tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54286658611530018532024-03-13T11:40:54.006-05:00Julia Explores...Eats • Travel • Babies • Expat LifeJulia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-73513817618278963532015-07-01T23:00:00.000-05:002015-07-01T23:00:35.525-05:00Eats: Kamalan BakeryI discovered Kamalan Bakery by accident. I picking up a to-go order from FuFu Restaurant and the only parking spot available was at the end of the strip, right in front of their store front. Six Ping was actually my next stop after FuFu. Upon seeing Kamalan, I thought why not check it out.<br />
<br />
I'm so glad I did! I've been pretty disappointed with Six Ping's buns lately and the other bakery I frequent is closed for a month. When I walked in, I was happy to see peanut bun and coconut bun on the shelve - two of my favorites. I bought a couple of each to try. I will say, they make the best peanut bun in town and their coconut bun is a near tie to my other favorite bakery.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgCLdycMRZf2J2g7sTC8NYK-vzrangIhI1oloBWEjVFAWLeu8oPzW71C5R2E2PUr936O-taidVFjE3UerEzQX7dLTOBwBkhv-JPNAf7IIIQUcAJ2aFMFjYd7YGslJOoNYV6mQgtnrGGc/s640/blogger-image--278000217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgCLdycMRZf2J2g7sTC8NYK-vzrangIhI1oloBWEjVFAWLeu8oPzW71C5R2E2PUr936O-taidVFjE3UerEzQX7dLTOBwBkhv-JPNAf7IIIQUcAJ2aFMFjYd7YGslJOoNYV6mQgtnrGGc/s400/blogger-image--278000217.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opened for a couple of months now, they're located next to<br />
Jungle Patisserie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqYQG6RHO-xK06Pmc_eZW37AmTdGS7fZzf7NujxIqg4HtAHHK6wXptSslCbkhwChXAcawH8fzuJ8VyDjz3_K4X4_uxWtxJg5SVZpu-uF55mHM1a_z2AR9RzvTLywZMH3NK6pGdMJdlF4/s640/blogger-image-615898295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqYQG6RHO-xK06Pmc_eZW37AmTdGS7fZzf7NujxIqg4HtAHHK6wXptSslCbkhwChXAcawH8fzuJ8VyDjz3_K4X4_uxWtxJg5SVZpu-uF55mHM1a_z2AR9RzvTLywZMH3NK6pGdMJdlF4/s400/blogger-image-615898295.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buns! This one is curry onion w/ pork sung.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30kJDnpg5oJRcc7Lpam2ammHfO0w5i-UX3CWHfgCo_jPTvYq0jg9oKC_AhzBWjhqYUXTij2-MB4dOtXqimE_b0NNzcp1qC9GOTpSkv_q-JSFOiWzr7slQLUa4Ujd4cdbxiS3bGPNhWLQ/s640/blogger-image-432040886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30kJDnpg5oJRcc7Lpam2ammHfO0w5i-UX3CWHfgCo_jPTvYq0jg9oKC_AhzBWjhqYUXTij2-MB4dOtXqimE_b0NNzcp1qC9GOTpSkv_q-JSFOiWzr7slQLUa4Ujd4cdbxiS3bGPNhWLQ/s1600/blogger-image-432040886.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More goodies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4RU1puBEiOtaCmUA4TPTBl0rjOFhVAYw5jxZ7UpygKIXGTq6ljRVJlu-OsRkaF8flK6Q90LOW6NvQYU83hZ-Ld7wKcfK70ZdwZNfl64R4xAs0g9T2nCfMnIG0jmWAXYxQk1jg7H62c0/s640/blogger-image-1628096454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4RU1puBEiOtaCmUA4TPTBl0rjOFhVAYw5jxZ7UpygKIXGTq6ljRVJlu-OsRkaF8flK6Q90LOW6NvQYU83hZ-Ld7wKcfK70ZdwZNfl64R4xAs0g9T2nCfMnIG0jmWAXYxQk1jg7H62c0/s400/blogger-image-1628096454.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cakes, coconut jelly, milk pudding to name a few...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZfUMpAk8Bop_F8kw4IKK8BOQ3_RALa6WjuHsFFclB3Mj4GI5815q9ewoNmxX3nqaBgcXFfuxWbX9dfMTB6oKZ0KEjAew-aeBpWEjxw6JRcatmWyXQdFnYrQ7fEMFcLCnF0Y3RhMQOA/s640/blogger-image--306055969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdZfUMpAk8Bop_F8kw4IKK8BOQ3_RALa6WjuHsFFclB3Mj4GI5815q9ewoNmxX3nqaBgcXFfuxWbX9dfMTB6oKZ0KEjAew-aeBpWEjxw6JRcatmWyXQdFnYrQ7fEMFcLCnF0Y3RhMQOA/s400/blogger-image--306055969.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More cakes. They have a durian pandan cake that I tried. It was ok - can<br />
definitely taste the durain, but I'm not a fan on the cream they use.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSoxHI5l0PLp3l_ppWanEXR9p1I1E1PW9AjUbX69LJigKhnksxYzMJZOMT2uemeXAeDNnaIqK_knjelNk6A06PH-ZG3W44cezqGCqkqchPN-0m9jbb3Jyy5BA0Zgf9hyPyEKN0TMb7EQ/s640/blogger-image-1377670589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSoxHI5l0PLp3l_ppWanEXR9p1I1E1PW9AjUbX69LJigKhnksxYzMJZOMT2uemeXAeDNnaIqK_knjelNk6A06PH-ZG3W44cezqGCqkqchPN-0m9jbb3Jyy5BA0Zgf9hyPyEKN0TMb7EQ/s400/blogger-image-1377670589.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PEANUT BUN!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLhoJpv2OpjLoawFzw0uz5_fQRxws6v8urFDa9txQ6r_2mWVGyO7cshajqGwMULTsMyHU5ujfh6q2J443OQu0uVZVAaXiIaE954vRMAbHp3CKyZw3R26mqoOAGpDaWAgiAo7VbilvgPE/s640/blogger-image--695282609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLhoJpv2OpjLoawFzw0uz5_fQRxws6v8urFDa9txQ6r_2mWVGyO7cshajqGwMULTsMyHU5ujfh6q2J443OQu0uVZVAaXiIaE954vRMAbHp3CKyZw3R26mqoOAGpDaWAgiAo7VbilvgPE/s400/blogger-image--695282609.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess their coconut bun was popular that day - only 1 left.<br />
The one next to it is custard bun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8vPCFkE8qeEWUs6GZ45O8Fkuf32eD3TTT5QylBcr3ZeyA6G-vr1BcZPYiPjM55E46eKEDOwgCvLYMne_yMiWjipVtLlEf4ommwBFRbKc5IirNf7sT4D_KByqa5aIpuSmbsR-sQl7Liw/s640/blogger-image--833552598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8vPCFkE8qeEWUs6GZ45O8Fkuf32eD3TTT5QylBcr3ZeyA6G-vr1BcZPYiPjM55E46eKEDOwgCvLYMne_yMiWjipVtLlEf4ommwBFRbKc5IirNf7sT4D_KByqa5aIpuSmbsR-sQl7Liw/s400/blogger-image--833552598.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the coconut bun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9SQHdkZ0sIjVr3wTh4SHVlvwAob3SSwY6JxWMalmPkaoX7IRweJF3aCqPKXYbbnu84i-7zlOohUQMHUqmnLQ1kxaJ_ALpW7RFG3WuVaFcHQuybb2PBa_a3PL8Yt3EiW8Y3uw4kl6I90/s640/blogger-image--314784746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9SQHdkZ0sIjVr3wTh4SHVlvwAob3SSwY6JxWMalmPkaoX7IRweJF3aCqPKXYbbnu84i-7zlOohUQMHUqmnLQ1kxaJ_ALpW7RFG3WuVaFcHQuybb2PBa_a3PL8Yt3EiW8Y3uw4kl6I90/s400/blogger-image--314784746.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What buns are on special</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
<div>
Kamalan Bakery</div>
<div>
9889 Bellaire Blvd., Suite E219</div>
<div>
Houston, TX</div>
<div>
http://kamalanbakery.com/</div>
</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-51293008936175858742015-01-13T02:10:00.002-06:002015-01-13T02:10:46.190-06:00Babies: 2-Year Old Thomas the Train Birthday PartyLast weekend, we celebrated my oldest son's 2nd birthday at Happy Playland. I've actually never heard of them before until recently. Since we've never been there, I scouted the place out first before reserving it. One look at the place and I knew I picked the right spot for his party.<br />
<br />
You can reserve the whole place or just one of the two rooms. The smaller room has this awesome wooden ship in it while the larger one has a jungle gym, small house and soft play area. While I wasn't expecting many kids, I reserved the large room anyway since it had the jungle gym my oldest can play on, and the soft play area my youngest can enjoy. The little house, complete with kitchen and accessories, was a hit with all the kids!<br />
<br />
Happy Playland really worked for us this year because at 2 years old, my son doesn't really have friends, yet. His friends are our friends' kids, and they range from babies to the case of my nephew, a tween. And at Happy Playland, they were all able to enjoy the equipment. We also liked the fact it was a free of any activities or games. It allowed us to catch up with our friends, most we haven't seen in a while.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just like most birthday rental places, we were allowed to arrive 15 minutes early to set up. The rental fee includes set up assistance, table clothes, plastic utensils (which came in handy because I totally forgot to buy some), napkins, clean up assistance. They called a couple days before to confirm how many kids were coming (to configurate tables and room) and what the party colors were (to match table cloth).<br />
<br />
I guess it would be nice for me to say we knew all a long he was going to have Thomas the Train birthday party but the truth is, my husband and I didn't decide on that until the week before his party. Luckily, the bakery that made his 1st birthday cake was able to whip up something for me. I emailed them a picture of a cake I liked on Pinterest and they matched it really good! I was very pleased with it.<br />
<br />
For supplies, I went to Party City and got a bunch of Thomas the Train plates, napkins, cups, balloons, a banner and a table cover... kept it simple. What's important was the birthday boy had a huge smile throughout his party!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AZN6iwzvHrDJwdSc3nSOs8R7QA5Qi49gxwP9xvhKGhyJ8iZr5emuycTBJrF6FVA1p71G7Q0IokxwDkKtIgChCtnszrNRA3Q8EGS29dKDOG-B4uz8TPTTFsnkf-WsdIHmhxS271glpkg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AZN6iwzvHrDJwdSc3nSOs8R7QA5Qi49gxwP9xvhKGhyJ8iZr5emuycTBJrF6FVA1p71G7Q0IokxwDkKtIgChCtnszrNRA3Q8EGS29dKDOG-B4uz8TPTTFsnkf-WsdIHmhxS271glpkg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="361" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party supplies from Party City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-lhfHjULzZvSsoHk0fMp9GA0W4_h1cVkts5tpmZ4kfH157vxPLm-rExjIpb51ECLjXnNxV546omRoMbim8cGDMP7lpBcvT3x4_b6wt5XO5usG_dUCl6RUCwnDVyoyAtTfTBfQmtLsiM/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-lhfHjULzZvSsoHk0fMp9GA0W4_h1cVkts5tpmZ4kfH157vxPLm-rExjIpb51ECLjXnNxV546omRoMbim8cGDMP7lpBcvT3x4_b6wt5XO5usG_dUCl6RUCwnDVyoyAtTfTBfQmtLsiM/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest inspired Thomas the Train cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/306f4a_5ce21874e30500d80af6821d0b1b361e.jpg_srz_p_766_574_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/306f4a_5ce21874e30500d80af6821d0b1b361e.jpg_srz_p_766_574_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from Happy Playland's website - jungle gym</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/306f4a_b7e2722b100237a13aa9c95fc2963909.jpg_srz_p_766_574_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/306f4a_b7e2722b100237a13aa9c95fc2963909.jpg_srz_p_766_574_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from Happy Playland's website - wooden ship</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/306f4a_085e52ce33661a5a763b99d8a76262fa.jpg_srz_p_859_574_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/306f4a_085e52ce33661a5a763b99d8a76262fa.jpg_srz_p_859_574_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from Happy Playland's website - soft play area and little house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/306f4a_b91701f496c729fac9305b7d8cf262a4.jpg_srz_p_859_574_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/306f4a_b91701f496c729fac9305b7d8cf262a4.jpg_srz_p_859_574_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from Happy Playland's website - how the two rooms connect</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Happy Playland<br />
9801 Long Point St, Suite 101 (at Bunker Hill)<br />
Houston, TX<br />
http://www.happy-playland.com/<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Alphorn Bakery</div>
1100 W. Dallas St.<br />
Houston, TX<br />
http://www.weddingcakeshouston.com/</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-90238973230803486622014-12-18T18:18:00.001-06:002015-07-14T00:10:10.846-05:00Eats: Boston Tea Party in Bristol Clifton<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_KtWB6blQA_-xa15obfosytc4FKUTBweSQXphRhMyG9Fv-HZyaXnfEMbIzofvW7Tvuy5vFJn4ILT-nKawXkIpJr0g2k3MzlhrgEhjblHHcQZOFVVvfT9pPG5lgbUzlnrNAYBl_pOCLA/s640/blogger-image--1028077710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_KtWB6blQA_-xa15obfosytc4FKUTBweSQXphRhMyG9Fv-HZyaXnfEMbIzofvW7Tvuy5vFJn4ILT-nKawXkIpJr0g2k3MzlhrgEhjblHHcQZOFVVvfT9pPG5lgbUzlnrNAYBl_pOCLA/s640/blogger-image--1028077710.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Love this great find! Here's the thing, after being in UK for several days, the boys are still jet lagged. It doesn't help that they're also sick. I actually don't care about adjusting their body clock. The only caveat is trying to find a place that serves breakfast later than 11am. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily, BTP serves breakfast all day! They have a very extended breakfast menu, everything from full English breakfast to pancakes in maple syrup. The food was done really well. I wish I took pictures of our food but, it was total chaos at our table. Just trust me when I say, it was good! And toddler approved!</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one picture I took doesn't do justice in capturing how quaint this cafe is. They get double thumbs up for being kid friendly - kid menu, high chairs at the upstairs dining room, and a changing table in the restroom!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boston Tea Party</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Princess Victoria St</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bristol Clifton</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.bostonteaparty.co.uk</span></div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-65891892055016968142014-08-30T01:42:00.000-05:002014-08-30T01:46:50.881-05:00Eats: 2014 Houston Restaurant Week at Brasserie 19With two babies around, I didn't to do a whole lot of <a href="http://www.houstonrestaurantweeks.com/" target="_blank">HRW</a>s this year. Since I can only do a couple, I was very selective with my restaurant choices. Brasserie 19's <a href="http://www.houstonrestaurantweeks.com/restaurants/brasserie-19/" target="_blank">menu</a> was one my whole family agreed on to have our family dinner at.<br />
<br />
Since we had a big group, I made reservations weeks in advance. I highly suggest making reservations if you're planning to dine here on a Friday or Saturday night as this place gets packed! And if you have small ones like me, come early.<br />
<br />
Last time I came <a href="http://juliaexplores.blogspot.com/2013/05/brasserie-19.html" target="_blank">here</a>, I sat outside which I prefer if the weather permits. It's quieter outside and more space between tables. Inside gets really loud and the seating is really tight. They do have booths along the wall that made it easy to sit the carseat on.<br />
<br />
On to the food...<br />
<br />
HRW menu here was $35. For my starter, I chose the foie gras torchon. The torchon itself was good but the side condiments was way too sweet. As you can see below, the torchon was really small. When we were ordering, my brother asked how big it was going to be and the waiter replied about 4 oz. Umm, yeah... it wasn't even an ounce.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNN175KcU6YW43-YdAPN1G4Kwq7faiF74ApCQ_v8uTcXzAZ1uRQ2HlIK2Hn8sX_-7fkiodgNaNRONmbdCZjmweaL73md5ZMD6Ox-mNlXI5gsuR3RBfXJZXqT5FoA0q-VkFqJHXeHpYBrk/s1600/WP_20140830_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNN175KcU6YW43-YdAPN1G4Kwq7faiF74ApCQ_v8uTcXzAZ1uRQ2HlIK2Hn8sX_-7fkiodgNaNRONmbdCZjmweaL73md5ZMD6Ox-mNlXI5gsuR3RBfXJZXqT5FoA0q-VkFqJHXeHpYBrk/s1600/WP_20140830_001.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foie Gras Torchon<br />
pink peppercorn, strawberry jam, basil, pistachio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
For my main course, I had the coq au vin. I was very happy with this dish. It was spot on, rustic French. The size of this dish made up for the minuscule torchon. In fact, I couldn't finish it and asked for a to-go box (very un-French).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61kepGcq5-3NjpmSjK-h-hJ-UFAY2SWGvJ7M99Ug7Rzm8D2NfToWk01SzzncIiPFzp68_lCc0bGGw6_p8LVJrI-3DeIGNkVbzVj3HhTTOEY91s_Icvvh3svV2nmPla09paxnKgXcKnYs/s1600/WP_20140830_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61kepGcq5-3NjpmSjK-h-hJ-UFAY2SWGvJ7M99Ug7Rzm8D2NfToWk01SzzncIiPFzp68_lCc0bGGw6_p8LVJrI-3DeIGNkVbzVj3HhTTOEY91s_Icvvh3svV2nmPla09paxnKgXcKnYs/s1600/WP_20140830_006.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coq Au Vin<br />
braised half hen, red wine, wild mushroom, bacon lardons, pearl onions, egg noodles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My dessert was the lemon bavarian. I was hoping by ordering a lemony dessert it would be refreshing. Unfortunately, the lemon curd itself was too sweet for my liking.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SwQAaSlWd71HS1l_1ZCd6A0IshB15TrlE9i2fWokZHNV-HxqrUWgRavSR-jPLhbQXM5JntpF5f3Xfsgt_NimIp-VlXnFY6hWs_TjpaL4JZ9WbZm8aIHLzjWYvrVZozaHcTeBG8nEQiY/s1600/WP_20140830_008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SwQAaSlWd71HS1l_1ZCd6A0IshB15TrlE9i2fWokZHNV-HxqrUWgRavSR-jPLhbQXM5JntpF5f3Xfsgt_NimIp-VlXnFY6hWs_TjpaL4JZ9WbZm8aIHLzjWYvrVZozaHcTeBG8nEQiY/s1600/WP_20140830_008.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Bavarian<br />
toasted marshmallow, shortbread crumble, lemon curd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Despite some things being too sweet, overall I enjoyed my dinner. After two visits here, I think it's one of the better French restaurants in town. And it helps that the service was quick and efficient despite it being a packed. I'm not crazy about how loud the restaurant gets but it made me not feel bad about bringing my toddler and baby since no one can hear them anyway. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In reality, my babies did fine. Even the unruly toddler who has the tendency to climb out of his highchair and run around the restaurant. He behaved himself and stayed seated the whole time. Of course it was with the help of "nanny" iPad which I don't normally take with me but I did this time since we were having three-course meals. It also helped that I brought his favorite foods with me. It kept him busy munching the whole time.<br />
<br />
Side note: if you're celebrating a birthday here, notify the staff. They'll bring out a cotton candy... with sparklers... in a trophy.<br />
<br />
Brasserie 19<br />
1962 W. Gray St.<br />
Houston, TX 77019<br />
http://brasserie19.com/</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-82390371493540093702014-06-29T17:17:00.001-05:002014-06-30T01:23:47.484-05:00Eats and More: First Day of Ramadan and Iftar Today, Al Khobar felt like a ghost town. It's the first day of Ramadan.<br />
<br />
I needed to go grocery shopping... yesterday! But, I heard it could be a mad house at the grocery stores with people stocking up for Suhoor (the meal eaten before fasting) and Iftar (meal eaten to break fast). So, I decided to go this morning. Smart idea! Nobody was out and about. I had the grocery store pretty much to myself and a handful of other foreigners.<br />
<br />
To my surprise, it was still a ghost town when we ventured out for dinner right before 7pm. I thought it would be crazy with people trying to go out for Iftar. Perhaps it was the first day and everyone was celebrating at home? Perhaps it was too early? When I called Pattis France, they told me they had tables available for Iftar tonight however, for tomorrow night I would have to book a table. So perhaps it is the first.<br />
<br />
Pattis France is one of our favorite restaurants in Al Khobar. Like many restaurants in town, they offer special Iftar buffets during Ramadan. Prices are SR135 for adults, SR75 for kids, and children under 6 are free. Since they are a French cafe, their buffet was a mix of Middle Eastern and Western food.<br />
<br />
Being this was my first Iftar, I truly enjoyed my experience. The food was good and I got a taste of what people normally eat here when they break fast.<br />
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENnDJ-USOcTKC4xJ6u4dDe1nkKxVGz-hhxNnUnqCP6vLa_UNOwAW6Xm3yJ8MmZRvHtcKp2PPzy-1QWQazz2cwugIo8xFG5KAaUwosGOeJmU8-PZ9N3L01lXkCGgvGGsb5fQZmmpGO4oI/s640/blogger-image--255445661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENnDJ-USOcTKC4xJ6u4dDe1nkKxVGz-hhxNnUnqCP6vLa_UNOwAW6Xm3yJ8MmZRvHtcKp2PPzy-1QWQazz2cwugIo8xFG5KAaUwosGOeJmU8-PZ9N3L01lXkCGgvGGsb5fQZmmpGO4oI/s400/blogger-image--255445661.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table setup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfs0nv_68TAhsGtngMKJ2vs7eDsqBIfWZjk42ehZU7TIAtW55xD3w1TTsmFFJscS378Ci4JKCfrf_FJ2r87WKtoDm7S8NihnzOSFt9Z88RY6DXw9kDgbmZqiqCEH4lrw9RYBTc01k2lk/s640/blogger-image-2018477442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfs0nv_68TAhsGtngMKJ2vs7eDsqBIfWZjk42ehZU7TIAtW55xD3w1TTsmFFJscS378Ci4JKCfrf_FJ2r87WKtoDm7S8NihnzOSFt9Z88RY6DXw9kDgbmZqiqCEH4lrw9RYBTc01k2lk/s400/blogger-image-2018477442.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appetizers and Main Course Buffet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iz5lUFUwlmWyVYB5evKSWsornQIuV3tykRrTsBxQqbeWJ4whhM0Qruuc9C9dp6QyEiwwRludglJs2uyzZsbRurrwNFeXd5SRNXfRU6OLnFlzdsPGvfCH9H05KTnKigCzmwutn_APM3E/s640/blogger-image--1875867532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iz5lUFUwlmWyVYB5evKSWsornQIuV3tykRrTsBxQqbeWJ4whhM0Qruuc9C9dp6QyEiwwRludglJs2uyzZsbRurrwNFeXd5SRNXfRU6OLnFlzdsPGvfCH9H05KTnKigCzmwutn_APM3E/s400/blogger-image--1875867532.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Iftar Drinks<br />
I didn't quite understand what they are. The left one was super<br />
sweet and a bit spicy. The right one was a yogurt drink of sort. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIoPulntFDfV6Mwhu_hGA-Va-KF2uYr979_Kk-lx-hQ9-Q0WAkXfuYBIaM7M35ZttQ6PT45002tOM-NfyIjjDWEJIeXEVoODa1dNTwywXuTTZSuVdIyN2zxGXEo5otr4mLdjM2zbwBvQ/s640/blogger-image-1589026459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIoPulntFDfV6Mwhu_hGA-Va-KF2uYr979_Kk-lx-hQ9-Q0WAkXfuYBIaM7M35ZttQ6PT45002tOM-NfyIjjDWEJIeXEVoODa1dNTwywXuTTZSuVdIyN2zxGXEo5otr4mLdjM2zbwBvQ/s400/blogger-image-1589026459.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert Buffet<br />
The middle one is Umm Ali, which is an Egyptian<br />
bread pudding that's very popular here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORA71CCH2rOF5vyMwbF28LwHcNLGRFnB_rFT5-PuzFXTRONri6yhxbohfoWSR_H27dw71bv72wk4GuMDNOS6fElaiBFAsFm41rt9V9fWQahzyI8k7PEyOk5_oYOBkO0KK8ap3Q-7X9nw/s640/blogger-image-3175402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORA71CCH2rOF5vyMwbF28LwHcNLGRFnB_rFT5-PuzFXTRONri6yhxbohfoWSR_H27dw71bv72wk4GuMDNOS6fElaiBFAsFm41rt9V9fWQahzyI8k7PEyOk5_oYOBkO0KK8ap3Q-7X9nw/s400/blogger-image-3175402.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arabic Coffee<br />
I still can't get used to this. It doesn't taste like coffee<br />
at all! More like a herbal drink I used to "have" to drink<br />
in Indonesia (jamu).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-88545577993731909602014-05-23T06:21:00.001-05:002014-05-23T06:21:40.105-05:00Eats: BRC Gastropub RevisitedLast time I posted about <a href="http://juliaexplores.blogspot.com/2014/03/eats-brc-gastropub.html" target="_blank">BRC</a>, it made me crave their brussel sprouts. So, while the hubs was in town, we made our way there for lunch. In addition to the brussel sprouts, we shared their foie gras burger. After being pregnant two years in a row and knowing I only had days left in the States, I didn't care about calories... I wanted to splurge! Dang, it was worth it!<br />
<br />
We like this restaurant because it has good beer selection for the husband, a kids menu of sort (although the toddler wasn't a fan of their mac 'n cheese), and a dog-friendly patio for the... dog.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQ2CSpfOPpPHCqsJQykeIbcSxhjnll7iYTYD2tjf8B2zs6hclf_QlF8GpMVCDCquVz6QY-wlRCMtWEmf7rVWdu3SU59lwrYJIi5JRDGjiA551VRmLhJPdd40DzoPnLR5UYHylWd9tTTI/s640/blogger-image--1615548839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQ2CSpfOPpPHCqsJQykeIbcSxhjnll7iYTYD2tjf8B2zs6hclf_QlF8GpMVCDCquVz6QY-wlRCMtWEmf7rVWdu3SU59lwrYJIi5JRDGjiA551VRmLhJPdd40DzoPnLR5UYHylWd9tTTI/s400/blogger-image--1615548839.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JR's Le Fat Fatboy<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">foie gras, onion-bacon jam, arugula, green garlic mayo, </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">avocado, marinated tomato, potato bun</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
<div style="color: #4a4a4a; line-height: 18px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">BRC Gastropub</span></div>
<div style="color: #4a4a4a; line-height: 18px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">519 Shepherd</span></div>
<div style="color: #4a4a4a; line-height: 18px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Houston, TX</span></div>
<div style="color: #4a4a4a; line-height: 18px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.brcgastropub.com/index.php</span></div>
</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-4582074679817814162014-05-22T02:26:00.001-05:002014-05-22T02:26:48.107-05:00Eats: CaracolCaracol opened in mid-December by the same chef behind Hugo's restaurant. It intrigued me since its focus is on Mexican coastal cuisine as oppose to regional Mexican cuisine that of Hugo's.<br />
<br />
At first, it was a little confusing to find. My iPhone map kept directing me to Arcodoro/ Canyon Cafe shopping center when in fact, it's located on the ground floor of the new BBVA Compass building. I had limited time so when I arrived, I just valet parked my car. I read you can self park in the visitor parking garage, just bring the ticket with you so the staff could validate it.<br />
<br />
Since I wasn't sure how packed they were for lunch, I called ahead of time to see if reservations was needed. The hostess said, no. Sure enough, my mom and I were seated immediately when we arrived. After placing our order, our waitress brought out an amuse bouche of shrimp soup that was really good - had a little kick to it. This turned out to be the second highlight of our meal.<br />
<br />
Since it was just the two of us, to try as many dishes as we could, we opted for the <i>2 for $22</i> lunch special and ordered one dish from the regular menu. This also allowed us some room for dessert. Overall, their food was good, some dishes were better than others. Of the three that we ordered, we definitely liked the ceviche the most. I probably would've liked the pulpo (octopus) had I tasted it first but, having had the ceviche, the flavors from that overpowered the pulpo.<br />
<br />
For lunch, their service was a little slow. At the rate they were going, I wasn't sure if we were going to have time for dessert but, I was determined to have some so, we ordered one before we were even done with our meal. I'm glad we did because their churros is so deliciously addictive! It was definitely the highlight of our meal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DbnbI29q3WwkYgtCfmDCn1fk7h6C6lE6_5U3KQgZAHj3Wc2E7TX0AiWoeUwXdcrwBrxMBy9lbbYzHwGEXB0-12bum4DwmydMdbjjwN13yMqlLGe7QHYxSpWmvWa8ESpoIdcMDdtHGrU/s640/blogger-image-1865937778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DbnbI29q3WwkYgtCfmDCn1fk7h6C6lE6_5U3KQgZAHj3Wc2E7TX0AiWoeUwXdcrwBrxMBy9lbbYzHwGEXB0-12bum4DwmydMdbjjwN13yMqlLGe7QHYxSpWmvWa8ESpoIdcMDdtHGrU/s400/blogger-image-1865937778.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amuse bouche<br />
shrimp soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4T0q_XLNFUm4GXcxg0EtrsdOnpLnvuAqH6azQmmybMPDirULYijbt-jkIazeWYnO23mRyB_Qa4fkXgzdIFHu-k9gbRMv8V6Sx0AzRy5PSl4iDIm5KQRgs03ViZiOfgaQGj238fxbiPE/s640/blogger-image--1139357516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4T0q_XLNFUm4GXcxg0EtrsdOnpLnvuAqH6azQmmybMPDirULYijbt-jkIazeWYnO23mRyB_Qa4fkXgzdIFHu-k9gbRMv8V6Sx0AzRy5PSl4iDIm5KQRgs03ViZiOfgaQGj238fxbiPE/s400/blogger-image--1139357516.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceviche de Caracol<br />
conch, pineapple, ginger, jalapeno</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRRJE6YQ8NPy49x8X3bZsecpa0lJtPYj1b4OUsyiAIaYQN7PrGOXcUIkOaqW37RegmJjwYJifG40TfuhkefQ9V5MrTnDfPhyphenhyphenMx_EaOu6DPfwjsV81eTzYp0AA45qZj2Vn4gihc7sF0S8/s640/blogger-image--1535516289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRRJE6YQ8NPy49x8X3bZsecpa0lJtPYj1b4OUsyiAIaYQN7PrGOXcUIkOaqW37RegmJjwYJifG40TfuhkefQ9V5MrTnDfPhyphenhyphenMx_EaOu6DPfwjsV81eTzYp0AA45qZj2Vn4gihc7sF0S8/s400/blogger-image--1535516289.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ensalada de Pulpo<br />
grilled octopus salad, roasted potato, carrot, celery leaves, pumpkin seed dressing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47DO5Erw1L-0YpuqPGEkGbvrBmV6RsPrltLCOMPzIuzDEK4OCXbv1fpvkOtVLABXVqj5MKhS2WdoSHzwCC3G6t3wesDsnSuFLEcSyv0LJ4OedsidPCuW-9vsCQn49-5bq-i2aJ6F3FF4/s640/blogger-image-1799969578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47DO5Erw1L-0YpuqPGEkGbvrBmV6RsPrltLCOMPzIuzDEK4OCXbv1fpvkOtVLABXVqj5MKhS2WdoSHzwCC3G6t3wesDsnSuFLEcSyv0LJ4OedsidPCuW-9vsCQn49-5bq-i2aJ6F3FF4/s400/blogger-image-1799969578.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Texas T Kobe" Carne Apache<br />
Kobe tri-tip, jicama, corn, squash, avocado-tomatillo salsa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAc9eQPzvjOVHGPCGtPBZtUxiWU0Hl9aU-5TdpwvNciGfXMv3RknUp8JazPqDVZvCGCADBZEk-6p90xLh5rFN03krrj7tA7eHc1jnAElRDU39uVZqYIFJOD8rLy3zNyonTKiKOfSv39I/s640/blogger-image-1921115398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAc9eQPzvjOVHGPCGtPBZtUxiWU0Hl9aU-5TdpwvNciGfXMv3RknUp8JazPqDVZvCGCADBZEk-6p90xLh5rFN03krrj7tA7eHc1jnAElRDU39uVZqYIFJOD8rLy3zNyonTKiKOfSv39I/s400/blogger-image-1921115398.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple marmalade stuffed churros served with rum raisin ice cream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Caracol</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2200 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 160</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Houston, TX </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.caracol.net/index.html">http://www.caracol.net/index.html</a></div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-75631251616153769032014-04-23T22:29:00.000-05:002014-04-23T22:29:15.885-05:00Eats: Mama YuSince my last <a href="http://juliaexplores.blogspot.com/2013/06/eats-mama-yu-indonesian-restaurant-in.html" target="_blank">post</a> on Mama Yu, my family and I have visited it multiple times. Sometimes we dine-in but, most of the time it's take-out.<br />
<br />
The family who opened Mama Yu are Javanese. Because of that, their specialty is in Javanese and Sundanese cuisine. I know that means nothing to most of you so I'll just give you my recommendations:<br />
<ul>
<li>Ayam Kremes (whole fried chicken with crunchy flakes). Get this, you won't regret it. Their version is very authentic.</li>
<li>Mie Ayam Jawa (stir-fry yellow noodle with chicken). You can ask to substitute the chicken with beef. It's typically a non spicy dish but you can ask them to cook it spicy. </li>
<li>Nasi Padang Rendang (rice with beef rendang and various sides). They also have a chicken version but, I prefer the beef rendang one. </li>
</ul>
<br />
They have different specials every weekend. Check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MamaYuRestaurantHouston" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page for updates. Of their weekend specials, I've had:<br />
<ul>
<li>Lontong Sayur</li>
<li>Nasi Rames Pepes Ikan (rice dish steamed fish in banana leaf with deep fried tofu and tamarind soup served with spicy shrimp paste sauce)</li>
</ul>
I highly recommend both!<br />
<br />
They used to offer passion fruit soda but, lately I don't see it offered anymore. They still serve teh botol though and that's good enough for me!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL_SJSVw40bARA94W2CKXSO1p0H1sHpcGD50QFgCnb0W0CcOf6Mw8pEufwcxWUe3ZMOJxMyw4woYsYGeJRq-HxHJyIv3jBFIJzGGURXvnOYOprcNFzLLhi-BEMcGDHgIklxOlLYYJvkY/s640/blogger-image-1191247761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL_SJSVw40bARA94W2CKXSO1p0H1sHpcGD50QFgCnb0W0CcOf6Mw8pEufwcxWUe3ZMOJxMyw4woYsYGeJRq-HxHJyIv3jBFIJzGGURXvnOYOprcNFzLLhi-BEMcGDHgIklxOlLYYJvkY/s400/blogger-image-1191247761.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lontong Sayur<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwmT-9HQyey2-7JbMS8pdoGCgDiwj_tn4Osg43wKvuj8ohYOf99CR8E6duoNRVLl33FIRdcjqb6Dvxnw656CsBc8hvXiLMF-JylvGB0rAUQ5RzVh7IkyRv14f54-Ces2zWZ8hYa3_bdg/s640/blogger-image--973068484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwmT-9HQyey2-7JbMS8pdoGCgDiwj_tn4Osg43wKvuj8ohYOf99CR8E6duoNRVLl33FIRdcjqb6Dvxnw656CsBc8hvXiLMF-JylvGB0rAUQ5RzVh7IkyRv14f54-Ces2zWZ8hYa3_bdg/s400/blogger-image--973068484.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mie Goreng Jawa (with chicken)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1MRkOCaP06ge6r4-ui1M-zBgLX_mYxL8Y9kj0oNmptxErzHEYp6c9my8DISaXrdUMJq0SIInsVqnP2K_F9HIRyDKTqLlpnzG7Dh9mEE9DOUeDZF-ClclwwRf_xskFNiUm1C4l89xx84/s640/blogger-image--1893204076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1MRkOCaP06ge6r4-ui1M-zBgLX_mYxL8Y9kj0oNmptxErzHEYp6c9my8DISaXrdUMJq0SIInsVqnP2K_F9HIRyDKTqLlpnzG7Dh9mEE9DOUeDZF-ClclwwRf_xskFNiUm1C4l89xx84/s400/blogger-image--1893204076.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sate Padang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF19RCMU8WYab2g_VlQ8jg56zEHuKQZ73vUYrDEKxGj0KiOATpBS8dN3yHiQ45F3CXTmKee9AKeXo3sMkLCkmV2yuyWXmcrE10wy3fw9JGsNkbZ_HYLvhTUXWQENyriZo7YLCTzg-IEy0/s640/blogger-image--656730670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF19RCMU8WYab2g_VlQ8jg56zEHuKQZ73vUYrDEKxGj0KiOATpBS8dN3yHiQ45F3CXTmKee9AKeXo3sMkLCkmV2yuyWXmcrE10wy3fw9JGsNkbZ_HYLvhTUXWQENyriZo7YLCTzg-IEy0/s400/blogger-image--656730670.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nasi Padang Rendang (with beef rendang)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXFZAhxIyAi-HqzLxBR0LqUF9GwuHTs1RW0KPC15E6hWEMUreD1CListlDRVMzsTpNNBlsDJeCSK6HMolCe6uudjqbEc9tRk71hYpj_WroyHF8wvJgEvJo4OOmK3RiahRQvNKibktn7M/s640/blogger-image--1723208146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXFZAhxIyAi-HqzLxBR0LqUF9GwuHTs1RW0KPC15E6hWEMUreD1CListlDRVMzsTpNNBlsDJeCSK6HMolCe6uudjqbEc9tRk71hYpj_WroyHF8wvJgEvJo4OOmK3RiahRQvNKibktn7M/s400/blogger-image--1723208146.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nasi Padang Ayam (with chicken)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
Mama Yu</div>
<div>
10815 Beechnut</div>
<div>
Houston, TX</div>
<div>
https://www.facebook.com/MamaYuRestaurantHouston</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-27704107128655122892014-04-07T13:00:00.000-05:002014-04-07T13:00:10.453-05:00Eats: Chuan'sThe first time I ate at Chuan's was on Chinese New Year. I kinda stumbled upon it because I didn't feel like fighting Chinatown traffic that night. It sounded interesting so I decided to try it out with my family. We really liked the food and I would've blogged about it earlier but, I was with my family and before I could take any pictures, all the food was gone! Yup, my family don't mess around.<br />
<br />
When we paid, they gave us a coupon for future visit. Since then, my life has been a little hectic. I totally forgot I had this coupon until my mom reminded me.<br />
<br />
I like this place compared to Mala Sichuan because they're not as oily and salty. It's also an added bonus they're closer to me than going to Chinatown.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1O3Ra30Ucl0U2HMRO0S94mrKoWdsSfKk6eOwXXv8bFMOCMYF5ub5nvdpNED3Tb7PG6ypJu7QTzCF-Tjg19c3Pg8yxQ3hKx_0X040zMA-6mMqfSyo62W_hdIcwfVYl2GlqQkqUBT0sak/s640/blogger-image-1652668631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1O3Ra30Ucl0U2HMRO0S94mrKoWdsSfKk6eOwXXv8bFMOCMYF5ub5nvdpNED3Tb7PG6ypJu7QTzCF-Tjg19c3Pg8yxQ3hKx_0X040zMA-6mMqfSyo62W_hdIcwfVYl2GlqQkqUBT0sak/s400/blogger-image-1652668631.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twice Cooked Pork w/ Szechuan Guokui</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see, they serve this dish with buns. Similar concept to Peking duck, you stuff the pork in between the buns. The buns itself is rather bland but, it's useful to soak up grease from the pork belly. My British husband joked it was basically a bacon butty, Szechuan style. Yes, I suppose it is!<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKfH9GXIq8ZcxE3p3VppLhAZV9owsYEgU_PsKQrWabBE6nYRetMT0WMaZuhy8KUbrT62GB6tNecS63NbC9w_uE1QIoHJwBRxaOnA17OeJ_bgeT_JwlX5caFvSHqiFU-vkCzfnsTjZ8jU/s640/blogger-image-1779336567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKfH9GXIq8ZcxE3p3VppLhAZV9owsYEgU_PsKQrWabBE6nYRetMT0WMaZuhy8KUbrT62GB6tNecS63NbC9w_uE1QIoHJwBRxaOnA17OeJ_bgeT_JwlX5caFvSHqiFU-vkCzfnsTjZ8jU/s400/blogger-image-1779336567.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chongqing Spicy Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not a big fan of this but my brother was. He dubbed it the perfect beer snack.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PT21dcQFqRW-yo0N9GXHCCXWbQ1hqahCJlQUn23ZGqjW2Q2G30Aw5U4OU8QjiNvvJ69pUqWrZ8fkdQzY4KobYuHZS0R2D5YZ8Z9E_qZljrwy6gypuzOP-P8PneVhZ4qIm7dZcNyTPbE/s640/blogger-image-698497464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PT21dcQFqRW-yo0N9GXHCCXWbQ1hqahCJlQUn23ZGqjW2Q2G30Aw5U4OU8QjiNvvJ69pUqWrZ8fkdQzY4KobYuHZS0R2D5YZ8Z9E_qZljrwy6gypuzOP-P8PneVhZ4qIm7dZcNyTPbE/s400/blogger-image-698497464.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stir-fry Snow Pea Leaf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I like their's because it's not as oily compared to other Chinese restaurants around town.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3g3gxETTiB1_T5Xaf8w-jKFe5PtRN-QcY0qn2ig2yaLt-OVB5mONGVuJVaAssD5Q-4MIQFtmX0mm2mc0q25NF_5RAArLtcrrOlZeLxgGajDOT_5ILMVs19jw9NkWEnekVZ8QJNl3Iz0/s640/blogger-image-1379796158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3g3gxETTiB1_T5Xaf8w-jKFe5PtRN-QcY0qn2ig2yaLt-OVB5mONGVuJVaAssD5Q-4MIQFtmX0mm2mc0q25NF_5RAArLtcrrOlZeLxgGajDOT_5ILMVs19jw9NkWEnekVZ8QJNl3Iz0/s400/blogger-image-1379796158.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamed Tilapia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not exactly Szechuan style dish but my son loves it so this was his dish. Yes, he can almost finish a whole fish to himself.<br /><br />
<div>
Chuan's</div>
<div>
5901 Westheimer Rd (at Fountainview)</div>
<div>
Houston, TX</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-5568556020343956542014-04-07T12:39:00.002-05:002014-04-07T12:39:30.638-05:00Eats and More: Doughmaker Doughnuts at Midtown Mobile CuisineMore and more food truck parks are popping around Houston. The most recent (that I know of) is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/midtownmobilecuisine" target="_blank">Midtown Mobile Cuisine</a> that just had their grand opening this past weekend. They're located on Almeda Rd under US-59 overpass.<br />
<br />
Considering this was their grand opening weekend, there weren't a lot of food trucks in attendance - when I went, there were only five. Perhaps with time they'll have more food trucks around...<br />
<br />
The only food truck that caught my interest that day was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/doughmakerdoughnuts" target="_blank">Doughmaker Doughnuts</a>. I recently followed them on Facebook. They've only been in operation for about 3 weeks. They have donut flavors like blueberry lemon, orange pistachio, coconut caramel, and apple caramel to name a few. I'm not a fan of caramel so I got the orange pistachio and blueberry lemon donuts. Of the two, I prefer the blueberry lemon. The donut itself was softer. The shell of the orange pistachio was hard but, I liked the icing - it had a hint of sea salt on it. I'm always a sucker for salty/sweet combination.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BtdezOVHRXc/U0FomTdVC5I/AAAAAAAAOYg/Ib7FlCQ3B7s/s640/blogger-image--1709957518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BtdezOVHRXc/U0FomTdVC5I/AAAAAAAAOYg/Ib7FlCQ3B7s/s400/blogger-image--1709957518.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Pistachio and Blueberry Lemon Donuts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ObUI5LWRfsg/U0Fo5YKYJyI/AAAAAAAAOYo/aVwTx9CFJBw/s640/blogger-image--1032143121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ObUI5LWRfsg/U0Fo5YKYJyI/AAAAAAAAOYo/aVwTx9CFJBw/s400/blogger-image--1032143121.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midtown Mobile Cuisine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-52970225523792819622014-03-30T18:42:00.000-05:002014-03-30T18:42:25.073-05:00Eats: The PassBetween the craziness of moving countries, having babies and living apart... my husband and I haven't had a date night in over 9 months. In fact, we can't even remember our last date night! While he was in town, I took the opportunity to make reservations at The Pass. I've always wanted to try them but, it's a little hard to eat here when one's pregnant. So yes, this dinner was my treat to myself and it didn't disappoint.<br />
<br />
When I called to make reservation, they asked for a credit card to secure the reservation. I was determined to eat here so I never really asked what the cancellation policy was.<br />
<br />
We chose to do the 8-course "regular" tasting. I emphasize "regular" because they also offer a vegan, gluten free tasting menu as well. You can choose to do either a 5-course or 8-course tasting from either menus. I will stop here and let the food pictures speak for itself because, while having a baby doesn't allow me much time to blog, I also lost all my notes related to this tasting when I was forced to restore my phone. Long story... Just, enjoy the pictures and know that it's worth it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7AvhAl-8Gvy60gEaGQzbUaD9chQiJ_8A6r6F9DFX2-51l1HMnmgHTfhefH3HXhCVQ8_m37dT6ntrEuzcDYJEQmQMajDsG0s4cgWXrB8LjPvnjUhVoBOjiIyDsr_q75QiKPrQXT98fog/s640/blogger-image--403301983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7AvhAl-8Gvy60gEaGQzbUaD9chQiJ_8A6r6F9DFX2-51l1HMnmgHTfhefH3HXhCVQ8_m37dT6ntrEuzcDYJEQmQMajDsG0s4cgWXrB8LjPvnjUhVoBOjiIyDsr_q75QiKPrQXT98fog/s400/blogger-image--403301983.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknE3cFWBaoAQYGse-8Lu3gVzMerMMfmtGKlBlCzuHZjcXm1U6ByPR8L7Bt-rx6flmvKf4l58R97c5f0niUrOEKBNhBl9S03TF4M-BxtlONApb7q0MikFdrjOqfWb7AnuylnyzsmIgSqs/s640/blogger-image-23630533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknE3cFWBaoAQYGse-8Lu3gVzMerMMfmtGKlBlCzuHZjcXm1U6ByPR8L7Bt-rx6flmvKf4l58R97c5f0niUrOEKBNhBl9S03TF4M-BxtlONApb7q0MikFdrjOqfWb7AnuylnyzsmIgSqs/s400/blogger-image-23630533.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oysters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0ZBcGlpddAswuOfT7i_b1pUR_wqPICtx_0Ycs4ydXZxxhrWjcOdqfEg2KkSRbiQC3_y5xGJzXQmGfMv_yCNy19nZTsu-MSsixRNQttkX3zIUq629B9i-VYnP21BwzwO-IUEV3pCYOP8/s640/blogger-image--584716808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0ZBcGlpddAswuOfT7i_b1pUR_wqPICtx_0Ycs4ydXZxxhrWjcOdqfEg2KkSRbiQC3_y5xGJzXQmGfMv_yCNy19nZTsu-MSsixRNQttkX3zIUq629B9i-VYnP21BwzwO-IUEV3pCYOP8/s400/blogger-image--584716808.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushroom 1/2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIU8BGzWs2RexjhyfuLGLc9mwMd95oplYSc7x_928TxD7c31FBaPRdhAJhxh1W6n8dhH6NJBoIXHe4zSSnKoZ4RASKDRYLybtVE3fZQGmb0aLm7KiyQz1vwXyILzMFEZw_iNxp3M3av4/s640/blogger-image-1869303221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIU8BGzWs2RexjhyfuLGLc9mwMd95oplYSc7x_928TxD7c31FBaPRdhAJhxh1W6n8dhH6NJBoIXHe4zSSnKoZ4RASKDRYLybtVE3fZQGmb0aLm7KiyQz1vwXyILzMFEZw_iNxp3M3av4/s400/blogger-image-1869303221.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushroom 2/2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-liTI9YJylACykMqDvgl0H1_aLe9_FcCO-MHNpelBzrQ_0E6OvjYAxKn9iLovy4AsRPTxqn5cHNhrM7K_JhMC4lIiL-sfJ05Q0D4YV7UI3ptWNy0KIbFEYn0ceUL1RmYAcz4Na-U-l_s/s640/blogger-image--793878018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-liTI9YJylACykMqDvgl0H1_aLe9_FcCO-MHNpelBzrQ_0E6OvjYAxKn9iLovy4AsRPTxqn5cHNhrM7K_JhMC4lIiL-sfJ05Q0D4YV7UI3ptWNy0KIbFEYn0ceUL1RmYAcz4Na-U-l_s/s400/blogger-image--793878018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamachi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvdBo1LYlQ-OAx0RfTJ1u5Vy4R4-BI_PE6iekZ2HMxzJca5aZOx5N5aKdwORvoVSz2z4or-pWdY4WZg3z-xIjUayWFhU2ngaVVzoL_jwBCDAu6Y49UhX-SC-F4W16Hraf4Ju5H9CkEeA/s640/blogger-image-716728553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvdBo1LYlQ-OAx0RfTJ1u5Vy4R4-BI_PE6iekZ2HMxzJca5aZOx5N5aKdwORvoVSz2z4or-pWdY4WZg3z-xIjUayWFhU2ngaVVzoL_jwBCDAu6Y49UhX-SC-F4W16Hraf4Ju5H9CkEeA/s400/blogger-image-716728553.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoNUnvYi5SsrrHzu-gzr4E1uyMKEJkBWphpLsjmKIPVR1S1Nb46-_ZCTnxE2nMWFlj-1hXpY-C2oAaENWPdgDP4ljuIZ2cRH_3J__rBByuu1MIbnvrF4uiMT64isS9FL65RxHfflafV8/s640/blogger-image-72470223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoNUnvYi5SsrrHzu-gzr4E1uyMKEJkBWphpLsjmKIPVR1S1Nb46-_ZCTnxE2nMWFlj-1hXpY-C2oAaENWPdgDP4ljuIZ2cRH_3J__rBByuu1MIbnvrF4uiMT64isS9FL65RxHfflafV8/s400/blogger-image-72470223.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foie Gras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbBSjj10N7yZyw-AmH5PYYgSEQPygSZaDmxlSmc4BslJB_lwOIrFd1WTtn2xlny4NeqbgiOtrJFeY6jlbK66-AoQVrsAyKTHK6WN72Kv8tWq_cf6gb2MXnPfKJX-5kuzYG1vYe5WOseQ/s640/blogger-image--960454084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbBSjj10N7yZyw-AmH5PYYgSEQPygSZaDmxlSmc4BslJB_lwOIrFd1WTtn2xlny4NeqbgiOtrJFeY6jlbK66-AoQVrsAyKTHK6WN72Kv8tWq_cf6gb2MXnPfKJX-5kuzYG1vYe5WOseQ/s400/blogger-image--960454084.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix79_6ENlgXo3LRO8OZGTe3Osw4bbXhHPb6QhEO-A6theBdw_f20OCJodXN5xl2P0QTwuAadRJ244KS5JFIMXc9KyOhqxgPvHpqeqQlRQw3NNDGK2FWnUp14VIreRYpjHX8FPdQZdjwgI/s640/blogger-image-1150602683.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix79_6ENlgXo3LRO8OZGTe3Osw4bbXhHPb6QhEO-A6theBdw_f20OCJodXN5xl2P0QTwuAadRJ244KS5JFIMXc9KyOhqxgPvHpqeqQlRQw3NNDGK2FWnUp14VIreRYpjHX8FPdQZdjwgI/s400/blogger-image-1150602683.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifELu1gYRbf64wvpuyyxOEHZSxA6GRF2cNbZZnaEC8xgDXwNRiYMrLya4dq1jpOt5_cHRlqcqDPzVrI5L3ZmpLWV58qHhc_sjarCGZbpVWhbFIdG8lLFyENebunu-vPj_dycNc8eTgpA/s640/blogger-image-1485083540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifELu1gYRbf64wvpuyyxOEHZSxA6GRF2cNbZZnaEC8xgDXwNRiYMrLya4dq1jpOt5_cHRlqcqDPzVrI5L3ZmpLWV58qHhc_sjarCGZbpVWhbFIdG8lLFyENebunu-vPj_dycNc8eTgpA/s400/blogger-image-1485083540.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyzOIlGNDeEQIZchIW0d4KbEYfCJse_qHIODq1IsBTfFDfgRJFaBIATuMHnUUafr3OFXnT3AkuXqC0rJN8QxyUB85XL-9Co_UqkwuRPP7GmSO-_KeLiEDW6RpcAK679D7K9eoGzZANAk/s640/blogger-image--1191158692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyzOIlGNDeEQIZchIW0d4KbEYfCJse_qHIODq1IsBTfFDfgRJFaBIATuMHnUUafr3OFXnT3AkuXqC0rJN8QxyUB85XL-9Co_UqkwuRPP7GmSO-_KeLiEDW6RpcAK679D7K9eoGzZANAk/s400/blogger-image--1191158692.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stilton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wd2ZWC0TH5c/UzT3IZ0Y9FI/AAAAAAAAN58/N5Dm6UhN3d0/s640/blogger-image-686393093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wd2ZWC0TH5c/UzT3IZ0Y9FI/AAAAAAAAN58/N5Dm6UhN3d0/s400/blogger-image-686393093.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petit Fours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Pass</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
807 Taft St.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Houston, TX</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
http://passandprovisions.com/</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-3598174583138568252014-03-24T11:41:00.003-05:002014-03-24T11:41:58.841-05:00Eats: BRC GastropubFor some reason, I never really cared to try BRC until recently. With a girlfriend, we were supposed to go to Max's Wine Dive but, changed our minds last minute and decided to try BRC instead. I'm glad we did. Their brussel sprouts are amazing! The word "cream" kind of put me off at first but, it was light and the combination of it and their bacon jam really worked.<br />
<br />
The sandwich that I ordered was pretty good as well. I really like their bacon jam and pickled jalapeno. If it weren't for that, it would've been just an average chicken sandwich.<br />
<br />
As is the case with most restaurants in Washington area, the restaurant's drawback is their lack of parking. We had to circle around a few times before we could find a spot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEdY3p5gZc-RZKkV7oKJNiD2zKLXHzcaLKJmr8yulRE9gsHckW7kgqCsGSYqXXYFr1KfZ-nDfT55RzKAJO7J14bNhFC_qmSg1b1TknpvY7gS8fuFgYwP5H3V2lA2AdjrscfFwEmLoeSc/s640/blogger-image--1741656373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEdY3p5gZc-RZKkV7oKJNiD2zKLXHzcaLKJmr8yulRE9gsHckW7kgqCsGSYqXXYFr1KfZ-nDfT55RzKAJO7J14bNhFC_qmSg1b1TknpvY7gS8fuFgYwP5H3V2lA2AdjrscfFwEmLoeSc/s400/blogger-image--1741656373.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brussel Sprouts<br />
sultanas, bacon jam, cream, parsley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcXmKKaIUDt_kMLyswQFWX50rIGUOk6u8o9wij0sClwPXwCBdCIo25jGj2AcWKtGwCES-NZIA4vKBlsmMV7CoNpLFZlDFbX-VOIaDq3-EgTaFGY9naDPxHgjbeE2NTEzKSwb9zNiBlvI/s640/blogger-image--237371599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcXmKKaIUDt_kMLyswQFWX50rIGUOk6u8o9wij0sClwPXwCBdCIo25jGj2AcWKtGwCES-NZIA4vKBlsmMV7CoNpLFZlDFbX-VOIaDq3-EgTaFGY9naDPxHgjbeE2NTEzKSwb9zNiBlvI/s400/blogger-image--237371599.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Chicken & Cheddar Biscuits<br />
cheddar cheese, cream gravy, bacon jam, sweet jalapeno</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
BRC Gastropub</div>
<div>
519 Shepherd</div>
<div>
Houston, TX</div>
<div>
http://www.brcgastropub.com/index.php</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-9178364063790035592014-03-14T13:15:00.000-05:002014-03-16T07:59:37.659-05:00Eats: River Oaks Donuts' Cro-wnutCronut (croissant donut) is a big hype at the moment, especially in NYC. In Houston, there are a handful of donut shops that make them, River Oaks Donuts being one. They only make about 30-40 of these a day and they sell out fast! You can call in advance to reserve them, which is what I did.<br>
<br>
This is the first time I tried a cronut. The River Oaks Donuts' version taste like a dense donut. Personally, I'm not a fan since I like my donuts soft and pillowy. Maybe I need to fly to NYC and try the original cronut! Yea, I like that idea!<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMVBaoE_WX0a1sTzuOUxZ2TWw6uUMAFB7EkWbohSzJHBLrymFxck9VVf3IGZKyBmlo44ka01n4Bda5mmbXjv3Fz8y_9A46I6sgeIGxpt9iy9NsccDMztrmOErwEHmrjQqkbJit0rhYhU/s640/blogger-image-1824031411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMVBaoE_WX0a1sTzuOUxZ2TWw6uUMAFB7EkWbohSzJHBLrymFxck9VVf3IGZKyBmlo44ka01n4Bda5mmbXjv3Fz8y_9A46I6sgeIGxpt9iy9NsccDMztrmOErwEHmrjQqkbJit0rhYhU/s400/blogger-image-1824031411.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">River Oaks Donuts</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3601 Westheimer Rd.</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Houston, TX</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.riveroaksdonuts.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">http://www.riveroaksdonuts.com/</font></a></div></div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-11779226296053121052014-03-14T12:20:00.000-05:002014-03-14T12:20:25.690-05:00Eats: Tasty Tuesday's Food Truck MeetupThe Galleria area is finally getting it's share of food truck love! Every second Tuesday of the month, several food trucks gather around Apache/Stewart Title's office complex from 11am-2pm. This month, approximately a dozen food trucks participated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIH3E2ACLkhKKdcjvXXKQ8yhu-_FpGfgxBdrJhygCcM4pa4BRfYd5qvoADMCJH6PgsbKGUUYtaCpA7E-nt5kFXzyix040BARi3BU4u9hVOQY7CAVHx5ss5WQHGuu_DUF09samZ27mX-E/s640/blogger-image-895019775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIH3E2ACLkhKKdcjvXXKQ8yhu-_FpGfgxBdrJhygCcM4pa4BRfYd5qvoADMCJH6PgsbKGUUYtaCpA7E-nt5kFXzyix040BARi3BU4u9hVOQY7CAVHx5ss5WQHGuu_DUF09samZ27mX-E/s400/blogger-image-895019775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgWXUw2nZ5U9VucHYwWHIQ4tfrJU0VntxG1PnT-2rt6TuxxQn9fYWSx6P3FB2f0Zq_Z3fK0fO6Vtuuk3pyU5LiEeOXT3nJeUjQfwHGAAZfvP4dAAQkYW_qiaw8Bk9O7XiZc5FlIvM8X8/s640/blogger-image--1500226439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgWXUw2nZ5U9VucHYwWHIQ4tfrJU0VntxG1PnT-2rt6TuxxQn9fYWSx6P3FB2f0Zq_Z3fK0fO6Vtuuk3pyU5LiEeOXT3nJeUjQfwHGAAZfvP4dAAQkYW_qiaw8Bk9O7XiZc5FlIvM8X8/s400/blogger-image--1500226439.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.skratch-food-truck.com/" target="_blank">Skratch Food Truck</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Honestly, there are so many food trucks popping around Houston now, I can't keep track anymore. I've never heard of Skratch before. Passing by, a sign that said "lobster roll" caught my attention. I couldn't help but to get one. Their lobster roll was pretty good for Houston standards and I like that it wasn't doused in mayo. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vUjHXSsSw79pC0NZJNqyI876dvFQrIX0a7PHF6ERbj0TZVjrblEEyeOEZmSi34CGCV3mNgY74rvqxRRWivPbdPAxNZziVwV1KFkv3HjigoxsHqRKnZbUVO4mGh8R32b9_E05Un-e0gc/s640/blogger-image--1127950506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vUjHXSsSw79pC0NZJNqyI876dvFQrIX0a7PHF6ERbj0TZVjrblEEyeOEZmSi34CGCV3mNgY74rvqxRRWivPbdPAxNZziVwV1KFkv3HjigoxsHqRKnZbUVO4mGh8R32b9_E05Un-e0gc/s400/blogger-image--1127950506.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster Roll<br />
Live Maine Lobster, Chives, Dill, Celery, Mayo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<a href="http://www.goldengrillhtx.com/" target="_blank">Golden Grill</a><br />
I've actually heard of them before but, I don't always crave grilled cheese sandwich (their specialty) so I don't usually seek them out. That day, a grilled cheese sandwich sounded good. I ordered the Hamlin which had prosciutto and jalapeno jam. The jam was definitely the highlight of the sandwich! Without it, it was just an average grilled cheese sandwich.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-Ea8pNlH0bFe6ABK9SWyZ2uUojOdUfXM9szLHvgVsmUIKeqX_dxM2lYsnNYxTwdVrsigq73t8C1nCdO_aaWjYz6WeD_FZIX99EI3cyvNMrj64cDWW3T_8sstiMRx1L8a5-tD6nTu9TM/s640/blogger-image--2022093321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-Ea8pNlH0bFe6ABK9SWyZ2uUojOdUfXM9szLHvgVsmUIKeqX_dxM2lYsnNYxTwdVrsigq73t8C1nCdO_aaWjYz6WeD_FZIX99EI3cyvNMrj64cDWW3T_8sstiMRx1L8a5-tD6nTu9TM/s400/blogger-image--2022093321.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hamlin<br />
Prosciutto, american cheese, jalapeno jam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.thewafflebus.com/" target="_blank">The Waffle Bus</a></div>
I've been wanting to try them for some time now. I debated whether to get a savory or sweet waffle. In the end, sweet waffle won me over. I got the smores and it was really good! The only drawback was the wait time - think I waited close to half an hour for my waffle.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiS1GhbJhNVu0Usu13QY5JGYO6ZDIZwtrkNu15d78gutJWK-JRPi4LnRoPyU8WY6drrGKN4wyHYDTQqK0rPFgsrQX4d0ucB_8JIoLv7rXGNT2kWVddAePVuDjBfOYRkNizufk0STVFC0/s640/blogger-image-1299096497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiS1GhbJhNVu0Usu13QY5JGYO6ZDIZwtrkNu15d78gutJWK-JRPi4LnRoPyU8WY6drrGKN4wyHYDTQqK0rPFgsrQX4d0ucB_8JIoLv7rXGNT2kWVddAePVuDjBfOYRkNizufk0STVFC0/s400/blogger-image-1299096497.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smores<br />
Chocolate ganache, graham cracker crumble, toasted marshmallow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.muiishimakirritos.com/" target="_blank">Muiishi Makirritos</a><br />
This is one of my favorite food trucks in Houston. It's the only one that I've tasted so far that puts out restaurant quality food out of a truck. My favorite things to order from them are the shwimps 'n grits, bacon jammin' biscuits, and anything with pork belly whether it's the rice bowl or sushi roll.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8xoAA_Z2Ox7JruNejGU9EuhHhsw0h7wlog05bXuhdzjXCUc2rudGhq64KXiewVjyCNFTEq_hXxTDZM5vHL4q8gu04h-p1HEA-xqeOj6rnh3BveBu8bcqy0b_Yl4_qWSiQVAaYGlsDFo/s640/blogger-image-705845629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8xoAA_Z2Ox7JruNejGU9EuhHhsw0h7wlog05bXuhdzjXCUc2rudGhq64KXiewVjyCNFTEq_hXxTDZM5vHL4q8gu04h-p1HEA-xqeOj6rnh3BveBu8bcqy0b_Yl4_qWSiQVAaYGlsDFo/s400/blogger-image-705845629.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shwimp 'n Grits<br />
Spicy stone ground grits, 62° egg, tempura shrimp, sous vide pork, <br />
fried shitake mushrooms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyPSq_TSTpqZjEg7Gn0LNuyXZQybRWzxniOhmZt778bgbkI7tUO-CA4TfaMZmOB2CHG_4PKc9u_CGD_KBkqOzAu5ph4KLDqQoX3Dq0pweD8E_yQ7Df8E7uZBm51v6VBCu3CiQsNfjw7E/s640/blogger-image--2019834834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyPSq_TSTpqZjEg7Gn0LNuyXZQybRWzxniOhmZt778bgbkI7tUO-CA4TfaMZmOB2CHG_4PKc9u_CGD_KBkqOzAu5ph4KLDqQoX3Dq0pweD8E_yQ7Df8E7uZBm51v6VBCu3CiQsNfjw7E/s400/blogger-image--2019834834.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork Belly Don Juan<br />
Sous vide pork belly, 62° egg, fried shittake and oyster mushrooms, <br />
pickled cucumber, takuan and kim chi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H5ssujOvcwCLnOPHwZzaEZUpz7QjWcHOXxrZQ9vlXgHJPDknK2vMB0yLiLT80Qj8CuUle5U2NpRjRWgY2_yVQTBdMBoHQSOZ6G4umuoxbmag6tQR-UhelzQlnH0mqMHrI8Uf-w3cBHo/s640/blogger-image--108825435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H5ssujOvcwCLnOPHwZzaEZUpz7QjWcHOXxrZQ9vlXgHJPDknK2vMB0yLiLT80Qj8CuUle5U2NpRjRWgY2_yVQTBdMBoHQSOZ6G4umuoxbmag6tQR-UhelzQlnH0mqMHrI8Uf-w3cBHo/s400/blogger-image--108825435.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mac 'n Cheese Eggroll<br />
Redneck cheddar, marieke smoked gouda, ground beef, applewood bacon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tasty Tuesday</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1990 Post Oak Blvd</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Houston, TX</div>
</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-20848186606901428902014-03-09T19:05:00.001-05:002014-03-09T19:05:53.317-05:00Eats: Three Brothers Bakery on WashingtonThree Brothers Bakery on Washington is now open and they have all sorts of baked goods: breads, bagels, croissants, various cookies, cakes and cupcakes. However, it's not just a bakery - there's also a coffee bar and spacious indoor sitting area and patio. They're open until 8pm on weeknights and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2msDk0lkZRQQ1oqjeem4BYYVb-mBht7BM_KBOb8Ol3X3j-iEdoIJR_cB1da-M6ZnyXdo2Qn108M1JHE1Nsvhylp3KqWQADRPP3fiMIB_s3mm7V5tsaJ8wonydPPQzcEpWiAvKvwuE6k/s640/blogger-image--1720777194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2msDk0lkZRQQ1oqjeem4BYYVb-mBht7BM_KBOb8Ol3X3j-iEdoIJR_cB1da-M6ZnyXdo2Qn108M1JHE1Nsvhylp3KqWQADRPP3fiMIB_s3mm7V5tsaJ8wonydPPQzcEpWiAvKvwuE6k/s400/blogger-image--1720777194.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA23TdQfwuhFAo3buDkR6ainnCnMGfEdRo7i9VXPOGub6Y2wgCOH7CqOWaptn8l4vcV1WoK-Ia0oS45mkQhXfMDmx5dc6AL_6UsQsirkr_IS6ybmddj96tTtH4WJbK3Eo0PaZy7DaoR5E/s640/blogger-image--615327168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA23TdQfwuhFAo3buDkR6ainnCnMGfEdRo7i9VXPOGub6Y2wgCOH7CqOWaptn8l4vcV1WoK-Ia0oS45mkQhXfMDmx5dc6AL_6UsQsirkr_IS6ybmddj96tTtH4WJbK3Eo0PaZy7DaoR5E/s400/blogger-image--615327168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxKCq5s9zX6kRZE-uwsP6l8rCA0XStLDRey48NBL93rQroLYfrfEgaKqXMpL9ktsuiEHQfeJbu6V95uEReHk95v2GPxrBTuoKUfw9A_QgDgVt5JRfDEbgGl9-LZpMZMiIBLg9bD-lu8A/s640/blogger-image-772973471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxKCq5s9zX6kRZE-uwsP6l8rCA0XStLDRey48NBL93rQroLYfrfEgaKqXMpL9ktsuiEHQfeJbu6V95uEReHk95v2GPxrBTuoKUfw9A_QgDgVt5JRfDEbgGl9-LZpMZMiIBLg9bD-lu8A/s400/blogger-image-772973471.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuOALV2hjtUiE7wwKzTdV0_zB4sfMabjArGCTOExhtDsntFdZJbU79Ucj3xQwxq5dspVL-ZWfNcqB9cPTS7DN71PTeAbHGLGNaoUxDxbkozVQve4NLbz9_MnCsTQEWPHR5ccxqXrc6mw/s640/blogger-image--1611962292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuOALV2hjtUiE7wwKzTdV0_zB4sfMabjArGCTOExhtDsntFdZJbU79Ucj3xQwxq5dspVL-ZWfNcqB9cPTS7DN71PTeAbHGLGNaoUxDxbkozVQve4NLbz9_MnCsTQEWPHR5ccxqXrc6mw/s400/blogger-image--1611962292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcovM-d32mMLSg0_ueEbsA4E0cDQHg-pdTV4voFCcY6I58hN1f9Kp5xuma1zqNdPcaKTBRya1ZpwqDCv0vrjVHKNkXy6CtW6ClKqXwSL47P3qrFVtQj1zXZe_EWM9dNUcKj5e4WbsHWe4/s640/blogger-image--554895933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcovM-d32mMLSg0_ueEbsA4E0cDQHg-pdTV4voFCcY6I58hN1f9Kp5xuma1zqNdPcaKTBRya1ZpwqDCv0vrjVHKNkXy6CtW6ClKqXwSL47P3qrFVtQj1zXZe_EWM9dNUcKj5e4WbsHWe4/s400/blogger-image--554895933.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkV-p83AvpRzO_nMfuj_Ht0rBS2oxLwF098o57H3BRfpMa60eOLP2Q2z3nFY1OGABsB5LlTGrn2Q85P6oKUdXKJCqrvN5pGP_cR6KvG6O2tR-ehkU3TBNSM261oR309_mKc3nzeBLN-g/s640/blogger-image-1728960535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkV-p83AvpRzO_nMfuj_Ht0rBS2oxLwF098o57H3BRfpMa60eOLP2Q2z3nFY1OGABsB5LlTGrn2Q85P6oKUdXKJCqrvN5pGP_cR6KvG6O2tR-ehkU3TBNSM261oR309_mKc3nzeBLN-g/s400/blogger-image-1728960535.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFP7BGA2cEjuKlxzM-tfsxLKSjn4dSKPbtvunrGP4rD82x9UdLgb2eg311l_fPisIiMYfRcz_yyDZGpHeNW0xWHSKEJrvziHQw8k2mcDejKthgZ1DO2bSf3DOywzcJkQdj6Ag_t18W7s4/s640/blogger-image-55880613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFP7BGA2cEjuKlxzM-tfsxLKSjn4dSKPbtvunrGP4rD82x9UdLgb2eg311l_fPisIiMYfRcz_yyDZGpHeNW0xWHSKEJrvziHQw8k2mcDejKthgZ1DO2bSf3DOywzcJkQdj6Ag_t18W7s4/s400/blogger-image-55880613.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rbYMDhxaFwrcENdQkOvMQHvFRw-PGGCJL7kLkwLB458Klzi22qvLeRE96RR_EL08vW7XUe8eMq1ilUnQV8X89tR9_1Z3xEZT6WsI7IKF0t4yj_NiAIU8KVsXCMII9pW7LPEJFUNm5II/s640/blogger-image--920951585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rbYMDhxaFwrcENdQkOvMQHvFRw-PGGCJL7kLkwLB458Klzi22qvLeRE96RR_EL08vW7XUe8eMq1ilUnQV8X89tR9_1Z3xEZT6WsI7IKF0t4yj_NiAIU8KVsXCMII9pW7LPEJFUNm5II/s400/blogger-image--920951585.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB1FmfeIIjcfqGgRtHtdVkl5EZkEch4v1Pz5lhcvwsrM7aFRN-Q8EoAsUu2o6bovRwWb0_3ExofsibZD2ospVxGe1R8kG5L2Nynx1A8a3kEzUQ3o3vZq4MriMbMRj-bTNZghmEUGk9GM/s640/blogger-image-978516555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB1FmfeIIjcfqGgRtHtdVkl5EZkEch4v1Pz5lhcvwsrM7aFRN-Q8EoAsUu2o6bovRwWb0_3ExofsibZD2ospVxGe1R8kG5L2Nynx1A8a3kEzUQ3o3vZq4MriMbMRj-bTNZghmEUGk9GM/s400/blogger-image-978516555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Three Brothers Bakery</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4606 Washington Ave</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Houston, TX</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
http://www.3brothersbakery.com/</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-16681794852584830582014-01-21T11:23:00.000-06:002014-01-21T11:23:44.631-06:00Eats: The Breakfast KlubBy now, most everyone knows The Breakfast Klub is a very popular place for weekend brunch. If you don't get there early enough (like 8am!), be prepared to wait in line. And that line can get very long!<br />
<br />
One of the perks of being a stay-at-home mom is I get to come here on weekdays when it's not as packed. Sure enough, with my baby in tow, I got here around 9:30 one weekday morning and there was not a line in sight. Yes!<br />
<br />
Once you place your order at the counter, the food comes out fast. That's also the case on weekends when they're packed.<br />
<br />
The Breakfast Klub is popular for it's wings & waffles and catfish & grits dishes. Personally, my go-to dish is their wings & french toast. I love their french toast!! Made with Texas toast, I think it's 10x better than their waffles. They're fluffy in the middle, yet crispy around the edges. I've had their catfish & grits in the past. While their catfish was fried to perfection, I wasn't a fan of their grits - it was very bland.<br />
<br />
This visit, since my baby was with me, I ordered the french toast with sausage patties and scrambled eggs, so he can share my food. As you can see in the picture below, their scrambled eggs were quite fluffy - the baby appreciated that. And the sausage patties they served were plain ol' greasy sausage, perfect for the baby as he hasn't quite developed liking for fancy spicy sausage just yet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWJ_2Unb-UJzxGCdY8-w95JK5xwh71mkqDTeqSCb9-IbwlIoBHOdF2tZ6OTX3UpJW4kDQq9f8nLQ_4uc5Azs63c_J1s6GWgNZNokH5TG8OCtQahsCufmVgj5eoeJZ1vCueA8Yohiqd-Q/s640/blogger-image-1008081809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWJ_2Unb-UJzxGCdY8-w95JK5xwh71mkqDTeqSCb9-IbwlIoBHOdF2tZ6OTX3UpJW4kDQq9f8nLQ_4uc5Azs63c_J1s6GWgNZNokH5TG8OCtQahsCufmVgj5eoeJZ1vCueA8Yohiqd-Q/s400/blogger-image-1008081809.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good breakfast platter for a toddler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwbzRlhbf9VqwtJWL6mE4Kqz50J5dYUZ3cFzMPyT62FLvapZfj-93cW7kREv30B9eaiyJpPac2YbjYgRJ-hMaPfpIqc2oVNjs-ZRU9EBB6Quuq-aFoRdIi-ocvkaneFzO_U7s2rhrmWI/s1600/286241_10150306969224906_292025546_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwbzRlhbf9VqwtJWL6mE4Kqz50J5dYUZ3cFzMPyT62FLvapZfj-93cW7kREv30B9eaiyJpPac2YbjYgRJ-hMaPfpIqc2oVNjs-ZRU9EBB6Quuq-aFoRdIi-ocvkaneFzO_U7s2rhrmWI/s1600/286241_10150306969224906_292025546_o.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's normally my go-to dish (this is an old stock picture I dug up for this post) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />The Breakfast Klub<div>
3711 Travis (at Alabama)</div>
<div>
Houston, TX</div>
<div>
<a href="http://thebreakfastklub.com/">http://thebreakfastklub.com/</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-16080238432444694392014-01-03T18:41:00.002-06:002014-01-03T18:43:22.332-06:00Eats and More: Breakfast at Heights General StoreI was driving along 19th St and saw that they are now open. Apparently they've been open for over a month now. With baby in tow, I decided to check out their breakfast. I apologize in advance if some of the pictures are blurry - I blame it on the wriggly baby.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x98UTE3i1pi4hvD8dPi0ofG8vJWjySHgeQSjnwMZBCCwxH4bNBlR3svydMIg-OeHO-cRJpPhObw-mGG2OwJ8SS4sX8TX2pW_vV-sCTTH_2UBULDWJiHLISdB0PAvgif46PyOxeiptgQ/s640/blogger-image--685168918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x98UTE3i1pi4hvD8dPi0ofG8vJWjySHgeQSjnwMZBCCwxH4bNBlR3svydMIg-OeHO-cRJpPhObw-mGG2OwJ8SS4sX8TX2pW_vV-sCTTH_2UBULDWJiHLISdB0PAvgif46PyOxeiptgQ/s400/blogger-image--685168918.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storefront</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLu1KAJzFcHNLUp5I5YreBo1coXKc9V2T30MRSUCSoxmgO42mMGCVPBuOFCQlpekwmw9jAbxlBaXD3HT43F4pr_qVb8vWxia1xjuoAC39CpE40jrC4zJrSCV_aYA-Lt7qpfqU85Ow__I/s640/blogger-image-1401973480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLu1KAJzFcHNLUp5I5YreBo1coXKc9V2T30MRSUCSoxmgO42mMGCVPBuOFCQlpekwmw9jAbxlBaXD3HT43F4pr_qVb8vWxia1xjuoAC39CpE40jrC4zJrSCV_aYA-Lt7qpfqU85Ow__I/s400/blogger-image-1401973480.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Health & beauty section</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RaoAvK6Z9mf8Nr9QnDwOPmhWYg41nLk2X0f0xySS6bP5lxekGJel0fRXpHx9FReAJrKKT2vX5Y8Y4vqGJrKvM0VITWgBCucZlGI8fa2z3sh9QzrqRED0Q5iKcpkSsOgrGg0Lz4_43bE/s640/blogger-image--585179160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RaoAvK6Z9mf8Nr9QnDwOPmhWYg41nLk2X0f0xySS6bP5lxekGJel0fRXpHx9FReAJrKKT2vX5Y8Y4vqGJrKvM0VITWgBCucZlGI8fa2z3sh9QzrqRED0Q5iKcpkSsOgrGg0Lz4_43bE/s400/blogger-image--585179160.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grocery aisle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVO7uQkJbHvLL_q-HLp1w1nLtikvfjLQccx3rjlF-9zRQWyJtX_kl8e6kz3oLNEU71g128PDqIJ313283obbZKhYrrAG0hQdpuJWqmB84ZYVaP0Yi-pc7GK3UfhV5RlA9dRLU7wdg3-U/s640/blogger-image-567897849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVO7uQkJbHvLL_q-HLp1w1nLtikvfjLQccx3rjlF-9zRQWyJtX_kl8e6kz3oLNEU71g128PDqIJ313283obbZKhYrrAG0hQdpuJWqmB84ZYVaP0Yi-pc7GK3UfhV5RlA9dRLU7wdg3-U/s400/blogger-image-567897849.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Counter service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAG8C6VcO-T4NY0rz4cVoG6bj_JrFqjaS_Qx12FHQzcm3upnbWT01ZWaq7KBN9aR0228Vsm9t3SoOd_3McTvBKEqK16ZNY0e1_o_uwvfh-2es7XE9U6pvmwfIOvHljOkVYYtOuB5Ggqk/s640/blogger-image-208651329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAG8C6VcO-T4NY0rz4cVoG6bj_JrFqjaS_Qx12FHQzcm3upnbWT01ZWaq7KBN9aR0228Vsm9t3SoOd_3McTvBKEqK16ZNY0e1_o_uwvfh-2es7XE9U6pvmwfIOvHljOkVYYtOuB5Ggqk/s640/blogger-image-208651329.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast menu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjpXodNlPMbx3jyIZ9NhbxT1pj5tfNv3OO43SfImkCd0hZYezOR5ir42R93G_mSGBrAcRg2CWyTJDVuS5jRddCSlQeIUsWrhm4a2jwmk1PQXhh4WZQAitDEEkX5AFGqFoFKytGThWRDk/s640/blogger-image-837083205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjpXodNlPMbx3jyIZ9NhbxT1pj5tfNv3OO43SfImkCd0hZYezOR5ir42R93G_mSGBrAcRg2CWyTJDVuS5jRddCSlQeIUsWrhm4a2jwmk1PQXhh4WZQAitDEEkX5AFGqFoFKytGThWRDk/s400/blogger-image-837083205.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOpYo_MP7UHxhh47c4LSrhIxvak9wEQyzZLxLmCIB8Xe4R3tlbIGaVWxZgEb_mLtGUTtIpl_CLrexA3XyYgWHGx2e9xqyqspVAt-F7tpv_8kU_NuI71A9qkE01dbq2DMuwXiCU3JbPTk/s640/blogger-image-1556550033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOpYo_MP7UHxhh47c4LSrhIxvak9wEQyzZLxLmCIB8Xe4R3tlbIGaVWxZgEb_mLtGUTtIpl_CLrexA3XyYgWHGx2e9xqyqspVAt-F7tpv_8kU_NuI71A9qkE01dbq2DMuwXiCU3JbPTk/s400/blogger-image-1556550033.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancake sandwich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Breakfast is counter service. As you can see, I ordered the pancake sandwich partly because I was curious what it was going to be like. Presentation looks good unfortunately, the whole sandwich was just mediocre at best. The pancakes were very dense, almost biscuit like consistency. Scrambled eggs was blah. Their homemade sausage was decent - not too greasy. Overall, the sandwich was very dry and not a lot of flavor to it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
I also ordered a quiche (not pictured) to go. That day, their quiche was a broccoli and squash. The chunks of veggies inside the quiche were huge and the quiche itself was dense and dry. That's two for two - I'm not impressed with their food.<br />
<br />
<div>
While I was waiting for my food, I had a quick scan of the grocery aisle. They carry quite a variety of stuff, brands that I typically see at Central Market and Whole Foods, and some I'm never even seen before. In addition, they also stock laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, etc. Even though the brands are not necessarily "local", they carry more inventory than most general stores that's popped up around Houston in recent years, and most are either organic, gluten free or natural... definitely following today's trend and very appropriate for the area.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately, the selection of baby food is disappointing. I don't know if they'll add more later but, for now it's only Gerber brand - no organic brands. Ironically, the selection of dog food is better - they actually carry Organix canned food.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Heights General Store</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
350 W. 19th St.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Houston, TX</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.heightsgeneralstore.com/">http://www.heightsgeneralstore.com/</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-74456985228990694662013-12-29T09:27:00.001-06:002013-12-29T09:27:17.214-06:00Eats: Angela's OvenI've bought breads and croissants from Angela's Oven in the past. I usually get them at the farmer's market, either from the Eastside one on Saturday mornings or Rice University on Tuesday afternoons. This year, I decided to buy some croissants for Christmas breakfast. Since they're not open on Christmas day, I went the day before and bought them directly from their bakery in the Heights. And I never knew this before but, apparently they serve breakfast and lunch here. I'll have to come back to check it out. They have ample outdoor seating area and inside there are about 4 two-top and four-top tables.<br />
<br />
When I got there, there were a couple people in line ahead of me. I chatted with one of the customers and she was raving about their pumpkin pie. I was actually on my way to Flying Saucer Pie Company to get one but, this lady insisted Angela's was better. Apparently you have to pre-order the pumpkin pies. Luckily for me, she had an extra one! Sure enough, it was a hit among my family and friends on Christmas day. The pie was very moist and it wasn't too sweet! I like crust and personally I would've liked more crust on the bottom but, there were enough on the sides to make up for the lack on the bottom. Overall, I like them enough to buy them again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWTQ72uiVJe1CvsZ_7_OFNYMfG1EWc36XVkZFf00Hrr1K6-Ip3wgeoec2gRJ5zc9Q1vR6e50jtkicHAP31Z8AkNu2hjfaI2D7pApoM7u-SiWs6JBCNyR662S5KyM5iSOQr-p9AD0lyPw/s640/blogger-image--1340325844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWTQ72uiVJe1CvsZ_7_OFNYMfG1EWc36XVkZFf00Hrr1K6-Ip3wgeoec2gRJ5zc9Q1vR6e50jtkicHAP31Z8AkNu2hjfaI2D7pApoM7u-SiWs6JBCNyR662S5KyM5iSOQr-p9AD0lyPw/s400/blogger-image--1340325844.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Barn Bakery and outdoor seating area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKdakUiM_HKJeHi01Xh4wBKoqOqHogsJHOh-TDY3JZEzsC2xVXsbsjx31IcGAgY002LwN7S7-0Z-fFCqQ78MNr8mRo55o_O7RkzGLf7Ilq0DgGU6p1LH5zG_wUATfYon2LIdUquVh0Ds/s640/blogger-image-590162121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKdakUiM_HKJeHi01Xh4wBKoqOqHogsJHOh-TDY3JZEzsC2xVXsbsjx31IcGAgY002LwN7S7-0Z-fFCqQ78MNr8mRo55o_O7RkzGLf7Ilq0DgGU6p1LH5zG_wUATfYon2LIdUquVh0Ds/s400/blogger-image-590162121.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh baked goods. Yes, that's bacon topped glazed donuts you see!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1GRte2XX6J11XYBIzhSlHSw8K9Hz-SzhXly-phfj1seAOilxzH4SbFPCBfA6M5tdOsUHZyCQgiu_jx6BXbeRLGuiVuTRDBkJDb6ach1UWzuFwTQGI_z8ocjCrji_t-IM-udx_4MfaxE/s640/blogger-image-206515028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1GRte2XX6J11XYBIzhSlHSw8K9Hz-SzhXly-phfj1seAOilxzH4SbFPCBfA6M5tdOsUHZyCQgiu_jx6BXbeRLGuiVuTRDBkJDb6ach1UWzuFwTQGI_z8ocjCrji_t-IM-udx_4MfaxE/s400/blogger-image-206515028.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Croissants and danish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJokz9lSN0N12lp9e9fVcdMmQnPyxiLeB7PUq86Q7YVfaPG_9jrEnaxlHT98DYowC-fwEvW4syQIDQCSs7-Oro8FOcHP3JgmmZGCkK8RatM8Xf_F67YQHZjxA5nfkCNDBFFdAfCPSgvY/s640/blogger-image--734125858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJokz9lSN0N12lp9e9fVcdMmQnPyxiLeB7PUq86Q7YVfaPG_9jrEnaxlHT98DYowC-fwEvW4syQIDQCSs7-Oro8FOcHP3JgmmZGCkK8RatM8Xf_F67YQHZjxA5nfkCNDBFFdAfCPSgvY/s400/blogger-image--734125858.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92U7qm02rpT_XIyRLoypmvRr1NwkMM91Lt9-vAAmFs4B0r0-20bIRST0kki-o7aVmyH1RDgSnKPXpOmH9GGOr_sIFcLjBzPCNkoSo8BfeWtpnuo_DUW8Wy_4Jj7b6hqO5hdeMnV_RxZM/s640/blogger-image--1837112736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92U7qm02rpT_XIyRLoypmvRr1NwkMM91Lt9-vAAmFs4B0r0-20bIRST0kki-o7aVmyH1RDgSnKPXpOmH9GGOr_sIFcLjBzPCNkoSo8BfeWtpnuo_DUW8Wy_4Jj7b6hqO5hdeMnV_RxZM/s400/blogger-image--1837112736.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin pie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Angela's Oven</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
204 Aurora St.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Houston, TX</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.angelasoven.com/Site/Welcome.html">http://www.angelasoven.com/Site/Welcome.html</a></div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-52219143073743556762013-12-25T01:23:00.001-06:002013-12-25T01:23:38.119-06:00Eats: Ramen at Sushi Wabi'Tis the weather for ramen in Houston. After seeing a couple of pictures posted by other <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/398072076958707/" target="_blank">Ramen in Common</a> members, I decided to check out Sushi Wabi's ramen myself. This was the first time I visited Sushi Wabi. At first glance, I found their menu is a little confusing. I looked under "Noodle" section but, didn't see any ramen listed. I know they have it since I've seen pictures of it on Facebook. I asked our waiter and he said they do have it while pointing to a picture on the menu. It's the same with their seaweed salad, the picture is on the menu even though it's not listed under "Appetizers". Back to the ramen - they only carry one ramen and that's tonkotsu. Typically not my first choice but, it's all they had.<br />
<br />
How was it? It was surprisingly well prepared! I say "surprisingly" because this place is a sushi joint after all - a casual one, too. And considering their sushi (not pictured) was just very mediocre (my husband's words), their ramen blew my mind! The broth was creamy, not too greasy, flavorful with just the right amount of salt from start to finish. The egg texture was perfect! Pork belly still had it's skin on which made it a little chewier but, fatty enough it was still soft. I also thought it was the right amount of thickness. The dish came with 4 pork belly slices which I thought was just right. I also liked there was corn in the ramen although, I felt it could've use more corn.<br />
<br />
I will definitely be back for the ramen, and having the option of ordering a few sushi on the side (even if it's mediocre) is an added bonus!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqvsE7N3ITLimEUerAppRzQGawuLUsblzoJJ1M3xz2Xmuz23SvgTjSQfXn5hXNDyMWxrhdwGxNnG8KcxGpRTmPgIbkaLKFE1FX8moD_oPeX8YLQVPGBg2JfZW6Ll0QKnltffZxOuDmXs/s640/blogger-image-455168255.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqvsE7N3ITLimEUerAppRzQGawuLUsblzoJJ1M3xz2Xmuz23SvgTjSQfXn5hXNDyMWxrhdwGxNnG8KcxGpRTmPgIbkaLKFE1FX8moD_oPeX8YLQVPGBg2JfZW6Ll0QKnltffZxOuDmXs/s400/blogger-image-455168255.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sushi Wabi</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3953 Richmond Ave (at Weslayan)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Houston, TX</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.sushiwabihouston.com/">http://www.sushiwabihouston.com/</a></div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-5750559306518534472013-12-19T01:17:00.000-06:002013-12-19T02:07:01.837-06:00Eats: Ramen Jin, a PreviewThere's a new ramen shop opening in Houston. I recently attended a private event here, intended to assist the restaurant before it opens it's doors to the general public. They had previously opened their doors to the public for one night, it turned out to be disastrous. Basically, the restaurant wasn't prepared for the amount of crowd that came and was completely overwhelmed. Carl Rosa, the founder of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/398072076958707/" target="_blank">Ramen in Common</a>, reached out to them to organize this private event where the crowd size is controllable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKMw2-tm64pkQzv2w005UnA2aUiv4eJsmgBbiBCZ-vkv4at1ogiqdTmzlcop_1MwPuqA47IpMQXviATtLlq5dKBE7tNfhH9TCQ8F3pEfXComZKCHwrBTSOsPp7wq2oh4fdSjDt_EzTZI/s1600/WP_20131218_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKMw2-tm64pkQzv2w005UnA2aUiv4eJsmgBbiBCZ-vkv4at1ogiqdTmzlcop_1MwPuqA47IpMQXviATtLlq5dKBE7tNfhH9TCQ8F3pEfXComZKCHwrBTSOsPp7wq2oh4fdSjDt_EzTZI/s1600/WP_20131218_002.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limited menu for private event</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When we arrived, we went up to the counter and placed our order from a limited menu. We were then given a number and found seating at an open table.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Disclaimer: even though this was private event, it was not a free one. We did pay for our ramen and drinks. Appetizers weren't "available" but the restaurant gave us some on the house. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJO8yl4X3vfos7aBjBS2sITmscC4uQRMBnBotF-j0c-05EZAPewA92C6unRyr9jWCBv9EVLHLu_0xxPRaxCK32B30U_F23WaT-AmTi7Zej4AFA1SGeIUi3FB-YiDebpJOW89FgcePAUk/s640/blogger-image--949950593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJO8yl4X3vfos7aBjBS2sITmscC4uQRMBnBotF-j0c-05EZAPewA92C6unRyr9jWCBv9EVLHLu_0xxPRaxCK32B30U_F23WaT-AmTi7Zej4AFA1SGeIUi3FB-YiDebpJOW89FgcePAUk/s400/blogger-image--949950593.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempura sweet potato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Not long after we sat down, the staff brought us some appetizers. First was tempura sweet potato, which was deliciously topped with sweet and salty seasoning. Next came tempura fish cake which was good but, way too salty. And then last was chicken karaage - good, no complaints. I thought it was unusual the tempuras didn't come with any side sauce. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not. The tempura was well seasoned so technically it didn't need sauce, I guess I'm just so used to getting sauce with mine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYirwb5SRv61vEFP7GU0-zKdqV9NUyADZGKHHwFBnXfWdn0ZvGwNHFNHGcgvWynkzbmKH5fD5ckDQGp8u95kuyfBaUaw92FZdxRGN6y9R3Qs7-ibjc1lRp8p7cpCxY7OvtA4eIqPpY8w/s640/blogger-image--1701095134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYirwb5SRv61vEFP7GU0-zKdqV9NUyADZGKHHwFBnXfWdn0ZvGwNHFNHGcgvWynkzbmKH5fD5ckDQGp8u95kuyfBaUaw92FZdxRGN6y9R3Qs7-ibjc1lRp8p7cpCxY7OvtA4eIqPpY8w/s400/blogger-image--1701095134.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonkotsu ramen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I don't usually order tonkotsu ramen because they're typically very greasy. But, since my brother ordered the miso ramen, I thought why not for variety sake. Turns out, it wasn't very greasy at all. Since I like my ramen spicy, I asked for some togarashi. I was surprised they didn't have any. I thought it's usually standard for any ramen shop to have them. Instead, the staff brought me some chili that's similar to chili oil in Chinese restaurants. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Initially, I felt the broth tasted rather bland but, after a while it tasted ok. I don't know if the chili oil had anything to do with it since it was a little salty, or if everything just came together once it was mixed properly. I liked the noodles that came with my ramen, I thought it was cooked perfectly. The pork belly had good flavor but it was a bit to fatty for my taste, wish there was more meat to it. The egg was excellent, by far the highlight of the dish!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9agCE5LfVwrS5rZPHNGezo6zaBHneXy4L-pr1RyNtjcJ_L3pIBOkd0kN1Gy_2CUwJZY4i7pfWy8tLWY7z_n64idm-2BLueQUfj7gYiFGACyA_n3DCWxnKGi8zor5U38xDZtODAnyCG8g/s640/blogger-image-792073757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9agCE5LfVwrS5rZPHNGezo6zaBHneXy4L-pr1RyNtjcJ_L3pIBOkd0kN1Gy_2CUwJZY4i7pfWy8tLWY7z_n64idm-2BLueQUfj7gYiFGACyA_n3DCWxnKGi8zor5U38xDZtODAnyCG8g/s400/blogger-image-792073757.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miso ramen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
My brother was the one who had the miso ramen but, I did get to taste it. Initially, the broth was very flavorful but in the end it did become too much. We agreed the tonkotsu broth finished better. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overall, the ramen was good, I would definitely go back but, just like <a href="http://juliaexplores.blogspot.com/2013/12/eats-ramen-at-tiger-den.html" target="_blank">Tiger Den</a>, it still doesn't compare to the ramen shops I've visited in CA and NYC. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Side note: the table layout here is not as packed as Tiger Den's therefore, I think it's more baby friendly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyJmcxKSjiBs59AuBg2gSlYoVJk2pan_MFR3hwvJdD4qxy4_7fm3nr1xB3O_zP3nHYADqCe0XYliGyAGA3q3g-wJVpj3vFcbksVtB-ZHt_zivPz2TT1gftuaonh_InIHZ5i3uRfQ3pS0/s1600/1453561_180829912111741_635941447_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyJmcxKSjiBs59AuBg2gSlYoVJk2pan_MFR3hwvJdD4qxy4_7fm3nr1xB3O_zP3nHYADqCe0XYliGyAGA3q3g-wJVpj3vFcbksVtB-ZHt_zivPz2TT1gftuaonh_InIHZ5i3uRfQ3pS0/s1600/1453561_180829912111741_635941447_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their menu board, taken from their Facebook page.<br />
I wish they'd offer certain items as additional condiments such as<br />
pork belly, vegetables.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ramen Jin<br />
<div>
11181 Westheimer Rd (Whole Foods shopping complex)</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Houston, TX</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.ramenjin.com/">http://www.ramenjin.com/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ramenjin">https://www.facebook.com/ramenjin</a></div>
</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-38336869241513692013-12-17T01:21:00.001-06:002013-12-17T01:21:47.031-06:00Eats: Breakfast at Avalon DinerThis is a great place to go if you're looking for diner style food. The baby and I went here recently for breakfast. As you can see, it's nothing fancy - just good ol' diner style breakfast.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcnlZ6pExIEm1hioRV40adSo7CID8YjeDfQFfBszdKjaZ5so5tXYtsgSObTmjuknwyOidRbCuRyZyF7fP3UbWElHkITb9_Bx1BBNOLvGuFhSwbKuvPwkT_7lhDea_HDkHwoiTF2ZRw2c/s640/blogger-image--1068625478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcnlZ6pExIEm1hioRV40adSo7CID8YjeDfQFfBszdKjaZ5so5tXYtsgSObTmjuknwyOidRbCuRyZyF7fP3UbWElHkITb9_Bx1BBNOLvGuFhSwbKuvPwkT_7lhDea_HDkHwoiTF2ZRw2c/s400/blogger-image--1068625478.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Breakfast<br />Came with eggs, sausage patties, hashbrown and pancakes (pictured below) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q4JgoIFVoDVyjJWLBRKHmKcZZ6iT898X8Xe5Q6DTqkiVhbTUd88GdDwuXQ5zGzE32ISuqKRoTLeIiEOrqyvrB8pc9Ol1mqwZtOU4C-hi2hqvaBP4gdLpZT5FAmpLaYTgWxCsBSdlFeY/s640/blogger-image-287838122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q4JgoIFVoDVyjJWLBRKHmKcZZ6iT898X8Xe5Q6DTqkiVhbTUd88GdDwuXQ5zGzE32ISuqKRoTLeIiEOrqyvrB8pc9Ol1mqwZtOU4C-hi2hqvaBP4gdLpZT5FAmpLaYTgWxCsBSdlFeY/s400/blogger-image-287838122.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttermilk pancakes was just ok, a bit dense.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Avalon Diner</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2417 Westheimer </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Houston, TX</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.avalondiner.com/">http://www.avalondiner.com/</a></div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-39800943089768053652013-12-17T00:59:00.000-06:002013-12-17T00:59:34.414-06:00Babies: Fisher Price Booster/High Chair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a mom who loves to eat out, this is possibly one of the best gears I bought for my baby. You know those babies you see climbing out of their high chair in restaurants?! Yes, that's my baby! Ever since he's mastered crawling and climbing, I can't keep him in those restaurant high chairs anymore. I know they come with straps but, that thing is a joke. This Fisher Price chair, however, is a lifesaver. Sure, it's bulky and it's one more thing to carry to a restaurant but, it's the one chair that keeps my baby in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another great thing is it attaches to a regular chair so, we always have a high chair everywhere we go whether it's to grandma's house or a pub with no high chair (ahem, Hay Merchant!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've also found that despite my baby being in the normal height range for his age, those restaurant high chairs were always low for him, the top of the table hits right in between his forehead so it's always hard for him to see and grab his food. Whereas if I bring this FP chair, I can adjust the height to where it's more comfortable for him or just use the chair's tray.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All-in-all, I've been very happy with this chair and I highly recommend it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic09xE7OwX4wc0nvNSxY-tVwQYhT-9Jah1qMCMdjON_yeFUk6G46IcfSovgBTTNp4LrJ416Q2a_dTtaPaeUbcAzX0KqzE3PNUoRKx8wyTGc7mf9kbEuaYcMYqnWGZmKyw6Pq9iqmj8MJc/s1600/Booster+seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic09xE7OwX4wc0nvNSxY-tVwQYhT-9Jah1qMCMdjON_yeFUk6G46IcfSovgBTTNp4LrJ416Q2a_dTtaPaeUbcAzX0KqzE3PNUoRKx8wyTGc7mf9kbEuaYcMYqnWGZmKyw6Pq9iqmj8MJc/s1600/Booster+seat.jpg" height="367" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-52602520665453105612013-12-11T01:53:00.000-06:002013-12-11T01:53:07.935-06:00Eats: Saturday Brunch at ProvisionsSaturday brunch at Provisions is new, they didn't start this service until October of this year - while I was in the Middle East. This was another thing I wanted to check out when I got home so, I suggested it when friends wanted to catch up over brunch.<br />
<br />
I made reservations on Open Table but, I don't know if it was really necessary as there weren't many diners when we arrived nor when we left.<br />
<br />
Prior to coming, we had already scoped out their menu online. That's the good thing about Provisions, especially since they change their menu regularly, they do update their online menu accordingly.<br />
<br />
All of us agreed we wanted to start with the buttermilk biscuits. One order came with three biscuits. That was perfect since there were three of us, we shared an order. The biscuits were delicious!! So delicious, we ordered another one!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhz4c72Vhqi8WuFjy-Cd9cwZKyM8H04_8AM4mGVDUWGsUlSC7iqOhaKrw9WDjTrAiRgfibQc2kASKAX3UDsdTbsugRiC7WgYsXoZ1Anv627szkFO-EZWw_kdiwvKKYaqxgo1rUdJxvic/s640/blogger-image--1198912075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhz4c72Vhqi8WuFjy-Cd9cwZKyM8H04_8AM4mGVDUWGsUlSC7iqOhaKrw9WDjTrAiRgfibQc2kASKAX3UDsdTbsugRiC7WgYsXoZ1Anv627szkFO-EZWw_kdiwvKKYaqxgo1rUdJxvic/s400/blogger-image--1198912075.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttermilk Biscuits/Butter/Honey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />When it came to ordering entrees, all three of us ordered something different. The sound of "fried duck egg" combined with "foie gras grits" intrigued me. Unfortunately, my dish was very underwhelming. My friends were disappointed with their entrees as well. It's definitely a letdown especially after the wonderful biscuit experience we had.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlRd3F733DpIZL1aSec7bFfpFbuHZCj5szTIVfCGbCyqTw-A_eJmf1jeEp-j9YAgtdhxus4MY8ARIcy84MoXWsGSb7YC-VlJj1sVPnAU_XPRpA5qv9m_hxHCsPFyOxpvYrQgf7TtQbdY/s640/blogger-image-1447057406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlRd3F733DpIZL1aSec7bFfpFbuHZCj5szTIVfCGbCyqTw-A_eJmf1jeEp-j9YAgtdhxus4MY8ARIcy84MoXWsGSb7YC-VlJj1sVPnAU_XPRpA5qv9m_hxHCsPFyOxpvYrQgf7TtQbdY/s400/blogger-image-1447057406.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Duck Egg /Foie Gras Grits/Arugula/Pickled Currants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
<div>
Provisions</div>
<div>
807 Taft St</div>
<div>
Houston, TX</div>
<div>
http://passandprovisions.com/#/provisions</div>
</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-35696479395265799162013-12-09T01:12:00.000-06:002013-12-09T01:12:22.770-06:00Eats: Ramen at Tiger DenThis place opened while I was in the Middle East and it was one the places I wanted to try when I got home. So, when temps dropped in Houston last Friday, I felt it was perfect weather for some ramen. Luckily since I'm not working, I was able to make it there by 5:30pm. Even then there was already a wait, albeit a short one.<br />
<br />
I dragged my mom along with me. She ordered the spicy miso ramen. Even though that's usually my go-to ramen dish, I ended up ordering the garlic black bean ramen for variety. Of the two, I liked the spicy miso more. It definitely had more flavor than the garlic black bean one which, I found rather bland.<br />
<br />
I'm no ramen connoisseur so I'm not even going to bother talking about the dish in detail. However, I did notice the noodles they use tasted homemade, it was soft not like the instant ramen noodles I'm used to in college. I also noticed that their togarashi (spicy red pepper flakes) wasn't very spicy - I kept dousing it in my ramen but, my dish never got spicy enough. I guess there's different levels of togarashi spiciness?<br />
<br />
In addition to the ramen, my mom and I ordered chicken heart skewers from the robata grill. It was good - had nice sauce glazed on it. I would've ordered more from the robata grill but, I wanted to save room for dessert.<br />
<br />
I heard great things about their pandan custard doughnuts. Damn, they didn't disappoint! The doughnuts were so soft and airy. At first my mom and I didn't think we'd be able to finish it but, them doughnuts were so delicious and light, we kept chomping away. The pandan custard came as a dip. It reminded me of a jam we have in Indonesia called, srikaya, which happens to be one of my favorite jams. Oh, I wish Tiger Den would sell it in a jar, I'd buy a dozen!!<br />
<br />
The restaurant isn't very baby-friendly. We were seated in a booth and on my way to the bathroom, I saw they have high chairs and booster seats. But, they can't place the high chairs at the end of the booth. I understand why. The restaurant is quite tight and servers are carrying bowls of hot ramen around so, a high chair would get in the way. Luckily, I have this <a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/brands/babygear/products/65314" target="_blank">Fisher Price booster chair</a> that I brought along with me and I was able to sit my baby in it on the booth. His booster chair wasn't secured but, at least he was strapped in to the booster chair.<br />
<br />
In my book, Tiger Den can't compare to the ramen shops I've visited in California or New York but, it's definitely a start for Houston.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGAkHoJKY74QajDaEuVPEhA6xw_zhUM2RqQmpN-efC8Op2wql4Z8BtUA4XtBuX1-WiOlizL0ryB1BSyveaypeGnxeUzgXYb0-8TgDygERjlESHUs78gaafeofRZZQr_Rsd-3dRdypgnY/s640/blogger-image-1638858252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGAkHoJKY74QajDaEuVPEhA6xw_zhUM2RqQmpN-efC8Op2wql4Z8BtUA4XtBuX1-WiOlizL0ryB1BSyveaypeGnxeUzgXYb0-8TgDygERjlESHUs78gaafeofRZZQr_Rsd-3dRdypgnY/s400/blogger-image-1638858252.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy miso ramen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk0af6_k6SxA1mxB9e9793JVGQWK0Gc6ZI01-xYqOvfpGeep_cIbS6kKO1w7dR0BEyuEWbVeM976oNHDjO8SIqUpsnyMcrNICZHT4aTrC5EOPnev_ywh0AbFRQkRx32D59yHiWL-x9PM/s640/blogger-image-700340475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk0af6_k6SxA1mxB9e9793JVGQWK0Gc6ZI01-xYqOvfpGeep_cIbS6kKO1w7dR0BEyuEWbVeM976oNHDjO8SIqUpsnyMcrNICZHT4aTrC5EOPnev_ywh0AbFRQkRx32D59yHiWL-x9PM/s400/blogger-image-700340475.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic black bean ramen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TPMsUdV3ekCw4-ZFTyB3j9IoXMdlBXeRrNs7CQW0Pg4O1eUqXFMELICBBjkpxWZGX9pYVoB86YD7oNh8AFdpHruc-3KCA8wuOJpEXawAKNefA15uE2UMgFAfL7p0Z8snOxY2WRRVmc0/s640/blogger-image-2076383280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TPMsUdV3ekCw4-ZFTyB3j9IoXMdlBXeRrNs7CQW0Pg4O1eUqXFMELICBBjkpxWZGX9pYVoB86YD7oNh8AFdpHruc-3KCA8wuOJpEXawAKNefA15uE2UMgFAfL7p0Z8snOxY2WRRVmc0/s400/blogger-image-2076383280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken heart skewers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY7GLzeQ_Jc64lemUBoNM0H1zTD_7mmdcjshdaKZPr4cd0sHG3c2YEjsAftWMUamRU9uFUqbbn3hDnD2JlmqEA1DEy-CbFThuo8JRAL-MImtAa-mh2rjYNPYd2TY3i1r_my-Sa8sITZ8/s640/blogger-image-922353727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY7GLzeQ_Jc64lemUBoNM0H1zTD_7mmdcjshdaKZPr4cd0sHG3c2YEjsAftWMUamRU9uFUqbbn3hDnD2JlmqEA1DEy-CbFThuo8JRAL-MImtAa-mh2rjYNPYd2TY3i1r_my-Sa8sITZ8/s400/blogger-image-922353727.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra chashu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtgS9fGkzXkKWEYuYGe9CNhukUIDVAf2ejg3zu33-gzs_-OeuS2WLA41Oy886KWVmrboTP-XPtKr5v1BBP5R9J3ywiodQNAUNvcHcGH1LdUgZwEN9Ta71V5Th2JTeYil2fPyLvGe5lcU/s640/blogger-image--162716442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtgS9fGkzXkKWEYuYGe9CNhukUIDVAf2ejg3zu33-gzs_-OeuS2WLA41Oy886KWVmrboTP-XPtKr5v1BBP5R9J3ywiodQNAUNvcHcGH1LdUgZwEN9Ta71V5Th2JTeYil2fPyLvGe5lcU/s400/blogger-image--162716442.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pandan custard doughnuts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
Tiger Den</div>
<div>
9889 Bellaire Blvd (Dun Huang complex)</div>
<div>
Houston, TX</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5428665861153001853.post-54997585344389273422013-12-07T23:21:00.002-06:002013-12-07T23:47:41.265-06:00Eats: Thanksgiving Lunch at HavenIt's my friend, <a href="http://pattyanddavid.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patty</a>'s, tradition to eat out with friends on Thanksgiving day. This year, since I was husbandless and my family event didn't start until dinner, I thought I'd crash in and join them for lunch. The group had already chosen Haven as their restaurant of choice. One glance at the menu, I was sold!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJHaRMtLE7vlxwW4pCLtdbYK1O0uHeBJGSQzhQ3ZebkXHueV1BA7VPy8gdIje0wgxbV3fwOCj0qWNm2Bo62QYfEpWiVNSda7mp16aJOsDH70xXEmzcp9nDfJIS6em_6_bMyULhQr4hys/s640/blogger-image--2014854331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJHaRMtLE7vlxwW4pCLtdbYK1O0uHeBJGSQzhQ3ZebkXHueV1BA7VPy8gdIje0wgxbV3fwOCj0qWNm2Bo62QYfEpWiVNSda7mp16aJOsDH70xXEmzcp9nDfJIS6em_6_bMyULhQr4hys/s400/blogger-image--2014854331.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amuse bouche of deviled eggs and pimento cheese celery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our meal started off with a family style amuse bouche of deviled eggs, pimento cheese celery, olives and pickled beets. Everyone at the table agreed the deviled eggs was rather lacking and the celery was surprisingly better.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB6U0ps0lfNhR8QtH0f77QR2wxh13umzMZ3oy-KFQTHQ-aD4dXPFpFsyxPp0QT0lrm46faydCHYcgSUh5auNuIPkKTgsrnn5lxzzQOq8XswHIDsi5la-t0zrUc6k5MGwAGiT7hGnuITo/s640/blogger-image--1837759857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB6U0ps0lfNhR8QtH0f77QR2wxh13umzMZ3oy-KFQTHQ-aD4dXPFpFsyxPp0QT0lrm46faydCHYcgSUh5auNuIPkKTgsrnn5lxzzQOq8XswHIDsi5la-t0zrUc6k5MGwAGiT7hGnuITo/s400/blogger-image--1837759857.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood gumbo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For my starter, I had a hard time choosing between the butternut squash soup and the seafood gumbo. As you can see, I ended up choosing the gumbo and I'm glad I did because it was pretty darn good! It's full of flavor and even though it's on the darker side, it wasn't bitter. And the consistency is just the way I like my gumbo.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBevkErgSo4bRxEeKMFqxqeR_b1H0o6zWLILQeekViVc-qndto-nL7Lu2HDGzAyw8hGZglCg-mFKAGb4mpDSs-KSGY6MantPEDt_UUUGcIfsvciZklOfkyhNv6fFCxJCHfLTU0nA2YcKY/s640/blogger-image-273281073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBevkErgSo4bRxEeKMFqxqeR_b1H0o6zWLILQeekViVc-qndto-nL7Lu2HDGzAyw8hGZglCg-mFKAGb4mpDSs-KSGY6MantPEDt_UUUGcIfsvciZklOfkyhNv6fFCxJCHfLTU0nA2YcKY/s400/blogger-image-273281073.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey w/ gravy, cranberry, cornbread pudding, broccoli rice and sweet potato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For my entree, it was a no brainer. I'm here on Turkey day, I must have my turkey and it's trimmings. I couldn't be more pleased with the way they prepared this entree - they stuck to tradition and kept it original. I only wish they had green beans instead of broccoli rice but, that's just a personal preference. I ended up taking most of this home and it made for nice leftover the next day :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBkoZI-uuAXlU4amtzxER5xwBqzY0HjSeKfRXVxnECInBDCbM08VBX-110aviMEJinmsQ04BFzmkOUZ8KXRV3JvWNEVrq-u9vjHT_YIAT1MhUFUdYtAc4X3tvjXtk20KrF2rb9cGoW8M/s640/blogger-image--2067908325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBkoZI-uuAXlU4amtzxER5xwBqzY0HjSeKfRXVxnECInBDCbM08VBX-110aviMEJinmsQ04BFzmkOUZ8KXRV3JvWNEVrq-u9vjHT_YIAT1MhUFUdYtAc4X3tvjXtk20KrF2rb9cGoW8M/s400/blogger-image--2067908325.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meyer lemon pie w/ toasted meringue, graham cracker-peanut crust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My dessert was the major disappointment of the whole meal. I ordered the meyer lemon pie hoping for a refreshing dessert. Unfortunately, Haven's version was overly sweet, I could barely taste the lemon in it, and the consistency was more cake like than pie. Just not what I expected, at all!<br />
<br />
Overall, we had a very enjoyable meal. Service was good and the food came out in good timing - we never felt rushed nor did we wait forever in between meals. For $55/person, it was a very worthwhile holiday meal. Speaking of service, our server was kind enough to split the check for us which is very rare these days.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The only downside to Haven is their limited parking situation but, for that they do offer free valet service.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Haven</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2502 Algerian Way</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Houston, TX</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://havenhouston.com/">http://havenhouston.com/</a></div>
</div>
Julia S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15247706055524014082noreply@blogger.com0