Cloud 10

Since we were down at Coppa for lunch, we walked over to have ice cream at Cloud 10.

Last I was there, it was when they were having their soft opening.  They definitely got the business down pat.

Since there were 3 of us, we decided to split a banana split.  You never understood how good banana is with ice cream, or why we don't have ice cream and banana more often.  We have mixed in: Toasted Rice, which was super creamy and not tasted rice at all.  Black Sesame Chocolate which was not heavy on the sesame or on the chocolate, but together they work.  Not super creamy, but it was good balanced.   And lastly we had vanilla bean, which was a classic.

For the topping, they had this awesome strawberry topping, which worked really really well with the vanilla bean.  The nuts with chocolate sesame, and the Toasted Rice had the hard shell chocolate.  I will say that I liked the toppings except the hard shell.  The rest is pretty good.  I kept licking the strawberry topping.  For $9 that's a pretty good deal for the 3 of us.

The trick of going there, is to expect they have different flavors when you go, because they use what's seasonal.  They also have ice cream desserts like Rocky Road pop, Ice Cream cake...etc.  Go give them a try.

Cloud 10 Creamery

5216 Morningside

Houston, TX 77005

713-434-6129

http://www.cloud10creamery.com/

Coppa Osteria

For pre-Christmas lunch with friends, we decided to meet up at Coppa's newest location in the Village.

Amazingly, parking was easy to find, both on the street (free and metered), they also allow you park at the building's parking garage for $1 an hr, and of course they have valet for $5.  

When I arrived, I was super hungry, and while we were waiting for our last friend to arrive, we ordered the Frito Misto.  I will say that it was smaller than I remembered.  But looking back, it was about the same.  Of course, we ate every last bit of it because it was so good.

This is the Ragatoni with prosciutto sans peas.  The parmesan cream was super delicious, I just want to wipe my entire plate clean with that.  Of course, having that cream was not enough, I asked for more parmesan.  Our server was so nice that he brought a small plate of shredded parm.  Not to mention, they made the pasta in house, and this one is made with chickpea rice flour, which is gluten free.  Now, they have several pasta dishes that are not gluten free, but check with your server.  

Coppa Osteria

Rice Village Location

5210 Morningside Rd

Houston, TX 77005

713-522-3535

http://coppaosteriahouston.com/

Happy Holidays!!!!

Merry Christmas, Happy Boxing Day, and whatever else you celebrate.  May you eat tons of yummy food and spend it with someone you love.  May you get what you wish for this coming year and continue success in your endeavors.  Most importantly, check back for more yummy adventures!

Pondicheri

It was so nice to go to breakfast at Pondicheri, but we were a little late, and the hipsters were out in full force in West Ave.  But!  Still managed to find a decent parking in the garage.  WIN!

This is Laka, which has pear, kale, and we think cardamom, which gave it a super kick!

Of course, I got my usual, crepe made with rice flour, nutella and strawberry... delish!  I just like that it is gluten free, it has a texture of a real crepe, and it's not easily fall apart like the buckwheat batter that Sweet Paris was using, which is bulky and frustrating to eat.

Because we were later than usual, it is super pack, and the hipster brunch crowd were hogging tables in a large crowd and yap for a long time.  If you were to go, hit the place up early and plus, that way they still have lassi and other yummy goodness available.  Early bird, always gets the yummy stuff!

Pondicheri

2800 Kirby Dr.

#B132

Houston, TX 77098

713-522-2022

http://www.pondichericafe.com/

Hong Kong's Cafe

Since the weather turned cold, a bowl of hot noodle is just what the weather ordered.

At Hong Kong's Cafe, this is their Satay Beef Ramen.  The noodles is not the Dollar Ramen you get from the grocery store, but it's not something home made, it's just egg noodles.  They cooked the beef with the satay sauce with a bok choy.  It's a nice warm-your-tummy dish for this weather.  It has a little kick of spice from the satay sauce.  It's nice.

Hong Kong's Cafe

9108 Bellaire Blvd.

Houston, TX 77036

713-772-9633

Panera

Needing a quick lunch, my mom and I went to Panera for a quick bite.

I like their Iced Green Tea.  Mind you, it taste nothing like the tradition green tea.  It taste more apple-y than tea.

I got the half and half, which consist of half soup and half sandwich.  You can mix and match, half salad, half sandwich, half soup or half panini.  Here I got a French Onion soup with Ham and Swiss sandwich.  I thought it's so weird that they gave you extra bread with a sandwich.  That's alot of bread.  The soup is on the lighter side for a French Onion soup.  The sandwich isn't toasted, and I wish I had asked for them to toast it.  The cheese is not melted but would've been better had it been melted.

Since it's half and half, the possibilities are endless as they say.  So, if you don't like this, there's other combos waiting for you to try.  They also have free wi-fi which explains why you see people camp out there to study.

Panera

3151 W. Holcombe Blvd

Suite A

Houston, TX 77025

713-821-1065

https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html

Mia's Table

I was meeting a friend for some quick BBQ bite.  And we landed at Mia's

I guess they are really more a burger type joint, since they do have nice hand spun milkshake.  Using the local Blue Bell Ice Cream, of course.

I got the Hickory Burger, which looked like a hot dog when it came out.  I kinda regretted the cheddar, just felt really filling.  I think the onion, bacon, and BBQ sauce is more than enough.  Can definitely do without the cheddar.

I love that they have plenty of parking even though the nearby businesses takes up alot of spaces along the street.  Beware on the days that has any kinda of games on the screens, this is a popular congregating place.  One nice thing is that they have all you can eat ice cream on your way out... we saw a little girl that kept going up and either her family or staff or other guests feel bad for her that she can't reach the pullie and got her ice cream.  It was quite funny to watch.

Mia's Table

3131 Argonne St

Houston, TX 77098

713-522-6427

http://www.miastable.com/

Pronto

Needed to grab a quick bite, and Pronto is just right.

This is Mandola's Casual dining, which means, you order, sit down, they'll bring you your food, and be done.  Not full service, but their service people do try to make your experience a positive one.

This is their Rigatoni Rustica, I got it mainly for the spicy sausage.  The menu said there's eggplant in it, but I honestly didn't see any.  I did find the peas.  And I do dose mine with cheese... yum!  It's nice, not too thick and not overwhelmingly filling.  Perfect for quick lunch.

Their dessert choices isn't alot, and they have the desserts in the cold case.  I picked up the tiramitsu, it's nice, not too heavy and not too coffee tasting.  Overall, not too filling.  Perfect to top off an already full pasta dish.

You can call ahead for pickup, and if you're in a hurry, that's a perfect for fast service with good food.

Pronto

3191 W. Holcombe Blvd.

Houston, TX 77025

713-592-8646

http://www.ninos-vincents.com/pronto.html

Jerry Built

Jerry Built pride themselves on their homegrown burger... thought we give them another try.

We came here a year go, haven't been back since... maybe the outcome would be better.

We ordered a side of sweet potato fries... not much for presentation, but it's not bad.

I had a small malt, and it is kid's size friendly.

Here's their mushroom burger.  Yeah I know you can't see anything, but take my word for it.  It's not bad, the bun is decent, maybe too much bread.  The meat patty is good.  They pride themselves for having hormone free, antibiotic free and grass fed beef.  I wish they do a gluten free version with a lettuce wrap.  Instead, they would give it to you just a patty in a cup.  That's just a shame.

Jerry Built

3501 W. Holcome Blvd

Houston, TX 77025

713-664-2874

http://www.jerrybuiltburgers.com/

Barnaby's Cafe

Haven't been to Barnaby's for a while. I missed their breakfast. 

I tried the original location, if you're not there early, you can pretty much forget about it. So instead, we went to the River Oaks location. Plus, it's been a ling timesince I went there. 

I love their Huveos Rancheros.  You get generous amounts of eggs, potatoes and beans. I don't care for the beans much, to be honest. Not just theirs, just in general.  I do love their potato and their fresh squeeze OJ. It's the little things, I tell ya.

Just like Baby Barnaby's, go early for breakfast, or you'll be waiting. Though, waiting inside is better than out during winter. And be careful anout parking. Parking lot is small, you can park mext door if they are closed. Otherwise, it's street parking for you!

Barnaby's Cafe

River Oaks

1701 S. Shepherd

Houston, Tx

713-520-5131

http://www.barnabyscafe.com/

Fat Bao

Wanted to grab a quick lunch and ended up at Fat Bao.

This time I got their Fat Onion Rings, which is tempura with a kimchi-mayo dip. Pretty good dip, not too spicy. Just enough to get you addicted. 

I got the Peking Duck (left) and Bulgogi (right). I love how you don't need to order an entire duck just to have a bao. They also manged to keep the duck moist. The only thing is that they were stingy on the sweet hoisin sauce. The Bulgogi was excellent. The way they treated the meat is delicious. I can eat that all day.

This time the experience was a bit different because we had someone new at the cash register. They put us down for one tea. And when the manager delivered the tea, I'd let her know that we had ordered two. Instead apologizing for the new person's mistake, which I can totally empathize. She just said how much the tea was, like the price would deter me from getting a tea. That type of customer service, I can so without. 

Fat Bao
3419 Kirby Dr
Houston, TX 77098
www.fatbaohouston.com

Osaka

It's been a while for some sushi...

Of course, I got my usual chopped scallop.

This is Osaka's Lobster Tuna roll.  They tempura-ed the lobster, rolled it with mango, and the top had the spicy tuna on top with caviar and mayo.  Quite tasty.  Although, I always complain about the price here, the lobster roll is worth while.  Simply because, it's lobster.

Osaka Sushi Bar

4001 Bellaire Blvd

Suite J

Houston, TX 77025

713-838-9812

Haven - Thanksgiving 2013

Every Thanksgiving, friends and I go out to eat.  It is a tradition that started years ago, where a few of us don't have family in town, and have this one day off in the middle of the week, and we have to work during Black Friday, so might as well get something good to eat.

As I said, every year we managed to go somewhere different.  We haven't had a repeat yet.  This year, we ended up at Haven.  It's been a while since we've been there. 

 This is our amuse bouche: which was deviled eggs, which weren't too deviled.  And pimento cheese on celery.  I have to say, I'm not a fan of celery, but the cheese on top, it was truly good, and I wouldn't mind my celery that way.

 First course, I had the seafood salad, which had crab and shrimp on top of fried green tomato, and salad in the middle with some cheese sprinkled on top.  The fried green tomato is so green that the texture is almost like apple.  I hardly can taste the acidity from the tomato.

 Since there's so many good things, we ordered and split.  The one shown here is the pork loin and fried pork belly with sweet potato.  The pork loin is very good, surprisingly the fried pork belly was only so-so.

 What's Thanksgiving without Turkey, Mashed Sweet Potato, Cranberry sauce and sides?  The turkey was not bad, but I was so stuffed that can't really appreciate its flavors.

Not to mention, we have to save room for dessert.  I got the coconut tres leche bread pudding.  Sounds decadent.  I didn't expect the marshmallow fluff there, there were a bit more fluff than I care to enjoy.  So, I ended up having to wipe some off.  The coconut flakes and the bread pudding was nice... I wouldn't mind if that was a bit bigger.

Overall, the experience was enjoyable.  For $55 per person, all of us were fed well, and some of us managed to take stuff home.  The seating was a bit weird.  They told me that I can't have the 11:30a seating so we took the one before, and of course when 11:30a rolls around, there were tons of emptied tables.  I thought that was quite rude.  It is not until almost 12:30p that the tables started to fill in.  Not sure if they were doing that so they don't overwhelmed the kitchen, but thought that was weird.  Either way, if you were to come here, a reservation is highly recommended.  And bring some cash.  While valet is complimentary, it is the only parking available, you might want to tip them.

Haven

2502 Algerian Way

Houston, TX 

713-581-6101

http://havenhouston.com/special_events/Thanksgiving_2013.html

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

This is our 1st year with a baby, so we're going out... Actually, either way, we would be going out for Thanksgiving anyway.  As a matter of fact, it's a tradition with friends, so the tradition will continue.  Of course, we'll report back on what we had.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Kata Robata

Mom and I were running errands, so we decided to stop in for some sushi

That day was super cold and I was inspired to get some ramen, except... (read on)

We splited the Caribbean roll, which has fried lobster, mango, spicy tuna, eel sauce and caviar.  Yum! 

I had the Shoyu Ramen.  Which does have couple pieces of pork, veggie, fish slices and egg.  I need to get more educated as to what the difference is compare to the other noodles they offered.  All I can tell  you is that I had intended to order Tonkatsu, but turns out, they sell out of that daily by 12:30p.  So, when they tell you they offer it at a limited of time, they really mean it.  Go early!

Kata Robata

3600 Kirby Ste H

Houston, TX 77098

713-526-8858

http://katarobata.com/

Maine-ly Sandwich

Heard alot about Maine-ly Sandwich... 

Since they took over Sugarbaby's old spot on Shepherd, I didn't mind stopping by.  Their other location is a tad out of the way, so even though I would've love to, just made it a tad harder to get out that way.  Since their second location is inside the loop, that's just made it easier.

 Of course, I ordered their famous Lobster Roll.  They claim it's Maine style.  Since I've never been there, I wouldn't know.  This is a half order, so imagine double the size that would be their normal order.  And make no mistake, you did see that piece of candy there.  Every order they throw in a piece of Salt Water Taffy.  Which they also sell.  Guess that makes sense, you go to Maine seaside, you have a lobster roll and they have taffy too.  

The roll is toasted and buttered, and the lobster is definitely meaty and generous.  I would say it's good, and in Houston, you don't find anything like this.  Overall, I've had better at the Lobster Place in Chelsea Market, NYC.  They definitely have more meat and ooze overboard than the vassal (the bread) it was held in.  Like I said, in Houston, you can't go wrong, I would go back... but is it the best I've ever had?  No.

When you get there, there's a small counter to your left is where you write down what you want to order.  If you are new to it (like I was) and there weren't anybody there, you can walk up to the counter and order it that way.  Anyway, fill out that little piece of paper, and hand it to the guy, they ring you up, you find a spot and they'll call you up for pick up.

I also chose to go before their special promotion on the coupon site went into effect.  That's a great way to get exposure to your business, but you are that much more busier for new people to try just for the heck of it.  Of course, argument goes both ways, if you have been thinking about trying it, but the price point is the reason stopping you.  Then, by all means go try it when it's discounted.

Maine-ly Sandwich
3310 Shepherd Dr.
Houston, TX 77098
713-942-2150
http://www.mainelysandwiches.com/

P.F. Chang's

After the baby's baptism, a bunch of us went to PF Chang's.  I was just too tired to muster up a party.  Going out to eat is so much more easier.

This is their Gluten Free Singapore Street Noodles.  I liked the amount of protein with the noodles... not too much and not too little.  Just right.

I can't pass up Beef and Broccoli, also Gluten free.  You can always tell if the plate came with a link and logo or just plain white plates.

To our surprise, our server gave us a free appetizer of the Gluten Free Lettuce Wraps (not pictured).  I forgot how yummy that was.  Needless to say, he got a bigger tip.  Haha.  For a big group, reservations is highly recommended, that way they will prep for you before you arrive.  And definitely easier than having a big party waiting for a table.

P.F. Chang's

in Highland Village

4094 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX 77027

713-627-7220

http://www.pfchangs.com/index.aspx

Scratch food truck

So, I went to the Nutcracker Market this weekend, and was pleasantly surprised to see food trucks there.

I've never heard of Scratch before, and the back of the truck said Lobster, so I naturally gravitate towards it.

Simple straight forward menu, but no Lobster Roll, hmm...

I settled for a Cuban Pork Sandwich.  The pork does taste good, but not enough for me to come back for it.

They are often parked outside of the the Texans games, where the vendor pays to get in.  THey can sell whatever food they want, just had to sell their water  

 Scatched

no website yet

Fleming's

So, for our Anniversary, we went to Fleming's for a fancy feast. 

I love their servers, all of them are knowledgable of the wine selections and pairings.

I got an Arnold Palmer, nothing fancy to speak of. The server was kind enough to bring extra lemonade os I can add to taste. How thoughtful.

For our appetizer, we split the pork belly. It came with a side of polenta. The pork belly was nice and crunchy on top of some red wine reduction sauce. Pretty delicious if you mix each bitewith polenta. The pork belly reminds me of the Chinese pork, fat and crispy.

Here's my Petite Filet Mingon. It was 6oz. I thought I coukd conquer that but still ended up w/ leftover at home.

Their Spinach side, you really get leaves.

For dessert, we got creme brulee to share. Good thing too, the thing was huge, and meant to be shared. They brought along a small bowl of whipped cream made in-house, super delicious to go witg the brulee, almost wanted to lick the bowl.

Not pictured: the Fleming's Potato. Which is essentially potato au grati. With cream and cheddar cheese baked into this giant bowl. It came with the Newport Mingon, and it was delicious, so we ordered a full size side, of course that was too much, and ended up in our doggy bag.

Ic you plan on hitting the bar, go early. By 6pm, that bar was completely filled with overflow to a small side room. So go early.

Fleming's

Reservations recommended

2405 West Alabama Street,

Houston, TX 77098

713-520-5959www.flemingssteakhouse.com