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!