Vietnamese Lemongrass Sausage and Vegetarian Fried Rice

So today is SO's last day of school before Spring Break. I still can't believe how much vacation breaks kids have in France! A lot more than what I had growing up, if I remember properly. Anyways, she will be off for 2 weeks and will shuffle from being at home, to my sister's, and the children's center. Our lifestyle here is a total opposite of what we had back in the Philippines. But I don't mind - in fact, I like it! I had a little chat with SO's teacher and she tells me that SO has adjusted really well and is doing good. SO came home with her schoolwork binder and it's true, she has really good grades and follows through her school activities impressively. I couldn't be any prouder!

Did someone say.....MATTITO'S?

Do you wanna spice up your life with Tex-Mex favorites? 

Here’s what you need to know about the best Tex-Mex restaurant in Dallas and Frisco – MATTITO’S!!!

  

-best known Mexican restaurants Dallas and Frisco tx restaurants.

-It has been around for 2 generations and offers family secret recipes for over 50 years!

-Vast menu comprising of crowd favorites - Fajitas, Enchiladas, Tacos, Quesadillas, Burritos and even breakfast favorite, Chilaquiles  (which can served anytime of the day). When I say a vast menu, I mean vaaaasssssttttt!!! From breakfast choices, to soups, appetizers, salads, main dishes, lunch specials, regular specials, group platters, and fabulous desserts!

-Kids are spoiled with their own appetizing menu (main course which comes with 2 side dishes, drinks, and ice cream! Yeah!)

-You are greeted to a unique and festive ambiance by a heartwarming family.

-Banquet halls in Dallas Tx are available for your party pleasures. Share with your friends and families the legendary experience of dining at Mattito’s!

-Amazing catering service from its award-winning menu (on place and delivery)

-Voted by Critics as Top Ten Tequila Bars in the United States, Dallas’ Best Sunday Brunch, Dallas’ Best Tex-Mex, and several People’s Choice Awards. It has been recognized for its high standard in food and service.

-Mattito’s Famous Rumba Rita has been voted Best Cocktail.

-Mattito’s is known for throwing the biggest and famous Cinco de Mayo fiesta yearly. Guests party and enjoy, free of charge, the mariachis, DJ music, tequila tastings, games and prizes, drinks specials and cuisines. It was noted that more than 4,500 people attended last year!

-A Sunday Brunch is heartily prepared from your Mattito’s family to please you. The buffet has a spread of Tex-Mex favorites, an Omelet and Waffle Station, Assorted Cheeses, and many desserts. Sundays will never best the same! Make sure to call ahead to reserve you spot.

-Mattito’s Gift Cards are available for purchase. Never again will you have to worry what to give to friends and family.

Many have already had their memorable experiences at the award-winning Mattito’s. When will yours be?

Burger Steak with Creamy Mushrooms + MR's Lunch

At this point, our everyday routine is pretty much in place. MR is in full-speed learning the French language in his classes. Dad is still recovering from a post-heart surgery in a cardiac rehabilitation center. SO is happy learning and playing in school. And I am balancing between work and picking up SO in school. Thursdays and Fridays are kinda tricky because MR is indisposed the whole day so it's up to me to pick up SO on her lunch break and prepare lunch for the two of us. But I take pride in knowing that I am balancing my juggling balls with my 2 hands pretty well!

Prune Cake - The day SO cracked her first egg!

SO and I are home alone today. MR is attending his second and last government formation. It's a beautiful day again today and I thought SO and I could go to the town beside ours to play in their playground. But not before we try our hand at baking a Prune Cake. These were made from leftover prunes from when I made the Turkey Legs with Prunes dish a while ago (click here for the post). I had a handful of prunes left and since I hate throwing away food, I thought I'd save it for a day like this.

Potato and Endive Gratin

Recently, I've been having a harder time to find / come up with new recipes for dinner. Lunch is no problem as I have a long list of meat dishes to make. But dinner is another story as I don't usually prepare meat so I always run out of ideas. I personally love preparing salads, but lately I've had enough of salad. That's what I initially thought I would make with the endives I had in the refrigerator, but I wondered what would happen if I prepared them hot. Like in a Potato and Endive Gratin. 

Beef Slices with Pesto

If there is one thing I want to buy for my kitchen is a Pierrade. I love this cooking concept, which is cooking your food tabletop on a heated stone. Like the Fondue or Raclette, I find that it creates a fun and entertaining ambiance at the dining table whether you are having a family meal or having guests over. Click here and here for previous posts where I have enjoyed a Pierrade. But unlike the Fondue and Raclette, I still have yet to purchase my own Pierrade machine. But tonight, I really felt like having beef slices, so I thought I'd experiment and prepare it Pierrade-style stove-top. It turned out good, not as good as the original (taste and ambiance-wise), but good.

Au Bon Chalet in Solgne, France

We spent the afternoon with Dad at the rehabilitation center again. Today was a hot, good day and one that we've been waiting for a loooonnnngggg time! Longer days and sunshine are much appreciated! Dad's hospital room was warm and stuffy when we arrived, so we took the opportunity to open all his windows and walk around the park. There were times when the sun was really hitting hard that we had to hide under the tree shades. SO ran around like a mad kid, picking up any wild flowers she saw to make a nice bouquet for her papy. We left the place close to dinner time and I knew we were going to eat out. When we were driving through Delme, France, MR mentioned the little chalet / restaurant in Solgne, France. It's so pretty that we always stare at it whenever we drive by. I remembered there were outdoor tables and I thought, perfect! Our first outdoor terrace meal - yay! :)