Testing, testing…

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Let me start out by issuing a disclaimer. This is my first of many posts, but I wanted to test the waters before I dive in too deep. Recently I have decided to create this blog as a way to showcase my experiences, inspire others, and connect with readers (to spark ideas for my next trip!) 

And which magical place did I choose for my first post?

That’s right guys. My local Chili’s.

Now how in the world does Chili’s have a place on a website dedicated to exciting international travel, regional discoveries, and scrumptious food? Great question. Well, I’ll tell you.

For many, many months I have been working at a job that I despised. The definition of an unfulfilling job. Sales. Although I have a knack for it, and it pays quite well, I would wake up everyday hearing the sound of my alarm...and cringe. Reluctantly I would get ready, drive over there, and walk in with a sour look on my face. It never failed. I couldn’t hide how I felt. Working in customer service where the customers felt like they could talk/yell/curse at you in any which way they wanted, a crumbling management team, and a quota that continued to climb to unreachable heights became a recipe for disaster. I knew that this wasn’t the life for me. I had to, at the very least, create an outlet for me to express my passions. Writing about travel and food alone boosts my mood and allows me to escape, at least in my mind.

So, what does this have to do with Chili’s? At the start of the new year, I decided that in order to transition away from my current job, I needed to put pen to paper (or keystroke to computer screen) and establish myself as a writer. I have always been good at English, reading, and writing; or at least, the act of doing it does not feel like a chore. On a whim, at the start of the new year, I created this website and decided I needed to finally chase this distant writing dream I had in my head for so many years. But I was anxious to get started ASAP. So the day I created the site, I decided to go to the nearest restaurant from my house and write my thoughts and experiences.

So Chili’s is definitely NOT my favorite place in the world. The quality and the ambiance always left something to be desired, and I would always opt for Applebee’s if I had to choose between the two.

Walking in to Chili’s, I knew I didn’t want to spend too much money. I have been on a very strict budget as it is my New Years resolution to pay off all my debts (except student loans, that’s too high of a mountain for me to climb right now!)

So I looked upon the menu, and immediately flipped to the Happy Hour section because ya gurl is on a budget. And what did I find? CHEESE!! Can I just tell you, cheese is the 8th Wonder Of The World. Cheese brightens my day. Cheese is the reason why I can never successfully go vegan.

If I see cheese sticks, cheese bites, cheese curds, or any other version of delectable fried cheese, I’m ordering it. I don’t care if it’s a hole in the wall or a 3 Michelin Star restaurant. I have to taste it, and if I don’t, I will sit at the table swimming in a sea of regret. Yes, it is that serious.

I have had my fair share of fried cheese in my day, and this one did not disappoint. To me what set apart this dish, the $3 Crispy Cheddar Bites, was the seasoning used. I’m used to the main component being just the cheese aspect. In this case, it seems they used a special seasoning blend that I would compare to Lawry’s. I certainly appreciated that added component. To set it apart even more, they had a dipping sauce that I can only describe as ranch mixed with thousand island mixed with seasoning salt. I would come back just for that sauce!

The next thing I ordered was the $4 Half Margherita Flatbread. I ordered mine without Pico de gallo because I absolutely loathe onions. And for $4, this dish did was not bad. I wish the portion size was bigger but hey, it did say “half.” The flatbread paired nicely with the ranch dipping sauce provided, but to be honest, what DOESN’T pair well with ranch dressing?

I balanced the dish with another Happy Hour staple, a $4 well drink. I did a Rum and Sprite, my usual go to at a restaurant. (At a lounge I’d do a Hennessy and RedBull, and at a club I’d do a Vodka and RedBull for that extra energy boost.)

All in all, I spent $11 plus tax and tip and I have to say I will probably return. That means a lot coming from me because I have always not been fan at Chili’s and their food. I remember coming to Chili’s two years ago and being so annoyed by how uncomfortable the chairs were. Little things like that get to me, but it was time for me to give them another chance.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my first official post. I promise you that (most of) the content to come will not be from a Chili’s, an Applebee’s, or the like. I just wanted to test the waters a little bit and I actually had a little fun writing this.

Ciao!

Helpful Links: www.chilis.com/menu