Restaurant Review Time!

The Burger King next to Chik-Fil-A at 290 and Mopac has been leveled. When a neighbor asked on the FB group, "What are they going to put there?" another neighbor replied, "Gosh I hope it's another Chik-Fil-A!" Ahahahaaaaa! (That Chik-Fil-A is really overcrowded.)

While we're on the subject of local restaurants, I have to say that Cuba 512 earns a huge two thumbs up every time I go there. The restaurant at Westgate and William Cannon has a fabulous El Cubano Cuban sandwich, of course, but so far every single dish I've tried has honestly been exceptional. The ceviche could be lunch for two, served in a large goblet with crispy plantain chips. Boniato frito (sweet potato fries) are delicious with Cuban aioli. Mariquitas (fried plantain chips) with mojo are yummy. Their mojo is simple garlicky goodness. Tostones (plantain patties) are my favorite side, also good with mojo. Kathy and I had the Cuban churrasco (wagyu beef with caramelized onions and chimichurri) once, which was tender and wonderful. Last weekend I tried the lechon asado (Cuban pulled pork), and it was fall apart deliciousness with yellow rice. Yummo! Get over there and get some!

We tried the new Mad Greens in Sunset Valley yesterday. It was excellent! It's a chain, but so is Austin's beloved Torchy's now, so don't automatically wave it away, y'all. They have about ten pre-selected salad combinations with various themes. You can also make your own by choosing ingredients as you walk through the line. They also have hummus and pita that rocks. My favorite was the garlic hummus. Jeff's was avocado. One of my favorite things on earth is sun-dried tomatoes, but oddly the sun-dried tomato hummus lacked flavor. Overall, a great lunch spot! (Tip: The regular sized salad is plenty for a meal, so don't feel like you have to go for the large.)

Time for another Saturday 9--


Saturday 9: Listen to the Music (1972)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) The lyrics say, "What the people need is a way to make them smile." What song lifts your spirits and makes you smile every time you hear it?

Still Counting Crows "Accidentally In Love" and it has nothing to do with Shrek, I just LOVE that song! It's so happy!

2) Lead vocalist/composer Tom Johnston reports that he's made a lot in royalties because so many radio stations use this as a jingle. Tell us a jingle that sticks in your head.

OOOOOH-OOOH it's a summer full of fun yeah! The Corpus Christi tourism commercial always in my head.

3) The Doobie Brothers got their start in San Jose, California. San Jose is the largest city in Northern California, thanks to all the tech companies that have headquarters there. Let's talk about the device you're on right now: are all your applications up to date?
I'm on the MacBook. Of course the apps are up-to-date!

4) When they were still a local band, the Doobie Brothers had a strong following among bikers. Are you attracted to biker culture?

Not really. I haven't had much exposure to it.

5) This week's song is from Toulouse Street, which is considered their "breakthrough" album. Tell us about a moment in your own life that you consider a "breakthrough."

Going back to work in the same job I left 20 years prior. I was never sure I'd have the opportunity to pick up where I left off after that much time away. It was completely due to maintaining friendships with old coworkers.

6) In 1987, the Doobie Brothers did a benefit performance for Vietnam Veterans at the Hollywood Bowl. Next to the Beatles, it was the fastest-selling ticket in Hollywood Bowl history. Which group do you listen to more often -- the Doobies or the Beatles?

Beatles

7) In 1972, when this song was popular, Wranglers were America's best-selling jeans. Are you brand-loyal to one jeans manufacturer?

Nope. There are a few brands I try first, but the perfect fit could be one brand, could be another. Could be one I've never owned before.

8) Grocery stores saw seafood prices fluctuate wildly in 1972 because of a series of confrontations between the United Kingdom and Iceland regarding fishing rights in the North Atlantic. (Iceland won.) What was the most recent seafood dish that you enjoyed?

I had a bagel with lox this morning.

9) Random question: Which of these "top ten" lists would you prefer to be on -- the sexiest, the smartest or the richest?

Smartest. In the sexiest or richest groups, you have to be careful that the people around you are true friends and not just people who want something from you. Being among the smartest people doesn't come with that issue.