Old Town Social
- What used to say "grass-fed burger" now says "Wisconsin beef burger." So instead of sticking with just a burger, we opted for salads with steak instead.
- They ran out of Duck Wings (like buffalo wings, but with duck = more fat, more flavor, more paleo!) so we took a chance on the Caldo Verde. The soup of the day, which included a mixture of greens, potatoes, and garnished with sardines. Sardines were a first for both of us.
- Stacey realized she does NOT like sardines. I can tolerate them, but am also not a fan.
- The steak salad was delicious, but left us still feeling a little hungry. We're used to eating huge meat-filled plates a home.
- Our check was about a quarter of what we spend on a week's worth of food. Yikes! We forgot how expensive it was to eat out.
El Barco Mariscos
- Before we even left for El Barco, we had a lengthy discussion about whether it was okay for me to bring a bag of plantain chips with us to the restaurant. I have a weakness for chips and salsa, which come complimentary. I conceded and didn't bring the plantain chips.
- We did it! We left the tortilla chips on the table untouched! I'm so proud. Although, I did have a couple spoonfuls of salsa while waiting for our food to quell my urges.
- Food is served family style at El Barco. Normally we order the plate for two which is a huge platter of meat, seafood, and veggies.
- We decided to order three big, family style appetizers instead to avoid the breaded fish/meat on the traditional plate.
- We ordered and enjoyed a plate called Mariscos Al Chingadazo (shrimp, squid, chicken, mussels, and octopus, and whatever is in chingadazo seasoning/sauce), a plate of grilled squid (included potatoes), and a big bowl of ceviche (avocado, fish, shrimp, octopus, salsa, and lime).
- Despite mostly paleo ingredients we began to feel a bit congested after eating. We're assuming the food was not "clean," and that they used some sort of oil we haven't used during our challenge.
- Overall a decent dining experience, but again our bill was about a quarter of what we spend at the grocery store for a week's worth of food.
Thoughts and Revelations:
- We have become better cooks that we thought enjoying our home-cooked meals as much if not more than the restaurants'.
- Holy crap, eating out is expensive!
- Holy crap, eating out is ridiculously expensive when you keep ordering your new favorite adult-paleo-beverage Tequila on the Rocks!
- If we eat out we're going to have to assume that even though the main ingredients are paleo, the food might not be clean.
