We had a short weekend this week....too much stuff to take care of, but we did manage a few things 

Friday night, we dined at Rigatoni's Italian Restaurant (9090 Skillman St in Dallas). We've eaten there twice before and have not been disappointed. Inside is lovely, dim lights with elegant decor. They have wonderful Italian cuisine and also have added Indian dishes to the menu. We haven't sample any of those yet but they do look good. I chose the Baked Rigatoni- served in a creamy tomato sauce with a hint of lemon. Slightly browned cheese was bubbling on top when they brought i out- heaven!

RJ went with our server's suggestion, the salmon with had the same creamy tomato sauce on it, along with angel hair pasta and sautéed vegetables.

Both entrées were excellent- perfect in every way.

We really didn't need dessert but had sampled them before there and simply had to again. I crave their Tiramisu...it is some of the best I've had. RJ went with the Creme Caramel- served like Flan. You HAVE to have coffee along with these- what a way to end your night there.

We came out of Rigatoni's stuffed as ticks. Give this place a try!!!

On the  way home, we both saw a huge meteor flaming across the sky- part of the Orinid shower that peaked last night, I suppose. It was definitely one of the biggest meteors either of us have ever seen.

Saturday morning, we set out for a cafe in Plano called Breadwinners on Preston close to Spring Creek Parkway....everyone else apparently had the same idea and there was a giant line out the door. So, on to Plan B.

RJ turned the car around, drove back east and we ended up at one of our old stand-by's, Aparicio's on 18th at Avenue K. A nice crowd but certainly not 'out the door'

RJ selected the Barbacoa Plate this time. I don't think he's ever gotten barbacoa at Aparicio's but he loves it and usually makes an effort to try it at any Mexican restaurant we go to.

I chose their tamale plate. Yes, it WAS breakfast but they server most everything on their menu all day long.

The waitress brought our meals- RJ's plate was heaped over with barbacoa, refried beans and rice and mine had 5 tamales with chili con carne, rice & beans.  Both dishes were excellent. More than ample amounts and certainly great comfort food.

Aparicio's is a nice place. Since they moved from their smaller - almost tiny- place right next door to the new, spacious and certainly better decorated building, I think they have really improved their business and opened it up to more clientèle.

I give it a definite thumbs up!

We drove out by Firewheel afterwards, checked out a few stores- Sharper Image, Brookstone, DSW Warehouse - and then on to Tom Thumb. Not particularly eventful...

This morning was a yard work day. It HAd to be done...not fun but somebody's gotta do it. That out of the way and the two of us cleaned and presentable, we were going out to eat but had a change of plans. My idea- place a phone order to Burger Island, pick it up and bring it home for the football games. What an idea You cannot go wrong at Burger Island. My fav- their Chili Cheeseburger. RJ's- Big Double Burger. We had eyes bigger than our stomachs and ordered fries and onion rings to go with those enormous burgers...oh my.... It was more than we could eat but we gave it the old college try.

Burger Island uses REAL hamburger meat...not that other places don't buy their burgers have that old timey hamburger taste. Unbelievable! It's nothing fancy but you cannot beat them for a good ol' burger.

Well, I guess that's about it- we're watching the Cowboys game now...it's not going particularly well but I always have to remind RJ that it's not over till it's over

Adios amigos,
Road Tripper

The Byrds Have You Seen Her Face