Chili's keeps things hot
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After seeing Chili's Grill and Bar listed among the finalists for the Readers' Choice Award for Best Margarita, I decided to pay a visit and see just how hot their grill is in comparison.
Seated immediately, my party and I scanned the menu, which contained everything you could think of - seafood, burgers, steaks, chicken, sandwiches, fajitas, baby back ribs and even "guiltless grill" options like black bean burgers and salmon.
Deciding on just one thing was nearly impossible, considering the pictures on the menu looked mouth-watering good.
Kids even have their own menu, complete with burgers and french fries and if you've already eaten but your sweet tooth's calling, try a molten chocolate cake or chocolate chip paradise pie.
Thanks to the bottomless chips-salted to perfection - salsa and an Awesome Blossom, we were completely occupied for the 35 minutes we waited for our entrees, which is quite unusual for the casual dining restaurant that prides itself on being "quick to serve," but hey, we all have our days.
Being more of a bread-and-butter girl, I've tried quite a few appetizers to avoid the basket of white (bad) carb overload. Among those attempts, friends have encouraged me to try onion rings, loafs and blossoms, and then made fun of me because I never consumed more than a bite or two. I mean, come on, why put a vegetable in fry mix, especially an onion? It defeats the whole purpose.
But, after trying Chili's Awesome Blossom, I was pleasantly surprised to find out I'm not weird after all, (well, maybe a little). I actually can eat a colossal onion battered in large amount of fry mix and like it.
I have to say the blossom was by far the best non-bread appetizer I've had in a long time, and I've had a lot of them.
Our waiter, in good humor, even gave us his best Michael from "The Office" impersonation by announcing that our Awesome Blossom was served. The downside?
While waiting for our meal, we filled up on our salty, fried food and barely touched more than a few bites of our entrees before asking for to-go boxes.
I ordered chicken tacos (I got three), rice and black beans for $7.99. After my mouth got used to the spiciness of the rice, it was actually really good and the chicken tacos, layered with fresh pico de gallo, lettuce, sour cream, cheese and Ranchero sauce were not weak in comparison.
A friend didn't care much for her broccoli cheese soup, but others in my party raved about the grilled corn on the cob, crispy honey-chipotle chicken crispers, and mushroom jack fajitas.
So, if you have a longer lunch hour or don't feel like firing up the grill this weekend, take the family to Chili's and let them do the cooking for you.