Seafood Rotini from Crazy Cajun's Boiling Pot - $10.95

125 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham, AL - (205) 408-0630

"Fresh Louisiana crawfish tails, Andouille sausage, shrimp, crab meat, simmered in Cajun cream sauce. Served over spiral rotini pasta."

I did my usual and asked the waitress what her favorite dish was and she pointed me to the seafood rotini as the most popular menu item so I went with that.

When the dish arrived, my eye caught glimpse of those white chunks and immediately thought, "Chicken? That's odd for a dish called seafood rotini." But then I remembered that scallops are white like that too.

Anyway, my sister asked to try a little of my dish, so I scooped up some pasta and then tried to cut a piece of scallop for her, but my fork sliced right through the scallop... like a hot knife through butter. As it turns out, that's what it was! Those massive white chunks are gobs of BUTTER. Geeeeeeeeeeeeezzz. Those Cajuns really know how to fatten up their food.

In spite of that, the dish was rather yummy and still maintained a strong spiciness. Sure, I felt guilty that I just downed a bazillion calories of fat, but the flavor just might be worth it.

I saw reviews of this restaurant complaining about the service, and I can see what they mean - there was only one server for the entire lunch-rush filled restaurant, but fortunately for us, she was phenomenal at keeping up. All in all, it was a pleasant experience.

Shamrock Shake from McDonald's - $???

1401 Governor's Place, Bear, DE - (302)836-1308

My coworker introduced me to this nice seasonal dessert. People get pretty diehard about it and I think can see why. Instead of being overpowered with mintiness, it's a very subtle touch, and I believe I prefer it that way. My coworker says that it varies according to which store you to go though. Anyway, it comes out around March for St. Patrick's Day, if you couldn't already guess from the name so look for it then.

Steak Lunch Quesadilla from El Jefe - $6.50

110 Astro Shopping Center, Newark, DE - (302)894-9000

The word quesadilla comes from Spanish, and literally means "little cheesy thing" or "cheesy" (-Wikipedia). Rightfully so, because the best part of this dish is the gooey cheese inside. I've only tried a handful of other dishes here at El Jefe, but this one has quickly moved up to be my favorite amongst the ones I've tasted.

The service can be on the slow side, but it's tolerable. My impatience may also be in part because I'm going there during my work lunch hour.

Spicy Sour Calamari from Lao Sze Chuan - $5.95

1331 West Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL - 630.663.0303

I ate this back in December so I kind of took a stab at the name of the dish. I also don't clearly remember the taste. I know, I know, this is a really useful post.

However, I think my sister and I thought it was the best dish we ordered that day. Hope that counts for something.

Pinang Satay Beef from Pinang Asian Cuisine - $8.00

218 Louviers Drive, Newark, DE - 302.368.2298

The online description is "Marinated chicken or beef skewers, jicama and bean sprouts with shrimp pancake, sliced tofu, hardboiled eggs and chef's special sauce."

Obviously, that description doesn't match up with the picture because it's missing a lot of items (basically, everything listed between the beef skewers and the chef's special sauce). I ordered this dish about six months ago, so either they changed the item since then, or they completely messed up my order. I really hope I didn't pay $8.00 for this measly appetizer, even if it did taste very good, but I WOULD reconsider paying that much if I received everything on that list.

Anyway, the beef has a peanut-buttery taste to it, of which I am very fond, hence, my love for Thai food. So if I were taking only the food quality into account, I would rate this as a very good appetizer.

Nasi Lemak from Pinang Asian Cuisine - $7.00

218 Louviers Drive, Newark, DE - 302.368.2298

I posted the environmentally friendly version of this dish here. If I'm not mistaken, this is basically the staple dish of Malaysia. Just as the Thai have their Pad Thai or how the Americans have their burgers, the Malaysians have their Nasi Lemak.

My favorite portion of this dish, believe it or not, is the anchovies (upper left corner). They're coated with some sweet syrupy sauce that pretty much hides the anchovy stench with which you might be familiar.

I don't know what to say about the vegetable concoction on the left, except that it compliments the dish favorably. And I'm a die hard fan of both beef (upper-right) and eggs, so those work for me. That brings me to my least favorite part - the cucumbers. They really feel out of place in this dish. But if you think about it, this dish is a strange assortment anyway.

All in all, it's something I would order again, especially if I was getting them at these prices.

Cedar-Seared Salmon Pasta from TGI Friday's - $9.39

650 South College Avenue, Newark, DE - (302)737-3700

"Succulent pan–seared salmon fillet, coated with cedar smoke seasoning, served over al dente fettuccine ribbons tossed with golden brown zucchini and a blend of creamy Alfredo, bruschetta marinara and tangy lemon sauce."

I had this dish months ago and I can still recall loving its silky, creamy texture. In fact, that memory is so pleasant that I'm going to order another one right now.