FOOD-DAY, TUESDAY!

The other day my husband and I went to Michael's Charcoal Grill for lunch, located at 723 W. Wadley in Midland.

Serving Midland for over 25 years, Micheal's is a local staple for burgers, the 'Texas-sized salad bar,' and BBQ.

My husband both ordered the chopped beef sandwich and tater tots.

This was the small sandwich and it was plenty of food. I like to add red onions and pickles to my sandwich, along with the 'hot' BBQ sauce. The meat is tender and almost melts in your mouth. I typically have to get a knife and fork to eat this sandwich because they give you so much meat. My favorite way to eat their crispy tater tots, also know as 'gator bait,' is to cover them in the 'hot' BBQ sauce. Wash it all down with fresh brewed, iced tea and it is a wonderful meal.

For a quick lunch, that's not fast food, check out Michael's Charcoal Grill in Midland.

MEET MIDLAND

For this addition of 'Meet Midland' I would like to introduce you Barbara Butts, owner and photographer for Hidden Key Designs.

Moving here when she was in elementary school, Barbara considers herself a native Midlander. After playing soccer for the University of the Incarnate Word, earning her degree in Communications & Media Studies, Barbara returned to Midland to work as a graphic designer. After taking some pictures for a friend's party, people started approaching Barbara to take pictures for their events. Soon, by the word-of-mouth, Barbara's photography business took off, Hidden Key Designs was born.

Barbara tries to keep a timeless and classic feel to her photographs. Some of her favorite events to shoot is weddings. She finds her inspiration from fashion forward magazines, like Vogue. She always to find the latest poses for women so that her brides feel like their pictures could be in a magazine.

Barbara's other favorite thing to shoot is the detail shots. She loves being able to spend time with the small details, i.e. shoes, rings, flowers, etc., involved in an event and pushing herself to find new ways to capture them.

Barbara is constantly learning new techniques to advance her photography.

For more information on Barbara Butts and Hidden Key Designs, check out her website at www.HiddenKeyDesigns.com, or her blog at www.TheHiddenBlog.com.

FOOD-DAY TUESDAY!

One of my favorite Mexican food places in Midland is Tampico Spanish Inn, located at 2411 W. Wall Street.

When my husband and I were starting our married life together we would meet our close friends for lunch at Tampico's every Sunday for Bloody Mary's, Coronitas, and great food.

Once you are seated, you are greeted with wonderful, fresh salsa served with warm chips. I don't know about you, but for me, if the salsa is fresh and home-made, the meal is off to a fantastic start. There is just something wonderful about salsa that tastes like actual tomatoes, and onions, and garlic, and peppers.... YUM!

The dish I order 90% of the time at Tampico's is the beef chili rellenos with no batter. I love, love, love these chili rellenos and this is the only place I will order rellenos. There is something wonderful about their ground beef mixture that when mixed with the peppers and melted cheese, that no other place can match. I usually opt for charro beans, which are delicious, in lieu of re-fried beans. I have never left Tampico's not satisfied.

For all the great memories and good food Tampico Spanish Inn will always hold a special place in my heart. Make sure you stop by 2411 W. Wall Street in Midland and try the delicious food.