Chama Gaucha

Another work function took us to Chama Gaucha.

Everyone got a little card so the servers know if you are hungry or not.  The other side, in case you're curious is red and that's how they know.  Green or Red.

They have a very generous salad bar.  They not only have cold cut, veggies, fancy cheese, potato salad, tuna salad.  They also have soup, rice, and beans too.

Not very good photo, but they move so quickly, I tried to catch what I can.  They do bring you the meat, and you get to ask what cut and how it's cooked for you.

I have pork ribs, filet mignon, garlic chicken, churizo sausage, lamb chop and more pork, more beef, and more chicken...

They also give you all sorts of sides.  This is fried yucca, they have plantain, rice, and mashed potato

They also have great desserts.  Their most popular is the papaya pudding with black current liquor.  This time I was the rebel and got the creme brulee instead.  Yeah, that's huge, but luckily the bowl is not very deep, so it's not as much as you see here.  That said, I only had about half of a bowl.  Definitely good enough to share.  They also have a huge slice of chocolate cake, should you need your chocolate fix.

The nice thing about Chama is that you get the service of Fogo de Chao, but not the price tag.  You don't feel up tight eating here and you get good food.  I will say, the couple times I've been here, both times are with a big group.  That said, their normal dining room is packed during dinner time, and so is their bar, so definitely feel free to come and hang out after work.

Chama Guacha

5865 Westheimer Road

Houston, TX 

713-244-9500

http://www.chamagaucha.com/

Chuy's

I felt a little embarrassed when my coworker from McAllen visit and we went to a TexMex place.  I'm sure they have great authentic Mexico food that is much better than TexMex up in the middle of the state.  But nonetheless, we went to Chuy's for a quick bite.

I went to my usual, even though I haven't been there for a long time.  I had the steak burrito with Tex Mex sauce.  I really just liked the sauce on top of rice.  I had forgotten how much tortilla and not alot of meat inside.  But the sauce is awesome!

Not to mention why I really love the place; the creamy jalapeno sauce.  Apparently, they go thru 50 gallon a day.  A day!  That's probably how much water we use one day... 50 gallon?!?!  That's just one day.  So needless to say, you know the sauce is fresh daily!

Chuy's

2706 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77098

713-524-1700

http://www.chuys.com/

Truluck's

Work had taken me to Truluck's this time.  Since it's with work function, there's not alot of good pics to be had... but managed to sneak in a pic of my food here and there.

 This is a bowl of their lobster bisque.  It is not as thick and milky as it looked.  I was hoping it'd be smoother.  I can detect a hint of alcohol in it, which is not commonly found in alot of bisque.

I decided to get a 7oz center cut filet.  While it does look small, at least smaller than the pile of mashed potato, there's alot of meat.  I will tell you that I did not even finish my steak.  A shame, I know, but just too much food.  Mind you, I didn't even get the bread or eat their crab, which when they say they're jumbo, they mean business.

Just as expected from Truluck's, the service and food are top notch.  No doubt about that.  I actually haven't been there since they moved to this new location.  I was so used to go to the one on Fountainview and since they've been at this new space just didn't have any opportunity to go.

I did find out that they do have a separate Gluten Free menu, which is selected items from their main menu.  But again, since I'm with work function, I just picked whatever the easiest on the menu, which is very easy to do here.

Truluck's

5350 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX 77056

713-783-7270

http://trulucks.com/pages/houston-texas

Kata Robata

One day after work, I went to Kata for a quick Happy Hour.

It is quite pleasant and quick if you go directly after work, right before the dinner crowd begins.  Faster service and faster food too!

Haven't had unagi for a long time, had to have some.

This is the Spicy Soy Ramen, the only difference is that I skipped the spicy.  It has braised pork (minced style), chili oil, little bit of milk (see the white stuff?), little greens, and of course noodles.

I love their noodle, the soup is not overpowering but the entire dish goes together harmoniously.  The meat doesn't take over the spotlight and the soup doesn't take over all your taste buds either.  Of course, the noodles is nice and smooth too.   Now, this soup is hard to compare with Soma's ramen noodle soup, but it is smooth for intensive purposes, maybe is the milk.  Still, I'd go back just for the noodles. 

Kata Robata

3600 Kirby Dr.

Houston, TX 77098

katarobata.com

Ruggles Green

No news that Ruggles Green is one of our go-to places for a quick bite that is for sure gluten free.  This time I decided to try their Cuban Pork sandwich.  They give you tons of pork in the sandwich, there's onion and poblano peppers in the mix.  Not to mention that they added the melted cheese in there.  The mix was perfect and I was not hungry but because it's so good that I finished the entire sandwich.  I'll definitely go back for that next time!

Ruggles Green

2311 W. Alabama

Houston, TX 77098

713-533-0777

http://www.rugglesgreen.com/

Coppa Italian

I've been curious about Coppa for quite some time now.  Never got an excuse to go, until you find the right friend who is curious enough to go try with you.

Honestly, aside the fact that I know it's an Italian restaurant and took over the old space where Catalan used to be.  I've always lamented that I didn't get to go try Catalan before they closed.  But totally excited to try Coppa, since I've heard and read alot about Brandi Key and can't wait to see it for myself.

We were sat in the back room, but just walking past the main dinning room, it has this rustic chic decor to it.  Definitely suitable for a fancy date or a casual Sunday night meal.

We ordered the Frito Misto which has calamari, shrimp, fennel, and in case you haven't look closed enough, that's a slice of orange.  It was battered with tempura type batter, it's definitely light and yummy.  Surprisingly, I loved the fennel because it tasted a little sweet as you eat it.  That was a very nice surprise.

I ordered the Italian Sausage pizza and it does have a zing of spice to it.  You can taste the herb in it but the cheese was either not enough or was over cooked but it was very much melted into the pizza dough for sure.  My friend ordered the Margherita and I liked hers much better.

For dessert, we were thinking of splitting a tiramisu.  Since our appetizer and pizza were huge, we thought one would be plenty to share.  Turns out it was dainty.  It's ok, it was good enough to share, but was surprised that it was smaller than the rest of the dishes. 

Place looks nice, and if you do go during dinner prime time, a reservation is highly recommended, simply that even on Sunday night they do get filled quickly.  That's just the nature of Washington Ave. The servers are very knowledgable and attentive, so that always win with me at any table.  Keep in mind on weekends they do not serve lunch.

Coppa 

5555 Washington Ave.

Houston, Tx 77007

713-426-4260

http://copparistorante.com/

Chili's

You know, literally, I have not been to Chili's for over 2 years.  We used to go there weekly almost.  And with all the food options available in Houston, there are no real reason to go there.

Nonetheless, we found ourselves in the middle of nowhere East Texas, and the only thing that is familiar and available was Chili's, so I guess we'll roll with the punches.

This is a 6oz Classic Sirloin, it came with cheddar mashed potato topped with bacon and broccoli and toast.  The broccoli was over peppered, the cheddar mashed potato was pretty good, but it also fills you up.  The steak was decent, just that I can't finish 6oz.  

I had forgotten about their Strawberry Lemonade, and their queso.  Those are yummy just didn't get a chance this round.  Aside from those vices, I don't recall what I order there or like there anymore since I haven't been there for so long.  

Truly, in Houston we have great choices everywhere, only in East Texas that this will show up as gourmet.  Go figure.

Chili's

7099 Hwy 30

Greenville, TX

https://www.chilistogo.com/Pages/MenuLandingWebUI.aspx

Revival Breakfast

Almost every Saturday, Revival has their own brand of Breakfast Special.  This day was Corned Beef Hash breakfast with bread from Slow Dough.  For $7.95, I ordered one.  The only thing I find was inconvenient was that they would not customize how they cook the egg.  I asked for scrambled, and they insisted on sunny side up or they just cook it really hard.  Hmm... the whole point for me was that they cook the yoke fully and thoroughly, but they wouldn't do it.  Instead, they just offer more hash instead of eggs.  Not sure if it's because they figured there's tons of people and didn't want to customize or what.

I will say that Saturday morning at the shop is a mad house.  However, there were less people going there to have the breakfast special than people getting coffee and pastry to go.  I really wanted to tell these people, if you're in here anyway, get some good cooking from the in-house chef.  Aside from the no-customization thing the food is good.  

Sign up on their newsletter to find out what's the feature will be that weekend.

Revival Market

550 Heights Blvd (at White Oak)
Houston, TX 77007
713-880-8463

http://revivalmarket.com/

Cafe 101

I know I haven't been to Cafe 101 for a while, but boy, didn't realized it's more than a year.   Wow!

No wonder the menu changed, it's no longer in the bible size menu of drinks.  It's a nice laminated menu.  And while every print grown smaller, they managed to fit it all front and back.  

This is the Legend of Eve, which is apple juice mixed with strawberries.  It tasted good when it first arrived, but over time they separate and becomes sour.  Hmm...

This is the Japanese Curry Squid Rice.  Their meals usually comes with side of veggies, and dessert.  The squid is fried and they put the curry sauce over it.  So it's nice and crunchy but with some sauce, over rice, of course.  The side has egg roll, pickled potato and raw veggie.  I haven't figured out on the 'dessert' so I'm not even going to try.

The food is just as I remembered it, so that's consistent.  Since I haven't been there for over a year, they have better servers.  Might not be the short skirts that they used to have, but the servers are much more efficient.  They place the order and the kitchen runner swoop right in with the drinks or food, and then when you're done, the bust boy comes and take it away.  Very efficient.  

Cafe 101

9889 Bellaire Blvd. #101

Houston, TX 77036

713-272-8828

http://cafe101houston.com/

MuSuBi

I was ecstatic to find a food truck near by work that serves lunch!

 Look at the cute truck front, super friendly and cute!

 This is passion fruit juice with vanilla pudding and basil seed.  The combo sounds weird, but it was surprisingly refreshing.  I know they also have sugar cane juice, too bad they didn't have that the day I went.  Aside from that, they also have Cafe Su dai, which is the Vietnamese coffee.

This is their Peking Duck and Pork Belly Ramen.  Looks pretty, assembled like restaurant.  My only complaint is that the noodle could've been better quality.  The noodles just looks like a fancier packaged noodle.  That was a tad disappointing.  I wonder if I had it on site if the soup would've been nicer.  Since I took it back to my office, the soup turned cold all too quickly.  And mind you, my office is not even 2 minutes from the truck, so I'm very surprise.

I think I'll go back to the truck and try their banh mi and try their namesake musubi.  Their version of musubi aside of egg and spam, they also add pineapple, that's very intriguing in terms of taste.  So I'll go back for that.  Meanwhile, I was disappointed at the ramen, especially I was very much looking forward to it.  Not to mention, I'm just happy to see a food truck right by work.

MuSuBi

Follow them on Twitter

https://twitter.com/musubiHOUSTON

And like them on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MuSuBi/371269562961888

   

Kata Robata

Finally a chance to get some sushi.... yay!

 Tamago - egg custard and it's a little sweet.  Although I can do it with less sweet.

 King Crab California Roll - I love that they use very meaty crab for the middle.  Definitely worth your time to get that.

Also got the Caribbean, which has lobster meat (see the sad little shell?), mango, avocado all in a roll.

As usual, Kata sushi delivers.  The sushi chefs consistency across the board means that you get their detailed attention and their appreciation in their work.  

One interesting thing to note on this trip, is that you can make a reservation at the bar.  I didn't know that.  Mostly, I go to the bar for speedy service and you get a dinner and a show as you watch the sushi chef do their thing.  But you can request to be seated at the counter and they will reserve it for you.  You should try it some time.

Kata Robata

3600 Kirby Dr. Ste H

Houston, TX 77098

713-526-8858

http://katarobata.com/

Sushi Wabi

I love to go to a local sushi joint.

Except, I didn't get any sushi....

This is the Yakiudon, basically fried egg noodle.  I was surprised that they don't have as much soy sauce and still get very good favor every bite.  

Make sure you stop by over weekend, they have happy hour all day, and you get to enjoy rolls for $6, appetizers for $3, and drinks on great prices... support local business and get good food and good prices... why not?!

Sushi Wabi

3953 Richmond Ave, 

Houston, TX 77027

(713) 623-8818

http://www.sushiwabihouston.com/

Perry's Italian

So we were driving around in Clear Lake and came across Perry's Italian.

It's curious to me because we don't see Perry's Italian in the City.  As a matter of fact, it's such a novelty  that we've never seen it before.  We've seen tons of Perry's Steakhouse but not Italian... couldn't resist, and must give them a try.

Since we were starving and I do mean STARVING, I ordered the Spinach & Crab pasta.  For $2 more, you can get them to switch to gluten free pasta.  They use brown rice pasta to substitute for normal pasta.  

You can see that they were quite generous with the crab meat.  They also used tons of tomato for the taste, and there's tons spinach is in there too.  They did douze the olive oil a bit much, otherwise, the taste is not bad.  The place isn't as big as you think from the outside, so make sure you call in and make a reservation for a decent table.

Perry's Italian

1001 Pineloch

Houston, TX 77062

281-488-2626

http://www.perrysitaliangrille.com/

Pondicheri

So breakfast time is important around here, so we want to get something yummy and satisfying...

I got, Saag Paneer Omlete, this is made with paneer, sweet potato (which wasn't cooked thru), and egg.  Nice spices, and definitely get a kick into breakfast.

 

Instead of the pancake thing it comes with, I had a uttapam pancake which is made with lentil & rice.  Inside has spinach and sauteed green.

And of course, if we come here, we must get crepe!!!!  Of course, it is at rice flour crepe, with nutella and banana.  It's light and fluffy. 

For breakfast, they are open at 7am, and of course, don't forget their fresh squeeze juice and their yummy pastries.  Parking is available in the garage right behind the store front.

Pondicheri

2800 Kirby # B312

Houston, TX 77098

713-522-0222

http://www.pondichericafe.com/

Monster PBJ

We've been following Monster PBJ for a while, but as all food trucks go, you're chasing after them around town.  Sometimes where they are is not where you are, and thus becomes a little chase.

This day happens that I was in the same part of town as they were, so we'll chalk it up as serendipitous. 

Can't help but take a pick of the back of their truck.  Not only is it colorful, did you see their plate?  Clever!

I must say we were delighted to learn that not only do they serve gluten free bread, we think they use Udi's bread.  They are also offering almond and cashew butter on top of the normal peanut butter.  This helps alot of paleo eaters.  

One thing I didn't get is on the jam, where is the grape jam?  The truck has purple, which led me to think they have grape, but it's not listed anywhere.  Also, I'm glad they have variety on the fruit but do people actually do jam AND honey or agave or nutella?  That's a very sweet sandwich.

Cute sticker, can't resist.

Opened it up.  I had the crust cut, bread toasted like a panini.  Had banana and almond butter as my filling.  Not too shabby.  For $5, you get to customize all you want.

They have drinks, chips, fruit, and dessert for extra.  My one complaint is that I wish they would offer gluten free and healthy alternative on chips.  They bothered go the length for gf bread, almond & cashew butter, why not provide an healthy alternative on chips too?  I will say it is nice to have this customized by someone else, but did feel that $5 a sandwich is high.  Of course, you're paying for their service and doing the work for you.

Monster PBJ

http://www.monsterpbj.com/

Follow them on FB & Twitter to find their locations and schedule:

http://www.facebook.com/Monsterpbj

https://twitter.com/monsterpbj

Maison Burdisso

The only way to get macarons from Maison Burdisso is on Tuesdays at Rice Farmers Market, and Saturdays at Eastside Farmers Market.

For Valentine's day, Maison Burdisso made some special macarons...

Look, look!  Heart shaped mac!  We have here, chocolate, pistachio, red velvet, and vanilla bean!

Look at how smooth the cookie turned out.  No seam whatsoever.  Nice and smooth!

You see how the feet came out, not as nice as a normal mac, but still came out nicely.

Bite into it, the shells are soft and chewy.

Now that there's more macarons places around town, macarons is easier to find than ever, they really need to make something to stand out.  Maison Burdisso actually has been around for a while, they used to sell their macs at Kuhl-Linscomb, but not sure if they still carry it or not.

They are much more expensive than anywhere in town.  They charge $3 per cookie, Petit Sweet charges $1.75 each, Macaron by Patisse charges $2.25 each, and Sweet charges $2 each.  So by comparison they do charge higher.  That said, they are proud of their tradition passed down 3 generations.  Try one and see for yourself.

Maison Burdisso

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maison-Burdisso/191791629902

http://www.maisonburdisso.com/