God Bless Texas...and Spiral Diner

We took a bit of a spontaneous road trip to Dallas this week. We had thought about it for a week or two, but we didn't totally make up our minds about it until the day of. The reason for our journey? It was my BIRTHDAY! And Dallas, 5 1/2 hours away, is home to the closest-to-us vegan restaurant (of this type, at least).

In what seem like perfect-fated timing - right when we were getting into the car, Mr. UPS Man drops this box off on our front porch. (Ryan didn't think it was going to arrive on time and planned on having my parents pick it up.) He had ordered a few different treats from Pangea, especially for my "big day." My favorite? Probably the Cinnamon Rolls. The S'More Brownies were very interesting, as well. (We didn't take them all with us; I put some of it away in the freezer.)

peanut butter cup in the center of a peanut butter cookie bar

Apple Fritter

We arrived in Dallas around 7, driving straight to Spiral Diner.

(We didn't even have a hotel picked out yet.)

We started off the meal with the Chip & Dip Party. 10 Thumbs Up.

The kids split a Strawberry Slushie. I thought it was going to be more like an Icee - it was basically just a strawberry smoothie, but it didn't last long.

Savory Seitan Wrap for me...The Ate Layer Burrito for Ryan

I liked mine a lot - definitely "savory" and spicy. I thought Ryan's was good - but a little too much like something I would have at home...and it said there was going to be taco meat in it, but I don't think there was.

Here's the thing...we could probably just make anything on the menu at home...so why drive 5 hours? It's just fun to be able to sit in a restaurant once in awhile and choose from anything on the menu. Ya know? It's fun to be able to let the kids choose anything they want. This kid was beyond thrilled to order a grilled cheese at a restaurant, something he never gets to do.

The other two ordered quesadillas. (I thought it was a little strange that they put jalapenos on a kids' menu item.)

Dessert: Ryan shared a strawberry milkshake with the kids, and I shared chocolate cheesecake with the kids. So when you're reading this post and thinking, she can really put it away...keep in mind, everything is being shared by 5! :)

We spent the next morning at the Museum of Nature & Science, located at Fair Park in Dallas. We would definitely like to go back there sometime. We could have spent the entire day, but we only had about 3 hours.

I have a few really great friends in Dallas, and I was sad it didn't work out for us to see any of them...next time...

Back at Spiral Diner for my "official" birthday lunch.

I wanted to try a chocolate milkshake,

but I knew I didn't need the calories.

No worries - I had plenty of volunteers to help me out.

Ryan ordered the Philly Cheeze Steak Sandwich because he knew I was having a hard time choosing against it. We always like ordering two different sandwiches, then splitting them. This one was delicious.

We also split The Mitch. Oh, man, it was soooo good, with "bacon" and grilled tofu plus avocado. And there is an extra layer of bread in the middle.

This kid was, once again, thrilled with his meal, Sketti & Meatballs. The other two hung tight with quesadillas this time, as well.

Even though we were ordering icecream, Ryan snuck around and got me a cupcake so that he could put a candle in it for me. I am a fan of getting to make a wish on my birthday.

If you look closely at my son's face, you can see how horrified he is that I actually blew out my birthday candle. I mean, imagine that, wanting to blow out your own birthday candle.

I ended up relighting it three more times so they could each have a turn. I'm going to remind them of this on their birthdays; I'm going to throw a fit to blow out their candles.

We were pretty full at this point and thought we were only ordering a small one-scoop sundae. Not so.

However, the kids weren't complaining.

Next stop: Dinosaur Valley State Park.

We swam, amongst the footprints of dinosaurs from long ago. It was super fun, relaxing, and a great way to spend my birthday.

It was already nearing 8:00 when we were going to be passing the exit for Spiral Diner...we knew it was going to be a late night, anyway...why not hit it one last time to help make that 5 1/2 hour drive more pleasant? Right? We called ahead and picked up another The Mitch for me, this Chopped BBQ Sandwich for Ryan, and a Grilled Cheese & Baby Aven (broccoli, sweet potato, pineapple chunks, and green peas)for the kids to share.

Now - off to eat a raw salad and work out to shed these 2 pounds I seemingly gained from all of these sandwiches and sweets...yikes...and catch up on my blog reading!

What's your favorite restaurant?

Did you eat anything this week that you regret?

Reminder:

My vegan snacks giveaway is open until Tuesday!