Red Lobster

Today we went to Red Lobster for Dinner. The last time we went I was tempted to eat a whole steamed Lobster, however seeing the crowd and knowing the fact that I was a novice at eating a Lobster, I decided to hold off the feast to a sober time.
When we decided to go out at 9:15 PM I knew something was cooking in her head instead of our kitchen. She had 'Fire Grilled Lobster and Shrimp' on her mind all the time since morning. And besides we had a sweet fight in the evening, so I did not dared to be the Nay'r.

Red Lobster is not an upscale restaurant. It is however, an expensive restaurant. A Steamed Maine Lobster is a 25'er. Looking at the clock I knew I finally got the chance to be a barbarian, to feast on with both hands in public spilling juices all over the table. It was late in the night and there was too less a crowd to stare at me.

On the entrance there was a big crystal clear tank with the water flowing and the lobsters singing happy songs. One of them was about to sing a song for me in a while. The receptionist escorted us to our seats and highlighted the menu of the day. It was a Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin I guess). Although nothing else was on my mind expect for that lobster who was staring at me in the entrance. so we ordered, she went ahead with the Fire Grilled Lobster and Shrimp, and me the whole steamed Maine Lobster.
Since it comes with a salad, the waiter shortly got us our Caesar salad and Biscuits (its like bread, with cheese and butter on it/in it). we enjoyed the salad and before we could finish it there it was.
The giant crustation.

It was huge. For a moment I couldn't think of eating it whole. They gave me a tool, to crack the hard shell and believe me I couldn't get a hold of it. But my lady...she is a 'meen meeow' and she 's got skills, which she demonstrated promptly and gave me a quick lesson on how to use that tool. I did get along with it after that. But Ani was made to be a barb that night, and no one could stop him. I started to work the homestyle way, forgetting that I was in Red Lobster was the best thing I did, and with both hands, one mouth, a hungry stomach and the desire to eat a whole lobster I went ahead to have one memorable night.

The Lobster itself was juicy, had a very mild taste, It could have used a lil bit of my wife's spices (She is the mistress of spices and my mother is the goddess of spices), but overall it was good. The wild rice which came along with her plate can make an excellent combination with this dish (Hello ... any RedLobster employee reading this suggestion ?). It was filling and can be considered a very good treat for oneself.
I am waiting to get my family, especially the gents (the real barbs) 'Dad and Appa' to eat at this joint.

Tip: If you are not a Lobster fan and like spicy food, this dish is not for you, If you still want to try it... Remember Salt, Pepper and Lemon.

Ruby Tuesday

We have been planning this for quite a while now, visiting the new Ruby Tuesday.
It looks so warm and inviting from the outside, that everytime we pass by a Ruby Tuesday it makes us forget the home cooked meal. But everytime we resist the temptation and honour our home cooked meal. However yesterday was different, I wanted to celebrate her understanding.
Once in, we were greeted and offered to pick any spot we wanted and we picked one in the corner, I must say that it is warm and cozy inside, with nice music and lighting completing it. It wasn't smelling like Red Lobster.
The menu was well illustrated with pictures and just the appropriate descriptions of their featured items. Having concise but meaningful descriptions is very important on a menu. Even their beverages menu had a little descriptions in it, which tempted me to have an RT Palmer. A blend of 100% all-natural lemonade, fresh orange juice, and iced tea. RT's version of a great classic. I expected a lemony taste, however the iced tea overpowered the lemon and orange (if any, since i couldn't really feel the orange at all). I enjoyed the water with lime more than the RT Palmer, and yes, it was with lime and not lemon, so they listened when I said 'lime'. Many restaurant waiters don't get this difference.
We had crab cakes on our mind the moment we entered in RT. And without any hesitation went for the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. It was Yummo, simply deliciouso. Can recommend that and will have that over and over again. It's quantity is probably to serve one person so if its a big group at the table, order it with some Entres or order a couple more. With only 68 Calories (4 Fat, 3 Carbs) its a delight.
I also hit the Fresh Garden Salad bar, It's not as elaborate as Sweet Tomatoes, but not limited as Pizza Hut either, off lately I have discovered that I happen to like baby spinach in my salads, and seeing spinach as an option put a smile on my face. Hearty choice of dressings and some good meat options. The Brocoli in ranch with bacon was very flavourful, again a positive recommendation.
So having this, I was almost full, but we have to have the main course, thats what we are here for, besides, there's always 'To Go'.
Her dish was the New Orleans Seafood

Spicy, broiled tilapia topped with sautéed shrimp and rich Parmesan cream sauce. Served with fresh, steamed broccoli and brown-rice pilaf topped with cheese and tomatoes. All this under $15, 443 Cal (25 Fat, 2 Carbs). The taste was good, especially the shrimp and the sauce over it. The Tilapia itself was a little dry and I thought it could have used some additional flavour. The Rice was good too, the steamed brocoli with lemon was a hit. But that's my take...what she says can be different.







My dish was the Shrimp Scampi & Steak
Shrimp coated with spices and broiled, served over brown-rice pilaf with lemon-butter sauce, and paired with a petite sirloin

Ok, the image on the right does not show the shrimp and rice, I don't want to give you the exact picture, go ahead and try it yourself :)
The Steak was having a very light crust, which I thought was a little unusual but I enjoyed it since it had those light flavours trapped within. My Rice was much bolder than her's as it had the lemon-butter sauce. The mashed potatoes was also on the bolder side, mostly similar to J Alexanders and unlike Boston Market. That means must be more creamy and thus having more fat. Which makes the nutritional information for it make more sense, 1002 Cal (55 Fat, 71 Carbs, 5 Fib). So there goes my weekend wieght watching program. Although the way I savoured it ... ummmm, that feeling will overcome the efforts I will have to take to get over the guilt. All this under $20. Oh btw, my shrimp wasn't as good as hers.

Overall, I will go to RT again and can recommend as well, their dishes are a little different from the ordinary neighbourhood steakhouse. However, the neighbourhood steakhouse is still unbeatable.