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

Bite Macarons

For Halloween, we had our 1st Trick or Treat.  I heard that Bite was having a Halloween treat, though that'll be a good excuse to don on the costume (on the baby, not me)

They said Halloween-y, how's that for ya?!  Superman to the rescue!

We actually purchased some macs, but we ate it as soon as we go them.  But we go the 'treat ones' at home.  Cute packaging.

This is a raspberry jam one.  Very good.

My favorite from Bite: Earl Grey.  You taste the tea, and add chocolate to it.  Cannot deny, one of the better ones I've had around town.

Bite Macarons

5172 B Buffalo Speedway

Houston, TX

713-664-2483

https://www.facebook.com/BiteMacarons

Sweet Paris

It's been a while since I had some crepe, so end up having breakfast at Sweet Paris.  Last time I was here, I was still eating for two.  Now that I'm not, it opens up half the menu of items that I can have, such as cheese and cream of sorts.

Instead, I had the Apple Cinnamon Creme Brulee.  I'm not exactly sure how it can be a creme brulee.  But they definitely achieved the Apple and Cinnamon portion of the program.  It has caramelized apple, cinnamon, dulce de leche cream inside.  Like I said, not sure how that qualifies as creme brulee' but it's sweet and I can't resist having sweets for breakfast.

It's not news that I'm not a big fan of SP, just happens that they are centrally located and definitely got the market cornered.  I'm still a big supporter of Melange Crepe or Lulu Blue's.  Just that one it's out of my way, and the other was burnt before opening.  I really view SP as my last resort to creperie.  Somehow the vibe of the place, especially the managers there always just doesn't jive with me.  Otherwise food is ok, greatful they have gluten free batter.

Sweet Paris

2420 Rice Blvd

Houston, TX 

713-320-6266

http://www.sweetparis.com/

51Fifteen

Now that I'm back to work, I met a co-worker for lunch at 51Fifteen.

I didn't know that they raised the price for Associate lunch.  The last time I was there they were charging $11 for food and tip.  Now, they charged $13 for food and tip.

The price still includes a drink.  I got an Arnold Palmer, and you can tell that's pink lemonade.

I got their pork chop.  I swear, the first time I had this, it was paired with mashed potato.  It's since been replaced with mac n' cheese.  It's not the best I've ever had, but I did forget how good the pork chop was.  Definitely coming back for that.

Don't forget, when you go in, sit at the bar or tell the hostess you want the Associate Menu to take advantage of the pricing on the good food.

51Fifteen

5115 Westheimer Rd.

2nd floor insides Saks

Houston, TX

713-963-8067

http://www.51fifteen.com/

La Madeline

Was meeting a friend for breakfast to catch up, and we figured Town and Country is between the two of us.

We both had the American Breakfast, which came with crossant, 2 eggs, bacon.  You can choose to have sausage instead, but who can resist bacon?!  It's good, it's fast, and not alot of processed stuff in it.  If you really want to, you can create your own Crossandwich, by cutting the crossant in half and stuff the middle with your eggs and bacon.  Easy Peasy.

La Madeline

770 West Sam Houston Pkwy N 

#100, 

Houston, TX ‎

(713) 465-7370 ‎

http://lamadeleine.com/