Significantly Spicy

What is fun and exciting to eat on a Thursday? Naturally it is Adovada Tacos for $1.50 every Thursday at Tacos TJ 644. Adovoda is similar to Al Pastor, but a saucier braised version. All I know is that it is mighty tasty.

I never stop by Tacos TJ 644 without getting a Spicy Shrimp Taco or Quesadilla as well. It is one of those hidden gems that everyone tries to keep secret! I guess the cat is out of the bag now. This meal cost me under $9!

Tacos TJ 644 was fantastic as a food truck and has maintained top quality as they have established their restaurant on north West Street. Stop by and make your Thursday even better with some great tacos!

Where are some options for Irish food on St Patrick's Day? I hit a perennial favorite Whiskey Dicks for Corned Beef & Cabbage. They have been a hit for me every year with solid portions which has become my must-visit option.

I also stopped by O'Malleys Irish Pub last night and enjoyed a tasty Reuben Sandwich which was loaded up and had plenty of sauerkraut which added a nice tanginess. They used a unique sauce which wasn't Thousand Island or Russian dressing. It had a bit of spiciness which reminded me of chipotle that worked nicely. The entrees are being served with fried mash potato balls which were a nice option instead of fries that went great with the sauce as well.

O'Malleys also offered a Shepherds Pie which had mashed potatoes over some hamburger patties that didn't Wow me as much as the other items on the menu. They do have a Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner tonight and the kitchen stays open late!

Where did you celebrate St Patrick's Day? And how was the food?

It has been a while since this blog has been active with some additional commitments that have taken priority in life. Unfortunately it has been difficult to avoid noticing that businesses have been dealing with less patronage as this year has progressed. Regardless of why this is happening, it has resulted in plenty of restaurant closings. Including many that were thriving a year or two ago. This has made things far more difficult for local restaurants in particular which is concerning.

Wichita enjoys a fairly robust and diverse food scene with plenty of options that could compete in major cities, but they only exist when they are profitable. Profitability is a challenge for local restaurants in the best of times and many owners are keeping their restaurants afloat out of their pockets. It is fair to consider when you experience an understaffed restaurant with staff that is clearly stressed and facing challenges that the waiter/waitress may be short on their rent due to lower tip income and the ownership could very well be paying out of their own pocket for you to enjoy the service that they provide. I get it that prices have gone up dramatically for you, but they are seeing the same on every front as well. Ultimately fighting the higher prices at this level only means that you will soon get to pick from value menus at chain restaurants instead of keeping all of the money local with your neighbors offering options that offer far more quality and flavor at the same price.

I am going to start posting some local food options that I enjoy. They may not be the newest kids on the block, but places that could use our support. Hopefully you will consider supporting them when you dine out.

I won’t ask anyone to spend money that they cannot afford to spend, but I would urge everyone to focus a bit more on where they spend their money when they do. If possible focus on supporting your local restaurant favorites and keeping them successful. You could very well improve many lives in your community instead of complaining about all the terrible chain food options that will remain.

Life has been busy, but I'm taking a few days in Las Vegas. Day 1 was delicious staying within the confines of ARIA Resort & Casino. The day started with Shrimp & Cheesy Grits and a Lobster Roll from Salt & Ivy. Lunch consisted of Soup Dumplings (Ciao Long Bao), Cucumber Salad, Steamed Dumplings, and Shaved Snow with Fresh Mango from Dim Yai Fung. It did not disappoint! Next was Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell for Happy Hour. I ended the day checking out the Proper Eats Food Hall with some Tonkotsu Ramen and Pork Belly Bao Buns from Laughing Budda Ramen. It was all good without setting a single foot outside!