C/O Cas X’orc

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MUST EATS IN MALLORCA, SPAIN: CAS X'ORC

If you have been following along on my Instagram and blog, then you know that I just recently returned from an amazing trip to the Andalusia coast of Spain + Mallorca. This region of Spain has some of the most breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with interspersed villages beautifully located along the winding roads.

When we were in Mallorca, we had so many amazing meals. The one that we had a Cas X’orc stands out as one of the best meals that we had during our entire trip! Cas X’orc is a local Finca (or hacienda or plantation) that is located at the top of the mountain and overlooks the valley below. The views here are incredible!! We made a reservation at their restaurant, which is a converted olive oil mill. The restaurant is so quaint and when you walk in they had a roaring fire going (this was during the fall - I’m sure that would not happen during the summer months!).

C/O Cas X’orc

C/O Cas X’orc

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Cas X’orc was amazing, from the food and the atmosphere, so I’m adding it to my must try list when visiting Mallorca. Located on a hill between the artists’ village Deià and the picturesque Sóller lies our romantic Mallorcan gem at the edge of the Tramuntana Mountains. The carefully restored 18th century estate is characterized by olive groves, lemon trees and flourishing Mediterranean gardens. [Cas X’orc]

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WHAT WE ORDERED

ASSORTMENT OF HOMEMADE BREADS

This fabulous assortment of homemade breads, including sourdough - my fav! This was served with an herb butter, aioli, and fresh hummus. Don’t forget about their fresh homemade olive oil!

Mughal chicken korma served with Pappadum and spicy rice

This delicious dish was the perfect medley of chicken tikka masala with a Mediterranean flare.

Carob Waffle, Almond Ice Cream and “Palo” Sauce

If you’re ordering dessert, might as well go all out and get the coffee too! Please don’t be like my husband though and stay up all night when you have a 6 am flight..lmao.

Assortment of homemade breads

Carob Waffle, Almond Ice Cream

Mughal Chicken Korma

Cappuccino

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C/O Cas X’orc

If you’re heading to Mallorca anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

CAS X’ORC

Carretera de Deia, 56.1km
07100 Sóller Islas Baleares
Spain
WEBSITE
PHONE: (+34) 971 638 280

See my review on Yelp!

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ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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MUST EATS IN SEVILLE, SPAIN: ESLAVA

Written by Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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I just recently returned (i’m talking on Sunday) from an amazing trip to the Andalusia coast of Spain + Mallorca. This region of Spain has some of the most breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with interspersed villages beautifully located along the winding roads.

While visiting this region of Spain, we had so many amazing meals that it honestly is very hard to pick a favorite. Some restaurants had amazing views and ambiance, some had ambiance plus delicious tapas, and some not so much. Fortunately, the bad meals were few and far between and usually because we just stopped in for a quick bite while touring a local monument. I hate how in large tourist areas, it seems like a lot of the terrible restaurants are right beside the tourist spot. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have an amazing meal AND see the local attraction at the same time?!

Anywho, this post is about one of the wonderful restaurants that we had the pleasure to dine at while visiting Sevilla.

C/O ESLAVA

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When you first walk into Eslava, expect to see a crowded tapas bar with a great atmosphere. Ask one of the servers to recommend you a class of Vino Tinto to start (Spanish wines are delicous!). When you get you glass of wine, you will also be served some homemade sourdough bread and some fresh aceitunas (olives) that are mixed with fava beans - you MUST try these! They are so yummy!). Aslo, don’t forget to request some aceite de oliva (olive oil) with some sea salt. I think Spain could give Italy a run for their money on olive oil - it was literally the best! The olive oil is the best when it is produced on a local Finca (or hacienda or plantation). We bought some to bring home from a local Finca that you can actually stay at in Mallorca, called Cas X’orc (another post for another time).

TAPAS TO TRY

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Tataki de buey con gominola de jengibre

Beef tataki with ginger - These thin strips of beef topped with sea salt and drizzled with olive oil will leave your mouth watering for more! We actually ordered two plates of these. As you can tell, it is not a huge portion but the flavor is outstanding. There are dollops of ginger sauce on the plate that enhance the flavors of the beef.

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Croquetas caseras de cerdo y ternera

Pork and beef homemade croquettes (bechamel-filled, breaded and deep-fried) - I must say that I thought that I would absolutely love the croquettes in Spain since it is definitely a staple tapas at most Spanish restaurants. While the croquettes were definitely delicious, they were not my favorite of all the tapas that I sampled. That being said, you still must try them!

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Yema sobre bizcocho de boletus y vino caramelizado

Slow-cooked egg served on boletus cake with caramelized wine reduction (1st Prize, Sevilla en Boca de Todos 2010 contest) - This one is very interesting and worth a taste!

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Un cigarro para Becquer (3º premio Sevilla en Boca de Todos 2013)

A cigar for Becquer. Brick pastry cigar-shaped with cuttlefish and algae) - The texture on this definitely different but the flavor was surprisingly good!

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Costilla de cerdo con miel de romero al horno

Roasted pork ribs glazed in rosemary honey - MUST get these!! These are like a Korean BBQ style short rib with incredible flavor!!

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Here is a link to the entire tapas menu. We didn’t get a chance to try everything but if you’re feeling up to it, then I would recommend at least sampling a few more of their delicious tapas!

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C/O EAT SPEAK WRITE

If you’re heading to Seville anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

ESPACIO ESLAVA

Eslava, 3
41002 Sevilla
WEBSITE
PHONE: (+34) 954 906 568

See my review on Yelp!

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ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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MUST EATS IN PRAGUE: ESKA

Written by Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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Eska - an amazing restaurant located about 10 minutes from the heart of Prague - is part of the Ambiente group which owns many restaurants throughout Prague.

C/O ESKA

This was our second breakfast, the first being at Boho. We all were pretty full so we ordered light. Even though we didn’t eat a full course meal, everything we ate was absolutely delicious!

It was also really nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to relax and hang out with a great cup of coffee.

Eska’s dishes have a Nordic flare with a focus on vegetables. We all ordered coffees. I ordered pancakes with fresh creme (OMG! so good!). Lauren ordered a yogurt parfait which was also equally delicious and Wendi ordered oatmeal. Everything was so fresh and tasty!

If you’re heading to Prague anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

Eska

Pernerova 49, Prague 8
Website
Phone: 731 140 884 - Email

See my review on Yelp!

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ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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FOODIE FRIDAY: BURNING RICE

Written by Rachel Yue

Featuring: BURNING RICE

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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C/O COMMUNITY IMPACT

Rating: 8.5/10 (the best bibimbap I've had my entire life, but I have yet to go to South Korea)

 Website: BURNING RICE

I had heard of this place opening up in Frisco recently and had passed by it multiple times, but never got the chance to try it until recently when a couple of church family friends asked me to go with them. I did not really have high expectations for this place, but what I ended up eating here blew me away (like literally). The restaurant has a very simple and clever setup (I would call it the "Korean" Chipotle). You walk in and go up to the cashier and order your food. The menu is also very simple, which consists of just bibimbap (either hot stone bowl or regular bowl), but you can choose meat and other toppings to put in the bibimbap. The cashier will then give you a number and you can go sit down at a table. There is a self-service counter in the middle of the restaurant where you can get different types of Korean sauces, free salad, and free miso soup and seaweed vermicelli soup! There will be someone to bring you your order when it is ready. Overall, the food was delicious as I will go into more detail below and the service was top-notch. On another note, the portions are HUGE. (you can order one bowl and share between two people and be very full).

HERE ARE MY RATINGS FOR THE SPECIFIC ITEMS ORDERED:

 LA Kalbi Regular Bowl (pictured above, around $11): this is more like a salad type dish that is not hot). The toppings for this one included zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and an egg on top. The kalbi at this place is one of the most well-cooked I've had in my life. The kalbi (korean short rib) didn't have a lot of fat in it and was all meat, and it was grilled and marinated to perfection. I enjoyed the regular bowl, but I prefer my bibimbap hot rather than cold.

C/O DALLAS CULTUREMAP

 Bulgogi Hot Stone Bowl (pictured above, around $10): this is what I prefer in terms of the food being in this sizzling hot stone bowl with rice at the bottom. The bulgogi was very delicious, seasoned and cooked perfectly as well. This bowl consisted of carrots, zucchini, mushroom, spinach, kimchi, and bean sprouts. I love the crispy rice at the bottom. I would recommend getting this hot stone bowl more than the regular bowl unless you prefer eating a cold dish vs. hot dish. I would also recommend getting the LA Kalbi with the hot stone bowl and adding all the toppings onto it.

Pineapple Kalbi Steak Hot Stone Bowl (around $11): Another meat choice is something called pineapple kalbi steak, which is basically pineapple with kalbi meat without the bone. If you want something both savory and sweet then I would recommend this choice of meat. The toppings are similar to the ones mentioned above. This was also very delicious as the meat was tender and grilled to perfection with some sesame seeds sprinkled on top. 

 Please check out this place if you LOVE bibimbap. I promise it won't disappoint! 

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About me:

I fell in love with food and all the intricacies about it at an early age and after that my passion for food just kept growing. Two of my favorite things to do if I’m not training for a marathon is checking out a variety of restaurants (after doing a lot of research and studying the menus way beforehand=p) and trying out new recipes. My favorite cuisines are Japanese and Cuban but I’m always excited to try a variety of cuisines. Be sure to check out my Instagram page for frequent stories of endless food adventures!

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Follow me: @rachrun11 

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FOODIE FRIDAY: SACHET ALL DAY

Written by Lauren Bailey

Featuring: Sachet

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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C/O KATHY TRAN

Sachet is a new Mediterranean restaurant that just opened in Highland Park. We went last weekend for a friend’s birthday!

C/O KATHY TRAN

C/O KATHY TRAN

When you first walk in, the ambiance of the place is outstanding. I loved the air plants that were hanging over the bar. We sat down at the bar while we waited for our table and ordered a couple cocktails. My husband was super excited that they had the beer Mythos because it took him back to when he visited Greece with one of his best friends. I ordered the Xoriguer Mahon to start and I was not disappointed!!

Sachet was not the traditional Mediterranean food that you think of when you think Mediterranean. I felt it had a more Middle Eastern Flare. The food was very light and fresh. We did family style when ordering and by the time it came to order a main meal we were stuffed!

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WHAT WE ORDERED:

MEZE:

PISTACHIO AND MARCONA

BROCCOLINI

SPICY CARROT TABBOULEH

SPICY ROASTED EGGPLANT

COMPRESSED MELON

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PITA

C/O YELP

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SALAD:

GREEK

APPETIZER:

PITA

ARANCINI

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ARANCINI

C/O YELP

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PASTA:

SPICY GOAT RIGATONI

SPELT FUSILLI

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SPICY GOAT RIGATONI

C/O YELP

If you’re into wine, have the Sommelier come over and recommend something to you! I ordered a glass of the Belle-Vue “La Renaissance/Le Chateau” Cabernet, Mt. Lebanon, Lebanon 2011. It was so refreshing and light. I am a huge fan of red wine, specifically Pinot Noir, and when we were in Budapest I had one that was amazing. That is all I said to the Sommelier and he delivered!

if you’ve been thinking about checking Sachet out, then do it ASAP! 😋

See my review on Yelp!

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About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance and eat great food while doing so!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 2

Featuring Global Cafe, City Silo, RP Tracks

Written by Ashton Few

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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Global Cafe is another fabulous restaurant at Crosstown Concourse. They offer Syrian, Sudanese, and Venezuelan food made fresh by immigrants and refugees. Not only are you eating delicious food with fresh ingredients, but you are also helping to transform the lives of the ones that work there.

Not everything is vegan or vegetarian so don't go in and order one of everything, but I do suggest getting one of every vegan thing! The falafel and hummus are the absolute best! Grab some stuffed grape leaves, the traditional Venezuelan meal, a yummy drink from the bar, and enjoy them outside if the weather permits. Most items are made vegan and then you can add meat, but be sure to ask!

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Mostly vegetarian but also offers local farm raised chicken, City Silo is the perfect spot to go with your friends that think they can't have a meal without meat. Compromise, right?

C/O MRS HIPPIES BAKED GOODS

It is difficult to pick a favorite salad because they are all SO. GOOD. If I am eating out, I don't typically pick a salad because, when you're vegan, you can usually make it better at home. After your remove all of the toppings that aren't vegan, you are often left with lettuce and oil and vinegar dressing. The salads here are not those salads! Make a small modification to make it vegan and you will still have plenty of toppings to satisfy all of your cravings. You will not be disappointed by any of their burgers or sandwiches (get the vegan bun) either. I can't begin to tell you how delicious the BBQ Bowl and Buffalo Tempeh + Sesame Cauliflower Bowl are! Pick a base of quinoa, brown rice, or zucchini noodles with any of these. City Silo also has smoothies, juices, acai bowls, kombucha, coffee, local beer, wine, cocktails, and more. You might want to visit this place twice in one day!

C/O THE MEMPHIS VEGAN

C/O BIANCA PHILLIPS

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I may have saved the best for last because you can't beat the BBQ Tofu at R.P. Tracks.

C/O @lacomidajeremie

If your meat-eating friends have a taste of this, they will regret ordering anything else. The BBQ Tofu Nachos are always a favorite (you could share these, but you will not want to!) but be sure to order without cheese and sour cream for the vegan version.

C/O THE CHUBBY VEG

You can get the BBQ Tofu in a quesadilla, a sandwich, or as sticks. Speaking of sticks, you can get these lemongrass style or buffalo. They even have Imagine Vegan Cafe ranch for dipping! If a burger is what you're feeling, the Veggie Melt is a patty melt with a Beyond burger patty (go sans cheese for vegan). They even have the Beyond Brat so you can order their Homewrecker Dog.

You'll want a side of waffle fries and regular fries, because who can choose?! Wash it all down with a local draft beer such as Meddlesome's 201 Hoplar. This place stays open until 3:00 AM so it's great for those late-night munchies!

While Memphis may not have a ton of options for vegans, they are evolving daily and restaurants are becoming more aware of the demand for plant-based menu options. Memphis is a great city with lots of history, multiple venues with local and world-famous musicians playing nightly, great food, eclectic people, and good ole southern charm! It's worth adding to your travel list at least once!

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About me:

Hey there, I’m Ashton! I’m 30 years old and living in Memphis, TN with my hubby and adorable Frenchie, Psilo! I love traveling anywhere our RV will take us, and places far beyond. I have recently found a love of yoga and can’t wait to see where that takes me! I have always had a passion for food so I love getting creative and making vegan versions of childhood favorites for our family!

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Follow me: @smashton901

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FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 1

Featuring Imagine Vegan Cafe and Crosstown Arts Cafe

Written by Ashton Few

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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Being vegan or vegetarian in, arguably, the BBQ capital is not always easy, but these five restaurants give you more than the go-to of a bland salad and fries. If you think you can't eat your southern comfort foods just because you're vegan, these restaurants will quickly prove you wrong!

First up is the only completely vegan restaurant, Imagine Vegan Cafe. Their menu may say things like steak burger, cheese, and bacon but no animal products can be found in any of their food. Their menu urges you to go ahead and order whatever you want since it's all vegan and, trust me, you will want some of everything!

With that being said, the Appetizer Sampler is a great start to give you a little of a lot of things: Dogs 'n Blankets, Potato Skins, Wings, Chicken Nuggets, and Hush-puppies! You don't want to leave here without getting the Cheese Sticks, though! They are house breaded and deep fried and absolutely amazing! You better come hungry because the Chicken Drumsticks are a must as well! These are also house breaded and deep fried and the guys at Imagine do it right! They make and bottle their own honey mustard and ranch dressing and you'll want one of each for those drumsticks, and a bottle of each to take home! Leave a little room for dessert or take some home with you if you're too stuffed.

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Next up is Crosstown Arts Cafe at Crosstown Concourse. This cafe is vegetarian, but they label everything that is vegan (as well as gluten free) and most items can be made vegan with a simple modification. Crosstown Concourse is an amazing space with restaurants, a brewery, shopping, living spaces, and more. If you are in Memphis, this is a must see! Take some time to visit each area, admire the art, and read about the history of the building. There are some really cool things here!

C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS

C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS

Crosstown Arts Cafe has an ALWAYS menu, and a TODAY menu with specials of the day. I recommend getting “Let's hear it faux the boy” off the ALWAYS menu. It's a fried oyster mushroom po' boy with lettuce, tomato, onion, and remoulade on a baguette. You're still in Memphis, but you'll think you've jumped a train to New Orleans! The Big Ass Salad changes daily and always delivers. Since the TODAY menu is always changing, I can't tell you what to get, but I can tell you that I have loved every single thing I ever had here. Seriously, it's all ridiculously good! If they happen to have fried green tomatoes, don't miss out on these! Grab a sweet treat off the counter if you have room for dessert!

C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS

C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS

While Memphis may not have a ton of options for vegans, they are evolving daily and restaurants are becoming more aware of the demand for plant-based menu options. Memphis is a great city with lots of history, multiple venues with local and world-famous musicians playing nightly, great food, eclectic people, and good ole southern charm! It's worth adding to your travel list at least once!

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About me:

Hey there, I’m Ashton! I’m 30 years old and living in Memphis, TN with my hubby and adorable Frenchie, Psilo! I love traveling anywhere our RV will take us, and places far beyond. I have recently found a love of yoga and can’t wait to see where that takes me! I have always had a passion for food so I love getting creative and making vegan versions of childhood favorites for our family!

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Follow me: @smashton901

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FOODIE FRIDAY: WAITING FOR LUCIA

Written by Lauren Bailey

Featuring: Lucia

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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My husband and I decided to make a date night at a local restaurant called Lucia. I don’t know if you guys have ever been there, but it takes about 2 months to get a reservation! I put in my reservation for July in May!

WHAT WE ORDERED:

For starters, they bring out homemade sourdough bread with fresh butter and sea salt. I love bread and this is seriously some of the best that I’ve ever had. The sea salt butter really kicks it up a notch!

For an appetizer, we ordered the Merry Goat Round with arugula. Fantastic!

C/O RESERVATIONS FOR DAMON RICHARD

PRIMI:

We ordered two primi courses:

Risotto bianco with shrimp, pancetta, and corn

Gnocchi with basil pesto, Texas red potato, and green beans

The gnocchi was by far my favorite thing that we ordered! Definitely give it a try! I’m not a huge fan of risotto so I’m not sure why I ordered it, but it was still delicious. If you’re not a huge risotto fan either, then give this a try and it might change your mind!

C/O YELP

C/O YELP

SECONDI:

We ordered A Bar N Wagyu coulotte with Texas purple hull peas, kohlrabi, soubise & salsa verde.

The meat was so tender and juicy and cooked just the way I like it!

If you are thinking about trying to get a reservation at Lucia, set a reminder in your calendar to book the date that you’re looking at 2 months in advance! It is definitely worth the wait!

See my review on Yelp!

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About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance and eat great food while doing so!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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