James’ Response:
Fast-casual restaurants are in a weird spot right now. Red Lobster is cooked, Olive Garden is in a good spot and Chili’s is doing better than ever as of late. The latter intrigues me since it never quite left the zeitgeist, though it used to be some sort of joke with that “Welcome to Chili’s” Vine. Side note: The creator of that, Adam Perkins, passed away four years ago, so rest in peace.
On that note, let’s discuss my ideal Valentine’s Day three-course meal from the resurging Chili’s, which I indulged in this past Friday on my birthday with friends from The Daily Campus! Afterwards, Noa Climor will provide her own thoughts on the menu.
Chips & Salsa
Arguably the most iconic appetizer throughout the restaurant’s history, the thin tortilla chips and mild salsa were a wonderful appetite rejuvenator after waiting 45 minutes for a table, which used to happen to my mom and me all the time. One may argue that an authentic Mexican restaurant beats this Tex-Mex emporium in the chip department — and you’d be right — but nothing wins over nostalgia.
Since my dinner pick surprisingly isn’t the massively popular Triple Dipper, I’ll go on a tangent here. The three-appetizer combo has urged many potential customers to try the chain again, and this flip on the traditional party sampler appetizer is genius, giving people a choice of spicy, savory and saucy items at a reasonable price.
While I enjoyed the spicy mozzarella sticks, “Big Mouth” mini burgers and boneless chicken, I didn’t feel great after trying my first Triple Dipper. Whether this is due to its ambiguous classification as an entrée or not, I rest my case.
Ultimate Cajun Pasta
Now, it’s time to heat up that main. No, seriously, my only gripe with this dish is that my plate was room temperature, though I’d prefer that over a steaming hot fajita skillet. What the Triple Dipper lacks in sustenance is remedied by this full plate of pasta featuring grilled shrimp, chicken and Alfredo sauce, including a piece of garlic toast that rivals New York Bakery’s “Texas Toast.” That’s high praise.
Unlike the snack food that comprises the Triple Dipper, this dish with a kick is a hearty meal that will leave anyone satisfied, though I suppose it’s not shareable like everything else mentioned. Personally, this is a moot point since I’d want my own meal in a romantic or individual setting, yet the grand finale can be enjoyed by more than one person. If that sounds like an innuendo, it isn’t, but happy Valentine’s Day!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
I mentioned Red Lobster at the beginning of this for good reason. I savored their Ultimate Feast every visit and a chocolate chip cookie skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream would await me at the end. The dessert is generally a staple at casual joints but there’s context for why I take this dessert over any others.
During the aforementioned Daily Campus Chili’s run, a chocolate lava cake and a slice of cheesecake were also ordered, both receiving positive reception. However, the cookie skillet’s arrival was preceded by a birthday song and lit with a candle, crowning it my favorite of the bunch. This Valentine’s Day will be an ordinary day for me, but the previous Friday was something special. Much love to my friends at the Daily Campus!
Noa’s Response:
James and I put a lot of thought into what would make the perfect fast-casual Valentine’s Day Meal. Truthfully, it was a bit tough to assemble one; there are many options, and everyone has different taste and preferences. However, I was so inspired by James and his sincere appreciation for Chili’s as an institution that I too decided to create what I see as the perfect three-course meal from the beloved chain.
Dip Trio
James, I see your chips and salsa and I raise you this: the dip trio. I first tried Chili’s when I went for my birthday last year, and I was thoroughly impressed by the dip trio ordered for the table. The crunch of the chips, the multitude of dips (always order the ranch) and the magic of dining in this mystical restaurant with my dear companions almost brought me to tears. Love is in the air, so make sure the chips are there too.
Why limit yourself and only get salsa? Why not reach for the stars and make your taste buds sing with joy? You can do it. I know you can. Get that dip trio and thank me later.
The main event: the triple dipper
Sure, it might be a little basic, but there’s nothing wrong with a classic; when I order the triple dipper, I choose to get the honey chipotle mozzarella sticks, the southwestern eggrolls, and the classic chicken crispers. Ranch is a must, and so is the avocado one the southwestern eggrolls come with. I know perfection when I see it, which is why I don’t think messing with the classic chicken crispers is necessary, for they are beautiful the way they are. I find the honey chipotle sauce too sweet on them.
Molten Chocolate Cake
A chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center and ice cream? Say less. I’m not usually keen on getting a dessert post triple dipper, not because it’s bad, but because I end up too full. But for Valentine’s? Only the best for the people: and I deem this lava cake as the chosen one. Maybe I won’t be doing anything crazy, but I know I have a solid recommendation of food if I choose to leave the house.