I couldn't omit from my list of warm, relaxing restaurant environments a western-themed one. Yes, in other words, a casual dining establishment. Another one. It seems the restaurants in American have been sequestered into two categories: fast and casual. Longhorn Steakhouse, no surprise, is supposed to be reminiscent of a Western rancher's home, complete with oil paintings, photos and Western memorabilia.
Story goes, that the original place was fairing poorly, and was about to go under, when a freak snowstorm blew into town, stranding commuters and tourists. The restaurant immediately offered $1 drinks and saved the business! Almost like a miracle! The only thing I am sure of regarding this story, is that this is one article on Wikipedia that might need a little fact checking. Or perhaps the story just leans toward hyperbole.
Longhorn Steakhouse offers as an appetizer a tortilla, rolled around a spicy filling of chicken and cheese, fried and served with an avocado-lime sauce, the Firecracker Chicken Wrap. I replaced the chicken with black beans, still within the theme of the joint, and used vegan cheese instead of the dairy.
This turned out to be one very tasty appetizer. The combo can be baked instead of fried, just as with a taquito or flauta, which, in fact, is what this concoction is.
Cost Breakdown
tortillas: $1
beans: $.75
cheese: $1
dip: $1
pepper, cilanro: $.75
oil: $2
Total to make 6 flautas:
$6.50
Their cost per flauta: $2.20
This is exactly what I would want to eat while loading up on $1 drinks. I mean that in a good way.
ReplyDeleteI hear that! Come to think of it, maybe it is plausible that the $1 drinks pulled them out of the rut!
DeleteCan I just say, this is my first year blogging for Vegan Mofo and I'm loving it. I've been reading your blog for a few months now and you are an awesome, creative inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of your recipes, my family is adjusting to veganism and with your help it's not a struggle! Can I ask where you are from (without being stalky)?
Firstly, congratulations on your compassionate living!
DeleteSecondly, thank you for your kind words - it is wonderful to be reminded that there are folks who use some of these posts to help them on their journey, and your comment made my day.
I am Hungarian by birth, Floridian by childhood, Texan by marriage, have lived in California, Virginia, DC and hope to settle here in Chicagoland, where we are currently living because of my husband's work. Although, eventually we might get to Wisconsin for the actual permanent location. And, no, I don't think you are being stalky :))
If you ever need any help cooking or would just like to chat, email me. veganaide (at) yahoo (dot) com.
Speaking of stalking :) I have been reading some of your posts. You should really give my Simple Chicken Seitan a try (it is on the Seitan Page). I have been at this seitan thing for a decade now, and love to get feedback. It uses only 7 ingredients and my family loves it. The Gardein thing is great, but so expensive for day to day cooking.
Cheers!
I've had some really masterful flautas before. But never have they been dairy free. Thanks for this recipe, I can't wait to try it out.
DeleteHave fun, tender b. Thanks!
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