RIver Oaks Donuts

My friend, Julia, went to River Oaks Donuts

I had to check them out... they are opened by a power couple who made their money in the oil and gas field and who doesn't like donuts?

Bad photos, you can't really tell the flavors, but their website didn't list them all, so totally not fair.  

One thing I was surprised at is that donut holes are charged individually instead of by the dozen.  They will have some cool filled donut holes, I will say.  I got the chocolate cappuccino flavor, and it is definitely yummy.

As for the donut, on their menu they have 'raised' donut, not knowing what it is, I was hoping to get it and give it a try.  But the girl heard me said chocolate glazed donut... instead of chocolate raised donut, so... ok.  I will say, these ain't no Shipley's where it's vanilla bottom dipped with chocolate on top.  The donut is chocolate flavor and have glaze on top.  That's a neat difference.

A tip for you, avoid going Friday morning.  Even though they have a drive thru, they're not very fast.  When you pull up there might be cars in line but as the temperamental customers would do, is honk to try to get out of line... yeah, I've witnessed it.  Plus, Friday morning is donut prime time, lines are long inside and out.  Try another time.  Oh, and p.s. they don't have any normal chocolate milk.  They only have the fat free version... which kid would want that?  Duh!

River Oaks Donuts

3601 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX 77027 

713-961-9458

http://www.riveroaksdonuts.com/Home/

Willie G's

So co-workers picked Willie G's for Happy Hour.  Since I can't have much, thought I get some soup.

I went for the Lobster Bisque, it was creamy but you can also taste the alcohol too.  And while I would say almost every bite there's little bit of lobster meat.  You can also tell that they give you the bits and pieces that no one wanted.  They were so tiny that it felt stingy of them.  Compare to Pappadeaux, the meat was night and day difference on the amount of meat available.

Now, another co-worker also got soup, she got the shrimp gumbo, and the menu specifically noted that okra upon request, instead they put way too much okra in the soup that she barely ate her soup.

I will say that their Happy Hour specials for drinks and snacks are pretty decent, for instance sliders for $5.95, 1/2 dz oysters or shrimp for $4.95.  It's not bad.  That said, for drinks and happy hour come here, but for real food, go to another place.

Willie G's
1605 Post Oak
Houston, TX 77056
713 840 7190
http://www.williegs.com/

Phamily Bites

In case you don't know about Fine Art + Food Truck, you should check out their calendar or their twitter.

This day, when I drove by, it was Phamily Bites, I love their food.  The truck is parked at the parking lot against the main building.  

For appetizer, I had ordered dumplings.  I didn't realize that it come with so many pieces.  There must've been 9 pieces there... I can eat them all.

Here we have the classic spam musubi, which is a favorite in Hawaii, the land of Spam.

This is where you have marinated spam grilled, with rice and wrapped in a piece of seaweed.  Of course, if you want to go big, add an egg on it, that's a very popular combo as well.   But this is actually plenty with the dumpling.

I love catching their truck, besides of their good humor, the food is pretty awesome.  I highly recommend you trying to track them down.

Phamily Bites

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/phamilybites

Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhamilyBites

They do have a schedule on their site: http://www.phamilybites.com

Aka

So being pregnant, going out to eat is difficult, you can't have good sushi, you can't have good cheese, but yet I try... So much so that Carl at  Sushi Club of Houston had collaborated with Houston Press to come up with a list for you to start.

So this round, we went to Aka.  During majority of this pregnancy I kinda stayed away from Aka because I usually come here for their creative rolls and one thing or another or a few things together I cannot have.  Instead of being a pain and ask for a special roll to be made, I just try to work around it. 

So for instance, I had the California Roll without roe, and a salmon skin hand roll - normal.  There are a few that is easier to work with.

I was going to order their hot rock beef, at least I can cook it to the temp I like.  But under the advisement of our waiter, who was really saying the hot rock is more for show than for taste, we ordered the rib eye with the sauce on the side.  

That was a tad disappointing, not sure if it's because of the sauce is on the side or what, but it is blend if you don't dip in it.  Most importantly, I wish our server would've told us that this is seared.... sorry pregnant people can't do seared stuff.

Aside from that, the server was quite knowledgeable about sushi alternative on the menu for preggars like us.  Mostly because they already separated the cooked rolls versus the non, so that's good.  We do have extra limitation and that may have thrown him off, but he was more than happy to go ask for us.  So I appreciate them being so accommodating.  Not to mention they also have decent happy hour if you ever get a chance to check them out.

Aka

2390 W. Alabama

Houston, TX 

713-807-7875

http://www.akasushi.net/

Kubo's Cafe

Since I was in the neighborhood, I finally got a chance to try their noodles.

If you're wondering why I said that, it's because last time we found out they only serve it on weekends or after 5pm during weeknights.  

 Alas, Tonkotsu noodles!  Oh yes, it shall be mine!

Here's my take on the dish: the noodle is bouncier than the others I've tried.  Is bouncier used as adjective for food acceptable?  It doesn't taste bad at all, it just bouncy.  The soup isn't that notable, I would venture to say a tad bland.  The pork, however, is very good.  I highly suggest you pay the $1.50 extra for the extra pork.  Totally worth it.  

You can also add extra topping or egg for a surcharge.  

 For dessert, I got the mochi set.  It came with green tea, strawberry, and chocolate.  The strawberry was not that great, but the others are yummy.  Granted, I know it came out of a box, there's no one in Houston make these by hand, but it's a nice treat once in a while.

I definitely will be back to try their Tokyo Shoyu Ramen, it uses soy flavor for soup, they also have just Miso Ramen.  

Kubo's Cafe

9889 Bellaire Blvd
Suite 234
Houston,TX 77036
713.995.4200 

http://www.kubos-sushi.com/kubos_cafe/index.html

Sweet Paris

Sweet Paris is a great spot for brunch, if you go early, that is.

This is the Canadienne, which has eggs, potato, bacon, and cheese.  Again we ordered gluten free batter, which is out of the buckwheats.  And again, my complaint is that the batter is way too thick, which mix with all the stuffin' inside, it's alot of batter, and barely got room for the meat inside.

Our eyes were bigger than our stomach, which we thought we could get dessert after breakfast.  Of course, we can't finish our savory breakfast, we didn't even crack into this one.  Took it home though.

I guess it's good on one hand to have the option with the gluten free batter, but if Pondicheri can use rice flour to make a batter that is pretty close to a real crepe batter, I'm not sure why Sweet Paris wouldn't want an option that is close to the real thing, than serve up a big o' batch of cooked batter.

Sweet Paris

2420 Rice Blvd

Houston, TX 77005

http://www.sweetparis.com/

Chuy's

To entertain some co-workers, I took them to Chuy's.

At first, I kinda felt bad, they came from McAllen, and have better Mexican food than what we have in Houston.  Although, I wasn't sure what their status on having Tex-Mex style food.  But as a gamble, I took them here anyway.

This is a customized enchilada with steak and Tex Mex sauce.  Remember kids, Tex Mex sauce is the least spicy sauce on their list.  It might be a tad sweet and tangy, but mix it with rice, it's really da bomb!  The meat was fresh and of course, as usual way too much food than you really need.

As you know, I really like them because of their food, the environment, and the creamy jalapeno sauce.  One thing I forgot was that it was Thursday night (aka meat market/ happy hour night), so parking was a challenge, but try to go after dinner prime time, you might have a better chance for parking and quicker on a table too.  They do have take out service should you ever not feel like being there, but keep in mind, any creamy jalapeno you asked for, they will charge you for it, as opposed they will bring you extra if you eat in.

Chuy's

2706 Westheimer Rd

at Kirby

Houston, Tx

713-524-1700

http://www.chuys.com/

Hong Kong's Cafe

For a quick bit, we went to Chinatown for a quick meal.

Last time, we were here, we had breakfast.

I got a satay beef with rice and bok choy.  I love the sauce mixed with rice, any dish mixed with sauce and rice, I'm a big fan of.  This dish is definitely one of my top comfort food.

Going out there lately has been challenging, with all the road work that seems never ending and the crazy traffic, I just don't like to head out that way during the week.  Going there is a weekend thing, and apparently that's what all the other Asian people think too.  Haha...  Well, when you do go, you need to pay attention to road and lane closures, and not a bad idea to get familiar with the roads and perhaps take back ways to your destination.

Hong Kong Cafe

9108 Bellaire Blvd

Houston, TX 77036

713-772-9633

Glass Wall

A dear friend can't make it to a party, so instead we had dinner instead.

I've never been to Glasswall, in the past either I heard that it's hard to get in, or have heard that there are so many people that it's hard to talk.  So we went to dinner on a week night and that's a win because it's  not as happening as a weekend night.

Since I'm not drinking, the bartender made me a concoction with blueberry juice, blackcurrant, pineapple juice, and a splash of Sprite.  It's kinda tasty.

This is their GW Crackin' Mac and Cheese.  It has a kick to it, with jalapeno in the mix, and the cheese they put in it definitely enhanced the taste.

This is their off menu special, lamb chop with blue cheese butter sauce.  It has mashed potato all the way.  There's a bit of cream spinach, hidden behind the lamb chop.  

The blue cheese butter is definitely very tasty, and you cannot tell if it is blue cheese at all.  The mashed potato has lots of stuff in it.  If you finish it, you cannot eat anything else.  As a matter of fact, I didn't even touch the creamed spinach much.  It wasn't as creamed as described. 

For dessert, we had share the apple tart with vanilla ice cream.  We had the calvados syrup on the side because it does have a little alcohol in it.  The tart was the rustic style and definitely was good.  I wish they have a tad more sugar on it.  But the nice ice cream with the mix of the warm apple tart was pretty awesome together.

When you do go, I suggest you make an reservation, even on a weeknight.  You never know if that night happens to be busy or not.  Luckily for us, the night was not busy, you can talk.  But as the night goes on, more and more diners showed up, but to be on the safe side, make a reservation.  

When you get to the place, you have to valet park.  They don't have much parking spots, so bring extra cash to tip the driver.  

Glass Wall

933 Studewood St.

Houston, TX 

713-868-7930

glasswalltherestaurant.com

Canopy

I don't go to brunch very often, but totally thrilled to get to catch one on Sunday.  

We decided to try a new place.  I haven't been to Canopy for over a year, not on purpose, just don't get to that part of town very often.

This is the smoked brisket with potato hash, and a side of fruit.  I kinda wish the eggs mixed in with the hash.  The brisket is definitely some quality meat, and I highly recommend that.  The potato is good and complementary to the brisket.  The eggs can be seasoned a bit more.   But over all, it's a nice dish.

Canopy

3939 Montrose Blvd.

Houston, TX 77006

713-528-6848

http://www.canopyhouston.com/

Kublai Khan Crazy Mongolian Grill

I saw someone on Houston Press had reviewed this place, thought I'd give it a shot too.

Kublai Khan Crazy Mongolian Stirfry and Moving Sushi Bar, there's alot of stuff going on here, but let's see....

The set up is simple, you go thru and pick out all the meat, veggie, spices, oil, and mixture that you can fit in a tiny silver bowl.  Feel free to stack it all up.

At the end, you turn it over to the person at the end, and they will put it on the big grill.  They will also ask if you want noodles (which they have at least 4 or 5 types), rice (white or brown), or tortillas... yeah, a tad out of place.  Or a side of bread.

On the other side is the moving sushi belt.  They do have a variety of sushi.  I take it is the most popular types on the belt.  You can special order stuff you don't see on the belt.

So, here's my creation. Vermicelli (aka rice noodle), with chicken, krab sticks, squash, mushroom, veggies with sesame oil and spices.

Go check them out, they do have lunch specials or happy hour specials on different days.  If weather permits, they also have an outdoor patio bar to hang out as well.  Very much worth the value for your own creation.  Give them a try.

Kublai Khan Crazy Mongolian Stirfry & Moving Sushi Bar

Midtown

3017 Milam Street

Houston, TX 77006

713-523-1530

http://www.kublaikhanstirfry.com/#/welcome

Partners in Paleo

So recently, Weston A. Price Houston Chapter hosted a demo and dinner.  The demo is mostly to show how easy it is to make bone broth and mix and match with different kinds of puree made with local produce to make inventive dinners.

 

Partner in Paleo made the dinner, last time I understand they charged $10, and realized they can make a profit.  This time they doubled up to $20.  At first, I didn't think anything of it, most of these sit down dinners $20 is not unreasonable.

That is until I realized what was served.  The dinner was just a chicken or beef stew with a side salad.  Granted, everything is organic, gluten free, paleo friendly, but soup and salad for $20, is a tad steep.

I finished the soup and was waiting for the next course, realized this was the only course.  That was disappointing.

At least the dessert was a saving grace.  It was a orange glazed cake.  For being gluten free and paleo friendly, this was a superb cake.  They use coconut flour, cream, and extra eggs to achieve the moisture you tasted.  Totally thumbs up.

In terms of food, it tasted fine.  It does have a very homey feel to the entire place and food.  Soup and stew just like how Mom would make them.  The dessert is wonderful.  Does this meal itself worth $20?  No.  I would've felt better if they had told me that a portion goes back to the Weston A. Price Houston Chapter, but they aren't making any money off of this.  So, that was disappointing.

I will probably go back to Partner in Paleo and try them again.  Too bad they're so far out of town and their hours are particular... hope they can sustain business.

Partner in Paleo

109 B Meadow Parkway

League City, TX

281-538-8400

https://www.facebook.com/PartnersInPaleo

Pondicheri dinner

Since we always go to Pondicheri for breakfast, we figured we should give them a shot for dinner.

We ordered the papadum, which is thin like taco shells but made with lentils and it does have spices in it where it has a kick to it.  It came with chutney, the white stuff is yogurt of some sort, and don't know what the green stuff was, it was not exactly my taste, so I didn't investigate too much.

Grilled fish, it came with a side of salad.  Sadly the fish doesn't taste good at all, but the salad does.  So I went with that.  For $20, that was a total waste.

It came with a side of potato salad, it is again soaked in this mixture that's like a watered down yogurt, but it has potato, cucumber, basil, and onion.  That tasted better than the fish even... sigh.

Again, sadly, for $20 the fish was not good.  Since it doesn't even taste good, the $20 was definitely not worth it in my book.  I'd rather come back for breakfast, the bar, or their baked goods.  Yikes!  That said, when the evening is nice, it does feel good to sit out at the patio to enjoy a meal.  Just wish that the meal was more up to par.  I'll stick to the breakfast.

Pondicheri
2800 Kirby
B132
Houston, TX 77098
713-522-2022