Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Tips for eating smart

I love going out to eat...mostly because it means I don't have to cook..lol!  But I also realize that eating out can be unhealthy if you don't follow some guidelines.  I don't 'diet' and I refuse to eat 'diet' foods, since most of those are full of synthetic products.  Yet, I am not perfect, and I like my share of junk foods, with sweets and pop being my big weaknesses.  I don't deprive myself of foods I like, yet I try to keep it in moderation.

So, when I go out, I don't chose deep fat fried foods.  Ever since having my gall bladder out 16 years ago, I cannot eat high fat foods without feeling awful, so this is an easy choice.  I also try to take advantage of having a salad with my meal.  By filling up on salad first I can then take advantage of only eating half of my entree.  My biggest weight control tip is portion control!  I almost always take half of my meal home for leftovers.  This not only saves me calories, but saves me money by turning my meal into 2 meals.

Another way to help portion control is ordering an appetizer instead of a full meal.  Today's restaurant portions are enormous, and really too much food for one sitting.  Even better is splitting an app or even an entree with your dining partner!  When we visit Chevy's, since they serve chips and salsa also, we usually just split the Flauta appetizer.

My last restaurant tip is to order water with your meal instead of a costly pop.  And I like pop, but almost always order water at restaurants.  It's really the only time I drink water too...I know, I know, horrible...trying to be better!

Anyways, just some ways I try to be smarter with my dining choices...maybe they can help you!

Splitting a lunch entree at Ode to Food & Drinks

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Just a Saturday afternoon...

A few weeks ago we had a chance to visit The Barrel House, a new bar/restaurant on the East Side of town.  Now we went at 3:00, and the place was packed!!  Very surprising for being the middle of the afternoon.  We were given a 25 minute wait time, but it only took about 10 minutes until we were seated.

The atmosphere is very my style aesthetic...rustic, industrial...it was a beautiful setting just to look at...which is always a thumbs up in my book!

We decided to split an appetizer...the garlic knots with marinara....it was pretty good.  The marinara was very tasty, not too sweet, not regular 'canned' tasting.



The hubby ordered the mac & cheese, which had pork butt also.  He enjoyed it and thought it was delicious even if it came without pork, but that was an added touch.



I ordered the Caprese Salad...if a restaurant serves that, I always want it...lol.  It was good also, your basic mozzarella, tomato, basil combo with a lovely presentation.


All in all...we were quite impressed with the atmosphere of The Barrel House and quite enjoyed the food.  We would definitely go again when we are in the mood to drive all.the.way.over to the East side, lol.  Which is probably a first for us with and East side restaurant!

**Christi**

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Friday night at Beef O' Brady's

Last weekend I finally had a chance to visit Beef O' Brady's here in Sioux Falls.  They have been open for a few years now, but never have had a chance to go.  We actually intended to visit another restaurant, but being a Friday night at 7:30, they had a significant wait period.  I decided to think outside the box for a restaurant that maybe wouldn't be as busy and chose Brady's since they are out of the way a bit.

They were definitely not busy, in fact there were only 2 other tables occupied.  Hmm....I began to wonder why.   Now on local advertising, they claim "GOURMET BAR FOOD."  Well, after perusing the menu, it was basically all the same as other bar food, didn't really find anything "gourmet."

I ordered the chicken sliders and a fuzzy navel.  Not sure what my drink was that they brought me, it wasn't a fuzzy navel...tasted more like maybe a fuzzy lemonade...but it was drinkable, so I let it slide.  The chicken sliders were okay, but the fries were terrible....not restaurant quality at all, more like generic frozen.  Sadly, this will probably be my one and only visit there.



I'm finding as we dine out more and more, I am becoming pickier about the quality, taste, and presentation of my food!  I find as I'm paying for a meal and entertainment I have high expectations, and sadly, Beef O' Brady's did not meet those expectations.  And judging by their lack of customers, I seem to not be the only one.

**Christi**

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Welcome!

Welcome!  My husband and I are semi-empty-nesters that enjoy discovering things in our own community.  We like to frequent restaurants, explore new stores, and attend community events.  This blog will become a place to regale and review our adventures.  Please enjoy our life in the 605....also known Sioux Falls, SD to those of you not in the know!  Lol

Gratuitous pic of my family:




**Christi**