August was a relatively quiet month for dining out, influenced by our family trip to upstate New York. However, the few meals we did enjoy locally offered a delightful mix of familiar comfort and new flavors.
Simply Thai: A Flavorful Work Lunch
During a work lunch at Simply Thai, I discovered a new favorite spot. The restaurant's lunch combo proved to be an excellent choice, allowing me to enjoy Thai coconut soup and pineapple curry alongside jasmine rice and a fried eggroll. The flavors were vibrant and well-balanced, providing a satisfying yet not overly filling meal. This experience left a positive impression, making Simply Thai a place I'd eagerly return to.
Huckleberry Grill: Comfort Food After Travel
Our return from New York called for a comforting meal, leading us to Huckleberry Grill. I opted for the Huckleberry pork tenderloin accompanied by Utah funeral potatoes and mashed potatoes with gravy, while Erik chose the whiskey peppercorn meatballs with mac and cheese and green beans. The children enjoyed the meatballs and potatoes the most. Although the huckleberry sauce added a nice touch to the pork, the overall meal was good but not exceptional enough to draw us back specifically.
Real Taqueria: A Go-To for Mexican Quick Bites
Real Taqueria has become our staple for quicker Mexican meals that feel a step above fast-casual chains. On this visit, I branched out with the Chile Verde, which was unexpectedly spicy, limiting its appeal to Jules and causing Madi to consume an ample amount of my horchata. Erik's choice of chicken nachos was generous, reaffirming our liking for this spot, although I noted a preference for returning to my favorite mole next time.
Brick’s Corner Pizza: A Long-Awaited Detroit-Style Pizza Experience
After much anticipation, we visited Brick’s Corner Pizza, known for its Detroit-style offerings. The Italian beef dip pizza, complete with Italian bone stock au jus, was a standout for me, while Erik and the girls favored the Sausage King of Chicago pizza. Erik and I also enjoyed some adult drinks with the Detroit sour and the pineapple jalapeno margarita. They were both sweet but not overly sweet and very tasty. Although the garlic cheese bread was more pizza-like than expected, it didn’t detract from our enjoyment of the thick, flavorful crusts and rich toppings. This meal was a hit, especially with the unique au jus enhancing the flavors.
Café Rio: An Unexpectedly Pleasing Quick Dinner
Needing a quick dinner option, we reluctantly chose Café Rio. To my surprise, the coconut shrimp tacos special on Thursday changed my usual skepticism, offering a deliciously fresh alternative. The kids and Erik were happy with their meals, and the addition of Mexican-style corn was a pleasant treat. This visit demonstrated that Café Rio could occasionally be a suitable choice for fast Mexican food.
August’s dining was sparse but filled with quality experiences that ranged from authentic Thai to hearty American dishes, each adding its own unique flavor to our summer. Whether it was the surprising delight of a lunch combo at Simply Thai or the satisfying crunch of Detroit-style pizza, each restaurant visit contributed to a memorable month of culinary exploration.
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