Tip Top Meats: Known for breakfast, but only till noon?

I put Tip Top Meats on my "wish list" when I first arrived back in Southern California; I was still in heavy blogging mode and yearning for new places to try.  Being the breakfast buff that I am, TTM seemed to have a lot of clout, a very high rating on Urban Spoon.  So when my Uncle Victor asked me if I wanted to go there I was secretly kind of excited.  We decided to meet there about noon on another cloudy day in paradise.

I got there right and 12.  There was about 4 doors that I walked passed but none of them were entrances.  I finally arrived and it looked like I was in a convenience store, kind of like Kracker Barrel if you have ever been to one of those.  I weaved my way around to the "restaurant", what did I find?  A long line of people waiting to order at the counter.  "WTF?"  I thought to myself, this place better be good.  Then I noticed they were calling numbers for people to come get their own food.  Even Carl's Jr. delivers it to the table!!!

My uncle finally arrived at about ten after.  While I was waiting I noticed on the menu shown above the line of people, it stated breakfast stopped at 12:00 PM.  I broke the news...he was pretty upset.  Trying to push his luck he said he would ask anyways when we arrived at the counter.  We were next in line and I heard the people in front of us ask the same question.  The lady taking orders turned around to the kitchen window to ask the cook if he could do it.  He said he had enough left for four orders.  A glimmer of hope crept up inside me.  I saw my uncles eyes perk up and start to gleam.  Then the lady in front of us asked if they could make it 6.  They accommodated her, which meant: we were S.O.L. - crap.

I had looked ahead so I already knew I was getting the french dip, one of my go to sandwiches.  When I sat down I have to admit I noticed every one around me that ordered before noon, was eating breakfast. Was this a sign?  Unfortunately it was, not much to write about, the meat was dry, the Au jus was average.  Fries were bleh.

After finishing this unsatisfactory pile of protein and carbs - I decided something.  I would do something that I rarely do.  Something I am not known for.  Usually with me it's one strike and you're out.  But in this case, SINCE it's a breakfast place and I had lunch I'll give it another shot.  I wasn't "wow"d by the line I had to wait in, or the decor.   There was no service.  But I am intrigued, there was a line for the full hour I spent there in total.  They had to be doing something right.  Maybe they just had an off day. We all do right?

One_More_Shot

Top 8 Places I wish I would have blogged about in Dallas...

As I was watching Anthony Bourdain today I was thinking to myself about how bad I have been about blogging...sorry I just haven't been anywhere good, or anywhere for that matter.  I do have a fridge full of good beer though so maybe I'll become a beer blogger until Sol gets here.  Anyways I was thinking about this Greek place I went to the other day here in Encinitas called Daphnee's.  It sucked.  And I thought to myself....awww man, I never blogged about Kostas in Dallas.  Then i got to thinking....what else did I forget?  The whole reason I started blogging was to let people know where the good places are, so they can check them out!  So let's see what I can remember.

Lead off hitter: Kostas Cafe on Greenville Ave. close to Lovers Lane. – Greek $-$$

Right before I moved to Dallas I went on a six week euro-trip.  On that trip I discovered how freakin' amazing Greek food is, specifically the "Gyro".  The best gyro I ever had was after a swimming at the red beach in Santorini, Greece.  It was like a taco shop but they sold gyros and they were Greek.  With that said one of the first things I found when I got to Dallas was Greek food.  On my first try I found Kostas Cafe.  As I walked in I realized how small it was.  The decor definitely reminded me of being in Greece, the pictures they had pictures were reminiscent of Santorini.  The menu was simple and it had what I was looking for.  That great Gyro in Santorini had potatoes/fries in it though I have realized most don't.  So every time I order one I get  a side of fries to stuff into my already packed gyro.  I have gotten the Gyro plate, which has all of the ingredients on the plate for you, with a side of pita so you can make your own. I have also ordered the Gyro that come already assembled, I prefer the one already assembled, but I get an extra piece of pita so I can stuff what falls out into it.  They always pack it to the max so there is plenty of everything to put into the second piece of pita you ordered becuase you were thinking ahead.  The meat is always tender and seasoned well.  The pita is always soft and fresh.  The tzatziki sauce is always so good I want more, it adds the moisture every sandwich begs for.  It is the mayo that your bologna and cheese needs.  I can't say too much more as this is all from pure memory, but this is definitely one of my top 5 places in the D.

Second up: Nine Steakhouse in Victory Plaza   - New American $$$-$$$$

Just like it's Italian sister, Nove I think it was,Nine met its fate and closed down.  Sol and I went there and absolutely loved it.  So much so after finding out it closed down on our next trip to Vegas we went to the Palms where another "Nine" is located.  One of the best meals/ meal experiences I have ever had.  I think this was the first time I really realized that dining out could be an experience.  I remember we went out on a couple limbs on that dinner.  I think that was the first time I had tartare, and it had a fresh uncooked quail egg on top too.  I remember Sol had her Lobster Bisque that she orders whenever possible.  And it had lumps of lobster meat in the center of the bowl before the soup was poured over it French style service .  It was also the first time I ordered gnocchi and it was amazing.  I haven't found one that I liked since then.  And lastly the dessert that I will never forget, it had bread pudding which I had never tried and never wanted to.  But this was not just bread pudding, this was IT.  Krispy Creme doughnut bread pudding with a banana ice cream and I have no clue what else.  But if I would have been blogging at the time I went here for the first time it would have probably been the longest blog EVER.

3 and 4:  Del Frisco's and III Forks Steakhouses....REALLY thought I was going to have a chance at those.  –  Steakhouses $$$-$$$$

5: Went to Loft 610 for restaurant week last year and it was pretty good, learned what Steak Au Poivre was...

6: Babe's Chicken Dinner House – Southern $$

If you like fried chicken this is the place to be.  You have your choice of fried chicken or Chicken Fried steak.  Your sides are chosen for you  Mashed potatoes, corn and green beans. Haven't been there in a while but again if you live in Dallas and havnt been here you are crazy, this is a MUST have. Thanks to my cousin, Desi again on this one. Easily top 5 places in Dallas, I suggest going early because no matter which one you go to it'll be packed let that show you it is that good. 

7: Breadwinners for Brunch – Casusal American Breakfast $$

Great selection, good food fun atmosphere.  Actually, again....long wait, be prepared, grab a mimosa while you're waiting.

8: Gloria's on Greenville!!!! – Casual Tex-Mex $-$$

Definitely shouldn't be number 8.  Probably my favorite place in Dallas.  This place was the only edible tex-mex I could find in Dallas.  They had the most popular patio I think I have ever seen; always full even when it’s too hot and too cold.  They had an “all day happy hour”, with the best margaritas in town.  Those would mess you up, my advice?  Make sure you’re not the one driving.  They served their chips with salsa and a hot black bean dip – ahhhhhmazing.  My favorite entrée: Tacos al Carbon. And lastly I do not think I will ever have a Tres Leches better than here...  They renovated recently so it’s a nice looking place and it always has a fun vibe.

Well, that’s all folks!

Have an opinion on any of these places?  Please, leave a comment and back me up so anyone reading can give one of these a try.

 

The Salt Lick

On a hot Austin day after a fun day floating the river, my cousin decided to take me and Sol out to this bar b que place out west of the city. Now when he said west he might as well have said New Mexico, because this place was far.  We pulled off the road on to a dirt road that led us to this place.  The parking lot was packed, every row I looked down was full.  Looking at the restaurant, it was constructed of wood, I didn't understand how all of these people fit in here it looked like a shack.  I was afraid I might be waiting for hours and I'm not the most patient person in the world.  But lucky for us, we walked up and they told us it would be only a few minutes, pfew. 

They had a country singer performing with his guitar sittin' on a stool.  Man I'm telling you I felt like I was in a damn music video on CMT.  But it made for an authentic atmosphere.  I saw people bringing their own ice chests which means it was BYOB.  Yes California residents in Texas they have BYOB restaurants everywhere.  We sat down at a long wooded picnic table inside the restaurant.  There were rows of them, it was family style seating.  Sitting next to complete strangers at the same table is not my cup of tea. Since we had a party of 8 we didn't have a problem, or shall I say I didn't have a problem.

When you walk into the restaurant you see a giant bar b que pit with ribs, sausage, brisket and turkey.  As you can see it is a very nice looking set up and the picture really doesn't do it any justice.  It's your choice of a plate or family style.  A plate comes with beans, potato salad and your choice of three out of the four meats.  Family style is unlimited meat and sides.  Crazy right?  Well, knowing that my aunt cooked for me as well I went with the more modest of the two, the plate.  I know, totally not my style but hey, I had to make room for both.

Since the food was prepared already the food arrived swiftly.  Thank god - I was starving.  When it landed it front of me I immediately wished I had ordered the family plate.  Everything was fresh of the grill and oozing juicy goodness.  It also came with a loaf of white bread, also cooked fresh at the establishment.  I think I ate the turkey before I took the picture, my bad. It was all good but the turkey, oooohhhhhh man, it was the best.  I know you are probably thinking, barbecued turkey?  I am here to tell you yes.  The smokiness really got into the meat and was the predominant flavor.  It was also very tender, needless to say it wasn't on my plate by the time I remembered to take a picture for you guys.  The rib was fall off the bone and the sausage was yummy too.  I am guessing the secret here had to be in the wood they used.  This place is bar b que at its best.  I was pretty pissed though.  I was in Texas for 3 years and my cousin didn't take me here until I left.  The good news is, I am going back next month and I HAVE to make a stop here. 

I mean really, "The Salt Lick", how could you not like a restaurant with salt in the name.  Folks I know this place sounds good and you are upset cause most of you will probably never go to Austin.  Well I have news, it was so good they built one in Vegas!  You know Vegas finds the best from around the world and brings it.  They did it again.  It is at the Red Rock Casino so I am interested to try that one out and see how it compares.

Carne Asada Fries...What?

For my Californian friends this is nothing new.  For anyone not from here...this is for you.

Some of you have heard me talk about California Burrito's but probably not Carne Asada Fries.  These two items are practically brother and sister if that's possible with food.  CA fries are not usually my thing but still bomb.  OMG, I just reallized the abreviation for Carne Asada fries is CA fries!!!!  They are freaking related, I might have just uncovered one of the biggest food secrets ever!!!!  I'm totally not joking either, I am stoked right now.

Anyways, as you can see it's kind of a mix of goodness.  Fries on the bottom, melted cheese.  I added the red salsa and dollops of sour cream and guacamole that normally come on top.  I like to create my own if you will.  Also I could have saileen given to me through an i.v. and i probably still wouldn't have enough salt so I add my share of salt as well.  Thanks dad...

I guess you could say it's kind of like Nachos with fajita meat but fries instead of chips and carne asada not fajita.

A big thing in Texas, where I came from, is Fajitas.  California where I am from has Carne Asada.  Winner Winner chicken dinner is Carne Asada.  Any one to disagree obviously is not my friend.

FAQ's

What is Carne Asada?

Carne asada is a roasted beef dish, literally meaning "roasted meat." The dish mainly consists of pieces or thin cuts of beef (e.g. flank steak, skirt steak), sometimes marinated, sometimes lightly salted or rubbed with salt, pepper and/or spices, and then grilled.  Courtesy of wikipedia

What is Fajita?

A fajita (pronounced /fəˈiːtə/) (Spanish pronunciation: [faˈxita]) is a generic term used in Tex-Mex cuisine,[1] referring to grilled meat Courtesy of wikipedia



So how do you eat these? 

With a plastic fork. 

Can you fit a bite in your mouth?

Well, Californians can do it.  It's second nature.  Someone from...Arkansas per say, might think its a little awkward.  You kind of have to stab a clump and put it in your mouth while maneuvering your lips in different directions trying to fit the bite in.  If you've had em, you understand, if not...you probably think I am trying to make a sick joke.

What is the draw here?

Fries, Cheese, salsa....everything?  What isn't?

Where can I get it?

Any taco shop in San Diego, I would have said any hole in the wall but it apears a lot of the popular taco shops have been commercialized...same great food though.  In this case, Coxtian (Co-tee-han)

At the end of the day the California Burrito is my love.  I fell in love with her my Junior year...that would be '00 I guess?  A girl named Laura Perez used to work at a place called Los Robertos and she brought one to school.  It only took one bite to get me hooked.  Ever since, I swear by it.  When I came to San Diego my love only progressed.  *sigh....

Okay so I'm exaggerating my love, hope you guys enjoyed!  See you soon....

Gooey Cheese_Carne Asada is better_Try to fit a bite in your mouth

p.s. i drank wine with this...normally horchata is better


In Mexico, Horchata is made of rice, sometimes with vanilla and always with cinnamon. The horchata found in El Salvador is primarily made from Morro seeds, not rice. Other common ingredients include; ground cocoa, cinnamon, sesame seeds, nutmeg, tigernuts and vanilla. Other nuts that may also be used include peanuts, almonds and cashews. Because of these ingredients the Horchata is usually strained before serving.

but the wine is good right now....

I'm baaaack...

Well, as some of you may have noticed I've been off the blogging scene for about a month. I am now in California, moved into the new place and out of the hotel. I am finally getting days off again so I should start having the time to blog again. You basically haven't missed anything "out of this world" but I've definitely had some good things that I would've liked to blog about. They were breakfast places so have no fear I will be going back. We're about 30 miles from downtown San Diego so I don't think you'll get as many upscale places on here but more hole in the wall, mom n' pop places on the corner. But it's all good, the food there is just as good if not better some times. Simplicity is the key. With that said...let's go eat!