Since you asked, I had a perfectly wonderful Monday! It’s the first one I’ve had off in about 4 months. I lost a client, no not like our cow. She needed more of a full-time person, and I can’t give up my Tues. / Fri. person (I’m too attached). Anyway, one of my girlfriends, Izzy, and I went to Temple to check out the new places, and it was all good.
First we stopped at the Natural Grocers. I’ve been to an Austin store and just love it. If you’re looking for good prices on things like coconut flour, almond meal flour, nuts, spices, etc., their bulk packages section is great. Also, lots of gluten free items. Fruits, vegetables, and meats are priced like you would see at Whole Foods. I ended up with some nut butters and a butternut squash (the squash beetles got all mine this year). Izzy bought some awesome molasses clove cookies we had for dessert after lunch. Just click on the Natural Grocers link above for their site and their location in Temple.
The next new place we stopped was OM at 1615 Canyon Creek Dr. off 31st street (254-742-1474). I just can’t tell you how excited I was, OM is just the first part of OMG for me. It’s one more thing I don’t have to do in Austin. It’s Indian, Pakistani, etc. This is where you can get the best deal on lots of spices, like coriander, tumeric, nutmeg, and the list goes on! Near the cash register were ziplock bags of what looked like small tortillas. One looked particularly interesting, with lots of spice and sesame seeds, so I asked about it. The cashier and a customer were kind enough to explain it, but I never got the name of it really. So best I can figure it was a type of Roti. As soon as Izzy and I got in the car, we tore one in half and had it as an appetizer. It’s divine. Spicy, but not too much, and really good flavor. Tonight I had one with some leftover chicken, quesadilla cheese (from HEB), and black beans. You just have to try it.
We were really in search of an Asian restaurant when we went to OM, so it was on to Saigon Cafe. It’s a great spot, good atmosphere, wonderful music, and pretty darn good food (service was not great). We both had shrimp lunch plates, and other than a little too much sauce for me, it was good. I’ll try one of the Vietnamese dishes the next time I go.
Well, I need to get a recipe posted for you guys, so I’ve got to get busy. Talk to you soon.