Try This for New Year’s Dining!

If you’re like most people, you probably had some company and did the cooking for Christmas dinner. Is it just me or do you find that even “simple” meals seem to take more time and work than you thought? Of course, after that great meal there’s always a stack of dishes waiting for you. All this makes for a perfect excuse to go out for dinner during this holiday week. It’s the best time as the restaurants and town are still decorated. As I sit here munching on the best leftover barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy from Zeke’s Smokehouse let me suggest some ideal spots to try.

I’ll start with Zeke’s Smokehouse whose energetic staff is pictured here. Assistant Manager Kristen is holding a plate of something you will be hard pressed to find around these parts. Welcome Puget Sound fried oysters with a side of sweet potato fries. According to Kristen, these oysters are shipped directly to Zeke’s within 24 hours of being shucked. You can get a plate of four w/fries for $9.95 or an appetizer of two w/fries for only $5.95. They are also delicious on their Oyster Po’ Boy. Manager Joe Meinhart recommends a Shiner Bock to go with that or their new sangria. For dessert, ring in the New Year with cherry cobbler ala mode!

If it’s an elegant Italian restaurant with superior service you are after Cucina Rustica is the place. Manager Alen Mousaian knows the art of being warm, welcoming, and gracious, an art greatly appreciated in today’s fast paced world. Alen’s recommendations for the perfect dinner are pork shank, lamb shank or Cucina Rustica’s famous lobster ravioli in a creamy marinara sauce. Seasonal specialties include apple raisin crepes and eggnog gelato truffles. And get this – just for you, house wine, by the glass or bottle, is half price when you purchase an entree Monday thru Thursday! Tell ’em Mary sent you!

Corey Grijalva, Ramon and all the guys at Joselito’s are open both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, try their steak and shrimp special which includes champagne. Just for the holidays, a must try are the Homemade tamales with beef or sweet corn or choose their No. 1 seller, fajitas chupacabras with steak, chicken or shrimp. On New Year’s Day stop in for the lunch buffet, only $6.95 per person. Best dessert? Why, homemade flan of course.

Happy New Year and happy dining memories from the Montrose Shopping Park! Check out our Facebook page via www.shopmontrose.com for some fun pics of restaurants and people in this article.

  Mary Dawson