It's all about Donna

I’m marking this entry as day job as well as food. Why? Because if it wasn’t for my day job, I never would have suspected that a trip to The Cheesecake Factory could be so good. The Boss in the corner cubicle decided to treat his team to dinner in saying good-bye to one team member, welcoming yet another new team member, and a general attaboy recognition of the entire team. I am glad I was invited. Being the only contractor on the team sometimes makes work life a little tough. Since I’ve contracted for years, it’s really no big deal. It’s just that every now and then it’s kinda nice to feel like part of the team and get recognized. I was glad I didn’t flake out as the Boss acknowledged me… that felt good.

Now as to why this is a food post… OMG! The food at this place was truly great. I so badly wanted to try the Filet Mignon, but it would have been bad etiquette to do so (after all, it was the most expensive item on the menu… but in retrospect seeing what others ordered PLUS desert, I think I would have been safe to get it as the dollar amount was just about the same after everything was said and done).

I had to try the Keoke Coffee. I was not disappointed. As one of my all-time favorite winter bar drinks, it hits the spot on those really cold, raw, North Texas days. This was no exception. Their version is made with Courvoisier, Kahlua, Dark Creme de Cacao, Coffee and Whipped Cream, was most excellent.

For my meal, I tried the Chicken Marsala. HOLY COW! What a plateful of food! There was enough for 3 people! Needless to say I got a togo box when I was done eating all that I could. I even went hungry. It was hard to narrow down my choices, and when the waitress got to me, I just blurted out Chicken Marsala. I was not disappointed with my choice. Looking at all the dinner plates, it’s my guess you’ll never leave this place hungry. I wanted to try one of the signature cheesecakes, but there just wasn’t any room left in my stomach.

This is a place that will definitely be added to my list of places to visit on special occasions. I’ve avoided the chain restaurant scene for years, but this one has made me rethink my philosophy about them. I would give the place 4 out of 5 stars (I was a bit disappointed in the service, thus the minus 1 star… but then there were 25 of us, so all in all our waitress can’t be faulted too heavily).

So this one is about the food, and not really about me. Well… it could sort of be about me… the Boss acknowledged me, so I guess that would make it about me 😉

I work at a really cool corporation these days. I’m a contractor, and hope one day they’ll offer me a permanent position. They’re in a hiring freeze where headcount has to remain flat. It’s not that they can’t hire any new people, they just can’t alter the status quo. Personally I don’t care either way as long as I get to keep working there. Makes no difference to me who signs my paycheck. Of course, if they signed my paycheck, I would have benefits and that would be nice.

Now having said all this, it’s about food, too. And in this case, work and food because this recipe came from my work 😉 I haven’t tried it yet, but it sounds yummy on a cold day. Here goes…

Tater Tot Casserole (from Terri G.)

1 lb [lean] ground beef

1 can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup (I think I would have to go with the mushroom soup, personally)

4-6 slices of cheddar or Velveeta cheese (you’ll need enough slices to cover the dish)

1 bag of Tater Tots

Pat down meat into an oven-proof dish. Layer cheese on top of beef. Pour soup over the cheese. Cover solid with tater tots. Bake for one hour at 350F.

Sounds pretty tasty to me (and since it’s all about me… well, you get my point)