Shireen's Favorite Things

FINALLY, good #TexMex makes its way to South Florida —thank you, Chuy’s!

Oh, the crazy things I’ve done to get some half-decent #TexMex in Florida.

I’ve eaten at dark, dank restaurants where runny beans and large plates of unidentifiable mush have made my bowels shriek for days. I’ve flown my mother in from New Mexico and forced her to bake (in bulk) my favorite Green Chicken Chile Enchiladas and in moments of complete despair, I’ve made midnight runs to “The Bell” to buy a box of tacos to munch away my miseries. #ExtraHotSaucePlease

I miss #TexMex so much that during my last visit home I ate it for breakfast, lunch AND dinner. Even my boyfriend was impressed with my South of the Border chow-down prowess. Frankly, I treated every meal like it were my last because I knew once I was back in the Magic City, #TexMex would become an elusive enigma again. I was so traumatized by the thought of not eating it…

Before we left the #LandOfEnchantment, I insisted on arriving at the airport a few hours early so I could have ONE more bowl of green chili stew (with extra sour cream.) I wept as I gulped it down. Sure, I was sad to leave home, but it was also extra spicy. Just the way I like it. #ThereIsNoShameInMyGame

As our plane lifted off bound for Miami, my chest tightened and while it was probably heartburn, it was also the thought of never finding the food I truly loved in South Florida. Oh, and I’d miss my family, too. So, imagine my delight when the very next night, I found myself presenting a story on #DecoDriveTV about a new place called: Chuy’s.

Its #TexMex concept intrigued me, but could its food REALLY withstand my ‘I grew up in New Mexico’ taste test? I wasn’t sure, but a few months later (after a nice invitation from my good friend, Larry) I decided to give it a go. The restaurant, originally from Austin, has a spirited feel to it. When you walk in, it’s buzzing with excitement and its decor is a mish-mosh of surfboards, metal palm trees and twinkly lights. There’s even a hubcap ceiling, a shrine to Elvis, pictures of customers’ pets line the walls and a plethora of suspended wooden fish give off the illusion of life underwater. 🐠🐟🐠🐟🐳

I found out the reason for the eclectic nature of the place. The two guys who started it (in an abandoned barbecue joint back in the 80’s) didn’t have money for much. Eventually, though, its quirky decor became part of its charming personality. With that being said, I went for a table in the bar because I liked its funky energy and we all know, mama likes a good drink. Speaking of…

I started #Spotlight with a Swirl, which is one of Chuy’s famous “Rita’s” (margaritas). Mine was frozen and layered with flavors. The cute concoction is perfect for a piping hot summer day and, it was about 90 degrees out. I almost dumped it over my head, but instead went for an aggressive form of sipping. Hello, #BrainFreeze While I’m not a sweet drink lover, it was yummy and of course, refreshing.

If you prefer your adult beverages 305-style, try one of their hand-shaken “Mojitos” with fresh mint. Go Classic or fruity with fresh Blackberry/Strawberry. If you really wanna turn it up a notch, “The Original Texas Tini” will knock your socks off. It’s served in an 18-oz. shaker and comes with a dainty salt-rimmed martini glass. My favorite part? It’s garnished with hand-stuffed jalapeño olives. #GetInMyBelly I shook my Tini like I meant it for a maximum frustrated bartender effect, once poured it was — #WOW #OliveYou #IneedThisInMyLifeOnAweeklyBasis. Strong drinks mean you gotta eat and…

Why try one starter when you can nibble on ‘em all, literally. The “Appetizer Plate” comes with chile con queso, nachos, deluxe quesadillas, chicken flautas, guacamole & sour cream. #MyCupRunnethOver It’s definitely large and in-charge and made for the entire table. Watching your waistline? Don’t worry, they have great salads, too. I tried the “Mexi Cobb” served with fajita chicken, green chiles, cheese, avocados, tomatoes and fresh greens.

When I bit into the “Steak Burrito” (under House Specialities) a warm feeling of home came over me. The 12” roll of deliciousness isn’t just stuffed with sliced grilled steak and cheese — it’s topped with spicy HATCH Green Chili Sauce FROM NEW MEXICO. Sorry, I don’t mean to yell at you in all caps, but it was an earth-shattering moment for me. True #TexMex in South Florida!!!? 😭 My prayers had finally been answered. (The entree was served with green chili rice and charro beans.) #ThankYouFoodGods

If that weren’t enough, I went cra cra over Chuy’s sizzling Fajitas, which are marinated in a blend of bock beer, Serrano peppers, lime juice & secret spices. I got the beef and chicken combo served with all the fixings: lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, cheese & pico de gallo. It comes with Mexican rice, refried beans and fluffy handmade flour tortillas. (They make ALL of their tortillas from scratch.)

Because I don’t want to make this blog as long as the Old Testament (and it’s getting close,) you have to try the “Tres Leches” dessert. I lovingly call it “crack cake” because it’s highly addictive. One bite and your life changes forever. The fabulous staff at Chuy’s (shout-out to them for making my visit so special) also served-up “Sopapillas” — a New Mexico tradition and a great way to make a girl feel at home. Which got me to thinking…

They say home is where the heart is, but I’m pretty sure —now— a part of mine is at Chuy’s in Doral and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. Cheers !!

Chuy’s
8001 NW 36th Street
Doral, Florida 33161
& opening soon in Kendall & Miami

Sunday – Thursday: 11am-10:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm

www.chuys.com

Be Social:
FB: @Chuys.Restaurants
IG: @chuysrestaurant
Twitter: @ChuysRestaurant