Last night, I drove out to Monroeville and ate dinner at Mad Mex, located in the Miracle Mile shopping center. It was the perfect time of the year to try their seasonal staple, the Gobblerito. For me, this was my second time expereiencing this culinary masterpiece. Last year was my introduction and I got an excellent first impression.
I arrived at dinnertime so there was a huge crowd. The whole plaza was packed so finding parking was a miracle. Who says the economy’s tanking? Time for a history lesson. At one time, Miracle Mile was home to JCPenney and Kresge (which eventually became K-Mart). They had two grocery stores at one point (Kroger being one of them; they left the market in early 1984). Where Lowe’s is now was Kaufmann’s (now Macy*s) Department Store. Meet me under the Kaufmann’s clock. Monroeville has grown into quite the suburb of Pittsburgh and a thriving shopping mecca.
Anyway, back to dinner.
I had no trouble ordering and I picked a seasonal margarita to complement my Gobblerito. My server even provided me with water. I always hold myself to one drink since I’m going to be driving home afterwards. I savour my meals and this one was no exception as I ate it slowly. It paired very well with the cranberry sauce which I used for dipping.
My fall pumpkin spice coffeehouse tour failed but I was able to enjoy Fall coffee at home going between Pumpkin Spice and Creme Brulee. However, this mini Thanksgiving tour is going well. I enjoyed my Pilgrim last week and of course my Gobblerito. But where to next week on this tour?
After I finished my meal and left a nice tip for my server, I set off on US 22 and drove home through Murrysville. I contemplated making a Market District run in the near future. Pretty soon, I’ll be starting to see Christmas lights in my travels, especially throughout Penn Township and Westmoreland County.
Monday night began the Holiday Baking Championship on Food Network and the Discovery app. While Halloween is fun and scary at the same time, Holiday is more the exciting competition and with the better host to boot. My next seven weeks will be spent cheering on the best baker to win the Holiday Baking Championship. Also, I’ll be learning new culinary terms along the way.
Speaking of holiday baking, let’s talk about this shelf in my mom’s pantry cupboard. Giant Eagle had great deals on baking supplies last week; therefore, Mom took advantage of the sales and loaded up for the cookie rush. I can’t wait to see what she has in store. I’m sure it’ll be the usual (thumbprints, red devil’s food, etc.) with a few new creations in store. I’ll be making my Elf sugar cookies in a few weeks as well. Speaking of Buddy the Elf, happy 20th anniversary to this iconic holiday movie which is in good company with others for G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).
Finally, I’ll be digging the holiday T-shirts this weekend and buying some newer designs. I’ve retired a few older shirts (Simpsons and Christmas Story) and acquired a few newer ones over the years (Elf and Bob Ross). I’m still hanging on to the Eat’n Park Star as well as Elf. The Ugly Christmas sweaters? That’s another project for another time.
Stylish 🍒 