Its the weekend and I could not be happier. This week has been tough- my energy levels have been low. Both V and I struggled with sleep this whole week, and we both struggled with our respective work. I did not cook much, was not even inspired to which is weird for me. Nor did I get much exercise done- probably why I felt even more lazy. I am hoping next week changes and feel more motivated.
Last week I was invited by Cafe Salsera, in Deep Ellum, to sample their new revised menu. We don’t eat mexican when we go out too often probably because when we were in Morenci we had only one restaurant to go to and it was mexican. After 6 years to be limited to one mexican restaurant we are more than happy to explore other cuisines. But I still love mexican food, I guess because it reminds me a little of Indian food, and Salsera’s food did just that. We started off our meal with some drinks and the flautas from the new menu. Deep fried anything is always good but when you serve it with avocado mousse and salsa and crema on the side, it just makes everything even better. So good. We also got to sample the ceviche with shrimp which of course V did not touch while I throughly enjoyed. I highly recommend the Hibiscus mojito when you go there. Also the camarones a la diabla which the chef was kind enough to make with chicken since V does not eat shrimp and we both loved it. I got the mole and while the chicken was cooked well, I realized I am not a fan of mole sauce. I did love the beans that came with the dish. I would go back just for the beans. Overall we had a good time, and if you are ever in the neighbourhood especially on a Tuesday evening I would recommend you to try Salsera out. Every Tuesdays they have free salsa lessons from 6-10p and you might just find me there learning salsa and sipping on my Hibiscus mojito.
For more information on Salsera, check their site out.
Flautas with avocado mousse and salsa at Cafe Salsera
Camarones a la diabla with chicken at Cafe Salsera
Last week we also brunched at Ida Claire. Heads up, if you plan to go there make a reservation the wait on weekends can be crazy. Once you enter the place you know why everyone wants to brunch here. From the crockery to the decor (hanging antique bird cages and walls decorated to southern memorabilia) all made me swoon over the place. We went with friends and between us tried the chicken and waffles, apple crisp french toast and nashville hot fried chicken. While I always go for chicken and waffles, this is one place where I would highly recommend you to try the nashville hot fried chicken. Crispy, juicy with enough spice to give it flavor but not burn your mouth. I loved it and was kicking myself that it was not the dish that I ordered, although the french toast that I ate wasn’t too bad either.
For more information on Ida Claire, check their site out.
Nashville Hot Fried Chicken at Ida Claire
Chicken and waffles at Ida Claire
Apple crisp french toast
Another spot to add to your list for classic breakfast fare is Norma’s Cafe. With mile high pies and free rolls (which are really good), Norma’s cafe is diner food done right. Calorie conscious people though should avoid this place. Their biscuits are crazy good.
Mile High Coconut Pie at Norma’s Cafe
I found out about Dandelion cheesecake during one of the food bazaars that keep happening in Dallas, and am glad I did. I love their bite sized cheesecake concept. We tried the mojito which is a creme de menthe cheesecake with a lime and rum topping and loved it.
Check their website for more details. They cater for wedding events too.
The Mojito from Dandelion Cheesecake
With a small brick and mortar place on Maple avenue, Val’s cheesecake serves cute little jars of cheesecakes to Dallasites. A little overpriced for the quantity offered (you do get the jar to take home though), but we still enjoyed our jars. We had the lovers lane (which is their red velvet cake jar) and the lemon avenue. While the lovers lane was good, I preferred the lemon cheesecake jar over it.
By the way if cheesecake in jars is your thing you should also check out Kessler Pie Co. They too make an awesome lemon cheesecake jar. I hate writing these articles at night because I always get hungry and craving for the things I write about.
Lovers Lane from Val’s Cheesecake
Lemon Avenue from Val’s Cheesecake
And that’s it for today. Hope you are having a lovely weekend.
Disclaimer: WhCafe Salsera sponsored my meal, all opinions as always are my own.
i hope you and V are back to normal energetic self…i have eaten at Norma’s cafe and loved that pie. i think i had the chocolate one.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health recently posted..Mango Lassi Popsicles
We had the coconut one. It was nice. Chocolate sounds even nicer.
I hope you’re having a better week! I was down for much of last week myself. The weird thing is, possibily because I like Indian food so much, I really don’t care for Mexican. Mr. Rafia on the other hand LOVES it! It’s frustrating because our palates are the complete opposite. Mmmm, fried chicken. I’ve been craving a nice, spicy fried chicken sandwich. We attempted to fry some chicken at home over the weekend. Yeah. Well, at least we made a date night in out of it!!!
Hey sorry been taking a break from blogging for a while. Hope you are feeling better. V and I too have very different tastes. Makes eating out always a challenge.