Okay, not Ole!

This evening the boy and I were left to our own devices since Jeff had a gig across town. Occasions like this usually mean some running around and picking up a fast-food dinner, and tonight was no exception. After trips to some of our favorite haunts (including the guitar store in exchange for the everything-make-up-and-bubble-bath store), we decided Mexican food was the dinner of choice. Not wanting to spend too much at Serrano's and equally not thrilled over Taco Bell, we decided to try Filiberto's, which is fairly new to our corner of town.

The establishment is set up like fast-food in that you place and pick up orders at the counter, seat yourself, and bus your own table. The menu reads somewhere between a nice restaurant and a fresh-Mex place with middle-of-the-road prices. I opted for a fish taco plate which came with two tacos, rice, and beans for $6.30 (plus another $1.43 for a drink). My son had a burrito and enchilada plate with rice and beans for $6.00 (plus another drink). While the boy said his food was excellent, I wasn't thrilled with my dinner. The fish pieces were overcooked and dark brown as if the oil they were fried in was old. In addition, the beans were hot, but the rice was only room temperature. (On the other hand, my son's food looked better and his side dishes were both the appropriate temperature.) Another plus was that there was plenty of food, actually more than I could eat. (Though these days I wonder why restaurants don't cut the prices and serve smaller portions.) However, the 15-year-old bottomless pit was happy to be full.

I think I've become jaded when it comes to restaurants. No matter where we eat these days, I'm just not impressed. I always think, "I could have something better at home." Though, frequently, I don't have the time or inclination to fix it. Sorrowfully, I'm even beginning to think that frozen dinners from the grocery might be better than some of the food choices at nearby eateries. I hate to admit it, but I think I've become finicky (horrors!) and spoiled (yikes!) because I constantly hunger for something new, interesting, and different. When I can't have those, I'd settle for an old favorite that is a culinary version of my soft leopard-print robe and fuzzy kitten slippers. Alas, what's a girl to do?