Weekends are the best days to look forward to, especially after a week of standard work days (where realistically, nothing too exciting happens). I think the appeal in weekends are the excuse to lounge, spend time with people you care about, and refuel for another ambitious week ahead.
A few weekends ago Bao and I made a trip back to Pennsylvania to his parents' home to see friends, family and his adorable wolf/bear hybrid (in actuality a Siberian Husky) dog, Rocky. Ever since moving to the DC area for a job opportunity, Bao's gone back every other week to his hometown.
We started off with a drive up to Philadelphia Friday evening to celebrate the birthdays of three friends. Bao started a tradition of stopping at Wawa's every trip to get a short break and usually a hot coffee for the road; I've come to look forward to it every time I join him on his trips back home. We all met up at Frankford Hall for drinks and laughs, and made our way home late after midnight. The drive to his parents' house was hilarious blasting music to stay awake :)
After goofing around with Rocky a bit and getting a few hours of sleep, we got up the next morning to do a little outlet shopping and stop by one of our favorite breakfast spots. The backroads to get to the outlets are always fun, local winding paths that lead us to our delectable first location.
Mal's American Diner
4006 Skippack Pike
The first time we came here, it was late into Autumn and we were heavily interested in their pumpkin-themed menu. I remember ordering a pumpkin spice waffle topped with THREE scoops of homemade icecream and fresh whipped cream! Incredibly indulgent but worth every single bite. This time around, we had to go for the waffles again. I opted for the original waffle topped with a generous helping of chocolate chips while Bao got an apple spice waffle topped with fresh whipped cream and caramelized apples. We balanced the sweetness with a savory side of hashbrowns that were full of sauteed onions (drenched in hot sauce).
Comfortably fueled for a shopping trip, we made our way to the outlets and picked up some groceries for dinner. Bao makes amazing grilled steaks and decided to make a delicious dinner for us and his family.
First, he prepped the steaks by salting them for a few minutes, then coating with cracked black pepper.
While the steaks were sitting, he chopped up some white onions and tossed in an aluminum tray with basil, minced garlic, avocado oil and butter.
After searing on a hot cast iron for a few minutes each side (never flip over on the same side twice), Bao packed more freshly crushed peppercorns and placed them in the herb tray from early to finish off in the oven.
After popping the steaks in the oven for another 10 minutes (at 375 degrees), you're ready to enjoy!
After another comfortable night in snuggling with the boyfriend and Rocky, we got up the next morning to get ready for our drive home. Of course not before a hearty meal (haha!).
Xinantecatl
128 N Main Street
Souderton, PA 18984
This location is definitely a hole in the wall, I never would have noticed it had Bao not pointed it out. He knew of this little eatery from his mountain biking trips last summer with his friend Dave. After every tough run through the woods, Bao and Dave would refuel with a delicious meal here. I was so excited to try this authentic Mexican restaurant!
When we first walked in, I was a little confused since it was a small grocery store. As you walk towards the back wall, there's a doorway that leads you to this kitchen with a few tables lined along the wall. You could smell the most aromatic deliciousness coming from the authentic grill, with two friendly women smiling behind the counter.
After debating on the menu (everything sounded so delicious), I chose the Steak Mexican Style: cooked with onion, tomato and sweet peppers, served with rice, refried beans, cheese, avocado and amazing warm corn tortillas. Bao got the Cuban Torta (get ready for all the ingredients) with steak, cow's tongue, chili, garlic flavored sausage, chicken, salted steak, ham, refried beans, avocado, cheese, onion and lettuce, all on a freshly baked sour dough roll. My dish was only $8.50, and Bao's was $7! SUPER steal and the food was all
incredible.
The decor was also beautiful, and the contrasting gold and purple walls are a nice, colorful touch.
I'm definitely looking forward to coming back here on our trips, hopefully you get a chance to find this gem too!
Until next time!
Stay Hungry,
Jimin
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