This weekend started off exactly as I called it on Friday- with happy hour chips and queso. Chris and I headed to Chuy’s to take advantage of their happy hour where they have a free nacho bar, filled with unlimited chips, salsa, refried beans, and queso. All the queso you want. Fo free. How could you pass that up!?
Saturday I was craving crawfish and figured it was time I finally gave Dallas crawfish a chance. I’ve never heard anything good about the crawfish here in Dallas from any of my Louisiana native friends living here, and I can tell good crawfish just by the smell of them and that’s never happened in Dallas, but I still had to taste it for myself. We decided to go to Dodie’s, a cajun restaurant we often frequent in Dallas, but this time we opted for their waterfront location on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall. Most of their food is good and I figured if anyone would get it right, it would be them.
It was a beautiful day to sit by the lake. The weather could not have been more perfect! Once we arrived, we were greeted with $6+/lb crawfish prices, nearly triple what we’d pay back home this time of year, but that’s the sacrifice we make for leaving. The thing with crawfish and Louisiana people is that 1 pound is not nearly enough. Neither is 2. Or 3. Or 4. Or heck, even 5. When we eat them, we eat them and don’t stop. Anything under 5 pounds of crawfish is just a tease.
I did what I had never done before in my life and ordered 1 pound, as a taste test per say. I was disappointed to say the least. I gave it another try and ordered one more pound hoping maybe they would come from a new batch, but all hope was lost. Something is just off with how they boil crawfish out here. Every place I’ve seen serve crawfish does the same thing- over seasons the outside shells of the crawfish, and in this case, doesn’t do anything for the inside. I may just secretly leave a box of crawfish boil next time I visit and tell them to have at it. To answer the question I’ve been wondering ever since I got here, in Louisiana language, Dallas crawfish was like eating bland crawfish seasoned with Tony’s on the shell with no juice. That’s enough right there for any native to lose their Louisiana card. And that my friends is why it’s taken me, the self proclaimed crawfish queen, this long to give them a try in Texas. I don’t mean to sound like such a harsh hater, but geez, can’t a girl just satisfy her crawfish cravings once and for all!? Good thing a plate of pasta monica (their take on New Orleans Jazz Fest’s famous crawfish monica) came out right behind it. That’s one dish you can never go wrong with!
After lunch, we walked around the lake, watched the boats come in and out, and explored the other shops in the area.
We somehow ended up in line for ice cream at Cold Stone, even though we were so full, and we still nearly devoured an entire waffle bowl. It was like a race to see who would win- me or the sun melting the ice cream. For the record, the sun won, but it was good while it was frozen!
On Sunday we ventured off to Fort Worth to check out their Mayfest. Right as we were trying to pay to park, we were told the car in front of us had already paid for our parking. We’re thinking it was their way of saying thanks for us letting them over when the traffic was bad earlier, but that was very kind of them and made me so happy to see kind people still exist.
Once we got to the gate of the festival, we headed straight to the line to buy tickets to get in. As we were standing in line, a guy walked up to us and gave us two free tickets to get into the fest. That’s when I declared it official pay it forward day. Two random acts of kindness back to back!? I can’t wait to pay it forward this week and make someone’s day just as these random kind strangers did for ours.
And now I can officially say I’ve seen Twiggy the waterskiing squirrel and a live duck race. They were taking volunteers for the duck race and really I just wanted to hold a duck. Animal lover to the extreme right here.
How was your weekend!? I hope it was good one! Now it’s time to count down to Cinco de Drinko.
If you missed my post on Cinco de Mayo party ideas, you may want to steal this easy idea if you plan on hosting a party today!
Brittany Deskins says
I'm obsessed with Chuy's jalepeno creamy ranch sauce–so good!
Brittany
The Lady Lawyer
Julia says
That sounds like so much fun! Sorry your crawfish wasn't up to par, that stinks! But yay for kind strangers! 🙂
Jasmine says
What a fun weekend. Coldstone- YUMM! Planning on going there this weekend.
The Siberian American says
I love Chuy's free nacho bar! I am always so full by the time our table is ready! Haha.
Helene in Between says
Well I think $6 for crawfish at a restaurant really isn't THAT bad! I've paid more in new orleans, really! But it sucks it was bad. Have you tried boiling crab? it's not louisiana style but it's very good.
Tiffany Khyla says
When I went to Dallas a few weeks ago, I saw crawfish for sale at a restaurant, and they were $7.99/lb! I was like "what?" I was too nervous to try, so kudos to you for taking the plunge. That sounds awful.
Christine says
Pink drinks! What can go wrong?!
Kate at Green Fashionista says
All that food looks delish! But sorry the crawfish were such a disappointment, but helloooooo unlimited chips and queso! Looking forward to copious amounts of queso and of course margaritas after work along with some sombreros and mustaches. Ya know.. keeping it classy 🙂
Emily says
I love Chuy's! Didn't know the queso was free! That sounds like a great spot to post up for Cinco de Mayo today!
Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre says
Soooo many good looking eats in here! Seriously my stomach just growled!