Our April Restaurant Adventures: A Month of Flavorful Memories
- Kathryn Simpson
- May 19
- 5 min read
April was a delicious month filled with breakfast catch-ups, family dinners, and coworker gatherings at some fantastic restaurants. From cozy breakfast spots to upscale dinners, here’s a roundup of the places we explored and the dishes that made an impression.
Root’d: Sweet, Savory, and the Best of Both Worlds
I met a friend for breakfast at Root’d, a cute spot perfect for catching up. Torn between sweet and savory, I debated between the French toast and the breakfast burrito. I went with the burrito, adding sausage for extra flavor, and it was the right call—satisfying and hearty. My friend ordered the French toast and shared a piece, giving me the best of both worlds. The sausage added the protein punch I needed, and the cozy vibe made Root’d a great place to linger and chat.
Sol Agave: A Flavor Fiesta Downtown
After spotting Sol Agave on Instagram, I suggested it for a dinner with a work friend staying downtown. We started with drinks, and after overhearing a nearby diner rave about the frozen coco (a coconut margarita with toasted coconut flakes), I ordered it. It was perfection—not too sweet, with bold coconut flavor. We kicked off with cazuela de queso, a cheesy fondue served with tortilla chips, before diving into the mar y tierra: two steak enchiladas topped with shrimp and a creamy sherry wine sauce. It was like surf-and-turf enchiladas, and the sauce was divine. I took one home for later! Our waiter convinced us to try the butter cake with vanilla ice cream and Mexican chocolate mousse for dessert, and it was a heavenly way to end the meal. Full and happy, we left with no regrets.
Italian Village: A Family Dinner with Mixed Feelings
One weekend, Erik was craving Italian, so our family headed to Italian Village. We called ahead to avoid a wait and were seated quickly. The kids’ meals came first: Madi’s fettuccine alfredo was a hit, and Jules’ pepperoni pizza came with a single pepperoni per slice (see the photo for a laugh). The girls loved the alfredo, inspiring us to try making it at home. Erik ordered the combo (lasagna and pizza bender), and I got the Italian Village special pizza, swapping olives for pineapple. The pizza was decent but didn’t compare to authentic Italian dough. It felt like a step above Olive Garden but not a place we’d rush back to.
Bandits’ Grill and Bar: A Lunchtime Catch-Up
A coworker lunch brought us to Bandits’ Grill and Bar, where I opted for the lunch special: a tri-tip steak half sandwich, small Caesar salad, and herb garlic fries. I paired it with the Bandit’s Breeze, a refreshing vodka-based drink with peach, orange, and a splash of cranberry. The portion was just right, and the lively atmosphere made it a great spot to catch up.
Mountain City Chinese Restaurant & Top It Frozen Yogurt Plus: Family Dinner and Dessert
Craving Chinese, we tried Mountain City Chinese Restaurant for a family dinner. We ordered sesame chicken, orange chicken, and house lo mein, with one as a dinner combo that included egg drop soup, an egg roll, and cream cheese wontons. Everyone loved it, and we barely had leftovers. While it didn’t top our old favorite, Red 8 (now closed), it was a solid substitute. Afterward, we spotted Top It Frozen Yogurt Plus across the parking lot and treated the girls to mix-and-match frozen yogurt with toppings. Their quirky choices weren’t my style, but they had a blast, and the warm weather made it a perfect treat.
Sharon’s Café: Breakfast and Lunch for a Playdate
After Madi’s playdate at the park, we headed to Sharon’s Café for lunch, a spot offering both breakfast and lunch options. I went for something new: pork chop with over-medium eggs, home fries, and a biscuit. Madi got the kid’s French toast breakfast with bacon and eggs, and Jules chose the kid’s pancake breakfast with sausage and eggs. Surprisingly, the girls devoured their eggs (likely thanks to plenty of butter). Their nearly empty plates were a rare sight!
Sweet Lake Biscuits and Limeade: A Hearty Brunch
A pregnant friend’s craving for Sweet Lake’s limeade brought us to Sweet Lake Biscuits and Limeade for a work friend gathering. I ordered the Hoss: a house biscuit piled with fried chicken, egg, bacon, sausage gravy, and hashbrowns. It was massive and delicious, leaving me stuffed but satisfied. The quiet setting was perfect for catching up.
Blind Rabbit Kitchen: A Memorable Farewell Dinner
When a work friend from out of state visited before starting a new job, we dined at Blind Rabbit Kitchen for a special one-on-one dinner. I chose the Branzino al pastor, a crispy sea bass marinated in achiote-pineapple paste with avocado sauce and charred broccolini. For a drink, I couldn’t resist the tableside old fashioned, made with High West double rye, mango puree, agave, and chocolate bitters, served in a smoked container. The dim lighting, soft music, and cozy atmosphere made it easy to linger and savor the meal. It was pricey but worth it for the experience and our heartfelt goodbye.
Stella’s Grill: Catching Up with Gym Friends
I met my old gym crew at Stella’s Grill, arriving late after helping with dinner at home. They’d already started with appetizers and drinks, so I ordered the salmon special with cantaloupe over mashed sweet potatoes, paired with their house red wine. The salmon was surprisingly delicious, though a white wine might’ve been a better match. It was great reconnecting with friends I used to see at 5 a.m. workouts.
Slice House: A Pizza Adventure
After a zoo trip, we ordered from Slice House, excited to try new pizzas. We got a 20-inch drunken Italian, a 20-inch purple potato, and a 12-inch pepperoni pizza. The 20-inch pizzas were enormous! The drunken Italian, with spicy sausage, was a hit (though Jules wasn’t a fan of the spice), and Madi preferred it over the pepperoni. The purple potato was good but didn’t outshine our favorite, the jazzberry pizza. Lesson learned: double-check pizza sizes when ordering!
Conclusion: A Month to Savor
April was a whirlwind of flavors, from the tropical zing of Sol Agave’s frozen coco to the comforting heft of Sweet Lake’s Hoss sandwich. Whether catching up with old friends, making new memories with family, or indulging in a farewell dinner, these restaurants brought us together over plates of joy. Some spots, like Blind Rabbit Kitchen, left us dreaming of our next visit, while others, like Italian Village, reminded us to keep exploring. Here’s to May’s culinary adventures—stay tuned for more!
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