Friday, November 9, 2012

Breakfast Time!

It's 6:30 a.m. and time for breakfast.  I have been trying to eat only protein for breakfast,saving my carbs for later in the day*. Probably not the way to do it...but there you go! My repertoire of egg recipes is depleted...
(*no Chuck has not bought into this regimen.)

 I have had poached eggs, scrambled eggs, an omelet,a frittata, a fried egg, and the easiest-a boiled egg.  I usually boil several eggs at a time...eat one and put the rest in the fridge.  I have loved cold hard-boiled eggs since I was little and hunted for Easter eggs.  


I punch a hole in the end of each egg that is the roundest, put the eggs in a pan, cover with water, set it on a burner, turn on the burner, and after 15 minutes the water should be boiling and the eggs would be done.  Then, I put them under cold water to stop them from cooking.

I now have a new method after buying a dozen of 'Great Day' Farmers Market at Walmart.  Inside the top of the carton were instructions on "How To Hard Cook An Egg".  I tried it and loved it and am now sharing the secret with you.


HOW TO HARD COOK AN EGG
Compliments of Great Day Farmers Market and Walmart-www.GreatDayFarms.Com

1. Place the eggs into a saucepan. (I still punch holes in the most round end of the egg.)  Fill with cold water (be sure the water covers the eggs by about two inches.)

2. Bring the water to full boil.  Once it's boiling, put a lid on the saucepan and remove it from the burner.  Let the eggs stand for 12 minutes still covered by the lid.

Note: I found that the more eggs I cooked the longer I had to let it stand. The first time I only had two eggs. Today I did six and found that the center was a little too soft.  If fact, next time I will let them boil another minute or two and then let them set for 14 minutes.

3.  Place the eggs under cold running water until they are completely cooled.  Softly tap egg on a hard surface to crack the shell. (I start from end with puncture in it.) Continue peeling until the eggshell is completely gone.

Additional Tips:
From Great Day:
  • Always pour cold water into the saucepan to keep the eggs from overcooking
  • Refrigerate your hard-boiled eggs if they are not being eaten right away (hard boiled eggs still in the shell can be stored for one week). I mark ends with 'HB' and date!
  • If your hard boiled eggs are tough to peel, gently roll them in your hands to crack the entire shell.





Thursday, November 8, 2012

Bohemia-Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA

We parked under this sign!
Bohemia--Great place to meet, greet, eat, and drink with friends.  

That is exactly what we did.  We love these friends!  We get busy with our own 'to-do's", family and just plain 'want to be alone' times! 




It was time to catch up.  The Bohemia is a half-way meeting place.  We had never been there, but it came highly recommended for the Tilapia at lunch.  We didn't know what to expect for Dinner.  We were not disappointed and will definitely come back...maybe give the Tilapia at lunch a try. 


Chuck had one of the night's specials, Beef Short Ribs...they were boneless...with mashed potatoes..."Thumbs Up!"  One of our friends had another special, Halibut,"Thumbs Up!"...her husband had Tilapia, "Thumbs Up...I can't taste the crab meat in the sauce". 


I had an item that is not on the menu on their website...Uneven Pasta with Mushrooms and Wine White Sauce...'Thumbs Up"...I had enough to take home for lunch the next day!


My Mom and Dad lived in Hot Springs in the 70's and 80's.  I remember going there and having Hungarian Goulash. The physical layout and the menu has been updated to a Continental Cuisine menu.

Definitely give it a 'Thumbs Up'...worth your time to give it a try!
Bohemia Restaurant on Urbanspoon!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Jimmy's Diner - Thumbs Up!

I thought when we moved I had left my favorite burger place behind me.  As fate would have it, a new favorite burger place was not far behind.  We went into Benton to do some errands.  When we called my sister-in-law to join us for lunch, she was already headed to my now new favorite, Jimmy's Diner.  Not only that, but Jimmy used to head the food service at UALR at the same time I worked there...it is a small world.

I like my burger with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato.  Chuck ordered a cheeseburger with everything.  Peggy got the Club sandwich.  They have a Blue Plate Special, but we were 'burger' bound.  They are hand patted and that makes the difference between a 'favorite' burger and 'thumbs-down' burger.

If you are in Benton and on Edison Ave., stop at Jimmy's.  In fact, if you are any where in the area, made a special trip to Jimmy's...You won't regret it!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurants, Arkansas

I have now eaten at:

La Hacienda in Benton










La Hacienda on Cantrell in Little Rock
















La Hacienda in Hot Springs


...and have yet to find anything that I absolutely wanted to go back and eat. Usually, I will find at least one item on a menu that I will order every time I go to that restaurant.  i.e. Buffalo Grill-Grilled Turkey sandwich or the Guacamole Salad or Franke's Roast Beef or Country Fried Steak and of course, a Hamburger with lettuce, tomato, and mayo at Arkansas Burger with fries, no salt.


But not at La Hacienda.  We keep trying but no such luck.
One more chance...
La Hacienda, West Little Rock
Keeping my fingers crossed!

Also, trying to figure out if they are connected in any way or is La Hacienda just a popular name?
Well...upon investigation...


The menus look alike


The logos look alike




The food looks the same

Conclusion: If it walks like a duck,
talks like a duck,
and looks like a duck...
It is probably 
La Hacienda !

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Pizza Night!!!!

Pizza...at least once a week! 


 We have been wanting to try Palio's on Rahling Road . It is way, way out in West, West Little Rock.  It is a long trip from us in Midtown Little Rock.









We loved the Veggie Pizza and the Salad.  The crust was the thinnest ever. The salad;freshest ever.


However, the atmosphere did not work for us. It is definitely a place for families with children.  They were having a great time.  Two little girls about 4 years old from different families discovered each other.  They were both blond and about the same size...miniature.  It was a delight to behold their joy when they found each other. However, we are childless and our grand-children do not live near-by so we prefer our dining experience a little quieter.  We like to work the crossword puzzle with only our thoughts and suggestions for background noise. 


The cafe was not clean.  The glass doors were covered with fingerprints; the carpet full of crumbs and other unknown matter.  It was a Saturday night, after all.  I could imagine it at noon and a room full of Mom's and children and no time to clean it up before the dinner hour.  They did seem a little short staffed. (BTW the computer order screen was full of finger prints, too:) When we arrived at the order counter we had to wait for the staff member to take the phone order and then take ours.


Palio's Pizza Cafe on UrbanspoonWe decided that it would be a 'take-out' pizza place for us.  Of course, that won't happen because it is too far for us to go to pick it up...and we already have one of those not five minutes from us.  We love Paxton's for our take-out pizza.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Paxton's Pizza Thumbs Up!

Paxton's - our newest favorite 'take-out' pizza!  They are about five minutes from our house.  We call and it's ready in 20 minutes.  Yes, it's actually ready when we get there to pick it up!
Cantrell Pick-up Counter








We like the Classic Supreme, Veggie Supreme, and El Mexicano.  We had never eaten any pizza other than a traditional one until we tried their Mexican pizza.  Now it is added to our 'traditional' list.  


We still haven't bought into  a 'cheeseburger' pizza.  When I want a cheeseburger, I want it between two buns with grilled onions.  I was first introduced to this delicacy at Franke's Cafeteria on Louisiana Street in the 1970's by my friend Carolyn. However, I digress.


Tonight we had the Veggie Supreme with a Diet Caffeine-Free Coke.   For dessert we had honey on the crust. We borrowed that idea from the Pizza Cafe...our favorite eat-in pizza place.


There are two Paxton's in Little Rock.  This one on Cantrell is pick-up only.  The other Paxton's is in Otter Creek and is a eat-in location. So, when you call them be sure and tell them where you want to pick it up. T


Paxton's Pizza #2, Cantrell Rd. on UrbanspoonCall 501-663-3000 for the Cantrell Store...now...you won't be sorry!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Urbanspoon Rocks!


Exciting news!


My Blog: Eating In and Out and About has made it to Urbanspoon.com!  I am trying to figure out how to complete the process.  One request was for me to post the words: "Urbanspoon Rocks" to a Blog post.  This is it.  I will keep you posted! Also, you have been contacting me at tull.lc@gmail.com, but you may also use: arkeatn@gmail.com which is the one associated with this Blog.  I just have the email diverted to the tull.lc@gmail.com...hence, the confusion.!  Thanks!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Suzanne Somers Says...

Suzanne Somers' Seven-Step Plan
Warning: This is a Commerical
Site...She will be trying to
sell you stuff!
...take seven steps. 
 I was going through my files today trying to reduce my stash of 'paper'.  I came upon this clipping from a magazine.  (sorry I don't have the source!)
An added disclaimer: I do not particularly ascribe to this plan...just thought I would share.




Her seven-step plan:


1. Eliminate all "Funky Foods": all sugars; starches such as potatoes, white flour, and white rice; caffeine; and alcohol.
2. Eat fruit alone, on an empty stomach.
3. Eat proteins (such as meat and eggs) and fats (such as butter and cheese) with vegetables.
4. Eat carbohydrates, such as whole-grain pasta, with veggies.*
5. Do not eat proteins and fats with carbs.
6.  Wait three hours between meals if switching from a protein/fat meal to a carb meal, or vice versa. 
7.  Do not skip meals. Eat at least three a day, and eat until you feel comfortably full.**


*I added a note: morning or noon not at night.
** I have always heard, whether its true or not, that it takes 20 minutes for the brain to register when your stomach is full.  If true, you should eat slowly and stop when you feel not so full.  Wait 20 minutes.  If you are still hungry, eat some more.


I am always looking for the secret to taking a few pounds off.  I haven't found the "get 5 pounds off now" secret.  I have found that the saying "Everything in Moderation" is a truism.  Also, you can only lose weight by burning more calories than you take in.


That being said...I haven't resolved anything for 2012 yet.  I do have etched in my brain...-5 lbs.  

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Last Chance Lakeside Cafe Thumbs Up!

We normally eat at  "Last Chance" after we finish a round of golf before heading back to Little Rock.  


But last night we celebrated our sister's birthday.  No matter the occasion "Last Chance" is a great place to eat.  We have always liked everything we have ordered and at a price that fits our pocketbook.  



Our favorite is the Broasted Chicken Dinner.  You can get 1/2 chicken or just 2 pieces.  I found that the 2 pieces are enough for me.  However, we decided to try something different.  I got Chicken Fingers and Sweet Potato Fries and Chuck got the Coconut Shrimp.  Peg and Del stayed with the tried and true...Broasted Chicken, which they gave a 'thumbs up'.  Chuck was not impressed with his Shrimp..."tasteless" was his comment. I shared some of my Chicken Fingers with him and had enough left to bring home for a snack lunch.  I have had the Chicken Fried Steak and can definitely recommend it!  Oh, I am not sure what they serve as their house Pinot Grigio, but I like it. They are not stingy with their serving so be sure and have a designated driver if you have more than one!

 If you have the chance to be in Hot Springs Village, be sure and stop at the Last Chance on Balboa Lake. Whether you sit in a booth, at the tall tables, or the bar, you will not be disappointed.*


*I could not find a web site for them or a menu on Yelp or Urban Spoon.  Next time we go I'll get a menu and scan it in for you.

Last Chance Lakeside Cafe on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Chipotle Grill Jury's Out

Weren't we lucky...we got a gift card for Chipotle Grill for Christmas.  We have been wanting to try them out since they opened, but every time we went the line was out the door.  We aren't good at waiting in line.  


Tonight we decided to use our card and take a chance on the line. Yea!  There was a line but it was inside out of the cold..42 degrees at 6:00pm.


I have to report that we were under-whelmed.  I got the Burrito Chicken Bowl with a side of Guacamole and chips. 






Chuck got three tacos...one crisp and two soft with a different meat in each one.  We usually order different items so we can share.  The Bowl was definitely the easiest to eat. The tacos were very messy.  The Guac was good, but we give the chips a 'thumbs down'.  They were cold and stale. We have had better out a bag we bought at the grocery store.


We can understand why their stock sells for $300+ a share.  It is the business model...very low overhead and a lot of customers.  They advertise: Food with Integrity...meaning ingredients raised with respect for the animals, environment and the farmers and no antibiotics in the meat.  The portions are substantial.  We can see why it appeals to families with young children and young adults looking a good bargain.


Chipotle Mexican Grill on UrbanspoonWe have a little left on our card and we will go back.  The next time we will split something. Maybe try a Burrito?  The customer in front of us got one...it looked huge.  You definitely get your money's worth in quantity if not quality.