Desperados Mexican Restaurant

I used to live in Texas and occasionally I long for Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes that seem to be so hard to come by in my current city. So when my friend suggested we visit her favorite local Mexican restaurant (Desperados) while I was in Dallas, I was more than willing to go along. Margarita lovers should not miss their award winning “La Margarita”. Served on the rocks the mixture of fresh lime juice, Sauza Commerativo, Cointreau and a little something they keep as their secret, it is the kind of drink summers and lazy days were made for. Needless to say they were so tasty we had a few. But they also have sangria for those of you looking for a non tequila drink.

The Tortilla soup is a traditional broth with homemade tortilla strips and vegetables. I have had better tortilla soup but my main dish was enough to make me call this place my new favorite spot. The Desperado Taco is typically served with beef or chicken but tonight’s special was a shrimp version. Two crispy flour tortillas enclose gooey melted cheese and the seasoned shrimp. Combined with pico de gallo and this dish is enough to make you wonder why you ever ate a taco anywhere else. My friend had the fish tacos, a fried catfish taco with cabbage and Desperados signature “mayotle” sauce. Both dishes are served with sopa de frijol and rice.

The thing that I long for most when I am needing a Tex-Mex fix are sopapillas and once again Desperados did not disappoint. Made in house and served with butter and honey they were the perfect conclusion to the meal.

There are two locations for Desperados and if you go to the Texas Fair they always have a booth. They also are located at Texas stadium, so Dallas Cowboy fans and enemies can take advantage of this local establishment while enjoying the game.

Desperados
4818 Greenville Ave @ University
214-363-1850
desperadouno@sbcglobal.net

A grown up Palms

I was definitely biased. Television had poisoned me to believe that this hotel would have nothing but college boys on Spring Break and celebrities acting crazy. But I wanted something different this trip to Vegas and off the strip. I figured I would spend my days at the spa and hide out in my room if needed. But luckily my worries were unnecessary. The Palms Resorts have a new property, Palms Place, which not only leaves all the images of the original two Palms properties behind but it is the perfect example of a boutique hotel.
If you arrive in the main Palms lobby as we did you have to cross the casino and take the skybridge over to Palms Place. These few minutes not only transplant you to your hotel but to another world entirely of muted colors, no noise from casino gamblers, chic restaurants and a quiet ambience. I think I am going to like it here.

Read more

My first “visit” to my islands…

Though I was born and raised in the states I identify with my parents birthplace; the Virgin Islands. Since I was a baby we have traveled “home” to family for summers and holidays. I have fond memories of helping my grandmother bake traditional tarts in her scorching hot kitchen or sitting on her porch watching cruise ships hoping for a cool breeze to decrease the humid and sticky temperature. We would visit my mother’s family on the small island of St. John and eat mangos taken directly from trees and swim in clear waters at the many beaches. But I was never a tourist. From the minute the plane landed I became an integral part of the island, traveling with the residents on their day to day journeys and never experiencing the “America’s paradise” my friends and co-workers would rave about whenever I mentioned an upcoming trip home. To me a trip to my islands meant familiar faces, great home cooked meals, a million mosquito bites, and time with friends and family. I knew nothing of the great resorts, activities or restaurants. Until now…

Read more

OOOh Sugar!

Searching for great Cuban cuisine and the Perfect Mojito we ventured to Azucar in Downtown Jersey City. This Newport Area hot-spot provides great Cuban cuisine, Live Music and a Cigar Lounge. Not to mention the Grand Mojito. A medley of Flor de Cana Grand Reserve Seven Year old rum, soda, mint, sugar and lime it was cocktail perfection. It makes their standard Mojito a sad second choice and is completely worth the two extra dollars. This cocktail easily made our Perfect Mojito List.

Our meal consisted of the Gambas al Ajillo, a large dish of jumbo shrimp sauteed with garlic and spices and the Lylia’s Bistec de Palomilla. The Bistec is pounded thin sirloin served with sauteed onions. Both were delicious and served with rice and black beans.

Save room for dessert and the Natilla Azucar. This house speciality is a creamy custard topped with scorched sugar. It is a cold, sweet, and large enough to share. Creme Brulee fans will find this more than meets their needs.

We were too tired to try our fancy footwork to the live Cuban band but the music was great and helps to make the restaurant have a more authentic feel. The decor does not match the atmosphere or cuisine with its leopard print backed chairs and large bamboo stalks. You can ignore that as the food, Mojitos and music are not to be missed.

www.azucarcubancuisine.com

Indianapolis during the NFL Football Kick-off

I am what some might call the anti-football fan. I don’t like to watch it on TV and will go to the live game, not to watch the game, but to cheer along with friends.  So what a surprise when I arrived in Indianapolis in what was the second biggest celebration for this town’s football fans. The NFL Kick-off! After winning the Superbowl last year, Indianapolis Colts fans were excited to cheer their team into another season. They were playing the New Orleans Saints days after the second anniversary of Katrina. Saints fans were in town not only representing their team but all that is New Orleans. Don’t I know how to pick em…

I should have known something was going on when this normally affordable hotel city had sky high hotels rates. One of my favorite places to stay is the Embassy Suites Downtown on Washington Street. This large high rise hotel is connected to a shopping mall and surrounded by places to eat.

It is centrally located downtown and offers easy access to the highway. With its cooked to order breakfast and nightly manager’s reception of cocktails and snacks, it is perfect for people looking for an affordable place to stay with some of the comforts of home included in the price. The extra large rooms have a separate sitting and sleeping area with a small table and pull-out couch.

This makes it a perfect for groups of travelers and families. For business travelers the table area allow you to separate your work and rest areas. Each room also has a small fridge, microwave, two televisions, three mirrors and two vanity areas. The vanity in the sleeping area has a full mirror and sink which allows someone else to do their hair or make-up while someone else is in the bathrooms. Perfect for groups of women traveling together and trying to get ready all at once.

I have always received amazing service at the hotel and it is usually a first pick when staying in Indianapolis. The front desk staff are knowledgeable about the area and very friendly. Even though I arrived close to Midnight after tons of travel drama, I was greeted with warm smiles and quick service.

The one downfall for this property is the parking garage and entrance. With its sharp corners and distance from the actual hotel, parking  is a less than pleasant experience. The garage is connected to the building where the hotel is located but has a separate entrance and elevator. When bringing your luggage you have to cross the driveway area and then enter the hotel. From there you take an escalator to the check-in area. Unfortunately though there are ramps and other measures to make it accessible it is not the best set up for people with wheelchairs or even large luggage. The escalator is also very narrow. If you can get past this part the other amenities and space in the rooms make it a great place to stay in Indy.

By the way, the Colts won the game though I spent my time in the mall!

Embassy Suites Indianapolis – Downtown
110 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-236-1800

« Previous Page