I Got A Coupon So It's Decided

Name of the game is expiring coupons when it comes to picking out food to eat sometimes. Mama didn't raise no fool as I do love myself some good bargains.  Today's breakfast was actually a free pickup from Jewel. You might be a true South side Chicagoan if you pronounced that JEWELS. In case you're not familiar with Jewel, its a Chicago grocery store. Fairly certain it might be limited to just Illinois  but could also fall into a surrounding state or two. Similar to a lot of grocery stores they have their own coupon type application called MyMixx. Part of their digital coupons they give away a free item here and there.  The item of choice this week?

Noosa Pineapple Jalapeno Yogurt

Noosa's Pineapple Jalepeno yogurt- or as the container states yoghurt! I think a while back I posted that I had tried another variation of theirs which  was a combination of blackberry and serrano peoppers which is fairly tasty. This one pretty much had me confused. Not sure if I didn't mix it properly or what the deal was but seemed like three separate flavors just put in a container that didn't mesh well together. The jalapeno was pretty much a non factor to the point that I questioned if there was even any in there. The pineapple was okay but not that much more quantity wise. Is this why compartmentalization happens? Will have to consult with the experts...(insert shifty eyes here). All that said it was free so not truly a waste. Would I get it again- most likely no.

Karen saw some expiring coupons for Noodles and Company and thus dinner was decided. She loves that place. I on the other hand am not a big fan of Noodles and Company as I find their stuff to be generic tasting. Not sure its as bad as Chipotle generic though. Chipotle burn aside, I debated getting a Whopperito instead for myself but couldn't see how that would be any better. Plus Karen's coupon was buy one get one free so might as well get the cheaper deal there. Also I might have been tricked by my old kryptonite: "NEW".  

On the ad that Karen got the coupon from, it showed a new dish they offered: Spicy Korean Beef Noodles. So add "new" with the disappointment of the Jalapeno yogurt earlier and unappealing look of the Whopperito, it was the logical choice. Per the website's description: Ramen noodles tossed with a sweet and spicy Korean-style Gochujang sauce, naturally raised steak, napa and red cabbage, Asian sprouts, spinach, topped with cucumber, green onions and cilantro

Noodles and Company: Spicy Korean Beef Noodles

It was damn good and hit that spiciness I was was hoping for. Gochujang sauce (per the always trusted Wikipedia) is a savory, spicy, and pungent fermented Korean condiment made with red chili, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. As appealing as that sounds to read, its actually not pungent. The flavor was on point, everything was cooked well, and I apparently mixed this better than I did the yogurt. I definitely was go back for this one again although calorie wise it's a killer (450/900 calories). 

Karen got another staple in her food choices by ordering the Pesto Cavatappi. Actually had no idea this was her favorite as I don't typically go with her to Noodles- that's Tina's job. (THANK YOU TINA!) Per the website: Curly pasta, basil pesto, garlic, mushrooms, tomato, wine, cream, parmesan and Italian parsley.

Noodles and Company Pesto Cavatappiti

Since it is one of those automatic selections, it was safe to say that Karen loved it. Mostly like cause it has wine in it...just kidding Karen doesn't drink at all. I did try it and it was alright by my standards but I'm not a big fan of pasta overall. Not really sure where that comes from- maybe I don't find it that savory? I suppose maybe it falls on the sauce or lack there of. In the interest of getting food from folks, if you're an awesome pasta maker hook a brother up.  

Funny enough I tell my sister that she ruined spaghetti for me. Once when she lived in Maryland me and my brother went to visit her. She had made a giant pot of spaghetti I think the day before we got there. Legit did a 14 hour drive straight like the dope I am from Illinois to Maryland. If I recall it was around the time that there were snipers shooting folks in West Virginia so that probably was more scary than anything but I digress. Any how she made this giant pot of spaghetti which apparently must last her for weeks. Not really sure why you make that much spaghetti but hey she was recently out of college so probably still in that food mindset. So she tried to feed us that spaghetti every day we were there. I never wanted spaghetti ever again and avoided it for a long time. I think I'm finally coming around to accepting it as being good again. 

Lily got the classic mac and cheese in kid's meal format. 

Noodles and Company: Kid's Mac and cheese, carrots, and apple slices

Not really sure that I've met a kid who doesn't love mac and cheese completely. I didn't try it but I can only assume it good. I still stand by my homemade garlic mac and cheese. So if you ever come over for a meal I'd be happy to make it and see what you think.  Overall had some ups and downs with the food but the coupons were all the rage today.

#CheapEats,

Reef