Going South

Free dinner? At a nice restaurant?? Every single week???  Unbelievable, but yes!! Villa O in Dallas has free two-course dinner for all patrons who make a reservation every Monday night. You get to select one of three starters (tonight it was bruschetta, Caesar salad or minestrone soup) and one of four entrees (lasagna, penne alla vodka, salmon or eggplant parmesan). I had the Caesar salad and the penne, which were great. I meant to take pictures, but I forgot.

So here’s the catch (if you can really even call it that). You have to pay tax, tip and for any alcohol that you drink. So I had a $9 glass of wine, and paid $17 total. Pretty good deal! My favorite thing about Villa O is the decor which is what I would describe as elegant nautical. There are big varnished wood tables, beautiful photos of sailboats on the walls and lots of burgees hanging up. Makes you feel like you are on the beach somewhere, but somehow doesn’t feel overly casual. 

So long story short, if you’re in the mood for free food and an awesome atmosphere, you should give Villa O a call and go eat there next Monday.   

Halloween, which by the way has never been my favorite holiday, has really been a week long event this year and it’s been fun! 

First was appetizers, wine and pumpkin carving on Wednesday night. I carved a Rangers pumpkin in hopes that they might be able to pull out the World Series win…oh well. 

Then on Friday we had our annual Halloween celebration at work. Hundreds of employees bring their kids to walk through our floor which we decorate with a theme. This year the theme was Dr. Seuss, so each team selected a book. We did “Horton Hears a Who.” We created a Whoville house and an outside scene with Horton the elephant. Think it turned out pretty well! The best part was Horton shooting candy out of his trunk.

Saturday was dressing up and hitting the bars with the gals. My roommate and I were determined to spend no money on our costumes so we decided to be Greek goddesses. I tried making a toga out of a sheet, but it wasn’t working for me so I wore a convertible dress paired with some gold sandals, gold jewelry, glittery eye makeup and a head piece.  

And last was real Halloween on Monday night. I haven’t been at a house to give out candy to the trick or treaters in years, so it was fun to go to a friend’s house in a cute neighborhood with lots of kiddos. The hosts cooked awesome ribs and everyone brought a side.

Definitely the best Halloween in years!! I am beyond excited that the holiday season is here. Now we have Thanksgiving to look forward to next!