Gabi "now a MRS." M.'s Profile

I went to Bandera when I first moved to AZ a few times and enjoyed it... and then a few years passed and I didn't really think about it.  But then all of a sudden, Bandera was on my mind.  I needed to go back!  Perhaps I was craving that cornbread or that warm atmosphere that I remembered, but for the past few weeks, I've been suggesting Bandera to whomever I'm eating with so I could return.

I saw Bandera at Noche De Gourmet, and that just put it in my head even more.  So finally, this past Sunday night, I convinced my dining companions to go to Bandera!

It was around 7:30pm... it was me, Jared, my parents, and Joan M (my mother-in-law).  We'd all worked up an appetite watching my brother complete in IronmanAZ.  We arrived at Bandera and luckily, there was no wait.

I ordered the cornbread and grilled artichoke as appetizers for the table.  A few of us enjoyed a bottle of wine.  Our server was really sweet although perhaps a bit annoyed when my dad attempted to special order the sides that came with his fish.  My mom had the meatloaf, I had the Macho Salad, J had the rotisserie chicken, and Joan had a Caesar Salad and side of brussel sprouts.

While I really enjoyed the appetizers and wine, my meal was not all that... On the menu, the Macho Salad is described "with Roasted Chicken, Avocado, Chopped Almonds and Goat Cheese." I ordered it without the almonds but it had some other surprises in there as well including cornbread croutons and dates.  Don't get me wrong - i like those things but I also like to know ahead of time what I'm getting!  The salad was huge and could've easily fed two of us.  Everyone else seemed satisfied with their meals.

I know a lot of people compare Bandera to Houston's (and they are both under the Hillstone Restaurant Group umbrella), but I have to say, I think the food at Houston's is much better!  I will no longer be craving Bandera's food... but perhaps I'll return for just their cornbread!

I'm on the bandwagon - the Loveland bandwagon, that is...

I'd read the reviews for this boutique since Paul B's FTR when they first opened back in July... and I finally made it in for a visit yesterday during my local holiday shopping!

I met Althea, one of the owners, and she was super sweet... and has fantastic taste in clothing and accessories.  Everything in the store is adorable and IMHO reasonably priced.  I purchased a really cute ring and a t-shirt with a boston terrier on it (for my mom).  I showed off both of these purchases on Channel 12's local shopping segment early this morning!

Loveland carries mostly women's clothing and accessories but also some cute stuff for kids and dogs... they are just starting to carry some men's t-shirts too.  The selection is fairly limited but really unique.  I highly suggest checking out Loveland for your holiday shopping (they are having a big sale starting this Friday) and beyond.  I'm sure I'll be back despite the fact that it's a bit of a drive... it is worth it!

Dear Smeeks,

I am really sorry it took me so long to make my way in to check you out, but you were totally worth the wait!  I literally felt like a kid in a candy store when I walked in.  I didn't know where to start... all of your merchandise is so fun!  I made my way around solo at first, and then Julia, who by the way was dressed super cute in a colorful outfit, gave me a tour as well.  

I escaped without breaking the bank, although it took some major willpower.  For $17.21 out the door, I bought a handmade chocolate filled cherry candy cane, a tin of egg nog flavored bubblegum, a bag of sugar free cinnamon cubbies, and a unique duck pen that lights up and quacks!  Other things that I may have to return for in the near future:
-Hello Kitty stuff... lots of it!
-Stickers, stickers, and more stickers
-caramel corn
-lunchboxes
-all kinds of candy
-fun baking accessories including really cool cupcake liners
-so much more!

While I was there, I noticed other shoppers enjoying themselves just as much, if not more than me... both kids and adults.  Sweets, Treats, & Novelty Items - there is something at Smeeks for everyone!

It may have taken me a few months to make my way in, but I'll be back again soon, Smeeks.  After just one visit, you've become my go-to candy boutique!

Sincerely,

Gabi

I just came home from watching my brother compete in his third Ironman.  I have to toot his horn and mention that he finished in 11 hours and 29 minutes, his best time yet.  Go Z!

Ironman AZ is insane.  For those that don't know.  The Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run.  Yes - all in one day!  It's inspiring to watch these incredible athletes.  The city of Tempe and Ford, the main sponsor, do a fantastic job making this a spectator friendly event as well.

I'm not sure I'll ever compete in a full Ironman, but perhaps a half. (I've done a Quarter distance before as well as Olympic and Sprint triathlons).  But as long as my brother continues to compete in the full distance, I'll be out there cheering for him and being an extremely proud sister.

Congrats again to all of you that competed today!

When I lived in North Scottsdale, this was one of my "go-to" theaters.  Now it's a bit of a drive, but I made the trek today... the plan was to meet my parents to see a 4:30 movie of The Blind Side. But plans don't always come to fruition as was the case today...

When they arrived at 4:10, Blind Side was sold out.  Luckily, there was a 4:40 of Precious, so me and my two moms decided to stay for that while the guys opted out and went to an early dinner instead.  We made our way through the crowd to theater #13 and what did we see? a packed theater - the only seats together were in the first two rows.  I got knocked around as we stood attempting to find seats but that never happened.  Now I'm home from the movie and my neck is killing from sitting so close to the screen.

So yes, this theater is clean, has friendly staff, offers typical concessions, and gets a decent selection of movies. But my advice is to arrive early if you go, and try to avoid going on Saturdays.  I will not be making that mistake again!

On another note, the movie was difficult to watch but extremely well done.

When given the option of attending a burlesque show while in Denver last week, it was a no-brainer - I was totally in!  It was after the fact that I found out the show was three hours long.  Isn't that a bit much for a burlesque show?  I thought so...

And it was more of a variety show than just a burlesque show.  I did enjoy the first half- particularly the dancers.  The comedy and other *talent* I could've done without.  I left with a few others that seemed to have ADD (see Andrea R's review) at intermission.

During the time I spent at Lannie's, I will say that our waitress was great, it was fun to have noisemakers, and the ice cream sundae for two was quite delicious although a bit skimpy on each of the variety of toppings it came with.  (I did share the sundae with Colleen; i didn't eat it all by myself).  

If you're in Denver and looking for something unique to do, check out Lannie's... just make sure you and your date, companion, posse, etc... are all on the same page and you know ahead of time how long the show will be!  It is quite entertaining!

My five night stay at The Curtis last week was quite entertaining.  Not only were my days spent in the Paper conference room with my fave Yelp CMs from cities all around the Southwest and Midwest, but my nights were spent in my 11th floor room (which happens to be the Chick Flick floor - perfect for me).

As Andrea R puts it, The Curtis is like an adult version of Disney World.  It is a super fun place to escape to... and despite the fact that I was there for business, I had a wonderful stay!

On the positive side:
*the staff are extremely attentive and friendly from the conference service people, housekeeping, front desk, bell men, and room service too...
*the fitness room is pretty decent - that alone is a huge plus in my book!
*The Corner Office serves up some tasty food and has a great atmosphere too (but see my note about bringing your id below).
*Fantastic downtown location!
*Large spacious rooms!
*Fun candy including atomic fireballs and lemon drops waiting for me in my room!

And just a few negatives:
*the elevators are not only slow but annoying too - the fact that each themed floor talks to you is funny at first but after 24 hours? not so much!
*paper thin walls.
*shower curtain that doesn't do much for keeping water inside the shower.
*I was denied at the bar downstairs - make sure you bring your ID; they are super strict!

Overall, I cannot complain - especially for the price.  I hope to stay at the Curtis again on future trips to Denver!

I was intrigued by a few mentions of GoodyTwos in a recent talk thread about the best peanut butter in town, but I didn't seek it out.  Instead, I let it find me, and in time, it did... in the form of a beautifully wrapped gift box!  

It was a gift for Jared and I and on the customized ribbon was a Yelp burst and the text "Congrats to an Elite Couple!" How cute is that?  I was sold at the packaging alone, and my strong willpower kept me away from what was inside for a while.  Jared tried the tasty toffee the day we received it and I could tell it had his approval right away.  I told him to store it in our freezer so it would be around when my craving struck.  And guess what?  My craving struck tonight!

I have to agree with what Kirin wrote in her review... this toffee is like crack!  I took one bite and couldn't stop!  It is rich, creamy, delicious, and oh so addicting!  I proceeded to eat several pieces of the "Crème de la Crunch" flavor (Fresh pecans & almonds, coffee liqueur & white chocolate), and then I moved on to the "Double Crossed" flavor (Almonds, vanilla milk & dark chocolate, all criss-crossed with white chocolate).  But I couldn't stop there... I broke into the bag of the "Traditional" flavor too!

So there you have it... the reason why I cannot start eating desserts and sweets.  Because when I do, I have no control!  I can't stop!  But even so, I have to give into my craving every now and then.  And if I'm going to splurge, there isn't much out there that is better to splurge on than GoodyTwos Toffee!

If you're a toffee lover or just looking for a unique gift for someone for any occasion, go check this place out!  Although I haven't been into the store itself, I can vouch for the gift wrap and the product... I am sure that the recipient of any type of GoodyTwos Toffee will be pleased.

Filet, Sirloin, and Ribeye, oh my!

This was my first Fogo De Chao experience, and it exceeded my expectations!  I've been to other Brazilian steakhouses in the past, but Fogo was fabulous!  Sure, I could've made a meal on the sensational thirty item salad bar on it's own, but I took a breather and then went for the meat.  Green light on!  I also enjoyed the crispy hot polenta and caramelized banana side dishes. Yum!

Rolando was the waiter I had the most contact with and he was remarkable.  Evan, the GM, was friendly as well... this was such a treat to be a part of, and of course, even more fun because I was surrounded by some of my favorite yelpers!

Thanks Fogo folks - once I digest my 2 - 3 lbs of meat, I'll be back to see you again!

Great Divide Brewing Company made the perfect surprise destination for our group of Yelp Community Managers after a full day of meetings in a conference room... thanks for planning this, Kevin N!

The bar area had a great local kick-back vibe, and we were all excited to put our drinking hats on and join the fun... After perusing the menu, I chose to start with a Raspberry Brew, and switched over to a Samurai a bit later.  They were both really tasty and went down easy.  Warning - these beers have a high alcohol content so don't plan on driving if you visit this brewery!  Lucky for us, we were all taking cabs home!

We took a tour of the place which was really cool; I'd never seen the beer making process from start to finish before in real life.  At one point we even tasted the barley that they use - it was kind of like Kashi cereal... yum!  

Contrary to popular belief, I do let loose every now and then and when I do, I enjoy a few brews - especially locally made brands like Great Divide.  One piece of advice for your trip to Great Divide and pretty much every bar in Denver: bring your ID!  They are really strict about carding... and always drink responsibly!

Cheers!