Barracuda Taqueria - my new go-to joint for tex-mex!

Earlier this week, my brilliant friend Annie posted about this incredible Tex-Mex spot in downtown Seattle. Now, this girl is a connoisseur of Tex-Mex - she is the reason for this post.

So, she blogged about this little slice of heaven, and I considered venturing into the city to try it for myself. But before I even had the chance to figure out where they were, I noticed that the owner of said delicious joint had posted on another friend's facebook page. "How do you know him???" I quickly messaged. She explained that he was the boyfriend of a mutual friend. What?!? How did I now know this??? Me being me, I immediately added him as my friend, he accepted, and today, my girlfriend and I had a lunch date. At Barracuda Taqueria. And let me say - you NEED to go.

Located not far from the Space Needle, it is in a fabulous spot in downtown Seattle. Parking is no problem (for lunch at least).

We first met Brian - twin brother of Nathan (the owner of said incredible establishment) and the MOST HONEST man I have ever known. Truly. Honest.

Annie had mentioned the queso. - something that I (sorry Annie) had never tried. Until today. Dear lord. Divine.

We asked Nathan what he would suggest for lunch, and he said he would put together a mix of various tacos to try. We had a great mix of meat and fish, and, uhm, okay, he brought us a tongue taco. No, of course it doesn't say "tongue taco" on the menu. But come on, in the end, it is tongue. Aannddd... seeing that I have just been traveling *in France* and eating such worldly things, I thought hey - I can do this. And I tried. And it seems that when one is in their own city, trying new, different things just doesn't seem to "go down" as easily. Thus, after one. tiny. little. bite., I was done. But I tried. And I have heard that it is very popular - with the tongue crowd I would guess... The shrimp tacos were great though!

Finally, I had to share this sign - after my time in Paris, I found this quite funny~

Tex Mex deliciousness!

I apologize for being so absent lately. Things have been busy on the farm, I have been in full-planning mode for THE FRANCE TRIP, as well as looking forward to my weekend with some of my favorite ladies this coming weekend. I love when life is rolling along, busy but exciting. I do wish I had more time to post though, as I really do have all sorts of fun things to tell you~

Today was a bit crazy, in an inspired sort of way. I had a few errands, an appointment, and then the day was mine! Lately I had been reading the back-posts of a fabulously inspiring blog written by a hilarious friend of ours (and edited occasionally by her equally amusing husband). She is an incredible cook and there seems to be no end to what she can prepare. Thus, when I came across her "tex-mex" post - something I have never attempted, it looked so amazing that I HAD to see what I could do. I mean, honestly, my family would LOVE it and as I am forever searching for fabulous ideas to please this family's palate, this seemed like just the thing.

~this delicious recipe found here - thanks Kasey!

I found a wonderful tex-mex cookbook with some delicious looking recipes at our local Half-Price Books - one of my favorite bookstores. I decided on what I wanted to make and made a list of what I needed. I hit the grocery and then came home to spend the afternoon playing in the kitchen. It truly was an incredible spring afternoon and once again I remembered what I love most about Seattle. You see, handsome husband and I love our cozy, gray, rainy Seattle days. I love to cook hearty stews, he loves to paint, we read, watch movies, play with the boys, and generally enjoy our wonderful home. But then these gorgeous days appear - far more often than we usually remember. And when that gorgeous sun shines, the people of Seattle truly appreciate it. We are grateful for our beautiful weather. We smile more, there is a bounce in our step, drivers are more patient in traffic, shoppers are courteous at the grocery, far more greetings are passed between strangers. And springtime sunshine? It inspires me to cook party food, summer food, European slow-cooking. It also makes me want a good margarita, or a mojito. Heaven... Don't even get me started on summer fruit - strawberry angel food cake tonight for example~

Handsome husband should be home soon, boys will gather around the table, and with the windows open, we will enjoy a summer-like dinner together. Nirvana, in my opinion~

(oh, and 13 days my friends, 13 days...)