Salata

For the working crew inside the Galleria, it's so refreshing to have a decent salad place.

 You now get two different size, small and regular.  Besides of the salad, they can do a wrap too. And you get to choose your greens.  Spring mix, spinach, and salata mix.

 Then you get to pick your toppings... from onion, mushroom, cucumber, carrots, broccoli, peas, nuts,  peppers, beans, dried fruits, fruits, cheese...etc. and of course salad dressing.  For protein, they have different styles of chicken, couple types of salmon, shrimp, crab, or seafood mix.  Seafood charges are extra.

Final product... they give you a slice of bread.  They also have soup if you feel like it. 

You do need to have an idea of what you want... this is not a place for the indecisive.  They have so many choices in each of the category, if you have never been, I suggest you go early so you can take your time and not feel rush.  In the Galleria, the line start at 11:30a, so you do need to bring your patience because there will be a wait.  That said, they do move you thru the line fairly quick unless they need to restock one of the buckets.  Or better yet, they do have online ordering, you can mull over your choices and not be under pressure of the person behind you that might be in a hurry.

Salata - Galleria

5015 Westheimer Rd.

Ste 1270

Houston, TX 77056

832-804-8155

https://www.salata.com/

Regal Seafood - dim sum

So went to Regal reently, saw that they do dim sum on the weekend...

Naturally I drag my mom to go with me.

We ordered the Shanghai Soup Dumplings, steaming hot when it came out.

Har Gow - Shrimp Dumpling, pretty decent.  Also came out piping hot.

Rice Noodle Hong Kong Street style... sadly they put too much peanut sauce, not enough soy sauce or the sweet plump sauce... felt like I ate a big thing of peanut butter.

Steamed pork bun - the bun is ok, the bun itself were a bit thick, harder to get to the filing.

This is sesame glutinous rice ball wrapped in sugar.  It's what we called sweet dumpling with grind sesame inside.  Instead of in a sweet soup, it's rolled in couple types of sugar.  It tasted ok there, but when you take it home, the whole things melts and the rice gets hard quick.  Best enjoy it there.

This is Har Gow but fried and spiced up.  It's crispy and the flakes you see are pepper flakes, so between the temperature and the spicy hotness... I'll pass next time, not that it doesn't taste good, I'm just a whimp.

The price is a bit high for normal dim sum, I'm thinking I'm eating the atmosphere and decoration of the place.  This is a high end E-Tao.  That said, it was strange... several of the dishes came out piping hot, but as soon as the steam dissipate, the entire dish goes cold... so we ate alot of the dishes cold.  Very odd.

Also, going early always pays... they begin serving dim sum at 11am, and we went a few minutes after they open, and we were seated quickly, food came out quickly.  Albeit the problem mentioned above about things cooling off, also, quickly.  But as we leave, more and bigger parties arrive near lunch time, and the wait started to backup, so you know, it's the beginning of rush hour.

Food is not bad, but also nothing to write home about.  The only thing is that they do offer a few dishes that are nostalgic to those of us who liked to eat street style food.  And now that it's been 'up-marketed' it's just doesn't taste the same.  But since this is the only place in town, by default, you are going there for that one thing... C'est la vie.

Regal Seafood

Dim Sum on weekends only

12350 Southwest Freeway

Stafford, TX 77477

281-494-8888

Domino's Pizza

Occasionally, we do order pizza at home.

Their apps and website also makes it so darn easy too... 

 I got the sausage with spinach.  The dough they have for gluten free is closest to the normal pizza dough that I'm used to.  It's less doughy or nutty or gritty that I've tasted among all the gluten free substitutes.  Give that a go.  The only down side is they only have personal size pizza, not any bigger.  Hope they expand soon.

Domino's Pizza

www.dominos.com

Osaka

It's been a long time since I've been to Osaka, it was nice to stop by for lunch.

 As usual, they give you the freebie when you sit down... I got shu mai (on the left) and a seafood on bell pepper tempura style.

 For whatever reason, knowing the freebies were coming, I still ordered Agadeshi Tofu, they threw in a tempura shrimp to be generous. 

 I ordered salmon sushi and chopped scallops.  Surprisingly, the salmon was super fresh that day.  Unfortunately, I ordered not spicy chopped scallop, and they read more spicy, because you see a big blot of hot sauce on top. 

I got the negi beef roll.  Which I haven't had for a very long time.  The beef remind me of the Japanese version of bulgogi, and you wrap that in sushi with the sweet eel sauce.  It's just delightful.  

Even though their prices went up, it's good for a quick bite.  Though, I was wondering why I didn't go to Kata or some other higher end sushi place for that price.  I did think about getting chirashi for $16 would've satisfy the sushi craving too.

Osaka Japanese Restaurant

4001 Bellaire Blvd

Ste J

Houston, TX 77025

Regal Seafood & Lounge

So I went to lunch with Julia Explores down in Stafford...

 I was lured by my friend's pictures on Facebook, turns out they went to the dim sum on weekends, and we were just there for normal weekday lunch.

 Since it's own by the same owner as E-Tao, so we knew the Shanghai Soup Dumpling would be awesome... and it was.

We got the Snow Pea Leaves with Mushroom, which is actually pretty good.  If you look at their menu, they can cook snow pea leaves in 5 different ways... so take your time.

Since it was cold unexpectedly, we ordered the beef hot pot.  This had great sauce but made with tons of ginger.  There were too much tendons than meat, but not bad.  

Overall, the entire place is very nicely decorated.  So you know it's set up for big fancy feast.  I was surprise to see some of their set meals for 4 were well over $125.  Though, I haven't had a huge party for meals in prix fixe for a long time, that might be just right.  I will say, their menu is awfully like the one at E-Tao.  They do have more fancier dishes here than E-Tao.  I can't wait to come and try dim sum.  The only thing is the service, there weren't that many people when we got there, and the servers weren't very attentive.

Regal Seafood & Lounge

12350 SW Fwy

Stafford, TX 77477

281-494-8888

Ruggles Black - Valentine's Day version...

So for Valentine's Day, we went to Ruggles Black.

 They did have a special that night, on top of the normal menu.

Ordered a cocktail and turned out they don't have everything a full bar would, so I settled for a Amaretto Sour, figured you can't go wrong with that, right?  Well, I was hoping there'd be more sour in there instead of just alcohol.

I saw the Brussels Sprouts, and was curious how they tasted.  It was okay, they paired it with lime, but didn't balance out very well.  It turned out more sour and a bit bitter.  Sadly, this ain't no Uchi Brussels Sprouts.

Beef Bolognese with spaghetti squash.  It was as good as it was at Corner Table.

We went all out on the dessert... first was the Creme Brulee, which we knew it would be good.  As we've had it at Corner Table, Ruggles Bakery, and Ruggles Green.

Then we also have the paleo dessert, where it's their version of Almond Joy cake.  It was good, and it does taste like almond joy with the coconut pieces squeeze inside.  Since I couldn't finish it, took it home.  Sadly, it didn't hold up at home.  So the lesson, kids, finish it there!

That night was a tad awkward.  The server was a total wine snob, but he was busy showing up his skills with the other table as though we're not worthy to learn more.  On top of that, he was busy rubbing elbows with the ladies.  The other odd thing was that while I am fully aware that Valentine's is a busy dining night.  They told us that if we arrive between 6-9pm, we'll be seated outside.  But when we got there, at 6p there were plenty of seats in the dining room.  Even as late as 7:30p, there were plenty of room in the dining area.  So, that's a tad weird.  BUT!  Not as weird that as I found out, there was a $75 minimum for the night.  HUH?  For the food that is so-so, $75 minimum is a tad steep, especially when most of the dishes are $25 and under.  We just happened to have a beverage and 2 dessert, but for average couple, that's not an easy number to hit.  Can't say that I'm impress.  Despite the fact that they are the only one that capitalizes on Paleo and pitching it to the foodie groups.

Ruggles Black

3963 Kirby Dr

Houston, TX 

832-530-4493

http://www.rugglesblack.com/

  

Yia Yia Mary's

For my friend's birthday, we went to Yia Yia Mary's.   

 It has been a while since I went there.

 Which also means it's been a while since I had the Strawberry & Lime Sparkler.  It's an awesome refresher.

 For starter, we had the Dolmades, this is just lemon rice stuffed inside.  It's a bit more stuffed than I'd like... because once you bite into it, the whole thing falls apart.  But the taste is there still... the tzatziki sauce was a tad solid for sauce.

Had the Gyro, I was jonesing for some, and the cut is definitely generous.  The tzatziki sauce is much better here.  And you do get fill up on the meat.  I didn't finish eating the pita bread.  Again taste is good.  I forgot that they do churn out decent tasting food.

Service was kinda off, not sure if our server is anticipating a busy night or what, but he didn't come and check up on us and instead of asking how everything was, gave us our check like we needed to leave, when it was lunch and not at all busy.  That was kinda curious.

Yia Yia Mary's

4747 San Felipe

Houston, TX 77056

713-840-8665

http://yiayiamarys.com/

Sal y Pimienta

Finally got a chance to go to Sal & Pimienta...

 It's was a slow night... we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves.

 To start, we have some in-house made potato chips, dig deeper there's bread in the back.  Go great with chimichurri.  Be careful not to get all filled up with the chips.

 Here's their proud display of meat. 

 For starter, we got ceviche with flounder and lime juice... I like how they balance the seafood with the lime juice.

 Also have their calamari, it's pretty good, the batter is not that thick, which is not too heavy before the entree.

 Ribeye!  The were cooked supremely well, not well as in how it was cooked, but it's great as in tasting... LOL.

 Short ribs, which is the center cut.  Potato terrine was yummy!

 The pork chop was pretty much the star of the evening.  It was delicious, moist, cooked well and it has fig chutney which goes well and super awesome.

For dessert, we got the Cuatro Leche, which has 4 milk.  It's delicious.  

The night we were there it was light crowd.  Apparently, the later the night, the more crowded they get, but I'm sure if you go to a weeknight dinner you'll get dedicated service.  Parking is not easy, there's a garage behind the building, so you can park there and walk back.  On a weekend night however, good luck!  City Centre is known for being packed.

Sal Y Pimienta

818 Town and Country Blvd

Ste 105

Houston, TX 77024

832-849-0097

http://salypimientakitchen.com/

Pronto Cucinino

In need of another quick bite... went over to Pronto for something pronto!

 

I like that they're good and super quick... great service, even though it's just order and sit down type service.

 I kept getting drawn to the Rigatoni Rustica, it has eggplant, Italian Sausage, peas and tomato sauce.  Did you know this is one of the dishes that can be made gluten free?  You just have to ask the cashier when you place the order.  I'd say delish!  Of course, I didn't have the bread, but good presentation.

Pronto Cucinino

3191 W. Holcomb Blvd.

Houston, TX 77025

713-592-8646

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

McCormick & Schmick's Happy Hour

Ended a meeting late, so went to McCormick & Schmick's for Happy Hour.

 Turns out, finding a table it's hard once the happy hour got started... but we managed to grab one.

 Beef Slider - it's fresh burger and for $3.99 you will be happy to order another...

 For Calamari dish, there's more than just squids.  There's onion ring, fried pickles, fried jalapeno, and I think there's fried sweet potato in there.  $4.99

 Bruschetta - it's kinda disappointing that the tomato and the bread are separated.  I always liked it together, separated were a tad messy but just as tasty.

 This is a fried chicken with aioli sauce.  It's pretty good.

Margherita Flat Bread. Super awesome, I had to stop myself from eating them all.

Basically, Happy Hour at M&S has been the best in town.  The price is right, you definitely get fed and the drinks are awesome, service is great. On top of that, you can get points if you're Landry's Select members.

McCormick & Schmick's

1151-01 Uptown Park Blvd

Houston, TX 77056

713-840-7900

http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/Locations/houston-texas/houston-texas/uptownparkboulevard.aspx

Teppay Sushi

Haven't been to Teppay for a long time.  Mostly because fighting Westheimer traffic just put me out of mood.

BUT!  Did you know they do lunch too?

Agadashi Tofu - yum!!!!  My friends are always afraid of the fish flakes... it's stuck there with fresh grained radish and dashi sauce

Ahh, the main event!  Sushi!!!  So we have my usual standards: Tuna, Salmon, chopped Scallops, Unagi, and what they're known for Tamago.  The reason they're known for it is because they use organic eggs and they can cook it super fluffy and sweet.  You don't that many places you go.

This is an impulse buy, Uni.  They were at the sushi counter window and I saw it, and haven't had fresh ones for a long time, so I can't help myself.  Though I've had fresher, also here at Teppay,  but this round not so much.  

That said, lunch is totally worth coming for.  First of all, you know the food you get is top notch.  Second, they have 2 servers and you do get faster service.  Third, easier to find parking, unlike the evening situations.  Definitely worth checking out.  Lunch is 11:30 till 2pm.

Teppay

6516 Westheimer Rd

at Hillcroft

Houston, TX 77057

713-789-4506