TGIF on a Tuesday Night - BOGOF

I can count with my one hand, that's how many times I've been to TGIF.  While I didn't find the food horrible, I didn't find it appealing, either.  Their famous Jack Daniel's entrees tasted all too sweet for my liking.  I get coupon flyers all the time in the mail but they often ended up in the trash.  Now I love a good bargain but it still has to taste semi-descent for me to spend the money to buy one entree to get the second one free.  

I had a light salad for lunch.  I was barely full but resisted the urge to get more food because I have been eating a lot of good food all weekend because of the Costa Mesa Restaurant Week.  When I got home, I was too hungry to cook.  Looking through the mail, I saw TGIF coupon flyer.  "Want to give it a try?" Allen asked.  We haven't been there in like 10 years.  "Sure, why not?"  I replied.  I was too lazy and too hungry to think or drive anywhere further for dinner.  Besides, it's buy one entree get a second one free.  

On a Tuesday night, the restaurant had a good crowd but still plenty of seats available.  We were seated right away and our server came within minutes.  She handed us the menu and we ordered our usual iced tea.   

After glancing the menu for a few minutes, I decided on Bruschetta Chicken Pasta - Multi-grain angel hair pasta tossed in Bruschetta marinara – made with sliced garlic, basil and Roma tomatoes – topped with fire-grilled chicken breast. Drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with Parmesan shavings.   Surprisingly, the chicken was not dry at all.  The pasta actually tasted pretty good.  I thought it could use a little more sauce but it had enough garlic and hit of balsamic to give it the flavor. 

Allen got the Sizzling Chicken & Shrimp - Sauteed garlic-marinated chicken breast and delicious shrimp tossed in a Bruschetta marinara.  Served with onions, peppers, and creamy mash potatoes on a sizzling platter of melted American and Mexican cheeses.  This had pretty bold flavor but was a bit greasy and salty. 

Our bill with 2 entrees and 2 drinks only came to around $23 before tips.  Really not bad.  For casual dinning, I think TGIF will suffice.  I think I will keep the coupon flyer instead of tossing it in the trash next time.

Service: 4 stars
Food: 3 stars
Ambiance: 3 stars
Overall: 3 stars

TGI Friday's
23040 Eastpark Dr.
Yorba Linda, CA 92887

(714) 974-4274

Spicy Chicken

It seems like I haven't cooked in awhile. Actually I have but just nothing worth mentioning, I guess. I made the usual Curry Salmon, Stir-fry Chinese Cabbage, and Spicy Chicken. Ooooh, the Spicy Chicken was GOOD! Take a look.


My friends want the recipe, but I don't have one. I don't really know how much of what to put in because I cook by impromptu. What I can give is an ingredient list. I learned to cook by cookbooks (have many of them). But after awhile, I start making up my own recipes because of how I want my food to taste. I must say, so far my family really like it. =)

Teriyaki Chicken 2

Teriyaki Chicken with Frid Rice and Cucumber Salad. Damn it was good!

Photo by www.altphotoimpages.com

3-Course Dinner #3

Sometimes when I am low on creativity, I stick to the basics. My family loves curry, so anything cooked in curry is a hit.

Chicken with Sour Mustard Green is a classic home dish.

Stir Fried Broccoli and Cauliflower, pleasing to the eyes as well as the palate.

Salmon in Red Curry Sauce - Everyone's favorite!

Photos by www.altphotoimages.com

2-Course Meal #1

This is my version of a 30-minute meal. Sometimes when you don't have a lot of time or just don't want to spend a lot of time, stick with a meat dish and a veggie dish. You still get a satisfying and yet balanced meal.

Chicken, Mushroom, Bean Cube with Dried Chili

Stired fried Chinese Cabbage. One of the simplest dish to make.

Photos by www.altphotoimages.com

3-Course Dinner

I usually cook 3 dishes for dinner. At least one of them is a green vegetable.

First dish - Stir Fried Chicken in XO Sauce.

Second dish - Spicy Bean Curb with Minced Chicken and Pickled Turnip.

Lastly, the Stir Fried Mustard Green.

Photos by www.altphotoimages.com

Grilled Chicken with Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

I think Western meal is so much easier than Chinese. A piece of grill meat a couple of side dishes, then you're done.

Southwest Chicken Salad

Salad as a meal is probably the easiest dish to make. It is also a healthier meal as long as you don't douse it in salad dressing. This is my Southwest Chicken Salad.

1. Season the chicken breast with garlic salt and cajun seasoning for about 2 hours or more.
2. Grill and cut into strips.
3. Toss salad with corn, avocado, boild eggs, and feta cheese in dressing. Transfer to plate.
4. Place the grilled chicken strip on top salad and serve.
   

Bon Appetit!