Benjy's Brunch

Went to brunch with a bunch of friends and have chosen to go to Benjy's.

I haven't been there for a while, it was nice to visit with everyone where the food and drinks are both great.

Champagne Mojito - obviously champagne, mint, bitter, rum and sparkling wine.

This is the Braised Brisket Migas.  I'm a big fan of migas, so wherever I go, I do order their migas to try.  The brisket is fall of the bone good, and there were plenty of them.  The combo with the eggs and meat was alot, I couldn't even finish it all.

I got a cappuccino.  It's a great way to end the meal.  Of course, the company I had helped too.

I always liked their food and their bar.  The music was a tad too loud for conversation, definitely cannot sit out at the patio even weather permits.  The service was good, of course, we picked the peak hour of brunch too, there were several tables of birthdays, showers, and get together, so next time call ahead and reserve a table.  Even though, we didn't call ahead, the crew were very fast to accommodate us, so no complaints there. 

Benjy's on Washington

5922 Washington Ave

Houston, TX 77007

713-868-1131

http://www.benjys.com/

Lemongrass

We were super late for lunch over the weekend, so we stopped by Lemongrass.

During the late lunch, hardly anyone was there.

I had the Thai Iced Tea.  Pretty standard.

Plantain with chimichurri sauce.  This is a nice dip, has a small kick to it, but goes along well.

David had the Pad Thai, which is like an omelet wrapped around the pad thai, almost a deconstructed pad thai.

I had the pork satay which usually comes with roti.  Instead, I had asked for rice, and they came with kimchi and the satay came with the peanut sauce.  

Honestly, I'm still very confuse about this place.  They do Thai, but some Chinese, some Indian.  Some stuff they fusion it nicely, and some just left me in a question mark.  I will say that the chef must be a mom because the bathroom is very children friendly from a clean changing table with ample of wipes, to toilet seats that has a child version with step stool, it is very well equipped.  

Lemongrass

5109 Bellaire Blvd

Bellaire, TX 77401

713-664-6698

http://lemongrass-cafe.com/

Pizza L'Vino

We heard that Pizza L'Vino has gluten free dough...

Of course, we have to go check them out.

This is the Hawaiian Pie - which has shaved pit ham, pineapple, and mozzarella cheese.

Standard Pepperoni Pie - the pepperonis are a tad burn and crispy.

The gluten free dough pie only comes in 12 inches, and you have to add $4 for extra.  Takes about 20 mins to make a pie.  They do not offer any GF by the slice for their dailys, but if you're not restricted, every weekday, they have different pie by the slice where they put it on the front door the flavor of the day.  They also don't have alot of seating for dine in, so best call in or order online, come pick up, or they do deliver as well.  But, since the weather is still decent, take it out for a picnic.

Pizza L'Vino

Rice Villate

2524 Rice Blvd.

Houston, TX 77005

832-380-3100

http://www.pizzalvino.com/rice-village

Hong Kong's Cafe

Needed a quickie lunch... 

This is curry beef which has brisket and tripe.  The curry is not the typical yellow curry, but still mixes well with rice, which is the attraction of curry to begin with.  The meat is nicely cook to where it falls off the bone soft, and I can eat that all day.  Super nice and not dried out at all.  I still can't get over the sauce mix well with the rice... it was plate licking good.  Remember cash only.

Hong Kong's Cafe

9108 Bellaire Blvd.

Houston, TX 77036

713-772-9633

Peli Peli

So a new Peli Peli opened up inside the Galleria mall, occupied the formerly Gigi's space.

Some co-workers wanted to give them a try, so we ordered all appetizers to try them out.

This is their stuffed mushroom, and they used Chilean Sea Bass to be the center.  Very delicious, the sauce over it I could lick it up, it was so good.  I didn't use the sauce they provided here. 

Which is the same sauce used here.  This is their Bobotie, which looks alot like eggrolls, but I guess every cuisine has a version of it.  It is curried beef inside, carrot, and mango chutney.  The sauce here, I did try, it goes well, but it taste just as good without.

South African Flatbread, but maybe they should call it Italian Flatbread, or just Flatbread.  They douse the entire thing with olive oil, Italian Seasoning on top and parmesan cheese.  It is delicious, but not sure how it is South African.

Peli Peli South African Wings.  Yes, much like the Buffalo Wings you know and love.  The seasoning is awesome, and let me tell you, it's not on its way down that you felt that spicy kick.  They have offered Blue Cheese and Ranch for dipping as well.  It's very good, highly recommend it.  Just watch that kick the first time.

I know Peli Peli is very popular on Friday and Saturday nights, so best try to catch them at lunch.  This is not the chef's first go round, he has done many restaurant concepts and this one is very popular with Houstonians.  Give them a try, even take out, but if you are here to brave the dinner crowd, make sure you make a reservation or spend some time at their bar.

Peli Peli

inside Galleria Mall

5085 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77056

281-257-9500

http://www.pelipeli.com/

Yori Yori

So when we go to Ranch 99 to do some grocery shopping...

... of source, we have to stop in for some lunch at Yori Yori.

They have alot of lunch specials from 10-2p.  For $8.99, I got the pork stir fry, which is like bibimap marinated pork, stir fry with onion, carrots, scallions, and jalapeno.  You get a side of cabbage salad, and kimchi and a cup of soup.  They were very quick with their service.  You place your order, the food came out very fast and then once you're done, you just put the trays back.  The food is very good, not too spicy. Definitely a quick lunch good spot.  You can go do your grocery shopping, which they have Chinese, Korean, Thai, Mexican, and of course, what you are used to at your local stores as well.

Yori Yori 

insides Ranch 99

1302 Blalock

Houston, TX 77055

713-407-0777

Aka

Went to Aka for dinner.

It's been a while, and I forgot Saturday and Sunday they tend to get busy because of happy hour all day all.  That is before 7pm.

Tuna sashimi plate.  It has 2 nigiri and 2 pieces of sashimi.

Cucumber roll, Negihama (which is tuna, yellow tail, and masago), and 2 spicy tuna rolls.  

Sushi is decent, fish is fresh.  Their cooked items are actually their strong suite and of course their drinks.  Like I said, Happy Hour is all day Saturday and Sunday and weekdays 3-7pm.

Aka Sushi

2390 W. Alabama St.

Houston, TX 

713-807-7875

http://www.akasushi.net/

Elevation Burger

Been a while since we had a lettuce burger...

Who can make it decently but Elevation Burger.

For a good gluten free version of a burger, it's the best one out there.  I do remember some places just give you the burger patty in a cup... so this is the better version, besides a piece of burger patty on a plate.  Anyway, I was mainly there for the fries anyways.  Their fries was made with olive oil.

Their normal burger has 2 patties, so the trick for their burger there, is to get a kids version and add whatever toppings you want, which you can totally make up the meat with more bacon.  Yep, that's possible.

Elevation Burger

3819 Kirby Dr.

Houston, TX 77098

713-524-2909

http://elevationburger.com/

Tsukiji Fusion Sushi

We were over on the West Side of town and I was looking for a sushi place.

Saw it on Google Maps there's one out that way... might as well give that a shot.

I ordered a lunch special, and it came with miso soup and salad with ginger sauce.

I got the Tsukiji Special, which I thought would be chirashi style according to the description, which was tuna, white fish, and salmon over rice with sweet and spicy sauce.  Turns out, it's all chopped like Hawaiian Poke' style and it's all mixed together.  It's not bad or spectacular, but was definitely fusion.

In addition, I ordered an extra piece of unagi, which was large enough but not enough sweet sauce.  An a chopped scallop, which was not thawed enough... I can still taste the ice.  Hmm....

Overall, it's exactly what you would expect out in the 'burb.  The fusion is exactly the key the area needs.  Not that they don't deserve the best chefs and their creativeness, but this type of fusion helps get more people thru the door.  For that their dishes are priced fairly, and the decor is hip, and they have Happy Hour from 3-6:30p Monday thru Friday.

Tsukiju Fusion Sushi

24449 Katy Fwy

#400

Katy, TX 77494

281-769-9038

http://www.tsukijifusionsushi.com/

Ding Ding HK Tea Restaurant

Went back to Ding Ding for breakfast.

I love it that they open at 7:30a, where most of the shops don't open until 9a or 10a.

Got my Iced Lemon Tea, HK style... can stand to be a tad sweeter though.

Cheoung Fun, Rice Noodle with soy sauce, sweet sauce, and peanut sauce.  I wish it'd be more sweet sauce than anything else, though.  Will definitely request that next time.

Ham and Egg on toasted bread sandwich.  It was reminisce of the ones I've gotten in in the streets of Hong Kong.  That's the best I've tasted... I know it's simple, but it's the little things, can't explain it.

By the time we got there, there were several early birds already.  So, definitely nice to go early and get the day started.  I highly recommend it.  Don't forget, when you go there, you order at the counter,  you can see their menu on their Facebook page.  Then, grab your water, utensils, napkins, and they'll bring the food to your table.

Ding Ding HK Tea Restaurant

9398 Bellaire Blvd.

Houston, TX 

832-649-2230

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ding-Ding/1405400513098715?fref=ts

51Fifteen

Went to grab a quick lunch with a co-worker.

And inevitably, we'll end up at 51Fifteen.  That's where you can good food at a great price.

I got the Tilapia, it's seasoned and the sauce is delicious.  The vegetable was nice and fresh on the sauce, and the mashed potato was creamy.  You can also get the same dish at the Bar on 3rd Floor inside Saks.  Again, sitting at the bar, you get the Associate Menu for $13 which includes a drink (non-alcoholic), it is for lunch after all.

51Fifteen

5115 Westheimer Rd.

Insides Saks Fifth Ave.

Houston, TX 77056

713-963-8067

http://51fifteen.com/

Dolce Delights

So, went to Dolce Delights for some macs... 

Of course, there's some cakes and croissant but their pretty macs were so awesome that they're a part of their decorations.

This time I got (clockwise) Earl Grey, Pistachio, Red Velvet, and Nutella.

I love their pied and for Earl Grey.  Their filling is not chocolate but definitely flavorful.  I love that they don't take shortcut and make every single shell with care.  Their fillings are fully flavorful of various variety, buttercream, ganache, jam and all...

Dolce Delights

3201 Louisiana St

Houston, TX

713-807-7575

http://www.dolcedelightsbycandacechang.com/

Candelari's

We were craving a pizza, and it's been a while since we've been to Candelari's...

Sunday before the dinner mad dash, it was super nice, plenty of seats and attentive servers.

We got a Pepperoni Pizza, super cheesy!

And a Canadian Bacon and Pineapple pizza.  Both are gluten free dough, which only comes in 12 inches and are $19 for their signature pizzas, but $14 for made it yourself but they charge you more for toppings.

It was definitely a good time to go when we did, it was before the dinner rush and the servers were all getting ready for dinner as well, so they're super attentive and ready to go.  Plenty of seatings available, and if the weather is nice, try their patio.  They also have Happy Hour specials Monday - Friday from 3-7pm.

Candelari's Pizzeria

2617 W. Holcomb

Houston, TX 

713-662-2825

http://www.candelaris.com/west-u-menu.html

Asahi Sushi

Came here to Asahi on a whim a while back, and decided to come back to try their Happy Hour

This is their Nemo Roll.  It has spicy tuna, avocado, spicy mayo and topped with salmon on top.

Also had nigri this time, chopped scallop, which was a tad spicier than I like...

And I had Unagi, which is nice big and generous portion.

The Happy Hour is from 4-9p everyday and all day on weekends.  They do try alot and sizes and this time there's no freebie, but I'll come back because they do give generous portion on the sushi.  I will say, it has been a while where I go to the restaurant and they served me a can of soda.  Not that's any positive or negative points, just an observation.  You really see alot of people who live around here come here to eat.  You are awfully closed to the stadium, so if there's an event, you may have trouble getting there or find parking, as people often park there for free and walk over, though that is really prohibited by the landlord, but that doesn't stop people.

Asahi Sushi

8236 Kirby Dr.

Ste 200

Houston, TX 77054

713-664-7686

http://asahisushi.net/en/

Jinya

We went back to Jinya for dinner.

Dinner was really a happy hour extended, since they have a full bar alot of the people live nearby does get the party started.

We ordered the fried wonton, the sauce is very tasty and it's actually very addictive.  I can tell you that my kid approves.

This time I got the Tonkotsu Assari, which is much better than the Tonkotsu Black.  The egg to start with is already better.  The pork again is fall off the chopstick good.  Spicy bean sprout, onion and the noodles are super tasty.  I just wish the noodles have more elasticity.  I miss that feeling.  The soup is much better than the Black.  

Even though dinner was getting busy, our server was super attentive.  I really appreciated especially when I have a 20 month old with me who is a ruckus.  I just wish that they wouldn't have placed a kiddo in the middle of the big share table because it can really disturb other patrons.  Of course, it also goes the other way, you can hear the other people's conversation which you have to hold yourself back from getting sarcastic and join in.... you know how that goes.

Jinya Ramen

Midtown

3201 Louisiana

Houston, TX 77002

832-925-8596

http://www.jinya-ramenbar.com/locations/jinya-houston/

Dolce Delights

So, we stopped by Dolce Delights.

I just love this print they have on their wall... totally me!

I got the Trophy Wife, which was hazelnut sponge cake with white chocolate mousse and mango puree on top.  Definitely delicious and I always feel very European with their cakes.  It's so pretty and delicate but not at all heavy which weighs you down.

You can pull up the garage and they have an entrance via the garage.  Grab the variety of drinks they have, and of course delicious and beautiful cakes.  I never had a hard time grabbing a seat, mostly I go during the day.  But they are open early enough for you to grab a cup of joe before work too.  They have croissants savory and sweet for breakfast.

Dolce Delight by Candace Chang

3201 Louisiana St (at Edloe)

Ste 100

Houston, TX 

713-805-7575

http://www.dolcedelightsbycandacechang.com/

Grotto

Met a friend for lunch at Grotto's.

We split the calamari... very delicious, but also very filling.

Lunch special includes either a soup or salad.  They are known for their Ceasar Salad, so must try.

For entree, I got the Lasagna.  It's very cheesy for sure, towards the end, it was so filling that I can't even finish.  The meat was good and chunky, definitely generous quality.  The sauce is great for dipping the bread with, again you do get filled up.  I didn't finish that dish and definitely did not have room for dessert.  One of these days I will get the Italian Wedding cake, which is super delicious.

Grotto

4715 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77027

713-622-3773

http://www.grottorestaurants.com/