Chili's

Sir T-Hawk and I were sans students on Saturday and opted to break our usual preferences and hit a major chain restaurant.  We are both bummed/annoyed because 3 of our favorite local places close between 3 and 5 and with class ending at 3:30, that puts us looking for food at 4.  Phooey.

Primary reason for choosing Chili's - Hatch Green Chili.  I'd been there a few weeks ago and had one of their "limited time only" specials with the Hatch Green Chili and wanted Sir T to try it.  There are only 3 entrees with it, and since I tried one last time, Sir T and I ended up with the same thing - the Hatch Chili Cheeseburger.  Blew my calorie count, even though I'd saved up for it.  We went for the "2 for $20" deal and got the half order of Texas Cheese Fries (fries with LOTS of melted cheese and crumbled bacon).  Sir T mentioned that the half order is plenty for two people, and I agree.  Last time, I remembered dipping the cheese fries in the green chili, but my mouth was full when I asked for it and the waiter brought a cup of the regular chili ... which was still wonderful for dipping fries into.  Sir T said I can order with my mouth full anytime.  I also requested an extra cup of the green chili with my burger, so did Sir T.

The burgers had a pico de gallo type chopped veggie mix on the bottom, with pepper jack cheese and the green chili on the top.  Wonderful.  We both thought the burgers were amazing ... if a bit messy.  We waited for the burgers to cool a bit, let the cheese solidify to try and keep the tops from sliding.  It worked, but it was still a 3-napkin burger.  I'm not a connoisseur of french fries, but these were good - crispy and lightly seasoned, they didn't lose crispness or flavor as they cooled.  The fries were good dipped in the green chili, and any combination of chili, ranch and green chili.  I even dipped my burger in the green chili when I got it small enough.

Love the Hatch green chili, I wish Chili's sold it in jars.  Great flavor and an excellent way to spice up any meal without adding heat.  I had it with chicken last time, and a burger this time.  I wouldn't put it with highly flavored meat as the tastes might challenge each other ... but with chicken and a quesadilla, or on a cheeseburger the flavor stands out well.