A little touch of home

I moved up to Minnesota in June, and in August, two of my friends from high school--Meredith and Quinn--moved to the Cities, too.  Quinn came here to go to school, and Meredith came up here for an adventure (which you can read about on her blog MeredithRhea.com).  Though we're only 25 minutes from each other, we don't get to see each other too much.  However, the fact that they are in the Cities makes me more than happy.  I love having that little touch of home in a place where I definitely don't feel at home.

Meredith and me in high school

Quinn and me back in the day

This evening while I was working, I got a text from Quinn saying that he and Mer were in the area where I was working.  They ended up hanging around until I got off work, and then we went out to eat.  Since high school, it's been somewhat of a tradition for Meredith and I to go to Mexican restaurants, so I found it fitting that she was craving Mexican food.  I've also been searching for a good Mexican restaurant in the area, so I'm glad that Meredith's cravings were as they usually are.  Anyway, we did a search for Mexican restaurants and came across El Tejabán in Richfield.

We decided to go for it and try it out.  It definitely had that "authentic Mexican restaurant feel" to it which is what I've been looking for!  Not only did the waitress bring out salsa, but cheese too!  Both the salsa and cheese had quite a kick to them though--A little more than I like, but hey, they had two for one margaritas, so I dealt with the kick just fine.  I enjoyed my meal--Traditional Chicken Burrito--but was slightly disappointed with the lack of chicken in my chicken burrito! But, I did love that a side of guacamole came with my particular meal!

So the food was good, but I have to say that the service wasn't the best.  It felt like forever before the waitress brought out drinks.  She forgot that we had asked for water a few times.  She'd never make eye contact with us when she passed by our table either!  Overall, I felt like the food was pretty good, but the service wasn't the kind of service I like when I am at a restaurant where I'm giving a tip!  I'll most likely go back because it's the first Mexican restaurant I've found in my area.  But if I come across another one, I'll definitely try it out.

Aside from the service, food and dinner in general were wonderful.  I just LOVE spending time with Meredith and Quinn.  We got to reminisce about high school, talk about Chris' and my upcoming wedding (which apparently Quinn is ecstatic for), and talk about what everyone is up to these days.  I don't foresee either of them staying in the area long, but as long as they're here, I know I'll have that little touch of home.