Monday, August 25, 2008

Running Rooster - Hollister, Ca


Happy Birthday Margaret! My co-workers and I all went to lunch today to celebrate! So we cruised downtown to....


The Running Rooster! Baaaaagggggggggawk! Yep, yep. The Running Rooster is located across from the Nino Building and next door to Intero to all of those who are not aware of the surroundings. There was a large group of us that went so please enjoy less talk and more photos... enjoy!









Hungry yet??? Ha haa... everything looked great right? I had the lasagna and it was a hearty portion! Probably not a smart lunch time order because I took over 3/4 of it to go. But I wanted to try it! And, I am glad I did... now my grandma will have my lovely left overs for dinner! Anyhow, Running Rooster has a fantastic selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, burgers and other "blue plate" favorites. Go on down and check out their order number system... billiards fans will appreciate their clever system! They also have a to-go case that can really help out a mother on the go get good food into her family's tummies. Melissa Good Taste says "a-ok"

-MD

Friday, August 22, 2008

She does it again!

I created yet another masterpiece! I would like to call this one the Apricot Melt. You first take your average tortilla like so...

Grab yourself a package of cream cheese, light or regular, your choice...

Generously apply. Dig deep into your fridge and scoop on some apricot preserves, Smucker's is my favorite.

Also generously apply across the tortilla...
Take the lathered up tortilla and place in the microwave on high for 35 seconds.

Now what you do if simply roll, fold or twist the tortilla into any shape imaginable. Please be careful because the innards will be quite warm. It is a melty, ooey, gooey mess... Enjoy!

Leadership San Benito

I did it! Yesterday evening was Leadership San Benito's graduation ceremony. You probably all are wondering what is Leadership San Benito, well - here we go.

Leadership SBC is a countywide leadership development program. Each year, approximately 35 people will be trained through this professional course of study. This 11-month program consists of three major components: community awareness, skills training and personal development. Leadership SBC hopes to enroll participants who represent the diversity of San Benito County. When participants complete the Leadership San Benito County program, they will be empowered with skills, knowledge, and a better understanding of the needs of the community. Those who complete the course are expected to actively use the leadership skills for the benefit of their community. Leadership San Benito County is a non-profit organization.




Congratulations Nick on your "Best in Class"... well deserved. And, to all my fellow classmates, let's get to together soon and review some food!!!

-MD

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Broken Wing - Hollister, Ca

So we went and paid our respects to the Broken Wing last night. They are officially closing shop. It was a small crowd but let me share some pictures on the last night of business...








Good bye Broken Wing, you will be missed.

-MD

Fantasia, Santana Row

So after Jennifer and I dropped some dough at the H & M store we were in need of a tasty refreshment so we stopped in at...


We both had bubble teas on the brain. Do you know what bubble teas are? Well, they are tapioca pearls that rest at the bottom of your drink! Fun, fun.


Jennifer got the Black Ginger Tea and was not impressed with it's INTENSE ginger taste. I didn't try it but it must have been strong because I know Jennifer loves ginger. Anyhow, I ordered the Coconut Milk bubble tea. It was perfect. It even had chunks of real coconut in it! I was a nice sister and poured some of it in my sisters glass to try and tame in the crazy ginger taste in hers. It was a good little afternoon snack as we strolled down Santana Row... Lovely day.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

The Cheesecake Factory - San Jose, Ca

What a fabulous Saturday! The weather was beautiful so I asked my sister if she was up for a shopping trip! I had gotten paid the day before so the money was burning a hole in my pocket! I have never been to the Cheesecake Factory... ever. Can you believe it? I must live in a cave.


I thought the inside was really beautiful but, the Egyptian style decor kind of threw me... eh oh well. It was clean and chic.


Jennifer started with the bread and of course I had a cup of soup. I am slightly obsessed with soup if you could not tell by now. The soup was actually Cream of Chicken and I was pleasantly surprised. Whole chunks of all white breast meat, mushrooms, red peppers whipped with probably whole cream (gasp!) made a terrific, but kind of heavy, start to my lunch.



Ok. I know this looks like a lot of food BECAUSE it was! We over ordered. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Oh well! The first appetizer we ordered was Jennifer's choice of Avocado Egg rolls. These tasty egg rolls have lovely chunks of fresh avocado, sun dried tomato, red onion and cilantro. Then they are deep fried in a crisp Chinese wrapper - Love it! They are served with a terrific tamarind cashew dipping sauce - who knew I would like tamarind?! Next are the Crispy Crab Won tons... they slightly reminded me of a crab Ragoon. Fresh crab meat blended with cream cheese, green onion, water chestnuts and sweet chili sauce - fried in won ton wrappers. Got to love that "f" word... fried! They were delicious. No complaints here. And last but not least were the Thai Lettuce Wraps. It was kind of fun to mix and match and make our own lettuce "burritos". Satay chicken strips, carrots, bean sprouts, coconut curry noodles and lettuce leaves with three DELICIOUS spicy Thai sauces — Peanut, Sweet Red Chili and Tamarind Cashew. That Tamarind Cashew is out of this world, it was served with the Avocado Egg rolls as I mentioned above. To be perfectly honest with you guys, my sister and I packed up all three dishes to go because we didn't even make a dent into what we ordered!

All in all, we both felt like the Cheesecake Factory treated us right! The menu is huge! I mean vegetarian options as well as meat lover specials! Amazing. The appetizers are huge so bring your friends and order to your hearts content! There will be plenty of food! The service was stellar! The place was packed and we managed to get in, eat and get out under 45 minutes! I recommend this place to anyone. Two thumbs up from this diva!

-MD

Friday, August 15, 2008

Random

I went to a restaurant this week and was completely turned off! I am not going to mention names this time, I am going to give them another chance. Can I recommend not screaming at your employees while I enjoy my delicious meal. It is distracting, disturbing and quite frankly the LAST thing I want to hear on my lunch break. I will get off my soap box and relax. Consider this a warning - you know who you are!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

19th Hole - Tres Pinos, Ca

Attention, attention everyone! The 19th Hole is OPEN! The much anticipated bar and restaurant is looking sharp and ready to rock and roll!





Doesn't the building in and out look sharp! The outside was restored perfectly. The inside is a mix between old and new. I love it. They did an impeccable job restoring and updating. The bathrooms are gorgeous!



The menu is not too big but I appreciate them getting to the point. I would like to see an appetizer or two on the menu because I like to order little somethings.



The chicken meal came out first. The breast came sliced perfectly on a plate that included asparagus, Caesar salad and a huge baked potato. The plate was large and the portions were enough for two! I tried Nina's chicken and it was cooked perfectly over an oak fired grill.



The Rib eye meal came out second and boy didn't it look impressive! I was amazed at the size of the steak! It too was cooked over an oak fired grill and was cooked to perfection! The asparagus was cooked al dente and so it had a good bite to it. The baked potato was nice and comforting with the sour cream and heap of butter. The Caesar salad was well dressed and welcomed on to the plate.



All in all the 19th Hole was a great experience. Usually restaurants who open have problems the first few weeks, the 19th Hole however was awesome! Great service, fantastic food and excellent decor. There will be nothing but good things reported by me when it comes to this local establishment. Both Florian and Carlos have put together a fabulous business that I am sure will succeed. Two thumbs up from this cowgirl! Go on down and have dinner and check out the vintage photos still posted up in the bar!

-MD

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

SBC Ambassador Luncheon

Today I was the host of the San Benito County Ambassador meeting. I convinced my mom to create a delicious feast fit for kings. She made Crab and Shrimp stuffed Avocado, Chicken Salad stuffed Tomatoes garnished with sliced almonds, Broccoli Salad, Fruit Salad, had croissants and rolls available and the grand daddy of them all... her famous Lemon Meringue and Raspberry Tarts. Enjoy the photo journey...










-MD