Chi Tung

On Friday, my friend Tiffiney and I went to Chi Tung Restaurant. It is near my house and has Japanese, Chinese, and Thai food, plus a new Hibachi Steakhouse (http://www.chitung.com/). When we first moved to our house about 3 yrs now, we went once. Ordered from the Thai menu and were very disappointed. All of our dishes (our friend Bob went with us) were not good. We ordered the main dishes like Pad Thai, Thai Fried Rice, all without much taste. Also, the soup was more a version of Raman (maybe IT was raman noodles). So, we never went back.
About a week ago, Mike was saying that he had been reading reviews and that Chi Tung scored really high in its food and everytime that we drive by it is packed. I thought maybe after 3 yrs, they changed something? So, I gave it a try. [We actually waited about 10 minutes to be seated, that is how full this place was + countless of take out that I saw in that amount of time].
We ordered two Maki - Spider and Shrimp Tempura, an appetizer from the Thai menu - vegetable potstickers, and the Chinese for 2 - which came with some appetizers: Shrimp Tempura, a BBQ rib, egg roll, Hot and Sour Soup, and the main entrees: Sweet and Sour Chicken and Steak and Broccoli.
The soup came first - no taste, no spice. Oh, oh. Not a good start. Well, let's hope. The Shrimp tempura had a good batter consistency, but still missing on flavor. The rib was ok. At least the meat was soft. The egg roll average. Oh, God. Let's hope for the Thai appetizer. The potstickers came in. They were the best from the meal. Not much inside, they could be a bit more generous in their vegetables, but they were good. The chinese came in, and it was so bland, how can they cook with no flavor?! We did not eat much.
I looked around and saw many people ordering mainly sushi (at least closed to us). Their sushi was so average. I did not think the ingredients were fresh enough, it felt griddy too. In that sense (sushi) this restaurant does not hold a candle to Sesame Inn. If you are in the mood for that, there is no choice go for Sesame Inn.
Yes, the portions for the chinese are pretty big. So, after the whole experience and a huge pack of leftovers. (Tiffiney thought her brothers may eat them), we left the restaurant.
So, nothing was worth coming back. Huge menu not a good idea. I read somewhere "beware of restaurants with big menus". Now, I know why. I still don't understand why is so busy? Well, don't waste your money or time.

[[ Don't know how it is their new Hibachi Steakhouse, but I don't think I will try it]]

Sugar Lime cookies

Here is the recipe for the Sugar Lime Cookies:

Makes: 30 cookies
Prep: 15-20 mins
Chill: 1 hour
Cook : 20 (25 minutes for me)

3/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar divided
Zest of 2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large egg yolks (room temp.) - 30 minutes out of the fridge before using :)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (usually one lime if it is juicy)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 cups flour

1. BEAT butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and lime zest on medium speed with an electric mixer fitted with a paddle until lightly creamed ( I don't have a paddle so I used the other kind that came with the mixer and I used a spatula or flat utensil and it works). Add sour cream, and beat just until blended. Stir egg yolks and lime juice, scraping down sides of bowl. Add salt, baking powder, and flour, and beat until blended. Chill dough 1 hour. (I don't cover it, but I guess you could if you want).

2. PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees. They asked to line two baking sheets with parchment paper, but I put a little cooking spray and it works. Place remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl. Shape dough into a 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar, and place on baking sheets.

3. BAKE at 350 degrees for 20 -25 minutes or until edges begin to brown; bottoms will look light golden. (For crisper cookies, bake a few additional minutes). Remove to wire racks to cool.

4. ENJOY!

(I think I got this recipe from Cottage Living Magazine that is sadly gone. It was a nice magazine).

Legos and more...

Yesterday my sister came by with some McDonald's for lunch. Kids played for awhile and they left around 5ish since they needed to go to church. I made a batch of Sugar Lime Cookies, I guess I would find out later if they like them or not.


We noticed that Arianna was not playing with her toys as much. I guess some of them are for "younger" kids, gosh. So, we went to Toy's R us to buy some new blocks. She has been stacking everything that she sees. Mike found this lego duplos that were a huge hit with our baby.

Daddy made a hat for Arianna, I think she likes it.


Or she just likes to destroy the hat... that was fast. Anyway papa and daughter were having a great time :)


I like this picture of Betsy, she had just "attacked" the new cat... no more cats, no more cats. We have Jack already! Poor kitty.

My tomato that I put in the hanging basket (backwards) is going great so far. It grew twice as much already and I see some of the yellow flowers!

These are the seedling that I started a few months ago, I guess I still have hope to get some vegetables. I had given up on them, they looked so fragile. They are proving me wrong so far. We'll see.

The last rhododendron that I put in my square garden is doing great. I guess it liked the spot because new growth is coming everywhere. I am a happy gardener.


Here are my Black Eyed Susan - finally opened. Can you see my purple Cornflower as well in the background?

My Blushing Bride Hydrangea is given flowers again. I think is part of the Endless Summer collection. They are kind of a very pale pink flower. Nice.


This pepper is not doing that great. I gave it some food and water and I will hope it takes, but look at the cilantro and basil. Those are going strong.

Now these peppers are doing great, can you see my green pepper and the jalapenos?


And my tomatoes that I have in pots have some tomatoes coming! Few more weeks and I can do a salad!

Here is my first Calla Lily. It is the first time that I planted this flower from bulbs on the last day of May. Love the color.

Now, this is the Chicken Hawk that has been eating my poor mourning doves, squirrels, etc... I know, I know, it is Nature's cycle. I mean I think this bird is beautiful, but just don't get your food off my garden please.

This is the couple that lives in our yard. Somewhere in the back. They mate for life. Isn't that amazing?

After been outside for awhile, we came in for some snacks. Arianna ate his yogurt. I love the profile in this picture :)

I caught you mommy. No more pictures I am trying to eat here!

New Pen Pal and Outing to Michigan City

Thanks to Jane for such a lovely package and all the things that came in it! Loved the pictures, the notebook, the apron, and the lovely letter.

My daughter loved the notebook. She saw it when I took it from the envelope and started saying "Crayon, crayon..." So, I let her scribble for awhile. One thing that she keeps doing lately is her hand so I took a picture of that :)

I normally hate taking pictures of myself, but I wanted to show that I really like and will be using my new recycled apron. What a wonderful idea!

Arianna is loving her new glasses...

We went to Michigan City on Saturday. As you can tell, Arianna is going to be a great shopper. God helps us. She loves clothes and shoes! Well, there is always her Aunt Alma to help her in that department.


Peekaboo!
Loves the playground. We are thinking in getting her a small slide for her birthday. She loves it now.

She would not sleep in the entire trip, but by 6 pm or so she could not keep up and gave up... is that a pout sweety?