chocolate chip pancakes ever since my first encounter with them at Sunshine Cafe in Lansing, MI. There is something so comforting about pancakes topped with peanut butter...but this breakfast took it to a whole new level.

Instead of customizing my own pancake selection (batter, add-ins, syrup toppings, and your choice of whipped cream) I went with the Peanut Butter Cup Pancake Breakfast. I loved that is was all laid out for me. However, I did alter their recipe. I left out the white chocolate chips (that's NOT chocolate) and asked for the chocolate sauce and peanut butter on the side...and my pancakes showed up without any whipped cream. With these pancakes, I aslo enjoyed scrambled eggs and hash browns. I could have also had bacon or sausage - but I do not eat any pork products (no cow either at this time).

The chocolate chip pancakes were just as I remembered - deliciously comforting. I would have been OK without the eggs and hash browns...maybe then I could have eaten both pancakes. I loved the peanut butter, but found the chocolate sauce too sweet. The chocolate chips in the actual pancakes added just enough sweetness. No chocolate sauce needed.

I took some time to look over the rest of their menu too. Denny's has a lot of great choices believe it or not. They have added some healthy selections to their breakfast menu. Denny's used to be a place to visit after a night of drinking and dancing back at university. It became an incredibly dreary and depressing place not too long ago, but my recent visit...well, it was splendid. I would go back to try a few other things on their menu.

Fun Fact: Denny's has amazing shakes! I used to love their Oreo (cookies and cream) shake and learned today that they now offer.......a CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SHAKE! I will have to try that next time.

Fun Fact 2: Denny's actually offers whole wheat batter for your pancakes!

Fun Fact 3: The first Denny's opened in 1953.

Roasted Patty Pan Squash

Roasted Patty Pan Squash

Pattyp Pn Squash

Olive Oil

Sea Salt

Freshly Cracked Pepper

An Oven

1 Baking Dish

Aluminum Foil

Preheat the oven to 450'F.

Line the baking pan with aluminium foil.

Clean pattypan squash and place in a bowl.

Add a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a couple twists of freshly cracked pepper.

Toss to coat squash.

Place squash into the baking dish.

Put baking dish into the oven.

Roast for 10-15 minutes.

Love every single bite!

This recipe is so easy, healthy, and delicious. I tossed the ingredients together and put them into the oven. I enjoyed these cute little bite-sized squash with homemade pasta salad. It was a nice lunch.

Fun Fact: Patty Pan squash is high in magnesium, niacin, and vitamins A and C.

Fun Fact 2: Patty Pan squash is also a nice add in to vegetable stir fry.  

Greens and Proteins

Rough Cut Tomato Salad

7 Vegetable Broccoli Cheese Soup

Restaurant: Greens and Proteins
Dish(es): Rough Cut Tomato Salad and 7 Vegetable Broccoli Cheese Soup
Drink: Nothing (But there is an amazing smoothie menu)
Cost: $11.98 (before tax)

I decided to try this place after reading a review in one of the free Vegas weekly magazines. I went after my violin lesson and really was not that hungry. I decided to take my food with me but wish that I would have been hungry enough to stay and enjoy the restaurant's interesting atmosphere (a mixture of free spirits and gym lovers). I went slightly after noon so it was very busy. I had to wait for a while for my salad...but no worries. It appeared as if this restaurant was still working out it's routine on how to get food made and delivered to it's customer's quickly and efficiently.

When I did make it across town and back to my home, I excitedly opened each item wondering what delicious tastes were going to cross my palette today. The salad smelled and tasted amazing. It was a touch bitter - probably the dill that was in the salad. It was basically a Greek salad with dill. The 7 vegetable broccoli cheese soup - that was a new adventure. What I expected - a super creamy, cheesy soup with a little broccoli. What I got - a very hearty soup that tasted cheesy but did not leave me wanting to take a nap. I loved this soup and would definitely order it again. The salad...maybe not.

There were many other interesting things on their menu. It was a little pricey - but it was enjoyable to go to a restaurant that specializes in healthy food. They accommodate vegan, vegetarians, and meat eaters by providing a diverse menu. One could eat bison, ostrich, or a completely "raw" meal. I am intrigued by their smoothie and juice menus...but something about paying $5.99 (before tax) for juice seems a touch ridiculous. What would I try next? A grilled vegetable wrap or their "build your own custom meal" thing.

Y'all should check it out.

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Romesco Dip

Roasted Baby Potatoes

1 1/2lbs baby potatoes
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Freshly Cracked Pepper


Preheat the Oven to 400'F.
Place potatoes on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Drizzle olive oil over potatoes.
Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.
Roast for 20-30 minutes.

Romesco Dip

Olive Oil

6 Small Plum Tomatoes
5 Garlic Cloves, in their skins
15 Almonds
15 Hazelnuts
1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
3/4 cup Water
2 Dried Ancho Chili Peppers, deseeded and stems removed
1 Slice White Bread, toasted
1 tsp Paprika
3 tbsp Sherry

Preheat the broiler to high.
Slice tomatoes in half.
Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet.
Place the tomatoes under the broiler and cook until blackened.
When cool enough, remove and discard the skins.
Place the garlic in a nonstick saute pan.
Dry fry the garlic over medium-high heat, stirring, until blackened on all sides.
Remove and discard their skins when cool.
Put the red wine  vinegar and water in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and add the chili peppers.
Soak the peppers for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the peppers, discard the liquid.
Transfer the tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, and nuts to a food processor.
Add the bread, paprika, sherry, a little olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt a a pinch of freshly cracked pepper.
Puree.


The romesco dip is a wonderful accent to the roasted baby potatoes. This recipe takes some time to make, but it is possible to make both items together. It takes a little planning with using the oven because you need it for both items. I say broil the tomatoes first while dry frying the garlic. Work the rest after that. I think that it took me an hour or slightly over an hour to get this together. It's important to note that this is a lot of dip for a few potatoes. I suggest making more potatoes or find another way to use the dip - maybe it would be good as a spread for a sandwich or to toss with some pasta?  Maybe for a slight variation on this recipe...try using some cashews in the romesco dip as well?

Hooray!!!!!!!!!!

Hooray!!!!!!!!!! I have a follower!!! I would like to say thank you to Emily - she is my first and only follower at this time! Thank you!

Thanks to everyone else who takes time to read this blog as well. :)

Cupcakes!!!

Oh my goodness! There is an entire store dedicated to making nothing but cupcakes! In elementary school I always loved it when kids would bring cupcakes to share on their birthdays. I forgot how much I loved their simplicity and their deliciousness until I heard some of my guests at work talking about them. I listened and started asking questions - gourmet cupcakes!?! Really!?! So...the see was planted and all I needed to do was figure out the location of this shop. I woke up this morning thinking about it and knew today was the day. So I took my mother and her friend Marie and off we went...to the Cupcakery. I had one cupcake - it was named...Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup. It was deliciously sweet and I loved every moment of it - from the messy first bite that coated my nose with it's peanut butter frosting to the very last bite of rich chocolate cake. It is not something I would want every day, but it would be perfect for any day that needed a little sweet was. I cannot wait until the next time I go - who wants to go with me?

Restaurant: The Cupcakery
Dish: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
Drink: None (not sure they are offered)
Cost: $3

Fun Fact: There is a Greek restaurant and Panera Bread Company in this same complex. I'll be back to try out the Greek place and to visit an old favorite.

Gordon Biersch Restaurant

Restaurant: Gordon Biersch

Dish(es): Ahi Salad (Tuna, blackened and seared rare, with Marzen Balsamic Vinaigrette and Cajun remoulade) and Gorgonzola Potato Wedges

Drink: Water (thanks to my seasonal allergies)

Cost:$17.45 (before tax and tip)

Date Visited: April 4th, 2012

My overall impression of this restaurant is favorable. The food was delicious and I have heard nothing but rave reviews on their beers (it is also a brewery). The quality of service was OK. Our waitress made sure that we were content, but did not awe me with her attentiveness. Would I visit again? Yes, I want to try one of their beers. Please note that the parking at this location is difficult and requires patience.

Fun Fact #1: If you are lucky enough to visit when their servers are in costume you may be lucky enough to catch a show. (Show = walking into the public restroom to see one of the waitresses openly changing her clothing next to the bathroom sink instead of waiting for a stall to become available.)

Fun Fact #2: The Summerlin restaurant is located very close to REI (a great place for inspiration for my next hiking adventure). I like the idea of being able to get hiking advice before enjoying a delicious meal.

A New Place?

Restaurant: Roberto's Tacos
Location: Aliante Parkway (across from Fresh and Easy), North Las Vegas
Dish: Dinner Combination Plate - a chicken taco, chicken enchilada, rice, and refried beans
Drink: Jamaica
Cost: $6

My Mom and I had been talking about trying this restaurant for weeks. We finally decided to take the plunge or at least I did. The restaurant itself is some where between Taco Bell and Cabo (where I work). You can eat there or take it with you. There is a salsa bar with two types of salsas, pickled jalapeños, carrots, and onions, radishes, scallions, and lime.

The food was amazing. The chicken had great flavor. The enchilada sauce was standard, but the tortillas tasted like they were house made. The rice was moist and full of flavor (unlike where I work). Everything about this meal made me want to go back. The staff was friendly.

Fun Facts: It's open 24 hours a day. They have a special on Wednesday - 99cent chicken tacos.

Anyone want to get lunch?

A New Presentation for Eggs

I thought I would try something new or at least a new way to present one of my favorite breakfast items - the egg.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients
1 Slice of buttered toast
1 egg
Pinch of Salt
Butter (How much? Depends on you taste preference)

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350'F.
2. Separate the egg yolk from the egg white.
3. Beat the egg white until stiff.
4. Toast the slice of bread and then butter it. (butter both sides to prevent sticking!)
5. Line your pan with tinfoil to make cleaning easier.
6. Place toast on the pan.
7. Place egg whites on top.
8. Make space in the center for the egg yolk.
9. Top with butter. (I opted out of this one)
10. Bake for 15 minutes.

My review of this recipe - it was a nice change in presentation. I served mine with a little sirracha...just for an extra kick.

Enjoy!!!