May's restaurant outings were a delightful blend of casual and dining experiences, interspersed with a family trip to the Outer Banks. Despite a relatively light dining-out schedule, each meal out brought something special to the table.
Spitz: Mediterranean Flavors After Park Fun
After an afternoon at Oquirrh park with the kids and Maple, we grabbed dinner from Spitz to enjoy at a friend's nearby home. Spitz, known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes, offered us a delicious variety of options. I ventured off my usual path and ordered the Remix Bowl, while Erik chose the Street Cart Doner. Madi went for the kid-friendly Quesa-Doner. Jules, our youngest, surprised us by devouring the garbanzo beans from my bowl. Despite the overwhelming number of sweet potato fries that I consumed, leaving me quite full, the meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Egg Break: A Greasy Yet Tempting Breakfast
Egg Break caught our eye on Instagram for their promising egg sandwiches. On a spontaneous decision, Erik picked up breakfast sandwiches on our way home from daycare. He chose the Hoff and a Big Pig on a honey biscuit for us to split. Both were delicious but admittedly greasy. However, the flavors were good enough to warrant another visit in the future.
Ruth’s Diner: A Musical Brunch Delight
A long-awaited brunch with an old friend finally materialized at Ruth’s Diner. The outdoor setting complete with live music created the perfect backdrop for our meal. I indulged in Ruth's Breakfast Combo—a mix of savory and sweet with French toast, eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns. Madi was entertained by the live music and enjoyed a bear-shaped pancake. The biscuits served were a standout, making the diner a spot worth revisiting for them alone.
Oak Wood Fire Kitchen: A Repeat Favorite
Post-aquarium visit on Cinco de Mayo, we dined at Oak Wood Fire Kitchen, a place I had fond memories of. The Street Corn Dip was a hit as an appetizer. I reprised my order of the Hidden Valley pizza, which was just as delightful as remembered. Erik tried the Oak Burger, and the kids had their usual favorites, making the meal a resounding success.
Violet: Neighborhood Gem with a Cozy Vibe
Violet was a new discovery, prompted by enticing Instagram posts. Tucked away in an unexpected neighborhood, this small café charmed us immediately. I ordered the Big Mock Burger on a waitress's recommendation, which featured a perfectly cooked fried egg. The fresh and welcoming atmosphere complemented a meal that was both satisfying and flavorful.
Over the Counter Café: A Mother’s Day Treat
To avoid the Mother’s Day rush, Erik wisely opted for takeout from Over the Counter Café. Our shared meal included an everything omelet, a spicy beef breakfast burrito, French toast with bacon, and a cinnamon roll. Each dish was delectable, making for a relaxed and delightful Mother's Day breakfast at home.
Victor’s Pizza: Exploring New Flavors
On Mother’s Day evening, we ventured to Victor's Pizza after a park visit. The Taj Mahal pizza, with its unique tikki masala and cilantro topping, was an unexpected favorite. The Honey Bunny pizza, enjoyed solely by Erik due to its spicy honey glaze, contrasted well with the more universally loved Taj Mahal.
Pier 49 Pizza: Satisfying a Seafood Pizza Craving
Responding to Madi's specific request, we ordered from Pier 49 Pizza, opting for the Full House Pizza which allowed us to sample four different specialty pizzas. Each flavor was well-received, with Madi particularly favoring the seafood-themed Fisherman's Wharf.
Panda Express: Quick and Familiar
In a rush one evening, we turned to Panda Express for a quick dinner. The family meal proved mostly satisfying, particularly the orange chicken and chow mein, which the girls enjoyed the most.
El Farol Mexican Restaurant: Authentic Mexican Cuisine
A work meeting led to a lunch outing at El Farol Mexican Restaurant. The carnitas and rice were delightful, especially when enjoyed taco-style. However, the fries were a letdown, serving as a reminder to stick with more traditional Mexican sides in the future.
May's dining experiences highlighted a mix of revisiting favorite spots and exploring new ones, each contributing to a month filled with culinary diversity and family memories.
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