I always knew that I liked trying new restaurants, new food, (and back in the day new wines.) During the last few years, I haven’t had the opportunity to experience as many new restaurants as I would’ve liked. I actually forgot how much I enjoy dining out! Since I’ve started dating again, I’ve re-discovered my interest in unique, quality, and new types of cuisine. I’ve heard the term “foodie” used before, but never bothered to look up what it actually meant. According to Wikipedia:

Foodie Definition

n.Slang A person who has an ardent or refined interest in food; a gourmet.

Further, a foodie seeks new food experiences as a hobby rather than simply eating out for convenience or hunger.

I would say I am a mild to moderate version of this definition. I’ve been known to get into a routine of the same healthy recipes-when I am working, I don’t always have the time to be creative. However, nothing makes me happier than breaking out of my routine and being adventurous in the kitchen, or going to a place I’ve never been to before.

I’m telling you guys this because I am going to start blogging a little bit more about different dishes I try, and my attempts to replicate or interpret them in my own kitchen. Plus, it’s just fun!! One modification I am going to be making is turning things into gluten-free (or minimizing gluten.)

My first example is the Stetson Chopped Salad from Cowboy Ciao that I had for the first time on Saturday. I went to AJ’s last night and found everything I need to make it for lunch today!

The asiago cheese is hiding between the corn and pepitas. I am going to try quinoa instead of the pearl couscous. I hope it’s still good! I haven’t figured out the dressing yet, so I might use one I love that I already have for today. I plan on modifying the dressing from Cowboy Ciao to be healthier, probably with non-fat buttermilk and/or non-fat Greek yogurt. I will take pictures and tell you guys all about it when I make it!

Yesterday, I ended up relaxing by the pool at Hotel Valley Ho. A friend of mine hooked me UP, and I was able to chill on a huge comfy chair that was reserved for people that rent the cabanas for free! He also kept my non-alcoholic Raspberry Mojito filled, and served me some of the biggest shrimp I’ve ever seen!!

It was such a nice, relaxing day. I couldn’t be more thankful for the royal treatment I got from them! Thanks again Clint and Pete! You guys are awesome!

After Valley Ho, I grabbed an appetizer and salad from Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen and Bar.

I got the crisp pancetta wrapped prawns as an appetizer, which was excellent:

 

The shrimp were served on top of a bed of arugula with sweet gorgonzola cheese, and fig balsamic. I didn’t realize how much I liked arugula until the Stetson Chopped salad, and now this dish.

For my salad (like I needed more greens, right?), I ordered the baby beet. I substituted the muscato vinaigrette for the lemon-mustard vinaigrette. When you get drug tested on a regular basis, consuming anything made with wine (ie: muscato vinaigrette) makes you paranoid. I know….the alcohol supposedly cooks out. What if it doesn’t, though? Sucks, I know….anyway, the salad had beets, avocado, goat cheese and roasted macadamia nuts. The best part of this dish was the beets themselves. Everything else was just ok. It was nothing special. Maybe it would’ve been better with the regular dressing? I may never know….Overall, I was pleased with the restaurant. The bartender was great I would like to try an entrée sometime.

I found a fun quiz titled “Are You a Real Foodie” and here was my score:

We’re just going to round up to 70%, because the next category was 50% and above. I was SO close on one of the questions, too!! I am definitely on my way there, and can’t wait to continue on my journey!

Tell me about your most recent experience with a new restaurant or new food!

What is a restaurant you’ve never tried, but would like to?

Have a great week!!

Happy Trails!

Stacey